Can I plug the SURTA1500RMXL2U UPS into a surge protector?

[BillP]

This question was originally posted by Oliver on APC forums on 2/1/2016

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Hi, I would like to do this for better surge protection (higher Joules) than it looks like the SURTA1500RMXL2U by itself offers. Is this a good idea or do I have to plug the SURTA1500RMXL2U directly into the wall outlet? I would be plugging the SURTA1500RMXL2U (which only offers 540 Joules) into the Tripp Lite ISOBAR8ULTRA surge protector (which offers far more surge protection at 3840 Joules).

If this is not possible or heavily advised against, why is that? Also, if not possible, could I plug the SURTA1500RMXL2U directly into the wall outlet and then use the surge protector on the other side of the UPS and plug all of my equipment into the surge protector instead of directly into the SURTA1500RMXL2U?

Thanks in advance for any advice

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Bill on APC forums on 2/1/2016

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Hi,

UPSs are tested and approve for use when connected directly to a wall outlet. We do not recommend plugging a UPS into a surge strip, power strip, or extension cord because in most cases doing so will violate electric code. You can plug the surge strip into the UPS but be cautious not to overload the UPS outlet group circuit. 

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Oliver on APC forums on 2/2/2016

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On 2/1/2016 3:52 PM, Bill said:

UPSs are tested and approve for use when connected directly to a wall outlet. We do not recommend plugging a UPS into a surge strip, power strip, or extension cord because in most cases doing so will violate electric code. You can plug the surge strip into the UPS but be cautious not to overload the UPS outlet group circuit. 

Why don't APC UPSs have more surge protection then? The SURTA1500RMXL2U only has 540 Joules. The Tripp Lite ISOBAR8ULTRA surge protector has 3840 Joules.

If a surge came through my main line from a lightning strike or something, I'd much rather lose a $50-$100 surge protector than a $1K UPS and connected equipment.

Am I missing something here? Do APC UPSs somehow offer good surge protection even though their Joule ratings are pathetic?

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Bill on APC forums on 2/2/2016

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The Smart-UPS On-Line products have been tested to levels that exceed IEC standards for voltage spikes, voltage surges, and voltage swings. Below is the IEC standard level as well as the Smart-UPS On-Line test level.

Voltage Spikes
IEC standard (level): IEC 61000-4-4 (1000 volts)
test level: 4000 volts
test result: Passed

Voltage Surges
IEC standard (level): IEC 61000-4-5 (1000 volts)
 test level: 6000 volts
test result: Passed

Voltage Swings
Within the ONLINE range, the Smart-UPS will draw power from the ac-input source, charge the batteries, and regulate the output voltage to within 1% of nominal (typical): This range is dependent on UPS load as follows:
* 160Vac - 280Vac if load is above 50% of UPS rating
* 100Vac - 280Vac if load is 50% of UPS rating or below
Outside the ONLINE range, the UPS will transfer to battery backup power and continue to regulate the output voltage.

If you are concerned about damage to the Smart-UPS you can install a whole house suppression system. 

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Oliver on APC forums on 2/2/2016

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On 2/2/2016 12:23 PM, Bill said:

If you are concerned about damage to the Smart-UPS you can install a whole house suppression system. 

I live in an apartment, I can't install any sort of whole house/residence suppression system unfortunately.

So, are you saying that if there's a strong power surge I'm basically screwed? What would most likely happen to the UPS and connected equipment if that happens? Will the UPS just die or could it start a fire or something?

Would the UPS and connected equipment be covered under an APC warranty?

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Bill on APC forums on 2/2/2016

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Oliver,

You wrote "If a surge came through my main line from a lightning strike or something, I'd much rather lose a $50-$100 surge protector than a $1K UPS and connected equipment." and that is why I suggested the whole house suppression system. A whole house suppression system would protect the UPS. The UPS is designed to protect the attached equipment. 

On 2/2/2016 3:20 PM, Oliver said:

So, are you saying that if there's a strong power surge I'm basically screwed? What would most likely happen to the UPS and connected equipment if that happens? Will the UPS just die or could it start a fire or something?

 NO! The UPS is designed to shunt surges to ground the same as a surge suppression unit so any connected equipment will be protected. There is a metal oxide varistor (MOV) that passes the extra voltage from hot to ground. 

[voidstar_apc · Accepted solution]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 2/3/2016

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Also worth noting: unlike a surge protector, the UPS will go to battery during high line voltage, disconnecting your equipment from the mains.