Do I need to turn OFF the UPS after I shut down the computer

[Anonymous user]

Hi,

I just got my Smart-UPS, Model: SMT750I, and have connected my computer and monitor on it. Now I have a very simple question:

Do i need to turn OFF the UPS, after I shut down my computer or not?

If yes, how? Via power button on the UPS...? Or do i need some software for computer? And how do I connect my PC and UPS: via USB, or UPS Monitoring port?

Thank you in advance

[BillP · Accepted solution]

I agree it is not a bad idea during storms or similar..

[Anonymous user]

Hi,

I just got my Smart-UPS, Model: SMT750I, and have connected my computer and monitor on it. Now I have a very simple question:

Do i need to turn OFF the UPS, after I shut down my computer or not?

If yes, how? Via power button on the UPS...? Or do i need some software for computer? And how do I connect my PC and UPS: via USB, or UPS Monitoring port?

Thank you in advance

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi Dario,

The answer to your question would depend on certain conditions. If you have just turned off your PC because you are done with your work and there is no power problem you can turn the UPS via the power button. As long as there is input power coming in to your UPS, it will charge the battery.

With regards to connecting your UPS to your computer for monitoring purposes you can connect both the USB or Serial/UPS Monitoring Port can do the job. You can also purchase a network management card if you do need to have network manageability of the UPS.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

i would say it is not a requirement to turn the UPS off every single time you turn your computer off. the UPS is designed to be left on all of the time and I don't see a benefit to turn it off each day. also, every time you turn the UPS on, it will do a UPS self test and if done too often, this will drain the battery a tiny bit unnecessarily. if you do this a few times a day for a year, then it adds up.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

I agree.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

I just dug up this thread while researching this issue. I have back ups es 500. I was wondering if it would be better for me to press the APC power button after done using. Typically 1-3 times daily. Hooked up to my battery back up APC ports is my plasma TV, ps3 and PC. None of these device require constant power when not in use. How much electricity is being used/saved when power button on APC is turned off. Is the APC really charging at the same rate whether or not the power button on APC is pressed? I don't know if it matters but I never bothered networking my APC or installing software.

Message was edited by: leif2

[BillP]

no, honestly a UPS is intended to be on all the time by design. i see no benefit of turning it on or off daily. just turn it on and leave it on.

[andreiguird_apc · Accepted solution]

Just want to get clarification, which is the best practice for the UPS after computer is shut down?

1) Turn off the UPS but let the UPS still plugged to main outlet (keep charging the battery)

2) Turn off the UPS and also disconnect it from main outlet (the battery would discharge slowly in this state)

3) Let the UPS keep turned on.

I have tried the 1st one, the UPS will keep getting warm while it's turned off. Would this affect longevity of the components inside?

For the 3rd one, if I'm not in home and there is blackout, the UPS will turn into battery mode and the battery will keep discharging until it's run out. If it often happens, would this reduce the battery life greatly compared to 2nd method ?

UPDATE:

it's been answered here, the first method is the best one.

[gohook]

So the ANZWER is :  YOU DO NOT NEED TO TURN OFF THE  APS UPS PoWER SAFETY SUPPLAY WHEN TURN OFF THE DESKTOP COMPUTER & 24 Inch SCREEN.

Let it be ON.   

[MorneMeintjes]

Good morning.

It all depends why you are switching off. If its to give the UPS longevity its better to leave the UPS on.

The UPS needs to keep its batteries charged. Charged batteries have a longer life span. If you switch off your UPS for more than a week or two its better to disconnect the batteries. However if the batteries are not charged at least every three months, they will discharge, and due to sulfation your backup time will be reduced. Very long periods with out charging the battery will eventually lead to battery death. 

Just leave the UPS on, to charge its batteries. Also the battery takes a long time to charge, it keeps charging even after the UPS indicates the battery was replenished.

Its better to leave your UPS ON. In storms it may be a good idea to switch off.

Hope this helps.