APC UPS, 1500VA UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector, BX1500M Backup Battery, AVR, Dataline Protection and LCD Display, Back-UPS Pro Uninterruptible Power Supply

>Would I benefit from one of those battery backup surge protectors (I believe also referred to as a UPS)? Or even a line conditioner? What is the difference between the two?

Yes you would. A power conditioner is only to filter out noise in the power but a UPS has a battery that steps in once the voltage drops below a threshold.

I have a couple Cyberpower and APC UPS for my network gear (including NAS) and PC and they work well. I use ones with a simulated sinewave which would probably be fine for your use case but you can spend more for one with a pure sine wave. This is the most recent one I purchased.

A quality power conditioner is going to run you as much as a decent UPS will, so there's very little reason not to get a UPS. A good UPS will not only provide protection from surges and lightning strikes that might fry components, but will also give your system an automatic shutdown command on a loss of power while the battery keeps things running until the shut down is complete. It will also prevent small hick ups (happens in my old house all the time, tiny little drops in voltage that cause the computer to turn off abruptly) from impacting your system. A good UPS will have true/pure sine wave output and will be sized in VA or kVA for your system. Many PSU's will not be happy if they do not receive a true/pure sine wave.

I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/APC-Battery-Protector-BackUPS-BX1500M/dp/B06VY6FXMM?pd_rd_w=FVwMI&pf_rd_p=a92e0124-cfa8-4f1e-82b5-a4a348d97008&pf_rd_r=7P9CC0F2PC4DZ32B90C2&pd_rd_r=548aac06-b990-4d7e-a616-ecf2135f0f74&pd_rd_wg=ofD8j&pd_rd_i=B06VY6FXMM&ref_=pd_bap_d_rp_3_i

With UPS's you really do get what you pay for to a greater extent. Size does matter but for general system protection it's not as critical, especially if you just want the UPS to shut down your rig on a loss of power for greater than X number of seconds or minutes. Most UPSs come with a $10,000 warranty as well, which is nice peace of mind for your expensive system.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06VY6FXMM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

this is the one i have, it was plug and play. although now that im all set no power outages :)

That’s why I said it depends a lot on the amp and the UPS. He could get one that could run a small amp for quite a while but he’s going to pay for it.

Something like this should run a little amp for an hour or more. But for the same price or less he could get a little battery powered amp. And not have to carry a 20lbs UPS around.

On the ridicules end I have one that will run an entire server rack (6 servers, 2 NAS, 1 L3 Switch, 1 security appliance) for about 30 minutes. I assume it’ll run a small amp for as long as he can play. It also costs several thousand dollars and weighs a shitton.

Probably not a great solution.

Your having brown outs, something could be messing with your power lines. Check to see if there are branches on your power lines between your place and power pole or down the line call your utity to clean it up.

Like others have said you want a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). Building one on your own isnt worth it. Check your 2nd hand markets (Facebook market/ Creigs list) as they can be expencive, $150-$200 for a good unit. Dont waste your time with the power strip looking ones your better off with the tower style. Most power strip types wont have the watage to buy you more than a few seconds for a beefy set up and dont have the option to be repaired.

I can recomend APC brand, I have my set up (Coputer, one monitor, and router) on this unit. It has saved my bacon more than I can count. TWO MAJOR THINGS to beawar of: First the batteries inside do not last forever. The batteris will degrad over time and due to usage, life expectancy 3 to 5 years. Second: DO NOT think you can run your system on the UPS, at best I can get is 20-30 Min of run time out of mine. If the power cuts out save and shut down immediately and unplug it from the wall. While it is rare when the power comes back there can be a surge, and while most will have a surge protectors It can save you a major headake.

It looks real similar to mine: Link

For what it's worth, I really like it.

get this https://www.amazon.com/APC-Battery-Protector-BackUPS-BX1500M/dp/B06VY6FXMM

i have one for several years now,saved me many times,its got 5or 6 slots for doing just that,keeping things turned on when power goes out,other 5 outlets might will turn off your stuff i believe but its got surge protector so at least 5 things or 6 icant remember will be good to go for sure for up to 2ish hours or something like that-enough to turn everything off safely.Good thing about using those is once they turn on and charge themselves,they maintain steady current of power,so not only it saves youfrom power going out but power spikes can happen as well

I have an APC UPS that has an input and output for ethernet cables that I use between the modem and the first Eero. Should I not bother with UPS and go straight to the first eero from the modem?

