Anyone got a UPS?

Belnahua

I've got a small UPS on my computer.

We quite often have powercuts over winter, and although I've never lost data, I have had to reinstall Windows a couple of times, and replace a PSU, due to power cuts, usually the type that flickers the power on and off rapidly, such as when a storm is bringing down the power lines.

It has about 5 minutes backup, enough time to close applictions and safely shut down the PC. If I'm not at the computer, the auto shutdown takes over 30 seconds after power fail.

Wouldn't be without one!

basill

wolfman wrote: »

It's quite a chunky battery, big square block. I've just been lazy and not found anywhere to buy a replacement.

A friend has a UPS which takes batteries the same as a motorbike and cost quite a lot less than the official type. They are often a standard type of battery and certainly available from other sources.
B

ManAtHome

Had one a good few years back - more as insurance when I was developing. Was only intended to shut down gracefully, but never kicked in other than when I tested it. Haven't bothered since as I do the important stuff on a laptop these days.

Only had a lightning problem once - fried the (external) modem but no effect on anything else- maybe next one will get the broadband filter....

Maplin used to do quite a variety of replacement batteries.

sjc_2

I use a UPS and since having the wiring in our house upgrade has proved very valuable. I now have one of those distribution boards with the sensitive trips for circuit protection and the UPS has cut in a few times over the last year, especially when the Mrs was ironing and her Iron was going on the blink and was constantly tripping the mains.

shadowdragon

I have one bought it about four years ago, and used it last about 3 years ago, I only got it because the area I was living in at the time had regular spikes in the supply (fried a brand new motherboard of two weeks old). But since moving from there the current is CLEAN and not needed it really.

If you are going to purchase one just make sure you can justify the cost, and dont grab the cheapest ones as they are not as good, go for the mid range ones.

Marty_J

I have a 6-way Belkin UPS. It's about two or three years old now and seems to be still working fine. I only purchased it because PC World had some sort of sale on and it was only a bit more expensive that a surge protector (which I was there to purchase).

I have had a few sudden power cuts and it has enabled me to shut down safely, but whether I would have damaged anything by not doing so is anyone's guess.

isofa

superscaper wrote: »

In planning to build a new PC (saving up for relatively high spec), I was wondering what people's experiences of UPS (and surge protectors) were and any recommendations? (mostly seems to be Belkin or APC at moment)

I wouldn't be without mine, I have two small APC Back-UPS ones, one for each of my systems, and they have saved the day many a time during a brief power outage, thunderstorm etc.

I personally would never run a computer with important files on without a UPS. I've lost enough work through the years in short power cuts, I've have a UPS on all my home gear since 2000, and a lot longer in commercial offices obviously.

Even a good small one will run a PC and flat screen for 10-15 minutes no problem (unless you have a beast of a PC with a massive consumption!), it was CRTs that used to drain the more power. I always have at least my monitor and PC connected to the UPS, then all other peripherals to a surge protector.

If you want to spend a bit more, get one with automatic shutdown software and a USB link, then if you've left it on and you've gone out, you'll have a safe shutdown.

Presumably all the people saying they are a waste of time, have never lost work during a power-cut, or who don't work on critical documents, or who's time is cheaper than mine lol

bookduck

we have a few hundred ups at work. they are often more reliable than mains. However one of the big ones did have an exploding battery that took down the whole server room - about 300 servers.

Another brand is MGE which do a decent small one with 4 outputs. If you buy a ups and your equipment is mission critical, it us worth buying a ups bypass switch so the ups can be exchanged while the system is live and on some if the ups power dies it automatically switches the power back to mains.

The problem the batteries/guarantee only last for 3 years. The official cost of new batteries, their replacement by the company and safety and fit for purpose checks often outweigh the purchase a new one, so the old one is disposed off.

Don't live around London or the Harrow area do you?

amonra

If it was a choice of a surge protector or a UPS, then the UPS wins hands down.
I dont care WHAT the manufacturers of surge protectors say in their brochures, I have seen the results of surges on mains supplies. At least with UPS you are two steps away from the mains supply and that form of isolation is usually sufficient to ride out the most severe surge. If yo are spending serious money on a new computer, then think UPS.........
PS. If you do decide to get one, then check it every week by switching off the mains supply. Too many people have one fitted and dont bother to check until after the bang !

Oblivion

I use an APC Smart-UPS 750. Being retired and spending more time at home these days, my computer tends to get left on all day. The UPS has saved my setup on several occasions when either voltage surges or total power cuts have occurred. I wouldn't be without it.

It is quite interesting to use the APC software provided to monitor just how much the voltage does fluctuate in this location.

Dave.