Ubiquiti has unveiled its first uninterruptible power systems (UPS) as part of a new UniFi Power Strategy, enhancing its ecosystem to include clean and intelligent power management. This initial product line includes the UPS-Tower 1 kVA (600 W) and the UPS-2U, a 1.44 kVA (1000 W) rack-mountable solution, aiming to provide affordable and efficient power management for smaller offices, home labs, and network closets.
The UPS Tower is priced at $159 and sold through the UniFi Store. It offers features tailored for compact spaces, including a replaceable battery and seamless integration with the UniFi Network application, allowing real-time monitoring of load, battery health, and runtime. In the event of extended outages, compatible UniFi storage systems can trigger safe shutdowns.
The UPS-2U will launch in late October for $279 and is designed for higher power needs in rack deployments. It offers a 1.44 kVA capacity and features the same network application, providing compatibility with both UniFi and third-party systems through built-in Network UPS Tools (NUT) functionality.
Ubiquiti plans to expand its UPS lineup with future models featuring higher capacities, pure sine-wave output, and advanced lithium-ion technology, aiming to create a comprehensive ecosystem for reliable power delivery.
### Specifications of the Ubiquiti UPS Tower
The Ubiquiti UPS Tower comes with specific mechanics, including dimensions of 288 × 99 × 280.5 mm and a weight of 8.17 kg. Its durable enclosure is made of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile styrene blend and features IP20 weatherproofing, indicating indoor use only. The tower is equipped with multiple NEMA outlets for battery backup and surge protection, although it is noted for its compact desktop form factor.
It operates with a lead-acid battery and has a recharge time of 6-8 hours to reach 90% capacity. Users can easily service the battery due to the accessible design, which allows for tool-free replacement. The UPS features six battery backup outlets and five surge protection outlets, providing flexibility for prioritizing critical devices.
### Integration with UniFi Network
Integrating the UPS Tower into the UniFi Network is straightforward. Once connected, it appears in the UniFi Network application for easy management and monitoring. Users can view the status of power utilization, battery capacity, and outlet functionality. The NUT server feature allows for communication with other compliant devices, facilitating safe shutdowns during power outages.
Performance tests showed the UPS Tower effectively maintained power during simulated outages, automatically switching to battery mode and ensuring that connected devices remained operational. Upon restoration of power, the unit seamlessly transitioned back to line power without interruptions.
### Conclusion
The introduction of the Ubiquiti UPS Tower marks a significant entry into power protection for the company.
At $159, it serves as a valuable solution for safeguarding essential networking devices during outages. While the initial offering is reliable and user-friendly, future updates could enhance capabilities with features like self-testing and deeper reporting options.
The UPS Tower establishes a strong foundation for Ubiquiti's upcoming advancements in high-capacity power solutions, making it an appealing choice for small networks and home labs.
