How does a UPS work?

A UPS is used in many ways. For the sake of this explanation we will use a computer as an example of a typical UPS application. A UPS works by regulating power to the electronic items you have connected to it (in the event of power surges or brownouts) Or
  • in the event of a power failure a UPS will alert you to the fact there is no power and depending on the size of the UPS can either shut down your computer or
  • let your computer keep on running or
  • alert you to the fact there is a power failure which will allow you to shut down your equipment yourself.
This means that any thing you are working on can be saved and then shut your computer down AND it also means that in the event of any form of power surge your computer is protected from damage.