Q: There are two DB9 ports on the back of my Toshiba UPS. Why are there two, and what is the difference between them?
A: Each port has been provided to perform a different function. The RS232, or serial communication port is used in conjunction with the PowerView Plus monitoring software. This port is the female DB9. This port is a ``smart port because it provides information about the operating conditions of the UPS. Information such as input and output voltage and frequency can be viewed in real time through the use of PowerView Plus. The other port is the REMOTE CONTACTS port. This port is the male DB9. This is a ``dumb port because it can only provide basic UPS status. This port can be used in conjunction with Toshiba's PowerMon II software, or it can be connected to any system to display basic fault information. Please refer to the operation manual of your Toshiba UPS for more detailed information about these ports.

Q: Where are Toshiba UPSs manufactured?
A: Toshiba International Corporation markets UPS units up to 3000 kVA. UPS units 100 kVA and below are manufactured in Houston, TX. Larger units are manufactured in Japan.

Q: What is the difference between Apparent Power and Real Power?
A: Real Power is measured in Watts (W). Apparent Power is measured in Volt-Amps (VA). Real Power is indicative of work done. Real Power can be witnessed by lifting an object. Electrically, a purely resistive load consumes Real Power in the form of heat. You can see an example of this by watching the glow of a toaster oven as it heats up your slice of bread. Apparent Power is a result of inductance and capacitance. Without getting too technical, inductance and capacitance are the result of the direct relationship between electrical and magnetic forces in the universe. Apparent Power involves the shifting of energy between electrical and magnetic states. Because of these forces, the power that the electrical utility produces is not usually the power that reaches you!

Q: What is Toshiba's UPS warranty?
A: Toshiba's Warranty is a standard 3-Year On-site Warranty, which covers electronics and labor. The battery coverage includes 5 Years total warranty, composed of 2 years full and 3 years pro-rated. This warranty applies only in the United States and canada for Three years. An additional two years can be purchased. The policy varies slightly when devices are used in other parts of the world

Electrical Considerations:

Q: Does your UPSs provide power conditioning?
A: Yes! Our devices are on-line units, which means that they are constantly providing a clean source of regulated power to your load. In fact, Toshiba is the only manufacturer that offers complete electrical isolation from both common and normal mode noise through the use of an isolation transformer.

Q: Can your UPSs operate at full load with no derating?
A: Yes! The units will not switch to batteries on the occasional impulse because of 3:1 crest factor. This means that the unit can handle a current which is as high as three times the RMS rated value.

Q: What do I need to think about when considering extended runtime for my UPS?
A: First, consider how much backup time you absolutely need. Battery cabinets can be manufactured to meet just about any time requirements, but they can be expensive! Next, you MUST consider the charger. The charger is the device that supplies enough current to charge the batteries. When purchasing cabinets that provide near or exceeding one hour of backup, the cabinet will usually come with its own charger. This charger is designed to handle more batteries, and therefore, it will consume more power. Please take this into account when considering your UPS system. You must be able to supply the charger with enough power to recharge your batteries in the event of a power outage. Finally, you must consider space. Battery cabinets can consume quite a bit of space. Make sure to account for the size of the cabinets. Think about the final destination of the cabinet. Also, you need to consider how the cabinet will arrive at its final destination (i.e. can it fit through the door?).

Toshiba Single-Phase UPS:

Q: How do I size a single-phase Toshiba UPS to fit my system?
A: There is a simple set of steps for calculating the UPS size required. Follow those listed below:

1. Consider EVERY electrical device that will be attached to your Toshiba UPS. Make a list of these devices.

2. Every device has rating information on it. This information tells you how much apparent power the device can consume. There should be a voltage and current on a plate or tag of some kind. To calculate the apparent power that each device is rated at, simply multiply the voltage (V) by the current (A) to get apparent power (VA). Do this for each device and record next to each product on your list
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3. Add the total (VA) from each product together products just calculated to provide a total apparent power figure (VA). This number will indicate the total apparent power that your Toshiba UPS will have to provide.

4. Toshiba UPSs are already sized according to apparent power. All you have to do now is look for a Toshiba UPS which is rated for greater than or equal to your calculated load!

Note: If you have MEASURED your load instead of calculating according to plate information, you must divide your MEASURED load by the number 0.7. This will convert your measured value (Watts) to an apparent power (VA).

Toshiba Three-Phase UPS:

Q: How do I size a three-phase Toshiba UPS to fit my system?
A: There is a simple set of steps for calculating the Toshiba UPS size required. Follow those listed below:

1. Consider EVERY electrical device that will be attached to your Toshiba UPS. Make a list of these devices.

2. Every device has rating information on it. This information tells you how much apparent power the device can consume. There should be a voltage and current on a plate or tag of some kind. To calculate the apparent power that each device is rated at, simply multiply the voltage (V) by the current (A) to get apparent power (VA). Do this for each device and record next to each product on your list. 3. Add the total (VA) from each product together products just calculated to provide a total apparent power figure (VA). This number will indicate the total apparent power that your Toshiba UPS will have to provide. 4. Since the system is three-phase, and the ratings of your devices are rated for single phase, you must multiply your total apparent power figure by a factor of 1.73 to compensate. This new number represents the size that your Toshiba UPS must be in order to protect your load.

5. Toshiba UPSs are already sized according to apparent power. All you have to do now is look for a Toshiba UPS which is rated for greater than or equal to your calculated load!

Note: If you have MEASURED your load instead of calculating according to plate information, you must divide your MEASURED load by the number 0.8. This will convert your measured value (Watts) to an apparent power (VA).

Note 2: Three-phase systems need special consideration. There are many three-phase system configurations. If your system is more complex than discussed above, please contact Toshiba International Corporation at (800) 231-1412. Please ask for someone in UPS Marketing.

Q: What are the available options on Toshiba three-phase UPS?
A: The available options are dual input, maintenance bypass, and various input/output voltages.

Q: What is the difference between the 4100 Series and the 4100 Plus Series?
A: The difference is that the 4100 Series comes with internal batteries (which provide backup), while the 4100 Plus Series comes with an internal isolation transformer (the batteries are housed in a separate cabinet).

Q: What sizes are available in Toshiba's Three Phase UPS?
A: The available sizes that Toshiba offers are 15kVA, 25kVA, 50kVA, 75kVA, and 100kVA.

Toshiba UPS Software:

Q: What do I do if PowerView Plus is telling me that communications are down?
A: First, make sure the cable is installed properly. At least one end of the cable included with the software is marked accordingly. Usually, this mark will indicate the CPU-END. Second, make sure you are using the correct COM port, and make sure this port is configured properly. Also, be sure that no other device has been assigned to the port. If trouble persists, contact Toshiba International Corporation at 800.231.1412.