Types of battery backup

Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)

UPS is designed so there is minimal interruption to the power supply when there is a power cut. Customers with sensitive electronic equipment such as computers or medical equipment might require a high power supply quality.

Emergency Power Supply (EPS)

EPS are suitable for the majority of customers – it is typically a little slower to transfer into backup mode and the quality of supply is not as consistent but it is adequate for most people’s needs.

Standby Backup

This is an alternative name for EPS backup systems.

Backup Sockets from Inverter

Types of Battery Backup - Sockets from Inverter

  • Least expensive option.

  • A limited number of loads can be placed on sockets.

  • Manually need to plug into backup sockets – although could have the freezer/fridge permanently plugged into the backup socket when on holiday.

Whole Home Backup from Gateway

Types of Battery Backup - Whole Home from Gateway

  • Automated changeover when on holiday.

  • Less expensive than essential load solutions.

  • The battery may drain quickly without manually turning off high load devices.

Essential Loads from Inverter

Types of Battery Backup - Essential Loads from Inverter

  • Automatically turns off high load and non essential devices.

  • Need to re-wire the home into essential and non essential consumer units which can be expensive.

Re-wiring might sound straightforward, but most houses in the UK run sockets on a ring main – basically a loop of wires around the house. To wire a fridge to an essential load consumer unit normally requires running a new wire to the fridge location, known as a radial circuit.

It is ideal for people who are away from their home for extended periods.  They are also typically suited to new builds, since the house can easily be wired as a radial circuit rather than ring main.

Essential Loads from Gateway

Types of Battery Backup - Essential Loads from Gateway

  • The ultimate fully automated solution.

  • The most expensive due to re-wiring and the cost of the gateway.

Manual changeover switches

You can install a manual changeover switch to switch from grid-tied to power cut backup mode.

Bi-pass switches

If an inverter or gateway fails you may lose power to your home.  Some gateways have integrated manual bi-pass switches to enable power to your home.  For systems without integrated bi-pass switches, you can install an external manual bi-pass switch.