battery backup

[JamesB]

I have an old UPS that last about 1 minute these days if I lose power.

I need to get a replacement but have no idea on what size to get.

I have the following equipment on the UPS today

PC
20" LCD
router
cable modem
PC speakers (I should take these off the UPS)
Printer (I should take this off the UPS)
desk lamp which is not always used (I should take this off the UPS)

James

[srwatters]

If you go to the APC web site (http://www.apc.com/tools/ups_selecto..._query_string=) they have a configurator that will help you understand how much your system consumes and what you need for a BBU.

[MRCPix]

all your components have the power usage on the tag measured in watts that is the number you need to look at to know what the total watts will determine the size of the backup you need.

[Cope]

My UPS has un=protected plugs for laser printers and other items that don't need battery b/u. Mine is almost dead (and is olny a year or so old), but my wife's will allow enough time for a shutdown when the power goes out.

[JamesB]

Originally Posted by srwatters

If you go to the APC web site (http://www.apc.com/tools/ups_selecto..._query_string=) they have a configurator that will help you understand how much your system consumes and what you need for a BBU.

Thanks. looks like I need a Minimum of a 750. I have a 500 now.

James

[zeroendless]

At home...all you need is enough joice to hold on so you can shut it down in time.

Nowsaday desktop backup battery come with software that will report a real time power usage. A typical station barely used ~200w at idle. I have 4 at home ranged from 600-1200w for different stations. Anyone of them is more than enough for the job (monitor, station, modem + router) The problem of having too many is all of them buzz like crazy whenever the power is down...LOL.

[jerrykr]

If you have VOIP, get a second UPS to hold up your cable modem and the router that your VOIP is on. It won't take a very large one to keep phone service up for awhile. Don't plug anything else into the UPS battery side. Isolate it from any power hungry items.