UPS Battery backup

[akugami]

I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation on a battery backup unit. I need 3 for work. It needs to run for at least 30 min (preferably longer) powering a cash register, UPC scanner and credit card machine.

 

[FreedomGUNDAM]

I would stick with APC unless you had money to spend. Liebert makes the best UPS in my opinion but is kinda pricey.

 

[Jolt2]

You are going to have to get more info about the equipment that is going to be plugged into the UPS. You will need the operating voltage and the max amps that each device can pull. Look at the tags on the machines to find this info. Write down the voltage and amps. You should then go to APC. You can read more about UPS's, chat with support , or e-mail them about sizing a UPS with the options you need.

I have had very good luck with APC. About the only thing that goes bad are the battery's over time. You should replace your UPS battery every 3 years any ways. I have had some cheaper UPS that have gone bad and had to replace the whole unit. Also, sometimes it may be cheaper to buy two or three smaller UPS to power each device then buying one big UPS to power all the devices. You'll have to work that out for yourself.

 

[Zepper]

Any MOVs in a device should also be replaced about every 3 years along with the battery(s) as they do wear out and can fail in short mode and have significant leakage (power wasting) prior to total failure. Powerware.com and tripplite.com also make good UPSes. Big grocery and other store chains use the huge Best Power (now part of Powerware) Ferrups units to back up their checkout lines.

A tool called the P3 P4400 Kill A Watt meter (usually available for under $30. shipped) (see my review here: http://www.techimo.com/reviews/ in the Power Supply section) could help you determine the actual power (in Watts and Volt-Amps) that those systems use so you can size the UPSes accurately (add a 20% cushion to allow for aging batteries). Check Froogle, Pricegrabber and eBay to locate best price from reliable seller - I bought mine on eBay from a seller in Hawaii. If you don't know from "reliable resellers", www.resellerratings.com can help.

If your computers have PSUs in them with aPFC (active Power Factor correction), your UPSes will give a few extra minutes of uptime. Generally a PSU with aPFC will not have a voltage selector switch as they will also have auto voltage sensing and adjustment. But some now have two-range sensing and will have a voltage switch.

.bh.

 

[doan]

I just got a P3 P4400 Kill A Watt meter from amazon for $30 with free shipping. These are great for determining how much power is actually being used. Most devices use far less than rated. For example my Kid's PC with a 17" CRT draws about 150 watts while in use. But only about 70 with the monitor off.

Originally posted by: Zepper
Any MOVs in a device should also be replaced about every 3 years along with the battery(s) as they do wear out and can fail in short mode and have significant leakage (power wasting) prior to total failure. Powerware.com and tripplite.com also make good UPSes. Big grocery and other store chains use the huge Best Power (now part of Powerware) Ferrups units to back up their checkout lines.

A tool called the P3 P4400 Kill A Watt meter (usually available for under $30. shipped) (see my review here: http://www.techimo.com/reviews/ in the Power Supply section) could help you determine the actual power (in Watts and Volt-Amps) that those systems use so you can size the UPSes accurately (add a 20% cushion to allow for aging batteries). Check Froogle, Pricegrabber and eBay to locate best price from reliable seller - I bought mine on eBay from a seller in Hawaii. If you don't know from "reliable resellers", www.resellerratings.com can help.

If your computers have PSUs in them with aPFC (active Power Factor correction), your UPSes will give a few extra minutes of uptime. Generally a PSU with aPFC will not have a voltage selector switch as they will also have auto voltage sensing and adjustment. But some now have two-range sensing and will have a voltage switch.

.bh.