Is a UPS worth it for home use?

[azibux1]

Hi all,

Just wondering, what are your views on the above?

I was reading an article the other day which mentioned that your surge protectors probably don't actually provide any surge protection anymore after a few surges/power outages.

I remember seeing a 'surge' light on my extension lead / power tower (Masterplug Power Tower/Surger Protector) which I got years ago, I checked it today and yes, the light is no longer lit (don't know how long it has been like this) which means it provides no other function other than being an extension lead.

What do you all think? Is a UPS worth it over the cost of a good surge protector?

 

[azibux1]

I'd just get a surge protector - a PC powering off spontaneously shouldn't be a problem for it, just turns off and there's no power any more. However stopping a surge I think is more useful, should stop components being damaged

Thanks for the info Makes sense

I should also add that the PC doesn't have any mechanical drives, they're all SSDs, so I'm guessing that makes power failures less of a problem? If I'm correct, a mechanical drive can get ruined by a power failure can it not? If the head happens to scratch the platter? Or is that not correct?

 

[azibux1]

All depends what you use your PC for.

Just uni work, general stuff, including things I wouldn't want to lose... They are all backup up to a NAS in the house... If there's a power issue, I'm guessing that chances of it making the data on both the PC AND the NAS corrupt is quite slim?

 

[azibux1]

Hmmm seems like there's advantages and disadvantages both ways then

+ :
Data is (nearly) definitely safe
Nice to have

- :
Expensive
Could be spending on something unnecessary

Hmm, I'll have to have a think

Keep any views/ideas coming please

 

[azibux1]

I'll have to have a think about what I'd want plugged into it, then work out what spec of UPS I'd need.

Annoying because the NAS is downstairs and my PC is upstairs... Could move the NAS, but that means also moving the two USB printers connected to it (they're not network ready), and I don't want them in my room lol

 

[azibux1]

Thanks malcolm I remember briefly reading something about there being 3 different types of UPS, two of which you've mentioned

I've decided just to get another surge protector for now (the one I was talking about in the other thread)

Thanks all