What is a potential drawback of offline UPS systems?

Offline UPS systems, also known as standby UPS systems, are designed to switch to battery backup only when there is a disruption in the power supply. The primary drawback of this setup is that there can be a brief delay during the switch from the utility power to the battery. This means that in the event of a power failure, the systems may not immediately provide backup power, which can be critical for sensitive electronic equipment that requires continuous power supply.

While offline UPS systems do switch to battery backup to provide power during outages, the time it takes to switch can leave connected devices unprotected during those critical moments of transition. This feature makes them less suitable for applications where zero downtime is crucial. Understanding this behavior is essential for making informed decisions about the use of UPS systems based on specific needs and the reliability of power sources.