Anyone got an uninterruptible power supply?
Discussion
I have one of these to keep a HP Microserver going through short outages
https://www.box.co.uk/CP900EPFCLCD-UK-CyberPower-C...
When I purchased it in May 2020 I paid £134 (delivered) from Box, now £205 - ouch!
https://www.box.co.uk/CP900EPFCLCD-UK-CyberPower-C...
When I purchased it in May 2020 I paid £134 (delivered) from Box, now £205 - ouch!
I have an APC Back-UPS powering my fibre ONT and network gear, another powering a couple of servers, and a third one (was) powering my workstation.
They are basic, they aren't pure sine wave (few actually are in the consumer price bracket), but the batteries are replaceable, and they've saved me a few times now so work reliably. All the UPS I've seen use some variation of APC's protocol so clearly they've done something right.
One lesson I learned is that you really do need to overspec the battery and power rating - the one powering my workstation was fine for my previous machine but cannot handle the new one at full chooch so am running unprotected until I get something much more chunky.
Another is that by default they will shutdown if load is too light, so I had to change a setting on the one powering my network gear as the draw was only 20W or so.
Finally, decide what really needs to stay powered. For instance, everything responsible for keeping my internet and network alive is UPSd, to stay up for maybe 6 hours so I don't lose comms, but my servers will shut down immediately to avoid data loss. Which means anything that needs those servers alive is not on the UPS.
They are basic, they aren't pure sine wave (few actually are in the consumer price bracket), but the batteries are replaceable, and they've saved me a few times now so work reliably. All the UPS I've seen use some variation of APC's protocol so clearly they've done something right.
One lesson I learned is that you really do need to overspec the battery and power rating - the one powering my workstation was fine for my previous machine but cannot handle the new one at full chooch so am running unprotected until I get something much more chunky.
Another is that by default they will shutdown if load is too light, so I had to change a setting on the one powering my network gear as the draw was only 20W or so.
Finally, decide what really needs to stay powered. For instance, everything responsible for keeping my internet and network alive is UPSd, to stay up for maybe 6 hours so I don't lose comms, but my servers will shut down immediately to avoid data loss. Which means anything that needs those servers alive is not on the UPS.
I have some cheap Amazon UPS thing as well.
Batteries probably more expensive than buying a whole new setup.
Mine is just a couple of hundred watts so the laser printer is not UPS protected. (They draw a fair bit when warming up)
I bought my UPS just to give a couple of minutes to hit save in the event of a proper power failure.
But it also protects against brownouts (short duration supply failures or dips)
A worthwhile investment after the first very annoying time you lose an important piece of work in a nanosecond!
Batteries probably more expensive than buying a whole new setup.
Mine is just a couple of hundred watts so the laser printer is not UPS protected. (They draw a fair bit when warming up)
I bought my UPS just to give a couple of minutes to hit save in the event of a proper power failure.
But it also protects against brownouts (short duration supply failures or dips)
A worthwhile investment after the first very annoying time you lose an important piece of work in a nanosecond!
Yep - A couple of APC ones from Amazon.
One that is hooked up to my PC and screen and will keep them alive for around 10 minutes. Enough to finish what I'm doing and close down properly.
The other keeps alive my modem, router, hive hub and switch. Enough to keep my network up and running for around 40 minutes. Allows me to keep working on my company laptop. It also means those tiny short power cuts don't affect my Virgin hub which takes around 5 minutes to power up fully.
One that is hooked up to my PC and screen and will keep them alive for around 10 minutes. Enough to finish what I'm doing and close down properly.
The other keeps alive my modem, router, hive hub and switch. Enough to keep my network up and running for around 40 minutes. Allows me to keep working on my company laptop. It also means those tiny short power cuts don't affect my Virgin hub which takes around 5 minutes to power up fully.
Yes, I have two Cyberpower ones, speciifcally the CyberPower CP1500EPFCLCD-UK PFC Series, 1500VA/900W
Chose these since they are one of the few which have UK 3 pin sockets as well as IEC, is Pure Sine Wave and has replaceable batteries.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cyberpower-CP1500EPFCLCD-...
Not cheap kit, but it is very good.
Cyberpower do some cheaper ones, which do allow batteries to be replaced ... pretty sure the Value Pro range does, but best to check with Cyberpower.
From memory, some Eaton one's have replaceable batteries ... checked and this one does:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B3RQN8QT/ref=syn_sd_...
Chose these since they are one of the few which have UK 3 pin sockets as well as IEC, is Pure Sine Wave and has replaceable batteries.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cyberpower-CP1500EPFCLCD-...
Not cheap kit, but it is very good.
Cyberpower do some cheaper ones, which do allow batteries to be replaced ... pretty sure the Value Pro range does, but best to check with Cyberpower.
From memory, some Eaton one's have replaceable batteries ... checked and this one does:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B3RQN8QT/ref=syn_sd_...
I've got 2 to keep my NAS running and network up. We have regular blackouts and it at least allows me to keep working on the laptop.
I've got one APC unit that is connected to the main switch and UPS and then a smaller cyberpower unit from ebuyer that runs the router and fibre termination device.
I've got one APC unit that is connected to the main switch and UPS and then a smaller cyberpower unit from ebuyer that runs the router and fibre termination device.
I’ve got two. For the networking stuff I’ve got a CyberPower CP900EPFCLCD. Replaceable battery, online with pure sine wave. I have the USB connected to a raspberry pi running NUT so I can check it through a browser and trigger emails if the power goes out.
Got a cheaper offline Cyberpower behind the TV unit that covers the TV and games consoles. It has the advantage of being standard sockets and still a replaceable battery but no screen and not a pure sine wave or AVR.
