If you have a computer and unfortunately you live in a power-cut prone area, by now you know this subject is of your utmost interest. And ours were just that. In order to understand the nitty-gritties of an UPS and also to have a comparative picture of all the leading UPS companies in India, we had called them up directly to take a survey. An information is an information only when it comes out of the horse's mouth. We did that for you and now lets go into the details.

Specification

We were focusing on a 6KVA online UPS with at least one hour battery back-up. We had the following points to consider

  • Isolation Transformer (if any and if needed)
  • How will the overload be handled (Will it shutdown there only or warn before)
  • Warranty of Product & Battery
  • Service and AMC (annual maintenance cost)
  • Price
  • Power factor
  • Efficiency
  • Customer Service

Comparative Study of the UPS companies

UPS Companies Model Isolation Transformer Overload Issue Warranty Service Price Power factor Efficiency Linux Compatibility Customer Service
APC 6 KVA, 1hr backup Not inbuilt, takes Rs-15000 Automatic shutdown option is there. It will warn you with loud sound 2 Years on UPS, 1 yr on Battery (EXIDE preferred) You can choose for AMC according to the plans UPS- 58,000+ tax (4%), Battery- 60000+ tax (12.5%) 0.7 98% Yes Very prompt, helpful and knowledgeable
SU-KAM 5 KVA, 1hr backup inbuilt, depends upon model It will warn you with loud sound, auto shutdown option was not clarified with 1 Year on UPS, 1 yr on Battery (Su-Kam batteries only) You can choose for AMC according to the plans UPS- 45,000+ tax (4%), Battery- (4,500*15)+ tax (12.5%) 0.8 94% Yes just satisfactory
Numeric 6 KVA, 1hr backup Not inbuilt, takes Rs-14000 It will warn you with loud sound, again auto shutdown option was not clarified with. 1 Year on UPS, 1 yr on Battery You can choose for AMC according to the plans Overall 1,35,000 + tax(4%) 0.7 92% Yes prompt, helpful
Microtek 5 KVA, 1hr backup (they had 7.5 too) but we asked for two 3KVA UPS Not inbuilt, takes Rs-7,500 It will warn you with loud sound 1 Years on UPS, 1 yr on Battery You can choose for AMC (7,500Rs/ yr) UPS- 19,500+ tax (4%), Battery- (3,800*8)+ tax (12.5%) [for one 3KVA UPS] 0.7 96% Yes Not bad, helpful
Eaton 6 KVA online UPS with 1 hr backup Its not inbuilt and needs to be fitted at the input point.

The technical officer was really knowledgeable in this regard and explained a lot

 It has a auto shutdown option. beeps loud.

for 125% Percentage tolerance - backup =10 mins.

for 150% - 1min.

 2 Years on UPS, 1 year on battery AMC is 10% of the service contract 1.1-1.2 Lacs inclusive of all taxes 0.8 96% Yes, they have a unique Load segmentation software too that separates critically loaded machines to idle ones and manages thereby. Impressive, knowledgeable and by far the best

Our decision

  • APC representatives were knowledgeable during our telephonic conversation.
  • We had heard good things about them in the market.
  • Our experience with APC customer support has been pleasant as they were prompt in replacing several of our APC UPS within a short time and without questions. In India customer support is what matters most, even more than the quality of the product.
  • APC is the most well known UPS brand in USA.

In light of the above we have decided to go with APC UPS though I am having a second thought about Eaton because some very experienced people have recommended Eaton and also the technical officer was very impressive.

Note: The above review is unbiased as all of our reviews. We are not associated in any capacity with any of the above mentioned proiducts.