UPS Power Protection
Immediate battery-backed power when the mains supply fails.
Power Continuity · Critical Power Systems
No Break Power Protection
Keep your critical systems running when the mains supply fails.
Power Continuity designs, supplies, installs and maintains No Break Power Protection systems, combining UPS power protection, standby generators and automatic transfer equipment for organisations that cannot afford unexpected downtime.
From data centres and manufacturing facilities to IT infrastructure and mission-critical environments, we provide resilient power solutions throughout the UK.
UK-wide support
Design and installation
Testing and maintenance
What Is No Break Power Protection?
No Break Power Protection is designed to keep critical electrical equipment operating when the mains electricity supply becomes unstable or fails. A complete system typically combines a UPS, batteries, standby generation and automatic transfer equipment.
The UPS provides immediate protection, while the generator provides longer-duration backup once it has started and stabilised. The complete system is designed around the equipment that must remain operational.
Standby Generators
Extended emergency power during longer outages.
Automatic Transfer
Controlled switching between mains and standby power.
Battery Systems
Stored energy to support the critical load during generator start-up.
Monitoring and Alarms
Visibility of system status, operating conditions and faults.
Maintenance and Testing
Planned servicing and testing to help maintain system reliability.
How Does a No Break Power System Work?
A correctly designed system coordinates the UPS, standby generator and electrical switching equipment automatically.
Normal Operation
Mains electricity supplies the site while the UPS protects connected critical equipment.
Mains Power Fails
If the supply fails or moves outside acceptable limits, the UPS supports the protected load using stored battery energy.
Generator Starts
The standby generator starts automatically while the UPS continues supplying the protected equipment.
Automatic Transfer
Once generator voltage and frequency are stable, transfer equipment supplies the UPS from the generator. The UPS continues supporting its protected load.
Mains Power Returns
After the mains supply is confirmed as stable, the system transfers back. Batteries recharge and the generator completes its cool-down and shutdown sequence.
Mains or standby generator
Available power source
Transfer equipment → UPS
Source selection and protected output
Critical equipment
Protected electrical load
Why Is No Break Power Protection Important?
Even a short power interruption can cause disruption that lasts far longer than the outage itself. Protecting essential loads helps reduce uncontrolled shutdowns, lost production and lengthy restart procedures.
Protect Critical IT
Maintain power to servers, networks and communications equipment.
Maintain Production
Protect selected manufacturing controls, machinery and automation against sudden power loss.
Protect Data
Reduce the risk of interrupted processes, corrupted data and uncontrolled shutdowns.
Maintain Security
Keep protected CCTV, access control and security equipment operational.
Reduce Downtime
Help avoid unnecessary disruption and extended restart procedures.
Improve Resilience
Coordinate critical power equipment around the needs and risks of your site.
Complete No Break Power Protection
A standby generator requires time to start and stabilise. A UPS bridges that gap, maintaining power to the protected load while the generator becomes available.
UPS Power Protection
The UPS is selected according to the actual critical load, required battery runtime, future growth and redundancy. Power Continuity designs systems for individual critical loads through to parallel and redundant installations.
Standby Diesel Generators
Generator sizing considers the electrical installation, UPS characteristics, motor starting currents, future expansion and required runtime. Correct coordination with the UPS is essential.
Automatic Transfer Systems
Transfer equipment controls source selection. Automatic Mains Failure controls detect mains failure and initiate the standby sequence. Their precise functions depend on the installation and control strategy.
N+1, N+2 and 2N Power Protection
Redundancy provides capacity beyond the minimum needed to support the critical load. The appropriate arrangement depends on your infrastructure and the consequences of power loss.
N+1
The capacity required for the load, plus one additional redundant unit or module.
If three equal UPS modules are needed, four can provide N+1 capacity, allowing one module to become unavailable while sufficient capacity remains.
N+2
The required capacity plus two additional redundant units or modules.
This provides further equipment redundancy, subject to the design of the complete system.
2N
Two independent systems, each capable of supporting the full critical load.
Effective resilience also depends on distribution, transfer arrangements and the equipment receiving the power.
N = the capacity required to support the load.
Additional UPS capacity does not by itself remove shared
electrical or control-system weaknesses.
Is Your Complete Power System Resilient?
Redundant UPS equipment does not automatically make the entire site resilient. Single points of failure may remain elsewhere in the power path.
- UPS batteries
- Standby generators and fuel systems
- Switchgear and automatic transfer equipment
- Maintenance bypasses
- Electrical distribution and cabling
- Controls and downstream equipment
Power Continuity assesses the complete infrastructure to identify weaknesses and design around the level of resilience your organisation requires.
UPS Runtime and Generator Autonomy
UPS Battery Runtime
Required runtime depends on the connected load, battery capacity and condition, generator start-up arrangements and business continuity needs.
Batteries must support the load throughout the planned start and transfer sequence, with appropriate margin. Some sites require longer battery autonomy.
Generator Fuel and Runtime
Fuel capacity depends on generator load, required outage coverage and refuelling arrangements.
Stored diesel should be monitored for water, sediment and microbial contamination. Fuel testing, filtration and polishing may form part of the maintenance programme.
Power Protection for Your Application
Data Centres
Servers, storage, networks and communications depend on continuous power. Systems may incorporate redundant UPS capacity, standby generation, A and B feeds, monitoring and planned testing.
