Do I need an AVR for the APC Back UPS 650va?

[Biggs]

I'm using the UPS with my PC rig. After reading the manual, I didn't find any mention of it having an internal AVR. So, do I need to purchase an additional AVR or could I just plug the UPS directly to the mains power?

Also, how do I connect my modem and speakers(both uses the standard 2-prong male plug) to the UPS? Is there a readily available cord/wire that I can use to plug it into the UPS's 3-pin female input?

Many thanks.

 

[MWink]

<< I'm using the UPS with my PC rig. After reading the manual, I didn't find any mention of it having an internal AVR. So, do I need to purchase an additional AVR or could I just plug the UPS directly to the mains power? >>



No you don't need to buy a line conditioner. The UPS will do minimal line conditioning. If it is a line interactive UPS it will probably do line conditioning as good as a line conditioner.



<< Also, how do I connect my modem and speakers(both uses the standard 2-prong male plug) to the UPS? Is there a readily available cord/wire that I can use to plug it into the UPS's 3-pin female input? >>



Is there some reason you can't just plug them into the UPS??? If you normally plug them into the wall, you should be able to plug them into a UPS.

 

[Biggs]

Erm, The UPS is APC Back UPS 650va.

I don't think it has a built-in AVR or line-conditioner for that matter as only the higher grade models from APC have these(i.e. Smart and Pro UPS).

The Back UPS has 5 inputs at the back. One for the cord to be connected to the commercial power and 4 other "female" outlets. For the computer and the monitor, there is no problem as they both use a "female/male ends" cord(i.e. a power cord). However, my speakers and modem use the "ordinary" two-prong plug.

 

[Raven76]

Any UPS system by nature does the job of a surge suppresor/line conditioner. The UPS constantly moniters the power source and makes corrections as needed. To much power, the UPS will suppress the overvoltage. To little power, the UPS will supply extra via the battery. A line conditioner/surge suppresor along with a UPS is generally redundant.

As far as the modem and speakers...assuming you are talking about the power cords for these devices (and not the phone line cord, etc.) there is no reason why you can't just plug it into the UPS. Unless there is something very different about the power cords that I'm not getting. But if they were plugged into a wall outlet before (I'm guessing they were if they had power?), then they will work fine in the UPS. They don't need to have computer style removable power cords.

 

[Biggs]

Erm, I think I got it now, there are different versions of the Back UPS 650 depending on which country you're from. I just googled one review right here:

http://www.provantage.com/scripts/go.dll/-s/vampo334

This is the US version I think. It also comes with a line in/line out for a modem.

However, I'm in Asia and the version we get is quite different. It has 4 female inputs at the back. This female input is not like the standard mains plug but instead it is similar to the input at the back of your PSU or monitor. So plugging an ordinary 2-prong modem adaptor simply just wont work.

 

[meefmah]

The female connectors are output and the male connectors are input. Are you saying the UPS has recessed male connectors (like the inputs to a monitor or PSU) in addition to a normal power cord with a male connector? Maybe you could link to photo?

 

[Vinny N]

I wrote to APC about this some time ago, I saved the reply they sent Here ya go.



<< Recently you requested personal assistance from our on-line
support center. Below is a summary of your request and our
response. If after reading our response you determine that
your issue remains unresolved, please scroll down to find the
link to your unique incident.

Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.
-------------------------------------------------------------

Summary: Is a line conditioner or UPS better for power/line conditioning?
Customer Solutions Team Response:
At 12/20/2000 12:45 PM we wrote -

Dear Vinny:

Thank you for contacting us.

I believe that a UPS would be the best solution for your scenerio.

You will find more exact technical information at this URL:

http://www.apcc.com/products/ups.cfm

A UPS has the same internal circuitry as a Line-R conditioner. Thus
a UPS will condition the power to your PC as well as provide battery
back up in the case of a blackout or brownout.

In addition, all UPSs are shipped with our Powerchute Plus software
for automatic file saving and graceful shutdown.

I suggest our Smart UPS line of UPSs which can step up or step down
voltage to your equipment via a transformer built into the unit.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact
our Customer Solutions Team again at URL:
http://www.apcc.com/support/contact/

Thank you for choosing APC!

Paul Joseph Barta
Customer Solutions Team
800-890-4272 Ext.5199
Paul.Barta@apcc.com >>