Modem > UPS > Eero

APC UPS, 1500VA UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector, BX1500M Backup Battery, AVR, Dataline Protection and LCD Display, Back-UPS Pro Uninterruptible Power Supply https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VY6FXMM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_o1z3Fb6GFP2WZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Yes, APC is the main brand in this area. This is the one I have on my workstation. It has software to negotiate a shutdown via USB. https://amazon.com/dp/B06VY6FXMM/

Try getting your hands on a back up power supply like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VY6FXMM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UzExFbWYJ3MCY if you have a lot of power failures, then you'll need this for your PC anyway.

It should be enough and you always have the option to add more later if you are needing it.

I recomend an APC unit as they intergrate with Unraid super well, not sure if other brands do but I know APC does. This is a popular choice

I highly recommend getting one of these battery backups for your pc and monitor! I also have a 2nd one dedicated for my router and modem.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VY6FXMM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_-xI5Fb3X751YA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I bought a UPS because we get a lot of surges here. It was shutting off my PS4 and it’s 8TB external HD improperly, and risking a crash or data loss every time. Bought a model with 10 plugs (all protected, but 5 of them running on the battery backup).

This is the model I got and it’s working great so far. If I lose power or have a surge, my internet+router, PS4/XBOX, and TV will all run off the battery. And it tracks how many times it’s kicked on to protect your gear (18 surges so far that would have otherwise been bad for my electronics). Definitely worth it in my case, would recommend.

How did you get the ups data into Grafana? I’ve got an APC UPS this one and can’t figure out how to connect it into my network. Tried to setup NUT, but couldn’t get it working

Without knowing what caused your fire, i would really question if it was a surge.

A surge protector is mostly a curve smoother.

A pure sine wave for electicity, is ideal, but generators rarely provide a clean source. So a noise reducer,/surge protector, often just smooths out the curve. Kind of like a hair cut gets rid of split ends. (to be clear, im Giving the explain it to me like im 5 answer)

The fuzzy sine wave hurts electronics.

That said, it will largely depend on how your electronics convert from ac to dc (all modern electronics run on dc.

If the plug is a transformer, ie a square plug or has a brick power supply. That transformer is isolated electrically from thr system, and acts like a surge protector.

The electrical process of converting ac to dc, gets rid of the noise (again 5 year level....)

If the ac plug is just a wire, the conversion can leave noise on the ground line of the system.

I personally dont recommend surge protectors. I instead recommend batter backup ups systems.

Yes, its more expensive. But you gain two major advantages.

First, you get isolated ac power. A ups from a company like apc, using ac to charge a battery then runs a dc to ac converter. So when input ac goes out, there is never a loss of output power.

The isolated circuit is a natural surge protection system. Most come with 4 plugs with battery backup, and 4 surge protection only. Most also have a usb plug for plugging into your computer so it can know i better shut down, power is out.

Now as to your fire. Id love to know more about it. But in my experience, most smoke tests (ok, not the best jokr....) fail (ie you get smoke) becausr of too high of current for the wiring. Often caused by a short. But also often caused by overloading a line.

If your wire is hot, its overloaded. Never ever use a cheap crap extension cord.

Hidden overloaded electric lines, are death.

I use the following UPs from apc, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VY6FXMM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fab_LzbFFb6RZEH09

Its great for laptops, even desktops. As well as tvs.

At my home, i have my internet, wifi, and tvs on batter backups.

Overkill? Sure. But one time my house lost power. And i continued to watch tv for 20 minutes befoee i realized it. (note i turn the alarms off).

We use ups to pick in all devices so we have more protection and can safely power down in case of power outage.

https://www.amazon.com/APC-Battery-Protector-BackUPS-BX1500M/dp/B06VY6FXMM

Oh okay. So I was eyeballing this one, does this seem like a good one? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06VY6FXMM?pf_rd_r=MCEQYKTTEN1VQY7PX9RD&pf_rd_p=65ab0b11-841c-426b-9aa4-db936a6924ad

I use this APC UPS, 1500VA UPS Battery... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VY6FXMM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

So far it’s logged three events where it moved to battery, the ones I noticed being very brief few seconds. It was plug and play and the Synology logged the power status change and was ready to gracefully power down if needed.

