Back-UPS XS 1300 - Normal Behavior?

[Anonymous user]

I recently purchased a BACK-UPS XS 1300 to keep my DVR going during power outages. I currently have my DVR and 32" CRT TV plugged into the battery outlets of the UPS. I have tested it by unplugging it from the outlet, and everything works as expected. I have about 45 minutes of runtime with the TV on, and over two hours with it off (which is what I'd do if the power didn't come back on within a few minutes anyway). Everything looks good!

However, I noticed that when I turn my TV *on*, the LCD display comes on briefly on the UPS. The load display spikes at around 575 watts (under the 780 watt limit) when the TV initially is powered on, but settles down to around 130 while watching TV. At no time does the display show an "overload", nor do I hear any clicking to suggest it is in any way compensating for the sudden load surge. But what bothers me is that the display lights up every time I turn the TV on. Is this normal? Is it designed to light up the display briefly whenever the power load varies greatly? Or am I shortening the life of my UPS by having the TV plugged into it in the first place? My fear this that I +am+ overloading it when the TV turns on, but by the time the display lights up the overload icon is gone.... or does it stay up for a while even after the overload condition goes away? I don't think I am overloading it, but there has to be a reason the display lights up on the UPS when the TV turns on.

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I am new to UPS devices!

[Anonymous user]

Hello,

Sounds like the in rush current of the TV being turned on is causing the UPS to go into a brief overload state. Do you still have the manual for the TV? If so, does it list the in rush current at start up?

If the overload only lasts a second or two while the TV turns on, I don't think it should be a problem. However, I probably wouldn't plug any other devices in that would start at the same time as the TV. I would make sure that all devices turn on separately so that the UPS is not overloaded to the point where it damages the UPS.

Not sure of the long term effects of this on the UPS. I think if the overload was truly too much, it would have damaged the UPS by now. Sounds like the UPS is being overloaded, but only briefly which won't damage the UPS.

Anyone else have experience on the long term effect?

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Sounds like the in rush current of the TV being turned on is causing the UPS to go into a brief overload state. Do you still have the manual for the TV? If so, does it list the in rush current at start up?

Manual doesn't state anything about start up power consumption. Only that it consumes 94W average, which is pretty close to what I am seeing.

I suppose it could be overloading it. It's hard to say since I don't see the overload icon. If anyone else has any further input, please chime in! I really don't want to damage the UPS, but I would like to keep the TV plugged into the battery outlet. Although rare in the first place, most of our power losses are mere glitches or minor / quick brownouts. To me it seems practical to keep the TV on backup as well so we can just skate right through them.