Power Threats
In addition to keeping a server functioning long enough to safely shut it down, a UPS also safeguards a server from inconsistent power. This inconsistent power can take many forms. A UPS protects a system from the following power-related threats:
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Blackout A total failure of the power supplied to the server.
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Spike A spike is a very short (usually less than a second) but very intense increase in voltage. Spikes can do irreparable damage to any kind of equipment, especially computers.
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Surge Compared to a spike, a surge is a considerably longer (sometimes many seconds) but usually less intense increase in power. Surges can also damage your computer equipment.
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Sag A sag is a short-term voltage drop (the opposite of a spike). This type of voltage drop can cause a server to reboot.
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Brownout A brownout is a drop in voltage that usually lasts more than a few minutes.
Many of these power-related threats can occur without your knowledge; if you don't have a UPS, you cannot prepare for them. For the cost, it is worth buying a UPS, if for no other reason than to sleep better at night.