It is almost impossible to ensure that a UPS component never fails. With the PowerReactor3's parallel redundant architecture, however, any single component failure can be prevented from affecting the functioning of the whole system. 
 
All modules in the UPS run in parallel. The load is evenly shared by each of the modules. Should any module fail or be removed, the remaining modules continue to function and take over the load. Load-sharing occurs automatically and instantaneously. 

The PowerReactor3's proprietary Multi-Master technology allows the modules to function without a central-command unit. This greatly increases the redundancy as the redundancy is multiplied by the number of the modules remaining in the system. The
more modules in a system, the greater the redundancy. No need to rely on just one or two central-command units for fault-tolerance.

Fault-Tolerance Needs More Than Two Brains
 
Some claim that having two UPSes in parallel will provide adequate fault-tolerance, as one will back up the other if one fails. Others argue that having multiple power sections controlled by two central-intelligence modules will provide adequate fault-tolerance. 
 
However, such scenarios are equivalent to decision-making by a two-person committee. When one disagrees with the other and each claims the other is a failure, a stalemate occurs, and no action is taken. 
 
To properly achieve fault-tolerance in a UPS, an effective voting system has to be established. Such a system must be designed to depend on more than two decision-makers. In a PowerReacfor UPS, the decisions of all the modules go through a voting process and the final decision lies with the majority.

Fail-Safe construction of a parallel redundant power system


 

In a PowerReactor UPS, each module has its own set of components and functions independently of the other modules. Each set of components needs to bear only a fraction of the rating of the whole system. If one component fails, it will only affect its own module. The other modules in the system will continue to function. 

Example of a typical set-up used in conventional UPS


 

In a conventional UPS, each component is responsible for a specific function. Each component needs to be sized for the fully rated output of the UPS. When one fails, it can cause the whole UPS system to fail.
 
 
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