We support new installations and upgrades to existing infrastructure.
View our Data Centre Support →Manufacturing
Unexpected outages can stop processes, waste products and create automation faults.
UPS systems can protect selected PLCs, controls and IT equipment while standby generation supports essential site loads. Systems are designed around the equipment being protected.
IT and Communications
Momentary interruptions can restart servers, network switches and telecommunications equipment.
UPS protection maintains power to selected IT, CCTV, access control and communications loads. Standby generation extends protection during longer outages.
Testing Your Power Protection System
Installing standby equipment does not prove that it will perform correctly during a mains failure. A planned testing programme helps identify faults before emergency operation is required.
UPS Testing
Check operating condition, alarms and associated controls.
Battery Testing
Assess battery condition and identify deterioration that could reduce runtime.
Generator Testing
Check starting, operation and associated controls.
ATS and AMF Testing
Verify the response to loss and restoration of mains power.
Mains Failure Testing
Assess the coordinated UPS, generator and transfer sequence.
Load-Bank Testing
Apply a controlled load to assess generator performance under working conditions.
Mains Failure Testing
A planned simulated outage helps verify the complete sequence: mains failure, UPS support, generator start, transfer, generator operation and mains restoration.
Testing should be carefully planned and risk assessed, particularly for live critical sites.
Generator Load-Bank Testing
A successful unloaded start does not prove that a generator can support the required load.
Load-bank testing assesses performance under controlled load. It complements testing of the actual site transfer and distribution arrangements.
Critical Power Maintenance
UPS systems, batteries, generators, fuel systems and switchgear require maintenance throughout their operating life. Service frequency and tasks should reflect manufacturer recommendations, operating conditions and site criticality.
UPS Maintenance
- UPS servicing and alarm checks
- Operating parameter review
- Fan and capacitor inspection
- Appropriate bypass checks
Battery Inspection and Testing
- Battery and connection inspection
- Voltage and condition checks
- Appropriate impedance testing
- Replacement planning
Generator Maintenance
- Engine servicing
- Starting battery checks
- Oil, coolant and fuel checks
- Planned operational testing
Additional services can include fuel testing and polishing, ATS checks, switchgear inspection, mains failure testing and load-bank testing.
Designing the Right No Break Power System
Before specifying equipment, our engineers assess the critical load and the complete power requirement.
- Which equipment must remain operational?
- What are the current load and expected growth?
- What battery runtime and generator autonomy are required?
- What level of redundancy is appropriate?
- Where are the potential single points of failure?
- How will the system be safely maintained, monitored and tested?
This assessment allows the UPS, generator and electrical infrastructure to be designed around the actual needs of your site.
Why Choose Power Continuity?
Power Continuity specialises in critical and emergency power infrastructure, supporting UPS systems, standby generators and associated equipment throughout the UK.
Complete Critical Power Expertise
UPS systems, generators, batteries, switchgear and fuel management are considered as part of a coordinated solution.
Design Through to Maintenance
Support from initial assessment and design through installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance.
Existing and New Systems
New projects and existing installations requiring upgrades, replacement or greater resilience.
UK-Wide Support
Critical power engineering and support for organisations throughout the UK.
Our Critical Power Services
- Site surveys and load assessments
- UPS design and installation
- UPS battery systems and replacement
- Standby generator installation
- Automatic transfer systems
- LV electrical distribution
- System commissioning
- UPS and generator maintenance
- Load-bank and mains failure testing
- Fuel testing and fuel polishing
- Critical power system upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions
What is No Break Power Protection?
A coordinated system designed to keep protected critical electrical equipment operating when mains electricity becomes unstable or fails. It typically combines a UPS with standby generation and automatic transfer equipment.
Is a UPS the same as a generator?
No. A UPS provides immediate power from stored energy, typically batteries. A generator produces electricity using an engine and needs time to start and stabilise. The UPS bridges that interval.
Do I need both a UPS and a generator?
They are commonly used together where equipment must remain powered without interruption and extended backup is required. The right arrangement depends on your load, runtime requirements and operational risks.
What does N+1 mean?
Enough capacity for the critical load plus one additional redundant unit or module. Sufficient capacity remains if one unit becomes unavailable, provided the system is designed and operated accordingly.
What is the difference between N+1 and 2N?
N+1 adds one redundant unit or module above required capacity. 2N provides two independent systems, each sized for the full load. Overall resilience depends on the complete electrical architecture.
How long will a UPS run during a power cut?
Runtime depends on connected load, battery capacity, UPS design and battery condition. Battery autonomy is specified around the needs of the site and any standby generator arrangement.
Why should generators be load-bank tested?
Starting alone does not demonstrate performance under load. Load-bank testing applies a controlled electrical load to assess generator operation and help identify problems before an emergency.
Can an existing system be upgraded?
Often, subject to a site assessment. Options may include greater capacity, improved redundancy, longer battery autonomy or removal of weaknesses. Compatibility, space and electrical infrastructure must be reviewed.
Need No Break Power Protection?
If your organisation cannot afford unexpected power interruptions, speak to Power Continuity.
Whether you need a new UPS, standby generator, redundancy upgrade or system testing, our engineers can assess your infrastructure and recommend an appropriate approach.