What should I look for in buying a new UPS?

[dcs.79c_apc]

For APC, what is the difference between a Back-UPS & a Smart-UPS?

I recently had a UPS fail on me. I found out that it is a standby. I had to find out the difference between a standby, line interactive & double conversion. From now on I'll choose a line interactive.

I'm shopping for a new UPS.

On another forum, but not APC, someone recommended the BrickWall surge protector. I want BOTH surge protection AND battery backup. On this other non-APC forum, the person told me that MOVs deteriorate over time & eventually fail. I also read about MOV failure online. I guess that all UPSs use MOVs don't they? Is there an alternative to MOVs?

I have a BX1300G.

I don't completely understand the technical mumbo-jumbo. For about the same VA on different brands, say 1000, I see different joule ratings. The BX1300G has 354. On a different brand for 1000 VA it might be 1,000 joules. Higher joules is better, right?

What specifications, in addition to joules, should I look for for a 1,000 or higher VA?

[BillP]

Hi David,

The primary difference between Back-UPS and Smart-UPS is the UPS output waveform while on battery - most Back-UPS models will have step approximated sine wave output on battery, most Smart-UPS would have sine wave output. There are additional differences in what features the different models and series support, feel free to check the individual specs for Back-UPS or Smart-UPS on our product pages.

Surge protection is built into APC Back-UPS and Smart-UPS both - we use MOVs in our surge suppression assemblies.

The Joule rating indicates how much energy the surge protector can absorb in a single event - you are right, the higher this number, the better.

Other relevant surge protector specs would be clamping / let through voltage (indicates what voltage spike will cause the protective components inside a surge protector to short - a lower clamping voltage typically means better protection, but may sometimes result in a shorter life expectancy for the overall protection system), and response time.

[dcs.79c_apc]

I've had both APC & Cyberpower UPSes. I've never had Tripp-Lite or any other brand of UPS.

I had to research the difference between standby, line interactive & double conversion. The standby is the least expensive & the double conversion is the most expensive. The standby doesn't have any voltage regulation. Every time that the voltage changes, the unit switches to the internal battery. The standby probably has the shortest lifetime.

So, if the clamping voltage is 300 volts & a 120 volt device is plugged into the UPS, both the device & the UPS would be fried, wouldn't they? I wonder if my renters insurance covers such an incident. Speaking of insurance, does APC have insurance on their UPSes? I've noticed that some UPS manufacturers promise to replace any devices that are damaged while plugged into the UPS.

[dcs.79c_apc]

What is the difference between the Back-UPS & the Back-UPS Pro?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Different model Back-UPS offer differing features. I recommend you compare the UPS to find the one the meets your needs.

The Back-UPS battery backup offers guaranteed power and surge protection for wireless networks, computers, gaming consoles and other electronics in your home or business. Models supply battery backup during outages and unsafe voltage fluctuations, as well as provide protection from damaging surges and spikes. They’re available in 'tower' or 'floor' styles, and together with a variety of standard features, they are the perfect choice to protect your data and keep you connected.

The Back-UPS Pro family offers guaranteed power protection for high performance computer systems, routers/modems, external storage devices, game consoles and other electronics in your home or business. These UPSs supply electronics with abundant battery backup during outages and stabilize unsafe voltage levels. They also provide power protection from damaging surges and spikes, and allow the use of management software so you get the most out of your UPS. Premium features of this family may include Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR), an LCD display, Smart Outlets, energy saving functions that reduce electricity use, network manageability, Watchdog, or configurable outlets. Together with the rest of the Back-UPS Pro's standard features, they are the perfect choice to protect your data and keep your system available.

On the APC web site you will find a tool that will help you choose the proper UPS for your needs. Just click Help me choose. 

https://www.apc.com/shop/us/en/categories/power/uninterruptible-power-supply-ups-/computer-and-perip...