Edit: the capacity of this model may be overkill for you but I have more gear that I care to keep stable than just the NAS.

I'm not sure what generators you should use, but I would make sure you have very good UPS systems between the computers and the generators.

This one is considered good:
https://www.amazon.com/APC-Battery-Protector-BackUPS-BX1500M/dp/B06VY6FXMM

Are you in the US? If it was built (or updated) after 1971 it was required to have gfci protection in the kitchen. It may have a gfci breaker instead of an outlet.

But anyway, this ups would have enough power to run the PC you described for about 20 minutes if the breaker tripped, but would also provide excellent surge protection, voltage regulation, and some other benefits. It would give you at least enough time to shut down safely, and would recharge its battery when the power came back on. You can get bigger ones and smaller ones, but the price can be prohibitive.

A surge suppressor isn't sufficient for lightning strike. You need a UPS like this one. Since the power surge flows through the UPS it fries the batteries in the UPS and not your gear.

This one will cover you up to 900 watts for about 165 USD. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VY6FXMM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_YaFFFbY3F2HM2

So I shouldn't put a $165 UPS in front of my $2k computer to protect it? Derp.

Even if you have a cheap PC, you'll get 7-10 years out of a good UPS to the point where you can replace the replaceable batteries in them atleast once and save some money. APC's software is generally better than Tripplite's shit software for USB-based stuff. Never did CyberPower. Used to do OmniUPS back in the day but it seems like maybe Tripplite bought them out.

thats what u/Tykras said, its old wiring in the house likely. A ups is not an internal power supply its an uninterruptible power supply, think of it like a power strip with a battery backup.

This is the model I use.
https://www.amazon.com/APC-Battery-Protector-BackUPS-BX1500M/dp/B06VY6FXMM?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1

But you can find some that are more than enough for a PC for around $50.

Deal link: Amazon

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I am. Would this be sufficient?https://www.amazon.com/APC-Battery-Protector-BackUPS-BX1500M/dp/B06VY6FXMM/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3EF3F6H64F8WY&dchild=1&keywords=ups+battery+backup&qid=1600640727&sprefix=ups+%2Caps%2C372&sr=8-4 . Do you know if I can check a battery like this in my luggage? How often should I expect power outages in Santa Teresa? How long will they typically last?

I have a ups that lasts at least 15 minutes under heavy load. I would recommend you get one when you can.

I have this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06VY6FXMM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1, but you can get something cheaper. I think $50-75 is more the minimum cost though.

Yes you want a UPS. Given you have the TV on there too, I'd go for probably a 1500VA unit minimum

You are going to be spending around $150

https://www.amazon.com/APC-Battery-Protector-BackUPS-BX1500M/dp/B06VY6FXMM

https://www.amazon.com/CyberPower-CP1500AVRLCD-Intelligent-Outlets-Mini-Tower/dp/B000FBK3QK/

Just plug any generic power strip/surge protector into the UPS to give your 10 outlets

I am not an expert in this area but I have shopped for this before. I have always used APC battery backups. They are rated for a certain wattage for a certain amount of time.

Example: This guy: https://www.amazon.com/APC-Battery-Protector-BackUPS-BX1500M/dp/B06VY6FXMM/ is rated for 900 Watts. My PSU and a couple monitors max out at around 900 (probably considerably less) so I could use this guy. The manual tells you how long you can expect the matter to last for a certain power draw. I'm not sure what it is measured in, so know that Wattage is Voltage multiplied by Amerage (i.e. 10 Amps at 90 Volts is 900 Watts) and hours is just time. That might help in understanding the specs.

which UPS for 5 machines running on battery for 15minutes?

i see my 5 machines consuming 1100 watts according to KillAWatt meter. Why does the meter show VA differently? I thought P= VA.

anyway, which UPS do I need to keep the machines running for 15 minutes on battery backup? i see this 1500VA for $165 https://www.amazon.com/APC-Battery-Protector-BackUPS-BX1500M/dp/B06VY6FXMM/

i also see this 1500VA for $1225 https://www.apc.com/shop/us/en/products/APC-Smart-UPS-SRT-1500VA-120V/P-SRT1500XLA

why such a huge difference? please help as im very confused.

thanks!

