Turning on UPS with a PC already connected to it

[Anonymous user]

Hi - I would like your opinion on something - I have an APC SC 620 smart UPS to protect my computer. Now since I live in the tropics and we get quite a few thunderstorms, I took the decision to have the UPS plugged into the wall socket and turned on ONLY when I am using the computer, so that the PC is not exposed to line surges, etc. from storms when I happen to be out of the house or sleeping, etc. So basically the computer is permanently plugged into the SC 620 (only power and monitors - no modem - I do not use this computer for internet, only work), but when not in use, I shut down the PC, then turn off the UPS, and disconnect it from the wall socket. All the while, the computer is still plugged into the UPS.

When I DO use the computer (3 times a day), my power-up procedure is this - plug the UPS into the wall socket, turn on the UPS, wait for the UPS to finish self testing, then turn on the PC. My question is this - is it possible that, since the PC is already plugged into the UPS when I a) plug the UPS into the wall socket, and b) when I turn on the UPS, the UPS during this power-on sequence could send spikes that could damage my PC? The reason I ask is that the UPS makes clicking noises when the plug is inserted into the wall socket and again when turned on (I believe these are normal and relate to the battery), and I was wondering if these "clicks" are accompanied by small spikes that could damage my computer. Remember, I do this power-up routine 3 times a day.

I just wanted to be sure that, in my zeal to protect my PC, I am not in fact causing damage to it!

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

[BillP]

The Smart Ups Will Always Protect Your Computer And No Surges Or Spikes Will Ever Go Though, And Even Lets Say ( Ive Seen This Happen) 600 Volts Went In Your House The Ups Mite Die But Your Computer Will Still Be Fine

[Anonymous user]

Thanks, Wwallender. The comment about the 600V experience is very reassuring when it comes to power surges from mains power. However, what I was referring to was the fact that I plug in and turn on this UPS MULTIPLE times a day, EVERY day (for 2 years now), with the computer ALREADY plugged into the UPS, and was worried that the "clicks" I hear from the UPS every time I do this may be associated with some kind of power cycling INTERNAL to the UPS that could generate harmful spikes at the UPS output, and be transmitted to the computer that is already plugged into the UPS output. I know this isn't usually a cause for concern, but since I turn off & disconnect the UPS from the mains MULTIPLE times a day, I thought I should just check.

I should also clarify - I am asking this becuse I have a been getting a number of serious computer issues after 2 years of using this setup, and my computer tech, during his troubleshooting, noticed the power-up procedure that I use, and raised concerns about it (the same concerns that I am raising now). I am asking this question so that I can definitively eliminate this as a potential cause of my problems, so that my computer tech does not keep harping on about it and can get to the REAL cause of my problems.

By the way, thanks for taking the time to reply on a weekend.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

No The Clicks Are Just Relays Allowing The Electricity To Flow So The Ups Wont Generate A Spike If Anything It Will Generate A Sag For a A Split Second