No.  Some double conversion systems are less reliable and less efficient than others.  When the incoming AC voltage is converted to DC some systems step the DC voltage down to a low value, usually to charge batteries. The DC to AC inverter must step this voltage back up. This results in lost efficiency and wear on components. PhaseTec's power conditioner does not have batteries and has a high DC bus voltage resulting in high efficiency and reliability.

Additionally, not all double conversion systems have electronic power factor correction on the input.  If the input power factor is not near unity (1.0), harmonics are introduced into the input current that may cause power quality problems for other equipment operating on the same power source. Generators will also have to be oversized to power a system that does not operate near unity. PhaseTec's power conditioner employs double IGBT conversion with electronic power factor correction on the input module that results in a power factor near unity with little distortion of the input current.

The need for protection against adverse power events in general is poorly understood.  Many people have the mistaken impression that a simple UPS and surge protector strips provide adequate protection.  Accurately diagnosing power quality problems that are causing equipment malfunction can be difficult.  Many electric utilities have experts that can help you diagnose your problems and offer solutions.  Professional power quality consultants may also be available.

The simplest solution may be to get the most protection for lowest cost. A PhaseTec digital power conditioner with the optional isolation transformer provides unequaled protection against everything but a total loss of power, usually at a cost competitive with even the most basic power conditioner solutions.

As the initial cost of UPS systems has declined, they have become more cost competitive with transformer based power conditioners, leading to their increasing use as power conditioners. The main function of a UPS is to supply uninterrupted power to downstream equipment.  It may or may not provide adequate power conditioning, if at all. Power outages are generally a rare occurrence, with the vast majority of power disturbances comprised of other types of events.  If your application can afford to be down during the occasional power outage, a good power conditioner can be far more cost effective.

A UPS generally has a higher initial cost and higher maintenance than other power conditioning solutions. UPS batteries are a significant up front cost and require expensive maintenance.  Certain on-line UPS will also have low operating efficiency, resulting in high operating cost. 

PhaseTec's digital power conditioner is essentially a high-end UPS without batteries. PhaseTec's power conditioner is highly efficient, reliable and requires no maintenance.  And it costs significantly less than most UPS and transformer based power conditioners.

The transformer provides a center tapped neutral for dual voltage such as 240/120 volts. Most homes and facilities require both voltages to operate a variety of electrical equipment. The isolation transformer also has an electrostatic shield to provide protection from common mode noise in an electrical system. See PhaseTec's technical information.