This is interesting, I've never seen a unit like this, but the thing that stands out to me is:

KINDLY NOTE THAT THE POWER STATION CAN NOT BE CHARGE AND USE AT THE SAME TIME.

So if there was a power outage in the middle of the night you'd have to unplug this from the wall and hook it up to your CPAP.

However the fact that it can charge off a car might make it more useful in an extended power outage I don't know.

Also for your consideration would be these continuous power supplies, they stay plugged in and just switch to battery in case of an outage. I have not done the math on these to see how long the battery will last with only a CPAP machine connected during an outage. I work in IT and have used units like these to provide battery backup to computers, so users get a chance to save their work and shut down properly before their computer shuts down. Larger versions of these are used for servers or entire datacenters.

https://www.amazon.com/Eaton-US550VA-5-15P-5-15R-4-UPS/dp/B005EIGUDE/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=eaton+UPS&qid=1586024294&sr=8-8

https://www.amazon.com/Eaton-5S1000LCD-5S-1000LCD-connector/dp/B00KPX2MOO/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=eaton+UPS&qid=1586024294&sr=8-7

https://www.amazon.com/APC-Battery-Protector-Back-UPS-BE600M1/dp/B01FWAZEIU/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=APC+UPS&qid=1586024441&sr=8-4

https://www.amazon.com/APC-Battery-Protector-BackUPS-BX1500M/dp/B06VY6FXMM/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=APC+UPS&qid=1586024441&sr=8-3

I've been thinking for a while about getting a unit like one of these for my CPAP, so if anyone else has more info I'm all ears.

PSUs:

https://www.amazon.com/Antec-HCG850-Gold-Japanese-Capacitors/dp/B07B4L1PKR/

https://www.amazon.com/Ventilador-Thermaltake-PS-SPR-0650FPCBUS-R-alimentaci%C3%B3n-completa/dp/B01MQU6CWU/

UPS:

https://www.amazon.com/APC-Battery-Protector-BackUPS-BX1500M/dp/B06VY6FXMM/

https://www.amazon.com/CyberPower-BRG1500AVRLCD-Intelligent-Mini-Tower-Warranty/dp/B00LEFYISA/

As others have pointed out for most situations it doesn't really matter which you get if you're just trying to fit more plugs. I still like to go with a trusted brand because it's possible to make one that's bad (claim it's rated for high current but overheat if you actually try to draw high current through it).

But if you're plugging in devices that will draw a large load like a heater, air conditioner, toaster, microwave, vacuum cleaner, etc. then you shouldn't plug into a power strip anyway ;)

If you're dealing with sensitive and expensive electronics there are some fancier options including uninterruptible power supplies. Depending on how fancy your PC is this might be a good option - but it might also be overkill. If you do go that route you'll have to also replace the batteries every few years (or sometimes the whole unit if it doesn't have a replaceable battery). The nice thing about them is they're designed to flip over to battery when input voltage is out-of-range, so your devices don't even shut off, but that might be overkill. Lead-acid batteries are less space efficient but a little bit safer IMO.

Finally, don't daisy-chain. If you need more outlets get something that has more outlets ;)

You're probably fine with any power strip you can get in a big box store (I would avoid dollar store and gas station). If you're unsure you can always just search for "<brand name> teardown" and watch a video where someone who knows what their doing rates how well stuff is built.

2 Brands I like:

• APC - They were really good about replacing a defective UPS a few years ago

• Anker - I've been impressed with their build quality and durability, especially for the price

• Tripp Lite - Nothing special but never had a problem with them

Brands I dislike:

• Belkin - I'm still mad about a router that I had back in 2002 and I never forgave them. TBH they're probably fine, though.

Here are a few Anker power strips I use and like:

• 6 outlet

• 12 outlet

Here are a few uninterruptible power supplies that I use and like:

• APC Back-UPS BE600M1 - specs

• APC Back-UPS BE850M2 - specs

• APC Back-UPS Pro BR700G - specs

• APC Back-UPS Pro BX1500M - specs