Buying decision between Smart-UPS and Back-UPS RS, how to choose?

[Anonymous user]

I need to buy a UPS to keep my home (network server) secure from power anomolies such as brownouts, spikes, surges, etc.
I don't really care about run-time since in case of a blackout I would want my UPS to shut off.

I would have the following running off of my UPS:
-network server
-one LCD 24" monitor
-adsl modem
-adsl router

A 1000VA model seems to be all that I need to cover my wattage requirement.

Because the power from my power utility company can fluctuate at times, I need a UPS that also has AVR (Boost and Trim Automatic Voltage Regulation) and Power conditioning features.

I am trying to decide between the Smart-UPS and Back-UPS RS lines.

Is there any reason why I should pay the extra $$$ and buy a Smart-UPS?

The only major difference I can seem to see is that the Smart-UPS outputs a pure sine wave output on battery use.

I am not sure in my case if I should pay the extra $$$ for this feature (or any other features the Smart-UPS come with).

Any thoughts on which line I should go with?

Thanks.

Message was edited by: scattershot

[BillP]

Since you're using a server, you might need the pure sine wave the Smart-UPS offers. Most servers don't like the step-approximated sine waves and turn off as soon as the unit goes to battery. I would double check that before worrying about the boost & trim...

[Anonymous user]

Hi Scatter,

Some of the unique features of a Smart UPS are listed below:

1.Outputs a pure sine wave – unlike the Back-UPS that output a step-approximated sine wave
2.Smart-signaling cable allows communication both from the UPS to a computer, as well as a computer to the UPS
3.SmartBoost and SmartTrim allows the UPS to Boost the voltage up or Trim the voltage down to accommodate for slight voltage changes. This prevents the UPS from needing to go onto battery for these slight changes.
4.SmartSlot Accessories – allow for more manageability options with the UPS.
5.Some Back-UPS models allowed for the Sensitivity to be changed via the PowerChute Personal Software. Most Smart-UPS have a button on the back that will allow you to make that change manually.
6.The Smart-UPS has more displayed on the front bezel allowing the user to identify issues at a glance rather than with Software or Troubleshooting.
7. Faster Transfer time -refers to the duration in time it takes the UPS to switch from one state (i.e. Onbattery, Online...) to another. Smart UPS (2-4ms) while BackUPS (4-8ms)

In order for you to get the appropriate size of the UPS, please get the total Wattage and VA of all the equipment that will be plugged on the unit.

[Anonymous user]

Hi juangele thanks for the reply.

I have 2 follow up questions:

You said "3.SmartBoost and SmartTrim allows the UPS to Boost the voltage up or Trim the voltage down to accommodate for slight voltage changes. This prevents the UPS from needing to go onto battery for these slight changes."
Is this SmartBoost and SmartTrim vastly superior to the AVR (automatic voltage regulation and power conditiong) that the Back-UPS RS series offers?

As well, you said "7. Faster Transfer time -refers to the duration in time it takes the UPS to switch from one state (i.e. Onbattery, Online...) to another. Smart UPS (2-4ms) while BackUPS (4-8ms)".

Like I said I would be running the following off of my UPS:
-network server
-one LCD 24" monitor
-adsl modem
-adsl router

Would the faster response time of the Smart-UPS really protect my equipment far better than the Back-UPS RS series?

Thanks.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Hi Scattershot,


Answer for Follow up question 1:
Some of the BackUPS unit that has AVR feature can only boosts up to 12% while SmartUPS can boosts up to 24%, that's why it's called SmartBoost and SmartTrim Feature.

Answer for Follow up question 2:
Some servers requires faster transfer time to continue without rebooting/shutting down after an event was triggered. That is why, for servers we usually recommend Smart UPSs.

Different UPSs has different watts and VA capacity. In properly sizing a UPS, we need to specify the total wattage and/or VA being drawn by the load attached to prevent from encountering any issue when an event is triggered.

Hope this helps.