Re: ups installation question

1B) Power strip protectors and UPSes adjacent to a computer
do not claim to protect from transients that typically damage
electronics. Grossly undersized a protector (ie too few
joules) so that the naive will assume, "The surge protector
sacrificed itself to save my computer." In reality, a
computer's internal protection saved the computer. Meanwhile
a transient too small to damage the computer catastrophically
destroyed the grossly undersized protector. And so the human
speculates, declares that speculation as proof, recommends
that protector to his friends, and buys another. One way to
increase profits on plug-in protectors ... grossly undersize
it. The naive will then recommend it.

Undersizing a protector is how a plug-in protectors may be
hyped by the naive. Effective protectors are properly sized
and located where destructive transients enter a building.
Again, any protection that works on a power cord is already
inside that electronics. Internal protection that assumes the
building will earth major transients at the service entrance.
Internal protection that makes plug-in protectors further
unnecessary.

A plug-in protector does not claim to protect from "sudden
power variations". Its parameters suggest it is for a voltage
transient that typically occurs about once every eight years.
Appreciate the importance of a number called joules. Plug-in
protectors typically have too few joules.

1B) is beyond the OP's original question. But appreciate
what those plug-in protectors claim to protect from. They
don't claim to protect from transients that typically damage
electronics. If a protector is for electronics damage, then
the protector has a less than 10 foot connection to earth
ground. Just one more reason why a power strip protector is
not effective AND is not desirable on a UPS output.

2C) UPS is only for data protection - not hardware
protection. Power failures don't cause hardware damage -
except in myths and speculation.

6) Even plug-in UPSes use lead acid batteries - sealed lead
acid battery. Battery life expectancy is also a function of
other parameters such as number of power cycles, how a battery
is recharged, and how charge is maintained. IOW UPS
electronics design also affects battery life expectancy. Just
another reason why telco switching facilities obtain almost 20
years from their lead acid batteries.

Kevin Childers wrote:
> 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
.

Relevant Pages

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