However, it didn’t take long for that incredible discovery to explode onto the scene, and soon the story was being written chapters at a time. Then, one day, the power went out. And then what happened? Well, at that time, nothing — and it certainly wasn’t long after these realizations that the benefits of using an uninterrupted power supply became apparent.

The Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)

The year was 1934 when John J. Hanely was accredited with the invention and realization of what we refer to as the first uninterrupted power supply (UPS). Electricity was a common resource in homes everywhere by this time, but it was Hanley’s reported concern for railway safety that sparked the first UPS.

The Benefits of Using an Uninterrupted Power Supply

Much like the advances in how we control, handle, and use electricity, UPS systems have also come a long way since Hanley’s invention. Today, UPS systems are widely used and expected in most critical operations.

UPS systems save computer system failures, prevent facilities from becoming inoperable, and more. Today, UPS systems also have backup UPS systems, providing even greater protection against power interruptions.

Surge protection in today’s world of UPS demand is often an unsung hero. Used in tandem with UPS systems, surge protection devices help ensure the UPS and your systems stay safe and up to the task.

Using passive circuits, surge protection devices recognize energy spikes, initiating them to conduct energy to stabilize the circuits. By preventing any interruption of power, surge protection devices safeguard and enable UPS systems to operate when needed.

Ham’s Electric, Inc. UPS Services 

If you are looking for mission-critical UPS systems, look no further than Ham’s Electric, Inc. We have operated as a mission-critical power specialist in Upland, California, providing reliable and expert mission-critical service to the Inland Empire since 1986.

We provide mission-critical services for hospital systems, telecom installations, computer facilities, critical equipment installations, and more. From medical systems, including MRI, NICU, ICU/CCU, switchgears, cath labs, nurse callers, surge protectors, fire alarms, and telecommunications, we are your mission-critical systems provider. Contact us to learn more about how we can help with your UPS systems today.

What Causes Power Surges?

Power surges can be caused by many different reasons. Let’s look at some common causes of power surges that can cause damage to your company.

• Changes on the grid made by the electrical company
• Shorts in wiring
• Equipment malfunction
• Appliance malfunction
• Overloaded circuits

Regardless of the cause of the energy surge, they all mean the same thing; damage to important equipment and possible safety hazards. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to cut down on these risks. A commercial surge protector can help.

How Does a Commercial Surge Protector Work?

A commercial surge protector works much like a smaller home version. This system can be installed into your business structure to absorb energy surges when they occur. This will stop the energy surge from reaching equipment and people. A commercial surge protector can be used to protect many different types of assets on your business property.

• The building structure
• Electrical circuits
• HVAC system
• Lighting systems
• Emergency systems
• Intercom
• Surveillance
• Appliances
• Electronics including computers

Where Will the Surge Protector Be Installed?

The protector can be installed directly into the structure’s main electrical panels. A professional electrician can help by strategically placing the surge protectors throughout the facilities in locations where they will do the most good.

Protectors can also be installed that will protect phone lines, cable lines, and data lines. These lines are different from the main electrical circuits in the structure. Be sure to talk with the electrician you partner with to discuss how to protect all of these aspects of your business.

Different Types of Surge Protectors

There are four main types of surge protectors that you can have installed at your business.

Level 1 – A level 1 protector is installed near the location where electricity enters the building. This is often considered a first line of defense in surge protection. These are used to protect your equipment from a surge that might result from lightning.

Level 2 – A level 2 protector is used to stop surges from affecting electronics. This can be very important for office spaces in which there are many different types of electronics in use each day.

Level 3 – A level 3 protector is the type of surge protection you often see in homes to protect individual devices. These can also be used in the workplace if you want to add an extra layer of protection for specific devices.

Level 4 – A level 4 protector is often utilized in companies as they provide a broader range of protection than other types. These are used to provide wired-in protection within a structure. This will help to protect devices like servers, motor drives, and others.

What people may not be so familiar with, however, is the role of a mission-critical power specialist. Yes, that does correctly imply that mission-critical power specialists are experts in mission-critical power situations and environments, but they also do much more.

Mission-Critical Power Specialists

The work and role of mission-critical power specialists like the team at Ham’s Electric, Inc. go well beyond providing uninterrupted power supply (UPS) options, or being a source for emergency generator power. In fact, mission-critical power specialists address the entire operation before, during, and after major power failures, system shutdowns, and other operational catastrophes.

Mission-Critical Environments

The phrase "mission critical" conjures up images of space odysseys or types of Hollywood end-of-days movie scenes. While those scenarios are greatly embellished, for the most part, the life-and-death element is very real for each mission-critical environment.

