Can I connect a power strip to my UPS?

[Anonymous user]

I have an APC Back-UPS 650 and an APC SurgeArrest Performance, plus a desktop computer with a LCD monitor, a couple of speakers and an ADSL router. They are connected in the following way:

• wall socket --> power strip --> UPS --> computer + monitor
• wall socket --> power strip --> router + speakers

This implies that the router and the speakers are not connected to the UPS and so if there is a power interruption they will shut down. I also sometimes connect to the power strip a couple of external hard disks for backup purposes. I'd like to connect them to the UPS in some way, too. 

What I have in mind is something like this:

• wall socket --> UPS --> power strip --> computer + monitor + router + speakers

I can't do that due to connectors. UPS uses IEC 320 C13/C14 connectors while the power strip input and the wall socket output are CEI 23-16 (I live in Italy).

Is this possible? What do you suggest?

Thank you.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

As long as you don't overload the UPS and you are happy with the runtime that will result from connecting all those devices to your Back-UPS 650, you can connect using a power strip.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Router consumption is 11 W. Speaker is 7 W. External hard disk is 14 W. So I don't think I'll overload my UPS. The problem is I can't physically connect the UPS to the wall socket due to connector mismatch, and I can't connect the power strip to the UPS for the same reason. Perhaps I should look for some adapters...

[BillP]

Adapters would do the trick as well.

[justmatt_apc · Accepted solution]

Yeah, as long as you use the right connectors and don't overload the UPS, there's no problem at all with plugging a power strip into it.

[Anonymous user]

Two days ago I received the power strips I ordered. For those interested: a Techly IUPS-PCP-16BK and a Techly IUPS-PCP-6V. I installed them as planned and everything is OK now. Thank you for the help!

[Anonymous user]

It seems I should not plug my power strip into my UPS or the other way around: http://www.schneider-electric.us/sites/us/en/support/faq/faq_main.page?page=content&country=US〈=EN&i.... Or at least I should not use a power strip with surge protection...

[BillP]

Excellent find.  I think your last statement indicating that a strip without surge protection/filtering may be acceptable and makes the most sense.

[BillP]

I would like to either:

a) extend the Power Cord of a BR1000G with a 3 foot, single outlet, 15 Amp, extension cord (10 AWG ?)

or

b) place a non-surge protector strip on the load side of the the UPS

I am not trying to get more outlets, just three more feet.

Is either of these acceptable ? preferred ???

Thanks

Also, are Surge Protector strips OK on the NON- BATTERY- BACKUP outlets ???

[BillP]

Either one is acceptable and I personally would prefer your option "a" by extending the input cable by three feet.  It doesn't have to be 10AWG but you can use that large a "hose" if you want to.  The reason I prefer that one is because there are less "parts" to go bad.

Regarding you last question, I believe even the non-battery backed up outlets are surge protected.  Some people don't consider cascading surge protection to be a good idea.

[BillP]

OK, good, thanks. That would be my choice for the same reason

[BillP]

Plugging your UPS into a surge protector may cause the UPS to go to battery often when it normally should remain online. This is because other, more powerful equipment may draw necessary voltage away from the UPS which it requires to remain online. In addition, it may compromise the ground connection which the UPS needs in order to provide adequate surge protection. All APC Back-UPS and Smart-UPS products provide proper surge suppression for power lines without the need of additional protection.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Yesterday I ordered a couple of power strips without surge protection. I plan to remove my current APC power strip and connect everything as follows:

wall socket --> power strip 1 --> LED lamp (and eventually other devices/appliances that don't need backup)

wall socket --> power strip 1 --> UPS --> Computer + Monitor

wall socket --> power strip 1 --> UPS --> power strip 2 --> hard disk(s) + router + speakers

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Hello! I just would like to confirm...You connected a power strip going to your UPS and another power strip going to your equipment, is it correct ? How is it now?  Did you not encounter any problem by that? Thank you and I would appreciate any feedback from you.