Need your specific recommendation for UPS models

[RoamDog]

OK. I need a UPS and have read some of the background material here and at wikipedia. And have searched some sites like epinions and consumer reports but I really only trust advice on these kinds of topics from folks here and at Tom's.
So, I need a UPS but not for my computer!! I need a UPS to power my sump pump in the event that torrential rains threaten to flood my basement and the power goes out (which does not happen often in my area in general but is more likely if we are in a storm that is strong enough to cause the kind of flooding that I mentioned).
Therefore, I am asking for your real world experience with various models of UPS's.

What should I buy? I don't think that I absolutely need surge protection as the sump pump almost never runs (only when there has been a lot of rain), but am not opposed to getting surge suppression. However, it is critical for the pump to be able to run until the Power Company gets around to restoring power (otherwise my basement is in jeopardy). I realize that this is a terrible spec as nobody has any idea how long the Power Company will take. So, does anybody out there live in a house with a basement? If so, what do you use?

My electrician has recommended a unit from MGE UPS systems called a ellipse 1200 USBS. Has anybody used one of these? I am concerned that my electrician has not really had any experience in this area.

 

[pkme2]

APC, UPS or Cyberpower Backups.
I use all 3.

 

[songokussm]

i agree with pkme2. ive used many different brands as well they have all worked fine.

there are a few things to keep in mind though. Get a UPS with AVR (automatic voltage regualtion). a few years back it solved some issues for me.

second depending on how powerful you system is, get somthing at least a 1200av rating.

if we ignore my gamming system and look at my work system, its a -
x2 4800
1gb ddr
x1600
3x 36 raptors.
21" LCD
-----
this only lasts about 40m on a 1500av. my gamming system lasts about 15m on this same ups, but thats why we are ignoring for this post. plus it uses something much more powerful.

hope this helps.

 

[pkme2]

Getting a UPS w/ AVR really saved a few people on Maui against sudden line surges.

My Cyberpower 1250 w/AVR protects 3 computers and a APC 650 w/AVR protects the other.

 

[Bob Anderson]

You need to calculate the total run time of your sump over a 24 hour period, during a rain storm.

Mine has a pattern: on for 15 seconds, off for 10 minutes. A heavy rain will keep this pattern, until the very end of about 24 hours.

Once you know the run time, you will be able to zero in on an UPS with the appropriate run time.

-Bob

Edit: let's do the calculation for my situation:

Approximately 90 seconds an hour times 24 hours = 2,160 secs or 36 minutes.

So, I would have to find an UPS which would supply the maximum amps for my sump for 36 minutes. I would think it would be wise to add a 10% safety margin, to expect the UPS to work for 36 minutes.

-Bob