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+--- Thread: I just got an UPS, finally! (/showthread.php?tid=7925)
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I just got an UPS, finally! - New.Dad - 03-25-2006
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=307639&cm_ven=dealm_site&cm_cat=deals1_2006&cm_pla=site&cm_ite=dealmac
I never used an UPS at home (I know!) but I have one at work on the PeeCee and I check the PowerChute software one day and I saw there were some over and under voltages on the line, I guess same thing happens at home. I have laptops so I don't really need UPS, but extra protection for DSL, WiFi, Printer, External DVD-burner and other peripherals cannot hurt.
I am also gonna try to connect a TV that shuts off about 2-3 times a week to the UPS see if that fixes the problems. The previous TV was working fine but turned itself OFF a few times every day. I got rid of it and when I saw the new one does the same thing but only a few times a week I was very disappointed. I think there was nothing wrong with the TV after all, it might be the power in my building or something wrong with that outlet.
Anyway, I feel so geek for getting an UPS. I am gonna pick it up tonight!
Re: I just got an UPS, finally! - Panopticon - 03-25-2006
Battery-BackUp LEADER!
Glad to see it's an APC, sad you had to buy from ChumpUSA (I'm a hater). Just hope you get the rebate without alot of grief.
Just remember, NO Laser printers (or refrigerators) on UPS'es ::o
As to the TV, "...something wrong with that outlet." Good place to look. I had one with some paint splashed in it. Wouldn't maintain a good flow of current. Replacements are <$1 @ HD or Lowes.
Re: I just got an UPS, finally! - mjgkramer - 03-25-2006
I have half a dozen of them with three protecting computer gear and three protecting our two HDTVs and A/V equipment. We live on a hilltop in the Texas Hill Country and have experienced many thunderstorms in the 7 years we have lived here and have been hit by lightning once. The UPS's now make it possible for all the equipment to stay up when the lights flicker. All my units are APCs with USB connection to allow OS X to monitor status.
Re: I just got an UPS, finally! - mjgkramer - 03-25-2006
Panopticon - why no laser printers on UPS? The high power drain?
Re: I just got an UPS, finally! - New.Dad - 03-25-2006
mjgkramer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Panopticon - why no laser printers on UPS? The
> high power drain?
I guess a Laser Printer (and definitely a refrigerator) draws a LOT of current when the electrical motor starts rotating. If I remember right from the Physics classes I took in High-School, some electrical motors require 10 times the nominal current at start up.
You also don't want to connect Fans or other such appliances on UPS.
EDIT: I am not sure if the laser printer draws high current because of the motor or perhaps some heater to make the toner stick to paper???
Re: I just got an UPS, finally! - mjgkramer - 03-25-2006
I recall from college EE courses a hundred years ago that the starting current is typically 5 times the running current. I would think the big power user in the printer is the fuser that makes the toner stick to the paper as you suggested.
I have my LW 16/600 on a UPS to protect it from surges. I do get a message every time it starts to print that the UPS is running on reserve power but that's all that happens. I have been intending to take it off the UPS but forget to do it.
Re: I just got an UPS, finally! - spearmint - 03-25-2006
In my experience with large electric motors 440 volt, 50 hp and up, the start up surge is four times the normal max in amps. Probably much more with 110 volt which is not as efficient.
Re: I just got an UPS, finally! - Panopticon - 03-26-2006
"I recall from college EE courses a hundred years ago..."
LOL, me too!
The current surge & constant high draw stresses the rectifiers in the UPS & puts a severe drain on the batteries. Probably does no good for the transformer either.
Re: I just got an UPS, finally! - blusubaru - 03-26-2006
If that's the case then you also don't want to put any large CRT televisions or montiors on it, or any high powered audio gear. I would think the initial required start-up power needed by those devices is much more than a laser printer.
Re: I just got an UPS, finally! - Panopticon - 03-26-2006
"...large CRT televisions or montiors on it, or any high powered audio gear"
Not the case. You may be confusing voltage & amperage. CRTs, audio amps, etc. usually depend on High-Voltage circuits where laser printers, refrigerators, etc. require initial and/or substained draws of current (amps).
A CRT might use a flyback circuit producing 70kV but only draw 3 amps on its 115v supply. A refrigerator can surge to 23 amps of current when it first starts its compressor and then drop back to a constant 7 amp draw in normal operation.
A non-industrial, computer type UPS is basically batteries, a battery charger, and an inverter/step-up circuit to provide a LOW amperage 115 volt AC supply for a limited time.
Consider what's in a laser printer. Several motors, a heating element (fuser), and at least one High Voltage supply for the laser and corona wire assemblies (some have individual HV supplies). Draws lots of current to operate.