Which UPS configuration presents the fewest single points of failure?

Question

Options

• ASystem + system
• BParallel redundant
• CIsolated redundant
• DDistributed redundant

• A
  80% (16)
• B
  10% (2)
• C
  5% (1)
• D
  5% (1)

Explanation

A system + system configuration deploys two entirely independent UPS systems, each capable of carrying the full load on its own, with no shared components between them - this architectural separation eliminates the shared single points of failure that plague every other configuration. Parallel redundant (B) connects multiple UPS units to a common output bus, so that shared bus becomes a single point of failure capable of taking down all units simultaneously. Isolated redundant (C) adds some separation between modules but still relies on shared transfer switches or distribution paths, leaving residual failure points. Distributed redundant (D) spreads UPS capacity across a facility but still shares portions of the electrical path, meaning a fault in that shared path can propagate.

Memory tip: Think "two separate buildings sharing nothing" - system + system is the only design where neither UPS knows the other exists, so a failure in one cannot cascade to the other.

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