surge protector power strip with back-ups

[Anonymous user]

Hello, 1 month ago i bought an APC  PM5U-GR so i can connect my desktop, monitor, speakers, extended hard drive and a small lg shelf stereo. I have only 1 socket near me.

I decided I needed a UPS for my computer so I bought  an APC  Back-UPS 950VA. It arrived today and as I read the instructions it said that I need to connect the UPS to the power socket and not anywhere else and also that I shouldn't connect a power strip to a UPS. I don't have any knowledge on electrics  so I can't understand why this is bad. The UPS has 4 outlets and I need to connect 5 things, what should I do?

I read somewhere that i can connect a ups to a power strip  without  surge protection because that's what's causing the problem. Is it true? 

The plan that I had in mind would be like this:  wall socket --> power strip --> UPS --> computer + monitor + extended hard drive

                                                                    power strip --> speakers + stereo

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi,

It is not recommended. The UPS has been designed to be plugged directly into a wall outlet and was test for that configuration. If you are going plug into a power strip it should not provide surge suppression. A surge strip may compromise the ground connection which the UPS needs in order to provide adequate surge protection.

If you do decide to plug into a power strip you should check local electrical code. You may violate code by plugging a UPS into a strip.