UPS and power strip

[SageGk]

Anyone know if it is okay to plug a power strip into a UPS? I have a 6 outlet UPS, but need a few extra outlets.

[vexhold]

Theres no problem there as they are two different objects.

Basically the only thing this will effect is how long your UPS will last in an outage. You will have multiple items drawing from the battery vs one the one that you are protecting.

[trini0]

Me personally, I do so, but I keep all the low power equipment (usually the wall wart types) on the strip.

[SageGk]

Thanks guys. So what kind of UPS should I be looking at in terms of surge protection rating? I'm running a 56" DLP with an HD100, AV rerceiver, Bluray player, etc etc. IS 230W/425VA enough?

[SHS]

you should look at 1500VA with a 56" DLP which going need need a lot power to run

[OneThomas]

One note - I read a while back that you should NOT plug a power strip equipped with surge protecton into a UPS with the same. Use only a standard no frills power strip. Something about whacking up the electronics/sensors in the UPS with the electronics in the surge protected power strip. Not sure if it really causes an issue - as I just use no frills power strips on my UPS units.

[vexhold]

I have a surge protected strip plugged into my APC and it causes no problems. The only reason I have it is to be able to manually power down my equipment safely if the power goes out (and either me or my wife are home)

[SageGk]

Is there a way to calculate how much surge protection is needed for a system?

[vexhold]

When it comes to surge protectors, you definitely “Get what you pay for”.
Some things to look for...

Enough connections to protect all components of a system.
An on/off switch allowing you to shut off power to every component.
UL-1449 rating to ensure adequate testing by Underwriters Laboratories. Look for a specific UL rating, not just a label that says "UL Listed."
An indicator light or audible alarm so you know a high-level surge has occurred.
A clamping voltage of 330. This is the level at which the device begins to block the surge - the lower the clamping voltage, the better.
The total energy dissipation - the higher the better.
A joule rating of at least 400 is good; 600 is better. This is a measure of the ability to absorb surges. I reccomend ones that start at 1000.
A response time of 10 nanoseconds or less.
Protection between all three wire combinations: L-G, N-G, L-N.
A warranty against damage to any connected equipment. Keep in mind that no surge protector will be fully warranted against lightning strikes.
Filters for line noise, also known as electromagnetic interference.

Hope that helps

[Menehune]

APC.com has a calculator that can help determine the size UPS you need based upon the load and run time. I would use the "server, telcom, storage arrays" calculator since you can add in the exact current drawn by the devices in your system.

You can use a "kill-a-watt" to determine the exact loads or you can use the nameplate ratings from the equipment. Be carefull as most CRT TVs list peak (startup) loads, not load when it is running.

You need to know the exact current drawn by each device since that will affect the run time of the system. Estimate too small and the UPS may be overloaded and not turn on or die in 30 secs during a power outage, estimate too large and you will waste money buying excess capacity and batteries you may not need. You will also pay more for replacement batteries every 3-5 years when then need replacement.

[vexhold]

Wait, is he looking for UPS or surge protection?

Is there a way to calculate how much surge protection is needed for a system?

[SageGk]

Originally Posted by vexhold

Wait, is he looking for UPS or surge protection?

I don't know to be honest. Right now I'm thinking of a UPS for the HTPC and just a couple of surge protectors for the 2 rooms that have HD extenders.

[SageGk]

http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/P...=&ta=prod_info

I have a couple of these in the house, any good?