Looking for some UPS recommendations

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woodson

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#289663 21-Sep-2021 10:31

We've got a couple of planned power outages coming up next week from around 8am-3pm.

I was wondering what kind of UPS would be recommended to keep a laptop going once it has run out of juice (and maybe charge a couple of phones) over a possible 3-6 hour period.

I see PB tech has everything from just over $100 to multi-thousands of $.

Thanks for any help.

Dynamic

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#2781572 21-Sep-2021 10:59

Don't want to give yourself the day off?

Think about your long term use for the UPS. Consider either of the items (or type of item) below as alternatives if you might be able to get long term use out of them and they fit within a budget.

https://dwights.co.nz/products/42-000mah-portable-power-centre or https://www.tradetested.co.nz/p/tools-hardware/electrical/smart-chargers/hyundai-power-station-555wh

https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/powertec-digital-inverter-generator-2000-watt/p/354829 (these types are fairy quiet)

If you are anywhere near west Auckland, I can lend you a little 1000w digital inverter generator. Perhaps ask around and see if any friends have a quiet-ish generator they would be happy to lend or rent cheaply.

With a UPS, look for the runtime chart or figures. Below are two examples. Note the power drain is not linear, so the slower you drain the battery the better.

https://www.cyberpowersystems.com/product/ups/standby/cp350slg/

https://www.apcguard.com/Smart-UPS-Runtime-Chart.asp

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nitro

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#2781582 21-Sep-2021 11:25

it's not really the UPS's job to sustain devices for hours - mainly to allow for a smooth changeover to a generator or, without an alternative power source, allow for a graceful shutdown.

Dynamic's suggestions are sound for what you seem to want.

timmmay

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#2781583 21-Sep-2021 11:25

Personally I would look at a generator. They'll be useful for emergencies, and last a lot longer. 6 hours for a laptop, monitor, etc is probably a bit of power. Better to go to one of those "rent an office by the day" places for one off.

freitasm

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#2781585 21-Sep-2021 11:26

I have an Eaton 3S 700 and this is what it shows with only my desktop connected to it (no monitor):

I also have a new Eaton S3 850 which is powering the ONT, the router, a Synology NAS and an eight-port switch. It shows about 45 minutes:

The above gives you an idea of runtime you can get from these models. You will need to know the power consumption and if you want to keep working then consider powering the ONT and router at least.

The desktop and NAS are set to shutdown after five minutes of running on battery.

Really, the UPS will keep you running for a while but the best option for longer periods would be a generator as mentioned.

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mentalinc

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#2781586 21-Sep-2021 11:31

A UPS is designed to get you through the time it takes between power going out, and the generator kicking in.

Using it as a giant battery to get a whole day's work is not going to be successful.

I'd suggested you need to spend a weeks worth of salary on a UPS (of a suitable size) to get a days worth of work done.

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woodson

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#2781637 21-Sep-2021 13:19

Many thanks for all the detailed feedback, really appreciate it. Might have to encourage the wife to take the day off! 😉