UPS question - how much power do they draw in day to day use?

You could start by checking its technical specs, which I've linked for you below in case you're having technical issues with Google today.

http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=bk350&tab=models

If the additional draw of a UPS is really a genuine concern then don't get one. They're fairly efficient, but you won't save any polar bears, or money on your bills. But they are good at regulating supply, protecting against brown-outs, surges, etc. And of course when properly configured they'll gracefully shut down attached machines in the event of a black out. Hurrah.
 
Well I have a belkin 1200va ups, and the actual unit uses about 30watts 24/7 as its constantly monitoring the mains input. I dont think it makes any diff how meny things you plug into it, as its just using power to monitor the input of the mains power. So basically if you find out how much the UPS uses and then just add the extra watts.
 
That APC UPS link is only 210watts,, so basically if your pc and stuff uses more then 210watts, it will either just cut out or it wont last very long during power loss, brownouts, spikes, ect.

My pc uses about 160watts when in windows and 300watts when gamming. System in sig.
 
unleashed said:
Iv'e had one of these http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=UP-017-AP&tool=3 for about three years now, fantastic bit of kit keeps my server up. Efficiency is quite high (90% plus) so won't break the bank.
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you really need one of these to see how much the ups is using 24/7

Power_Monitor_5003.jpg
 
bledd. said:
Thanks for the info Phil, didn't know I'd have to get one with a specific 'wattage', mine uses around the same as yours according to my inline wall plug, adding the screens in too I reckon about 400w max.

30w isn't a big deal. I've had one of these for years.. http://www.homeenergysaving.co.uk/brennenstuhl-pm230.html
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Like my ups can handle a max of 680watts, and it lasts about 20mins in batt mode with my pc using 160watts. But if my pc was near enough maxing out the 680watts on the ups, it would only last a few mins in batt mode. So basically buy the highest wattage one you can afford.

But yeah UPS are good and not only in power cuts but for regulating the power going into you equipment. So for a example if the mains power was much lower or higher then 240v, the UPS will flick over to battery mode untill the mains power had returned to a safe voltage level. So a thunder storm for instant where the power is up and down like a yoyo. But I dont think I be fully comfortable leaving my pc plugged in during a storm.. But saying that I have left my pc connected during 2 quite bad storms, when I havent been at home, and my UPS did its job as my pc still worked when I returned home. But Id be itching to unplug my pc if I were at home during a storm:D
 
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Finally got round to buying one.

APC BX700UI

Very very quiet in normal operation. Has a USB interface for shutting down my NAS if I'm out.
 
bledd. said:
Finally got round to buying one.

APC BX700UI

Very very quiet in normal operation. Has a USB interface for shutting down my NAS if I'm out.
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Great stuff,, the specs are more or less the same as mine, accept mine is a 1200va/680watt version and the batteries are 10x harder to replace on mine I bet.

A tip for you... The surge protection wont last forever, I have had mine for about 6-7 yrs now and I am guessing the surge protection is more or less dead, So I have my UPS plugged into a surge protector.
 
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bledd. said:
Shouldn't be hard to convert a kettle lead that will fit my router to plug into it too..
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I wouldn't do this. My UPS (backUPS 650VA) came with a connector that you could wire up yourself. I just googled them and you can still get them. I cut the end of a 5 port extension lead and wired that to the connector, so that it fits in to the back of the UPS.

I then put some screws in to the rear of my desk so that the extension lead could secure on to (as most seem to have 2 mounting points on them), then I plugged my monitors, router, switch etc in to it and all the wires are hidden and off the floor :D

*edit* google "c14 wireable plug"
 
Just get a few of these.. I am lucky with my UPS as its got the normal uk 3pin sockets

IEC C14 plug to UK

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I have my pc, 2 monitors, speakers, printer and router plugged into my UPS. With my pc stressed with both monitors on, my UPS is about 75% loaded. With my pc not stressed and only 1 monitor on, the UPS is only 30% loaded.
 
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