Question Recent new build, downstream poweroutage, considering a UPS

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Recently built a new computer. There's been more than several power outages, in the last 6 months, on my feed from the substation. I don't want anything to be destroyed or end up unreliable, so I'm looking for an Uninterruptible Power Supply. I don't know what to look for or look-out for when purchasing these things. Can anyone give me any tips when looking into them? I guess I just want something that will protect my hardware (2 complete PCs and networking hardware) until I have a chance to power them down.

Halp! hah

Thanks for your time

 

[UsandThem]

Since 2010 I primarily bought CyberPower Sinewave units (like this one.). They worked great and the batteries really held up.

However, when I bought a few more in 2016 - 2018, the batteries didn't hold up well at all, and one was pretty much died in a few weeks. IMO, the quality control has gone down.

I began replacing them with this APC unit, and I've been happy with them so far. The batteries are much easier to get to/replace, and they've worked great during the many power outages / storms that have come through. I tend to buy only the sinewave units as they are usually a little better quality and I don't have to worry about the possibility of some of the electronics turning off when switching over to battery power.

If you want to know more about that subject, you can look here (or Google for other guides): https://blog.tripplite.com/pure-sine-wave-vs-modified-sine-wave-explained/

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Since 2010 I primarily bought CyberPower Sinewave units (like this one.). They worked great and the batteries really held up.

However, when I bought a few more in 2016 - 2018, the batteries didn't hold up well at all, and one was pretty much died in a few weeks. IMO, the quality control has gone down.

I began replacing them with this APC unit, and I've been happy with them so far. The batteries are much easier to get to/replace, and they've worked great during the many power outages / storms that have come through. I tend to buy only the sinewave units as they are usually a little better quality and I don't have to worry about the possibility of some of the electronics turning off when switching over to battery power.

If you want to know more about that subject, you can look here (or Google for other guides): https://blog.tripplite.com/pure-sine-wave-vs-modified-sine-wave-explained/

Have you noticed any slight or major differences with any of your machines operating in normal use/power on?

 

[UsandThem]

Have you noticed any slight or major differences with any of your machines operating in normal use/power on?

In what ways?

I guess I don't understand the question. They really don't do anything unless they detect a power outage, or voltages coming in are too high or too low, and then they switch to battery mode until the power is restored to the correct parameter (or they run out of a charge and turn off).

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

In what ways?

I guess I don't understand the question. They really don't do anything unless they detect a power outage, or voltages coming in are too high or too low, and then they switch to battery mode until the power is restored to the correct parameter (or they run out of a charge and turn off).

I guess I'm super sensitive to slight differences from the norm.

So are all 10 plugs redundant? I see the link to the one you're using says 6 are battery backed up and the other 4 have surge protection.

 

[UsandThem]

All the UPS units I've owned have one side of plugs that are battery and surge protected. The other side of plugs are surge protected only.

You plug non-essential items like computer speakers and such into the non-battery side.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

All the UPS units I've owned have one side of plugs that are battery and surge protected. The other side of plugs are surge protected only.

You plug non-essential items like computer speakers and such into the non-battery side.

I was kinda figuring something like that, even daisy chaining off them. Have you ever daisy chained off of a few of the outlets to get more use out of the plugs? And if so were there any problems?

 

[UsandThem]

I was kinda figuring something like that, even daisy chaining off them. Have you ever daisy chained off of a few of the outlets to get more use out of the plugs? And if so were there any problems?

Nope, I've never done that.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I was kinda figuring something like that, even daisy chaining off them. Have you ever daisy chained off of a few of the outlets to get more use out of the plugs? And if so were there any problems?

My understanding, is that the only way that is "safe" is to use a power strip, NOT a "surge strip". Also sometimes called a PDU.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Are any of the APC systems at Micro Center Pure Sine?

 

[UsandThem]

Are any of the APC systems at Micro Center Pure Sine?

It looks like the cheapest sine wave unit they offer is $230: https://www.microcenter.com/product...-coaxial-and-data-line-protection,-10-outlets

If you look at the product description, it will say if the unit is either sinewave or is "stepped approximation to a sinewave".

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

OK. I was researching Stepped Sine and it's basically "Modified Sine". Your source says Pure Sine is the better between the two.

 

[UsandThem]

OK. I was researching Stepped Sine and it's basically "Modified Sine". Your source says Pure Sine is the better between the two.

Pure sinewave units are usually the better quality units, the stepped sinewave is usually on the more budget units.

The unit I linked to in my first post is a true sinewave unit.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Pure sinewave units are usually the better quality units, the stepped sinewave is usually on the more budget units.

The unit I linked to in my first post is a true sinewave unit.

Perfect. That's the one I was thinking about getting from your post,

Thanks for all the help, everyone!

 

[bigboxes]

I was kinda figuring something like that, even daisy chaining off them. Have you ever daisy chained off of a few of the outlets to get more use out of the plugs? And if so were there any problems?

Daisy chaining is a no-no.

https://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA157424/

 

[bigboxes]

I've heard of Acitve PFC power supplies have problems with a step-sined UPS. Maybe that's changed. I've been rocking a pair of CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD for quite some time. I just buy new batteries about every 3 years. I have one CP1500PFCLCD connected to my main rig and one to my home server. I then split the peripherals between the available battery powered outlets. It's as important to keep up your network and it does your computers. Switch, router, cable modem. I also have my monitor battery powered. It's nice not having to turn off the pc in the event of a power outage. As long as it's not more than 30 minutes, I'm able to continue as if nothing happened.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Daisy chaining is a no-no.

https://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA157424/

I meant 1 UPS system with a surge protector running out of one of the battery backed-up outlets, type scenario.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I meant 1 UPS system with a surge protector running out of one of the battery backed-up outlets, type scenario.

Surge protector? NO! Use a Power Strip.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Surge protector? NO! Use a Power Strip.

Thought they were the same thing? But yeah, that's what I meant

 

[bigboxes]

Yup. It's ok to connect a power strip to a UPS outlet. Remember, do not plug a UPS into a power strip. Also, do not plug a surge protector into a UPS outlet.