Can a UPS be too powerful?

Our old network admin bought the top range UPS a few months ago but never came around to setting it up and is no longer with the company. Now the old UPS broke down and needs to be replaced, but an external company that did an audit said that that UPS won't work.

Now we are no hardware specialists, but the difference in specs is a higher output from 5A to 8.8A meaning a higher output. But isn't the UPS supposed to give the server the required output anyway?

This 'independent' audit does sell its own hardware including UPSes so I'm not sure how much bias they have. Is there a reason why we can't replace the old broken UPS with the new more powerful one? Is there a way we can check to see if the UPS works with our server?

ok, i wrote down the numbers again, the Volts and Amps are what are on the back (where you connect up the plugs which seem diffrent from on the front label.)

old one

APC SmartUPS 1500 220-240V -- 6.8A

new one

Dell UPS 1920W 250V -- 10A

Solution 1:

There is no reason the UPS will not work if the input voltage is correct to your country and the output is the correct voltage. The UPS will provide the needed current for the attached devices.

Be sure you have the correct outlets as some higher output units may use a different plug than others. Some may have a standard 15A outlet while others a 20 or 30A (often a twist lock)

Based on your update the Dell should work fine. If you need additional info, a call to the local Dell office or their online Chat will help you as well.

Solution 2:

Post the model number for a specific answer. The only problems I can forsee is that the output voltage could be incorrect as mentioned by Dave M., the input circuit might not support enough amperage as mentioned by soandos, or the actual input plug might be of a standard for which you don't have a socket.

Some high-end datacenter UPS units output 208v instead of the standard US mains voltage of 120. If this is the case you can't run your normal equipment on it unless it's designed for 208v. Also the input amperage is specified in the manual. It might require a 20, or 30 amp circuit from the breaker box which may not be what you have in the wall.

Also as mentioned - the twist lock type of plug (probably a NEMA L5-20 or 30) requires a special outlet. Good luck!