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Top 4 Reasons You Should Never Daisy Chain UPS Equipment

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Top 4 Reasons You Should Never Daisy Chain UPS Equipment

 

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TOP 4 REASONS YOU SHOULD NEVER DAISY CHAIN UPS EQUIPMENT

How to Properly Increase UPS Capacity and Runtime using multiple UPS Systems

Frequently, customers will call asking if they can connect their small UPS units together in a daisy
chain to either increase power protection or lengthen run time. On the surface of it, the idea seems to make sense. However, connecting UPS systems in serial or a daisy chain is highly discouraged and with most manufacturers, will void the factory warranty.

 

Plugging one UPS into another does not increase power protection.
Because the first UPS is limited in watt capacity, the output will never exceed the capacity rating. The second UPS would only provide additional outlets, not more watt capacity.

  

The most common misconception about connecting UPS units in serial is that you will benefit from additional run time. This is not true. Most UPS systems output a stepped sine wave when on battery power. Almost all UPS equipment interprets a stepped sine wave as bad power. Therefore, as soon as the first UPS goes on battery and outputs a stepped sine wave, the second UPS in the series will read that input as bad power and convert to battery also. With both UPS systems running on battery at the same time, there is no increase in battery capacity.

 

Perhaps most importantly, there is a significant safety issue with running larger UPS systems in serial. The wiring used to daisy chain UPS systems can interfere with the operation of the data center EPO (emergency power off) leaving some equipment powered after tripping the EPO and creating a significant safety hazard.

 

Top 4 Reasons You Should Never Daisy Chain UPS Equipment

  1. You will void the factory warranty of both UPS systems
  2. You will not increase the capacity of your power protection         
  3. You will not increase run time
  4. You will jeopardize the proper operation of the data center EPO

To increase the runtime of small UPS systems, most manufacturers offer external battery cabinets or extended run options. These external battery packs offer users significantly increased run times. Another option is to connect different equipment to different UPS units keeping each UPS connected to its own input power source.  

 

As you consider run time requirements, keep in mind that UPS equipment is intended to provide an opportunity for the proper shut down of equipment in the event of a power failure, they are not designed to operate as a supplemental power source.

 

When the objective is to add power capacity or redundancy, UPS systems can be configured to run in parallel. This differs from serial connection as the UPS systems in parallel each have their own input power path. UPS systems should only be run in parallel when wired and installed with a configuration that includes a parallel communications box or bridge. The bridge allows the two (or more) UPS systems to synchronize their sine waves so they can stay in phase.

 

Generally speaking, only larger, three-phase UPS equipment is installed in parallel. For smaller loads where redundancy is needed, consider dual input cords with an automatic transfer switch connecting one power source to the larger facility UPS and the second power source to a smaller rack mounted UPS with a different input power path.

 

Options for increasing runtime, power capacity, or redundancy 

  1. Add External battery cabinets or modules to your existing UPS
  2. Connect equipment to different UPS units with their own input power source 
  3. Install another UPS to run in parallel using a parallel communications box or bridge
  4. Use dual input power cords and an automatic transfer switch to change power paths 

Please feel free to contact me if you need assistance adding power capacity or run time to your
existing UPS configuration or if you have questions regarding the Top 4 Reasons You Should Never Daisy Chain UPS Equipment.  We can help you meet your requirement safely and efficiently.  

 

Sincerely,

Molly Lacerte

Power Solutions, LLC 

800-876-9373 ext. 711

[email protected]

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