How to Pick the Right UPS for SDA Homes

When providing homes for Australians with disability, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are an essential component. More than just for convenience, a UPS in a specialist disability accommodation (SDA) home ensures that tenants can access continuous power to their medical devices, such as ventilators, ceiling hoists, door controllers and emergency notification alarms.

In this article, we provide some helpful tips on how to pick the right UPS for your SDA investment property.

What are uninterruptible power supplies?

As we mentioned above, an uninterruptible power supply, or UPS system, is a form of battery backup system that offers power filtering, surge protection and instantaneous power supply to the equipment it’s connected to during power outages without causing any disruption.

In the event of a main power outage, a UPS can provide backup power to sensitive equipment such as:

• Ventilators
• Ceiling hoist
• Emergency notification alarm
• Electric bed controls
• Alternating air mattress
• CPAP device
• Door controllers
• Suctioning equipment
• Small fridge for medication
• Communication devices

What are power surges?

A power surge is a sudden and temporary increase in the voltage or electrical potential in an electrical circuit or system. Power surges can last for a very short duration, often just a fraction of a second, but they can have damaging effects on connected devices and sensitive electronics. In the family home, you help to protect your devices from power surges through a surge-protected power board.

How to choose an uninterruptible power supply system that meets SDA certification

The ideal approach for locating a high-quality UPS system that meets the necessary NDIS SDA certification standards involves consulting with experts. Regardless, here are some essential aspects to consider when deciding on a UPS system that adheres to the relevant standards:

Medical-grade UPS systems

Ensure that the UPS system is designed for medical applications, meeting the stringent requirements of the healthcare industry.

Online double conversion UPS

Opt for a UPS with online double conversion technology to safeguard against all potential power disruptions and maintain a stable power supply.

Load capacity (how much power you need)

As a general guideline, plan for a 1.5kW load per SDA participant. However, verifying and thoroughly testing this load capacity is essential once all participants and equipment are in place.

Ventilation

The UPS system intended for SDA use should have effective ventilation with a built-in fan to dissipate accumulated heat efficiently.

Isolated power supply

Ensure the UPS system is connected to an isolated power supply, separate from common power feeds, to maintain its reliability.

Bypass panel (Recommended)

While not mandatory, selecting a UPS system with a built-in bypass panel is advisable, as it can enhance system versatility and redundancy.

Why can’t residential solar storage batteries be used as backup battery power protection?

It is essential to clarify that residential solar storage batteries, especially those used for general household power, are unsuitable for powering medical devices as required by the SDA Design Standard. For SDA purposes, the UPS system should be of medical-grade quality since its primary function is to ensure the operation of life safety equipment.

How to ensure you’ve covered everything you need in your SDA investment home

As industry specialists, Apollo Investment doesn’t solely provide financial guidance regarding lending for SDA investment; we also provide you with industry guidance throughout the entire journey. To ensure you have an uninterrupted power supply and uninterrupted investment experience, contact the team at Apollo Investment.