Is it safe to keep a UPS on top of the computer?

[AnitaPeterson]

Hi folks,

I'm appealing to the AT hive mind... If the space constraints you, would you keep a UPS (like this APC Back-UPS ES 750VA 10 Outlet "Green" UPS on top of the computer?

The case is a steel-made Antec, it's wide enough and sturdy enough to hold the weight of the UPS (five kilograms, or about ten pounds). But I'm wondering about magnetic field....

 

[DesiPower]

My gut says no, the magnetic field of all those transformers might be a problem but I ain't no electrical engineer. Although you might want to check the UPS's manual and if it does not warn you, you should be good!

 

[Blain]

Hi folks,

I'm appealing to the AT hive mind... If the space constraints you, would you keep a UPS (like this APC Back-UPS ES 750VA 10 Outlet "Green" UPS on top of the computer?

The case is a steel-made Antec, it's wide enough and sturdy enough to hold the weight of the UPS (five kilograms, or about ten pounds). But I'm wondering about magnetic field....

Don't worry, your SSD isn't effected by weak magnetic fields.

 

[gsaldivar]

I wouldn't.

 

[corkyg]

A UPS really belongs on the floor.

 

[mfenn]

The UPS has to be shielded enough to prevent disruptive electromagnetic interference from escaping, otherwise it wouldn't be certified by the FCC (or whatever they use in Canadia). I would say that the weight is your only concern.

 

[Skott]

Mfenn is most likely correct but I wouldn't regardless. I wouldn't want that weight sitting on my case. Just my own opinion.

 

[fffblackmage]

I don't think a case is that fragile... otherwise, you must have a pretty sad case.

Also, doesn't the case act like a Faraday cage? Wouldn't that be enough to block out any EMI from the UPS?

 

[JackMDS]

It it kind of putting your car's battery strapped to the car's roof.

 

[SonicIce]

itll be fine magnets dont do shit to a computer. i'd be more afraid of it getting knocked off the case

 

[Skott]

Not to mention it would look tacky as hell. LOL

 

[bryanl]

I prefer to keep heavy, acid filled objects low, where they can't fall and crack open, but maybe that's just me.

The magnetic field of the UPS transformer won't affect anything inside the computer, not even a cutting edge technology floppy disk drive located right under under it, but a close-by CRT monitor may show discoloration or distortion.

 

[fastamdman]

There is nothing wrong with it and you will be 100% fine doing it. However, as others have said if you CAN put it somewhere else, that would be ideal. If not, set it on top and don't worry about it.

 

[Blain]

It it kind of putting your car's battery strapped to the car's roof.

It is... Really!?!

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Thanks for the heads-up, folks!
I ended up not having to use this solution, but there were a few moments of exasperation, lemme tell you

 

[piasabird]

Maybe buy a shelf or something.

 

[mfenn]

Maybe buy a shelf or something.

That's too highly technical for this forum. :awe: