Back ups during power cut help please?

Anne_Marie_2

Been getting a few power cuts recently due to storms, some of which have lasted several hours, and can only expect more as winter approaches.

I have a couple of pretty good solar lights which I can bring inside, so don't really need lighting. I've also got an emergency light which lasts a couple of hours when the power fails.
I also have a gas hob, so am fine for heating water and stove top cooking.

I'm looking for some suggestions to keep some things running, especially during extended power cuts at night, such as power to my laptop (if it makes a difference, it's a macbook air), mobile phone/tablet/kindle. Sounds really sad, but it's pretty boring in the dark when on your own, without something to do, so watching a movie or reading helps pass the time.

Now I do have a UPS, which I had totally forgotten about, it was used years ago when I had a desktop. Would I be able to use this for anything at all if I could get some kind of adaptor to enable me to use a normal UK 3 pin plug rather than the kettle type connection that it has?
This is the one I have....
http://powerquality.eaton.com/66779SG.aspx?CX=33&GUID=C18857BF-437F-48BD-81F7-90EF2444966C

Edit....this is not exactly the one I have, same make and model, but with kettle type sockets rather than UK standard 3 pin.

Appreciate any advice that won't cost an arm and a leg.

k599rag

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005FWRHNQ/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=569136327&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000Q8KYL6&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=17QV6R57RQB9DQCTDNFM

k599rag

Or this if you need more outlets.http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005KCGUZC/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=569136327&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B005FWRHNQ&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1BTG0ZARVT897BBHVXSW

bsod

laptops have a battery already

candle, radio, hot water bottle, paperback, binoculars to look at the stars, or pop to the pub

Anne_Marie_2

bsod wrote: »

laptops have a battery already

candle, radio, hot water bottle, paperback, binoculars to look at the stars, or pop to the pub

I know that laptops have a battery already, but they run out in a power cut, which is why I wondered if there were any other solutions.

Thanks for the other solutions, I have candles galore, and do use them. As are binoculars to look out at the night sky. It's quite spectacular here, and I do loving doing that. The problem being that quite often the power cuts are the result of a storm, so not quite so good to be outside then. A battery operated radio is a possibility, I must look into that, thank you.
Popping to the pub isn't something I would normally do, involves driving, and if I have a power cut, the local bars will too. (I'm out in the countryside).

Rabbir1

According to your link it already has a universal outlet that will accept standard 13A plugs.

Anne_Marie_2

Rabbir1 wrote: »

According to your link it already has a universal outlet that will accept standard 13A plugs.

Apologies, I just found the first link that showed the make and model that I have. The one I have has only kettle type female sockets (8) and one male socket for attaching to the mains.

colin79666

If the UPS hasn't been used for years then be sure to test it. The batteries in them tend to last 3-4 years. You can get replacement batteries but it might be worth considering a new UPS if the one you have is old, the battery is a dud and you want different features.

agrinnall

I gave serious consideration to buying a generator after it took 2 days to restore power following a winter storm, you can get one reasonably cheaply in the UK but if you are in Cyprus as your profile suggests then I don't know whether the same is true. In the end I didn't do it, and having moved from rural Scotland I don't think I need one now, but let's see what the winter brings.

[Deleted User]

I have a Hudl 2, as well as a PC.

I would use the Hudl in a power cut, and would keep it charged with this.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00YOBGL9K?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Having two USB sockets (a 1.0A and a 2.1A), it'll charge my Hudl, and my MiFi modem, at the same time. :cool:

bsod

a wind-up radio/led torch/usb charger would open up your possibilities. macbook claims many (9-12) hours of battery life. ups seems overkill as it needs to be constantly charged and won't last that long if you plug anything meaty in, but it depends on how frequently it happens.

A few hours off grid is good for the mind, and if you're old enough, comes with a bit of nostalgia. You could download a few podcasts in advance if the radio doesn't appeal.