Re: ups installation question

>snip<

This thread is getting hard to follow, but here is what I can say on the
matter.

1. There are three different pieces of hardware being discussed and each
serves a different purpose.
a. Power strips: They provide local circuit protection and multiple
outlets. They also can be seen as multiple outlet wall mounts.
b. Surge protectors: They protect connected devices from sudden power
fluctuations, but not against drops in power below the devices minimum
operating level. Single and multiple outlet models available in strip and
wall mounted models.
c. UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) AKA battery back-up: Primary
purpose, to maintain a steady flow of power should there be any form of
power interruption. Most have surge protection et al, and multiple outlets.

2. Protection of each is simply defined as:
a. Power strips are designed to support general electromechanical
devices, such as power tools.
b. Surge protectors are designed to protect more sensitive electronic
devices, such as home electronics and computers.
c. UPS protect more sensitive electronics devices the same as surge
protectors, while providing protection against power failures.

3. The major issue with plugging multiple outlet power strips/surge
protectors into an UPS in over loading the UPS capacity.

4. In a SOHO environment, an UPS is generally intended to provide power
long enough to allow for the proper shut down of equipment. SOHO class UPS
are not intended as alternative power sources for long duration power
outages. For mission critical hardware there is no substitute for the
appropriate grade equipment.

5. The solution to the problem with wallwarts and UPS/Surge
Protectors/Power Strips is a simple pig tail that allows you to use one
socket per device. Some UPS come with built in pig tails.

6. The issue of UPS vs. auto battery life is more a limitation of the
proper battery for a given environment. Lead acid type batteries have a
greater life, but due to vapor, spill and other issues are not a good choice
for in home/office use. For major facility protections some data centers
have to utility buildings, one fore battery back-up while the gas/diesel
powered generators in the second building automatically start and stabilize
before the power load is automatically transferred to them. The reason for
such a system is two fold.
a. Battery power is instantly available for critical systems. They are
not housed with the generators due to battery fume issues. Batteries also
are not as temperature tolerant as generators and require more frequent
periodic testing & servicing. Their duration of operation is generally
rated in KWh.
b. Engine powered generators allow for long term back-up, but can not
be housed with the batteries due to sparking and fuel fumes. Many systems
are designed for long periods between servicing and can be connected to
large fuel tanks allowing for days of operations if needed.

7. Should you need an UPS, one good source is often used equipment disposal
operations. Not so long ago the governments answer to a dead UPS battery
was to buy a new UPS. Old/used UPS are usually pretty cheap. As a rule of
thumb learn to differentiate the smell of burnt circuitry from the ozone
smell of used UPS and you can avoid buying one that has been fried. If
possible look inside for burnt circuitry and popped capacitors. For
batteries, the generally replacement cost of batteries are half the cost of
a new UPS.

At least that's the way I see it.

KC


.

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