HELP!!!!

[Anonymous user]

I have a chance to trade up my old APC BR800, and I would really like to know, what is the best over all backup? I would like to hook up a few things other than my pc(tv, backup lights, etc). So which APC system would be the best? Please reply.

[Anonymous user]

hippyman wrote:
I have a chance to trade up my old APC BR800, and I would really like to know, what is the best over all backup? I would like to hook up a few things other than my pc(tv, backup lights, etc). So which APC system would be the best? Please reply.

We need to know

The total wattage likely to be used during the outage.
The duration of backup desired.

[Anonymous user]

Basicly, as much as possible on wattage and duration.

[Anonymous user]

hippyman wrote:
Basicly, as much as possible on wattage and duration.

There's a selection from anywhere from few hundred watts to tens of kilowatts and runtime from 5-10 minutes to many hours.

It all depends on what you're willing to spend. I can't name a specific model without knowing your need and budget.

[Anonymous user]

OK, the main things I'll be using it for are my pc, caller id, speakers, and possibly a TV. I might plug a stran of X-mas lights in for backup lighting during long outages. As for budget, it doesn't really matter that much. I'm looking to spend less than $1000.00 after my trade in though. I do want good quality tho. Here's the link they gave me for trade up options.

[Anonymous user]

Can you give any specifics about your PC? What kind of CPU(s) does it have? How big is the monitor? Is it a CRT or an LCD monitor? What kind of graphics card does it have? Is there anything special about the system that should be taken into account when estimating its power consumption? How about the TV specs?

How much runtime are you looking for from a UPS? 1 - 2 minutes just to get through brief fluctuations, or something more? What type of outlet are you planning to use for the UPS? Will you be plugging it into a regular 5-15 household recepticle?

[Anonymous user]

The processor is a pentium 4, the monitor is a 15 inch flat screen LCD. My graphics card is a Radeon X600 from ATI. I'm looking for as much runtime that I can get from a UPS. It will be plugged into a regular wall socket, but we just had an electrician ground it, so there may not be a problem there. Idk if this matters, but most of whats gonna be plugged in will be power bars.

[Anonymous user]

I want to mention that APC does not recommend plugging UPSs, surge protectors, or extension cords into any other UPSs, surge protectors or extension cords. Generally, this configuration is not allowed by electric and fire codes, and it may void your Equipment Protection Policy. Ideally, the devices getting their power from the UPS/Surge protector would be plugged directly into the UPS/Surge Protector, and in turn, the UPS or surge protector should be plugged directly into a grounded wall outlet.

Based on the description of your computer system, I would guess that a UPS with a 300 - 400 watt capacity should be enough to power it effectively.

On the cheaper end of the spectrum, if you were just looking for a UPS to power your computer, I would suggest the BE750BB. It has 10 outlets total, with 5 offering just surge protection (no battery back-up) so you can plug in devices that you do not necessarily want to have eating up your runtime in the case of an outage. A 300 watt load on this model would run for about 5 - 7 minutes.
http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BE750BB

The same 300 watt load on a BR1500 would run for about 20 minutes. The BR1500 also has the ability to take an extra battery pack for added runtime.
http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR1500
http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR24BP


Keep in mind that I did not include a television, reciever, or any other peripherals in these estimates. If you would like to see a UPS that can power these types of devices, please give me a description them. Also, what kind of runtime were you looking for?

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

One of the best small UPS you can buy.
Smart-UPS 1000 XL 800W 1000VA $467.00 with trade in
http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=SUA1000XL&total_watts=50
At 350W, this is good for about 40 minutes

Since you expressed your desire for greater runtime, an addition of this will give you a far greater runtime while still meeting your $1,000 budget.
SUA24XLBP Extension battery pack $330

At 350W, you're good for about 3 hours with the external battery pack.

Runtime chart can be found here:
http://www.apcc.com/products/runtime_for_extendedruntime.cfm?upsfamily=164

They make an expansion battery pack that's even bigger, but you'll likely need a forklift to get it around with it weighing close to 300 lbs.