UPS or similar alternatives?

[Meddling-Monk]

Hello all.

It's not quite PC Power Supply related, but sort of is at the same time (my PC is plugged into one at the moment I guess). Got a quick query or two:

Quick history:
About just over 3 years ago (so no warrant and free replacement anymore), I obtained an APC Back-UPS ES700 from Overclockers. Obtained it for express purpose of keeping Modem (TP Link W9970), 8 port gigabit switch, standard cordless landline phone, and NAS (Synology DS215J) powered during power outages at my parents place. At a very minimum to keep the landline phone powered in case of emergencies. Cue a few weeks ago, and it (ES700) began to beep like crazy.

Diagnosed the issue as possibly being simply needing to replace the battery. This isn't an issue, it's around £40+ for an official APC replacement direct. The only issue is, the current battery went from 100% normal function to 0% (and charging) just like that as far as I can tell. So I'm not even certain a replacement will work; as in, the unit itself may be cause of the battery issue. So if I obtain a replacement battery, and it turns out it's the unit itself, I'd need to fork out for more, and I might as well go via APC direct at that point. (Trying to save on costs)

An alternative is to use their Trade UPS program and purchase something else (or repurchase it again). The issues here, are, the prices are stonkingly bad. Like, I could shop at Overclockers and obtain three for the price of two direct via the Trade-UPS program. But I don't want to keep going for a unit that's going to need replacing every few years potentially if I can't be certain replacement batteries will sort the problem, or if the UPS battery can't be replaced (which supposedly some of them are unable to be done so).

So the full set of questions I have now:

1. Is there an alternative UPS or something similar that I can use for the express purpose of keeping the phone alive if the power goes dead? It uses a standard UK 3 Pin plug, so something that supports that will be great.

2. If I take advantage of the APC Trade-UPS program, I really only need the four main items listed above able to be powered and kept up for a bit until power cycles back up. But looking at the APC (proper) UPS available, the ones that would be able to do the job carry the iec or whatever standard of sockets. So I'd also need to obtain the appropriate plugs/adaptors/etc for use with them. But what I'd like to know is, would I need to have an adaptor for each socket on the UPS for each device? ie. Phone to its own socket, switch to own socket, etc. Or can I get an adaptor that lets me plug in more than one device into one of those sockets?

3. Incidentally, I have fairly good hearing. And the current ES700 had a very low volume, but high pitched whine when its on. Almost imperceivable. Think it's part of the power switch circuitry inside, but annoying still to my ears. Anyone know of any devices that are silent? Or are they all like that?

Thanks for any help everyone.

PS. Mods, if this is in the wrong section (and likely is), please move to the right one. Thanks.

 

[Rroff]

If that is the oversized extension lead type UPS then you'd be well moving on - the design isn't great and retains a lot of heat in the wrong places. If it is the tower variant then it is a bit better though still not the best UPS ever.

You can get adaptors for the IEC sockets that have two outlets (IEC C14 plug to 13A twin socket) - running low power stuff from them should be fine - not sure but for higher wattage stuff you probably should use individual outputs on the UPS.

 

[bremen1874]

A replacement battery can be had for under £20. There are plenty of places to get compatible batteries from (APC don't make them).

If you want a phone that'll work in a power cut then buy a basic corded phone and plug it in if/when it's needed.

 

[Meddling-Monk]

If that is the oversized extension lead type UPS then you'd be well moving on - the design isn't great and retains a lot of heat in the wrong places. If it is the tower variant then it is a bit better though still not the best UPS ever.

Extension lead type unfortunately. So I guess I'll be moving on to more advanced options.

You can get adaptors for the IEC sockets that have two outlets (IEC C14 plug to 13A twin socket) - running low power stuff from them should be fine - not sure but for higher wattage stuff you probably should use individual outputs on the UPS.

Cool. So the phone and the switch or modem can go together. Switch/Modem on its own and the NAS on its own too. So 3 socket minimum needed in search options.

Any particular UPS to recommend you may know of?

A replacement battery can be had for under £20. There are plenty of places to get compatible batteries from (APC don't make them).

Wasn't sure if the replacement non official batteries were potential issues (since it's technically my first foray into UPS with the current device and when trouble finally surfaced, I know not enough to be able to make a direct course of action to remedy it at cost effectiveness), since I'm well aware that badly done ones are potential fire/toxic hazzards and was just concerned as it's my parents place and they're not tech savvy in the slightest and at a more advanced age now, so didn't want them getting alarmed or hurt if the thing goes off again or something else happens.

If you want a phone that'll work in a power cut then buy a basic corded phone and plug it in if/when it's needed.

Hmmm, this might be an option. We did have one a while back, but we removed it as it was very old and damaged (as it was based in the kitchen back then). Only issue is, as they're elderly and not exactly mobile (severe pain in legs and lower back), ideally we need something that's already plugged in but reachable no matter where in the house. Just in case something happens to me, and my brother needs to call in to check in on them.

Hmmm, does anyone know if a corded phone will still work if I use a splitter for the voice section, and have one go to a corded phone, and one to the cordless phones? If that'll work, could go that route as well.

 

[bremen1874]

You can have multiple corded and/or cordless phones connected. That's how you used to have multiple phones around a house before cordless versions were available.

There's no problem buying batteries that don't come from APC. APC doesn't make the batteries and you can buy the equivalent, and often the exact same model, for significantly less.

 

[EsaT]

About just over 3 years ago (so no warrant and free replacement anymore), I obtained an APC Back-UPS ES700 from Overclockers. Obtained it for express purpose of keeping Modem (TP Link W9970), 8 port gigabit switch, standard cordless landline phone, and NAS (Synology DS215J) powered during power outages at my parents place. At a very minimum to keep the landline phone powered in case of emergencies. Cue a few weeks ago, and it (ES700) began to beep like crazy.

Diagnosed the issue as possibly being simply needing to replace the battery. This isn't an issue, it's around £40+ for an official APC replacement direct. The only issue is, the current battery went from 100% normal function to 0% (and charging) just like that as far as I can tell.

Likely control electronics going bonkers because of finest Chinese garbage capacitors you can find in their normal designed state.
For those and super bad design storing heat inside better name would be Scam-UPS.
Only way to get some surer long term 24/7 reliability from that design would be keeping it in fridge to limit temperatures.

Replacing capacitors should fix it.
Half dozen years ago fixed one nuts going ES to neighbour.

From flat box UPSes with UK power socket this Cyberpower appears to have some cooling:
https://www.cyberpower.com/uk/en/product/sku/BR700ELCD

potential fire/toxic hazzards

Lead acid batteries don't burn.