Uninterruptible Power Supply

[elzmaddy]

Greetings all, I'm a newbie to UPSs, and I've been experiencing some power interruption problems, so I have this question:

What are the specifications I should I look for on a UPS so that it can support six computers (only the towers plugged in, no monitors/peripherals) during brief power interruptions of about 2-3 seconds?

 

[Jeff7181]

Six huh? You might wanna check the networking forum... while not related directly to networking, the network guys are probably better suited to answer your question.

 

[Dowfen]

Get a higher end APC model. I've got a friend who has run ~4-5 on a higher end APC model for more than 2-3 seconds (Back-UPS Pro, Smart UPS, etc.). If you really want to be sure and have the money to spend, they also make server models.

Edit: Or, just buy a few cheap ones from Circuit City and split up the load.

 

[elzmaddy]

I'm considering this one. What do you think?

APC 1000VA

 

[arod]

Originally posted by: elzmaddy
I'm considering this one. What do you think?

APC 1000VA

I just got that one myself and it powers my one server (with 5 hard drives for 40 mins)

 

[Alkali]

I would suggest the Smart-UPS On-line 2000VA.


It can last up to 15 minutes on half-load, and with 6 PC's you'll reach that half load pretty easily depending on spec. On top of that it has 6 power outlets.

 

[Dowfen]

Either will be fine since you're only aiming for a few seconds, but the second one would probably last longer. (Smart-UPS 2000VA) It's nice when they have the load LEDs on the front so you can get an idea of how long it will last.

 

[elzmaddy]

Well I installed the 1000VA today, and I disconnected the power to test it out. The systems didn't skip a beat, and the unit provides a few minutes of battery power. It is powering my four systems, DSL modem and router, so the next time the power interrupts, I may not even notice.
I could probably add one or two more systems. These are low-end systems, so they are probably do not require as much power as estimated. The software usage meter shows a 330W load from 600 max.