Deciding between Smart UPS & Backup Pro

[Anonymous user]

I'm trying to decide between the Smart UPS & Backup Pro line. I know that the Backup Pro line is more for home PC's and that the Smart UPS line is more for business networks. I currently have a laptop, desktop, oversized monitor, cable modem, router, NAS and printer at this point, but addtional components could be added in the future.

I noticed that the Smart UPS line offers a pure sine wave where as the Backup Pro line does not. How important is this?

I looked at the projected runtime for the Backup Pro 1000 vs. the Smart UPS 1000 under a 600W load and there's not that much of a difference. However, there is a notable difference between the 1500 models.

It also looks like there are more "battery backup" outlets on the Smart UPS vs. the Backup Pro. Half of the outlets on the Backup Pro are for surge protection only.

I like the option for the network management card on the Smart UPS, but I probably will never use it.

I am really looking for a quality UPS that will provide about 10 minutes of up time, support for gracefully powering down my systems, power conditioning and ample sureg protection.

What do you think? Smart UPS or Backup Pro?

[Anonymous user]

Bump.

Can anybody help me with this?

[Anonymous user]

Honestly, I'd just go for the backups unit. I don't honestly think you need the features of the smartups. For example, you don't need a pricey network management card if you've got only two computers, one of which has a built-in ups to begin with. And you don't need too many ups ports; you only REALLY need one to keep the computer powered while it shuts down. Your network gear will be fine without ups power; according to your post your intent is not to keep the network/ISP link up and running as long as possible anyway.

I'm a total nerd that spends too much time and money on home computer/network gear, so I happen to use smartups units even though my needs are similar. I'd say that these are for people who either know they need it or know they want the fancy features. You don't seem to be in either camp. HTH!

[BillP]

Are you looking at safely shutting down the desktop PC, if yes what Operating System are they using? I would also check first the load that you are going to connect, would they require a pure sine wave or would they accept a quasi/square/step approximated sine wave? Are you using generator, if you do our Smart-UPS works well with generators.

I would recommend using a Smart-UPS if all of the load needs to have back up power since all of it's outlets are battery backup and surge outlets unlike the BackUPS.

[Anonymous user]

Did you read the first post? This is a user with a basic understanding of UPS tech, and a simple set of needs. They're wondering if a basic unit would be sufficient for those needs. The short answer is yes, it would be sufficient.

Are you looking at safely shutting down the desktop PC

They said yes in the first post, but both units offer that functionality.

would they require a pure sine wave or would they accept a quasi/square/step approximated sine wave?

They don't know, which is why they asked to begin with. Given the context of the post, it is almost certain that nothing they have requires a pure waveform.

Are you using generator

Are you serious?

I would recommend using a Smart-UPS if all of the load needs to have back up power since all of it's outlets are battery backup and surge outlets unlike the BackUPS.

The post states that they already know not every outlet on the backups gets UPS power. They're asking for help in determining whether this is significant. I'm saying that it's insignificant in this context because the vast majority of that equipment does NOT need UPS power.

With respect to your reputation medal and what it implies, it seems that in this case you aren't really helping the user even though you're asking the technically correct questions. To reiterate my first response, people who need the functionality of the SmartUPS generally know they need it. If you have to ask, then you're almost certainly not among them. The extra features may be desirable, but that's something no one else can help you with.

Message was edited by: curby

[BillP]

I apologize I missed that part that jjscott has posted. Let us move on and assist jjscott with his issues.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Hi,
having used stepped approximation units for many years, I recently had to switch to sinewave units.

First reason is that newer power supplies have PFC or A-PFC, and that does not bode well with stepped output.

Also, the crest factor of the stepped is not as high as sinewave outputs (for APC that is).

The third reason is that higher power stepped units do put out a peak to peak voltage which is dangerously close to the maximum voltage rating of capacitors inside the attached power supplies.

There are a few more reasons,these are the main only.

However, as long as you only have the mentioned parts, and they are not newer than 1 year, you could still use stepped units.

But to be totally save and compatible with future high efficiency power supplies, I'd recommend sine.

And the runtime is ONLY dependent on the batteries used, the efficiency of stepped/sine is nearly the same.

So whoever uses larger Ah batteries, runs longer.

P