The most practical definition of a mission-critical environment is any scenario where the operations of any type of organization or business are at risk of becoming inoperable. That can be for dire operations such as hospitals or first responder services, to manufacturing facilities, transportation services, or communications facilities, among others.

Mission-critical power specialists begin by installing with worst-case scenarios in mind. They provide reliable backup systems for computer systems, power generation resources for all essential operations, and continuity planning programs, in addition to other emergency and preventative measures.

Ham’s Electric, Inc.: Mission-Critical Power Specialists

Welcome to Ham’s Electric, Inc., where we have been the mission-critical power specialist for operations throughout the Inland Empire. Since 1986, we have delivered mission-critical power services for hospital systems, telecom installations, computer facilities, critical equipment installations, critical power systems, and more. 

At Ham’s Electric, Inc., we have successfully installed a wide range of medical systems, including MRI, NICU, ICU/CCU, switchgears, labs, nurse callers, surge protectors, fire alarms, and telecommunications. When your operations become a mission-critical environment, you want Ham’s Electric as your mission-critical power specialist.

We are your primary choice for installation, service, and maintenance, and as you should expect from your mission critical power specialist, we provide 24-hour emergency service. Contact us to learn more or to schedule a consultation today. 

Trained Staff Only

If there is some type of electrical hazard in the office, it is important that only a trained staff member or professional interacts with the hazard. This can include live electrical currents greater than 50V or any obvious electrical issue. Other electrical hazards could include malfunctioning light switches, outlets, or appliances that have shorted out.

Proper Training for Equipment

If there is equipment that must be used which is electrical, it is essential that all staff members that will be using it are trained properly. This is definitely not an area where corners can be cut or shortcuts taken.

Proper Use of Common Electrical Items

It is also important that any electrical items in the workplace are used properly. This can include things as simple as the printer or microwave in a break room. Be sure that simple electrical safety is followed, such as:

• Unplug a cord at the plug rather than yank on the cord
• Do not stretch electrical cords
• Do not fasten cords to other surfaces using staples
• Do not allow electrical equipment to dangle from a cord

Regular Inspection

To ensure that electrical equipment is in proper working order, it is a good idea to have regular inspections of the equipment. This gives you the opportunity to identify any bad cords or damage that could pose an electrical hazard later on.

Install Barriers Around Hazards

If there is an electrical hazard that is being repaired, it is crucial that proper barriers are installed around the area to ensure that no one is injured. If electrical professionals are on site performing repairs or maintenance, all staff must be aware to stay out of that area.

Training for Electric Shock Emergencies

It is also essential that the workplace have staff members on site each workday who are trained in CPR to deal with an electric shock emergency. A severe electric shock can cause someone to go unconscious, stop breathing or have a cardiac arrest.

If this happens at the workplace, it is important that staff is prepared to administer CPR. Workplace first responders are a crucial part of an office’s safety plan. It is also important that there be an AED device on sight and that qualified staff is trained to use it in an emergency.

There should be at least one workplace first responder per shift or per work area to assist with these types of emergencies. Electric shock is not the only instance in which a workplace first responder, CPR, or an AED device might be needed. 

Use these electrical safety tips for the workplace to keep employees and staff safe. 

The Benefits of Uninterruptible Power Supply & Surge Protection 

1. Continue Operating With No Interruptions – Unstable power conditions will harm your business by interrupting it. With a UPS, this isn’t a worry any longer. It will kick on as soon as you lose power, allowing you time to save your work before safely shutting down your systems.
2. Protect Important Equipment and Data – A spike in electricity can cause considerable damage to your equipment. A UPS system will offer electrical stability and protect your equipment with built-in surge protection. The system will stabilize voltage so that your equipment isn’t affected.
3. Save Your Business Money – Money is an important part of business, so any way you are able to save is always a good idea. A UPS can save your business money by preventing the loss of expensive and sensitive data, preventing the need to replace damaged devices, improving electrical stability, and ensuring business continuity.

The Importance of an Uninterruptible Power Supply

As a business, you have a lot of information that is not only sensitive but important as well. If something were to occur and you lost this data, your business would be at risk. Without access to that information, you may be unable to properly run and operate your business.

A UPS system will help prevent you from losing your phone or computer system — along with its information — when you suddenly lose power. You can also use a UPS to maintain your current online internet connection and save anything you are working on. An Uninterruptible Power Supply will also protect against the possible risk of data loss by protecting your equipment from electrical surges and backing up your data.

If you are ready to protect your business and its data, reach out to us at Ham’s Electric, Inc. so we can help identify the needs of your business. We can also show you how to maintain your UPS to ensure it always functions when you need it the most.