Computer Battery Backup?

[GhostfaceJim]

I've had an APC battery backup the 1500m and it took a full shit on me.  I'm not sure it has worked properly for a while though.  I've had it only 4 years.  The last one was about the same.  Broke after like 4 years.  They are not exactly cheap if they break all the darn time.  I am wondering if I even need it or should just go with a nice surge protector for my computer.  I do have a smaller APC backup that isn't fancy, but it has literally lasted like 20 years.  I have it plugged into my clock radio.

Any serious suggestions on UPS or Surge protector?  No I'm not using raspberry pi or ardino you weirdos.

[TBB]

To begin with we are >IDIOTS< not weirdos - except for @BUDMAN and .......... To protect my PC I use a Tripp Lite line conditioner plugged into a Tripp Lite Isobar.  Doesn't provide backup power but as effective as you can get to protect against power fluctuations that can kill the PC. Been using them for 20 years and never had a problem with them.  Just built a new PC for W11 an purchased new units out of an  abundance of caution.

Edited Sunday at 11:28 PM by TBB

[BUDMAN]

I use a APC ... just a small one it last about 10 mins after the power went out when I worked from home ... 

[KaptCrunch]

Jim  sounds your batterys have died for that's about time (4-7 yrs service) take notice how batts are connected  series  or parelle  for most are 24VDC with AVR,  have a volt meter to check  connections  and  batery standing voltage will tell the story.  if have 2 extra  car bat to text unit   

[major-mark63]

I have a Cyber power with ups side and surge protector only other side .

one thing to remember it should have enough watts to support what you have plugged in.

I got previous UPS that broke early cause i had my Brother MFc scan copier plugged in that pulled to much power.

Now i have only my pc , monitor  and clock plugged on 450 watts UPS and it says that he could run 52 min without electricity.

And here we have a lot of power lost..

[GhostfaceJim]

13 hours ago, KaptCrunch said:

Jim  sounds your batterys have died for that's about time (4-7 yrs service) take notice how batts are connected  series  or parelle  for most are 24VDC with AVR,  have a volt meter to check  connections  and  batery standing voltage will tell the story.  if have 2 extra  car bat to text unit   

Both times I replaced the batteries and it does not fix.  It is like the unit has an issue.  I've done a little googling and says either replace battery or hard reboot the device.  All the rest say that the unit chipset is fried.

[BUDMAN]

They don't want you to fix it they want you to buy anothere one ...

 

[Mazdarati]

I just had the same thing happen but I had my APC for 15+ yrs so I got my money out of it , Ended up buying a Cyberpower unit because APC was twice as much money , but it seems just fine so far.

[KaptCrunch]

1 hour ago, GhostfaceJim said:

Both times I replaced the batteries and it does not fix.  It is like the unit has an issue.  I've done a little googling and says either replace battery or hard reboot the device.  All the rest say that the unit chipset is fried.

i got one  APC 1400  smart-up from garbage and found a trace on circuit board was opened an filled it with solder  worked 0K  after that  

Caution: some Caps hold  voltage  use a lamp (lightbulb) to discharge them before touching things or get a instant afro when shocked

[KaptCrunch]

Maz  hope you got a AVR unit not just power out 

with UPS units  try to use one's with automatic voltage regulation  is the best insurance of surge damage, brown outs etc.

1 hour ago, Mazdarati said:

I just had the same thing happen but I had my APC for 15+ yrs so I got my money out of it , Ended up buying a Cyberpower unit because APC was twice as much money , but it seems just fine so far.

and when replace batterys APC do reset by holding  power button at least 6 seconds to activate the self test. other's read the manual 

[KaptCrunch]

APC  and PowerChute software to check firmware of your unit  back in the 80's  they were avialible  

some list   that aren't upgradeable 

[GhostfaceJim]

So I ordered a replacement battery.   The cheaper off brand one.  Gotta save that $15 extra dollars.  I also just pulled it apart and looked for faults or burned up wires and such and saw nothing.  Battery will be here in less than a week, and crossing fingers.

[KaptCrunch]

Jim 

did you check standing voltage of the batteries   12.6 VDC is fully charged  note you can use AMG battery type or SLA battery 

note match the measurements LxWxH and the connection blade or lug, and the Ah rate keeping same or can go bigger with Ah but keep same battery measurements so fit the case.

higher Ah gives more staying power, if want longer run time can paralle another one if a single unit or 2 battery but need to make battery box to house them an 8 Ga wire to connect them and fuses to protect against fire, use same size as orginal (1500W uses 100amp fuse) doing this will double the run time.  me have done this  run time 1hr @ 60% load  Network, monitors, sound system and 2 PC's.

I get niebroughs  knocking on my door for playing CoD during a blackout.