For many M&E consultants, electrical contractors, and specifiers, backup power systems like UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) are often part of a much larger project. They have detailed and complex specs to complete. The UPS section is sometimes seen as just another box to tick through getting a few quotes. Often relying on manufacturers’ standard recommendations, assuming that any UPS will do the job.
This approach leads to a recurring issue that we experience in the industry: systems that don’t fit the needs of the site, fail to account for application, for example for life safety, efficiency, or become unnecessarily expensive to install and commission complications. What starts as a design oversight can snowball into project problems and looming deadline headaches.

Here are some of the common pitfalls we encounter
Underestimating the complexity of power needs: Many specifications fail to account for the unique demands of the site, such as load variations, application required or environmental factors.
Over-reliance on default specs from OEMs: Manufacturer-driven designs often prioritise selling their products over finding the best solution.
Ignoring total cost of ownership (TCO): A poorly designed UPS system may be inefficient, driving up long-term energy and maintenance costs. This could damage your relationship with the end user client.
Failing to engage specialists early: Leaving UPS design spec decisions until late in the project means missed opportunities for better lead times, cost savings, integration and efficiency.
A well-designed UPS system is a critical element of your project’s success. If the UPS spec isn’t right, it can cause compatibility issues with other systems, delays in commissioning, and additional costs for redesign or rework—putting the contractor’s delivery timeline and budget at risk. The client depends on the contractor to deliver a system that not only works but is efficient, scalable, and reliable long-term. A poor UPS specification reflects badly on everyone involved in the project. By treating it as a core design priority, you can:
Deliver systems tailored to the unique needs of each site.
Optimise efficiency and reduce long-term costs.
Avoid last-minute design changes and costly mistakes.
An M&E consultant we worked with struggled to specify a UPS for a complex new build, unsure of power loads, runtime, and integration with the gen set and air con. Partnering with us saved them days of design work. We delivered a tailored UPS spec that balanced efficiency, resilience, and cost. By leveraging our vendor-neutral supply chain with leading UPS and battery manufacturers, we provided a well-researched design from multiple suppliers the client loved.
What the client said; ‘We provide M&E services for some of the most prestigious building projects in Ireland and the UK. The projects involved a range of complex construction, mechanical & electrical activities we chose Continu to plan, design, install and commission the backup power solution. We were particularly impressed with their professionalism and competence throughout the project, enabling us to deliver to our client on time and within budget, without loss of supply or services to this critical site. Ongoing technical support and advice further enhances our relationship with Continu as the industry backup power experts in Ireland.”
Recommendations: How to Improve Your Backup Power Designs
Start Early: Engage backup power specialists during the initial design phase. Early collaboration ensures the system is properly integrated and avoids surprises later.
Demand Vendor Neutrality: Work with partners who aren’t tied to a single manufacturer. This ensures you get the best solution, not just the most profitable one for the supplier.
Prioritise Efficiency: Consider the long-term costs of the system, not just the upfront price. Efficiency and reliability will always be key factors to your end user client.
Lean on Expertise: Save time and reduce complexity by delegating the UPS design to specialists who can create a tailored solution.
Some common themes we hear,
“I don’t have time to engage specialists.” The right partner saves you time, taking hours of work off your plate while delivering a right first-time spec.
“The manufacturer’s recommendations should be fine.” Default specs often miss critical site-specific requirements, leading to inefficiencies and higher costs.
“Our in-house team can handle it.” While your team may be skilled, UPS design requires specialised knowledge of a range of systems and batteries and like all technology, it is fast paced, and your knowledge base may well be outdated.
Great UPS Design Leads to Better Projects
Choosing specialists for your backup power design doesn’t just save time and money—it protects your reputation. A well-designed UPS system isn’t just another task on a checklist; it’s the backbone of your project’s success. Its the most critical element of the power infrastructure, keeps costs down, and leaves your clients impressed and confident. The UPS isn’t just equipment—it’s the critical lifeline that provides resilience and your client’s trust.
Let’s Simplify Your UPS Design
Ready to get backup power right the first time? Contact us today for a quote. We also deliver no-obligation ‘lunch and Learn’ CPD workshops. We will take you through the key design elements, features and benefits of all the leading UPS systems. We’ll help your team with key insights for their next UPS spec, helping you to save time, create designs with less effort, and stress.
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