I’m out in the sticks and power cuts are every few months. I debated several options, especially similar APC but cyberpower won out on features and the fact the battery is easy to replace (they typically only last about 3 years).
Dave’s Garage on YouTube did a good video recently on the different types, pros cons etc.
Got a cheaper offline Cyberpower behind the TV unit that covers the TV and games consoles. It has the advantage of being standard sockets and still a replaceable battery but no screen and not a pure sine wave or AVR.
I’m out in the sticks and power cuts are every few months. I debated several options, especially similar APC but cyberpower won out on features and the fact the battery is easy to replace (they typically only last about 3 years).
Dave’s Garage on YouTube did a good video recently on the different types, pros cons etc.
I have three of these APC 850’s with UK plugs: https://www.ebuyer.com/951015-apc-back-ups-standby.... They run for 20 to 40 minutes depending on what’s attached
One for DSL modem, router and surveillance NAS, one for PCs and monitors, one for security cameras. All in different locations or I’d have a big monster UPS
One for DSL modem, router and surveillance NAS, one for PCs and monitors, one for security cameras. All in different locations or I’d have a big monster UPS
Edited by mikef on Thursday 13th April 20:32
Just bought one these APC Back-UPS
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0828G42KN?ref=ppx_yo2...
6 battery backup 3 pin sockets, 2 surge protect, plus USB A and C. Replaceable battery.
I am about to configure and test over the weekend. Plan is for ONT, Router, PEO Switch and WiFi main node to be on UPS.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0828G42KN?ref=ppx_yo2...
6 battery backup 3 pin sockets, 2 surge protect, plus USB A and C. Replaceable battery.
I am about to configure and test over the weekend. Plan is for ONT, Router, PEO Switch and WiFi main node to be on UPS.
FunkyGibbon said:
Just bought one these APC Back-UPS
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0828G42KN?ref=ppx_yo2...
6 battery backup 3 pin sockets, 2 surge protect, plus USB A and C. Replaceable battery.
I have one of these. You get problems using all the sockets depending on which side the cable comes out of what you're plugging in. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0828G42KN?ref=ppx_yo2...
6 battery backup 3 pin sockets, 2 surge protect, plus USB A and C. Replaceable battery.
SlimJim16v said:
FunkyGibbon said:
Just bought one these APC Back-UPS
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0828G42KN?ref=ppx_yo2...
6 battery backup 3 pin sockets, 2 surge protect, plus USB A and C. Replaceable battery.
I have one of these. You get problems using all the sockets depending on which side the cable comes out of what you're plugging in. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0828G42KN?ref=ppx_yo2...
6 battery backup 3 pin sockets, 2 surge protect, plus USB A and C. Replaceable battery.
Have had a few refurbished (i.e. new batteries) APC units over the years, as well as a couple of Cyberpower devices. Currently have one in the garage (aka datacentre) and one in my office.
Biggest benefit is to provide a few minutes uptime should my latest DIY project require (or cause!) a brief power outage. Saves so much time to not have to shut down NAS etc.
UPS Trader (eBay / Google) has been good for me. No affiliation other than a happy customer.
Biggest benefit is to provide a few minutes uptime should my latest DIY project require (or cause!) a brief power outage. Saves so much time to not have to shut down NAS etc.
UPS Trader (eBay / Google) has been good for me. No affiliation other than a happy customer.
UpTheIron said:
UPS Trader (eBay / Google) has been good for me. No affiliation other than a happy customer.
Also a customer of theirs - best thing is that you can buy secondhand ones with new batteries fitted.I have an apc 2200 but with bigger longer lasting batteries that they put together for me. I get about 1.5 hours of runtime on a 300w constant draw of it gear
You can always replace the batteries, and they are normally the same. Just look at Youtube videos. 12v SLA batteries.
If you are not happy unscrewing a case, then pay a load more for something that "allows" you to replace the batteries, with very expensive versions of what people like me are paying small money for. That's how it works. UPSs are not complicated. Batteries, inverter, circuit board.
The batteries absolutely do expire every few years.
I use an APC and it keeps my PC, one monitor (of 2 ), router, NAS, and one room light alive for around 15 mins.
If you are not happy unscrewing a case, then pay a load more for something that "allows" you to replace the batteries, with very expensive versions of what people like me are paying small money for. That's how it works. UPSs are not complicated. Batteries, inverter, circuit board.
The batteries absolutely do expire every few years.
I use an APC and it keeps my PC, one monitor (of 2 ), router, NAS, and one room light alive for around 15 mins.
Edited by Griffith4ever on Thursday 13th April 22:36
Do you need a UPS? I don't have any mission critical stuff at home. A power cut is an inconvenience, but I don't lose stuff.
Since we are now without a copper phone line, we need the 'land line' phone to work because the mobile reception is rubbish and my wife is infirm. So I have a replacement power supply that I plug into the BT Home Hub and will keep it going for several hours. If the local fibre network is still alive, we keep land line and mobile/internet connections live.
Car battery with maintenance charger, plus a battery monitor to cut out when battery voltage gets too low that battery is in danger.
Since we are now without a copper phone line, we need the 'land line' phone to work because the mobile reception is rubbish and my wife is infirm. So I have a replacement power supply that I plug into the BT Home Hub and will keep it going for several hours. If the local fibre network is still alive, we keep land line and mobile/internet connections live.
Car battery with maintenance charger, plus a battery monitor to cut out when battery voltage gets too low that battery is in danger.
FWIW - I use reconditioned UPS from "UPS Trader".
https://secure.ups-trader.co.uk
I have all the critical stuff on UPS (Fibre, network & TVs).
M
https://secure.ups-trader.co.uk
I have all the critical stuff on UPS (Fibre, network & TVs).
M
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