UPS/Surge Protector advice needed please.

V3teran

V3teran

V3teran

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Hi everyone.

I have a small business with 8 workstations and a server where all work is backed up to the server.

Im thinking of getting a UPS/Surge protector for added security but i dont know which one.

The workstations on full load will run up to 350w but this is rare as there used for very not very demanding work.

Can anybody please advise?
What do i need to consider with regards to my choice?Power draw of workstations?

Thanks
 
You'd usually just UPS protect the server. A suitably sized APC Smart-UPS would be my choice. The size will depend on the server load and the required runtime, there are selection guides on APC's website to help with this.

If you did want to protect the workstations then you'd probably get away with the cheaper Back-UPS models (although I'd still prefer a Smart-UPS). Again look at the APC website for guidance on sizing.
 
As said above, normally you would only have a UPS on the server. Do you know the specs of the server? I would advise getting a smart UPS as you can connect it to the server and have it shut down gracefully, safeguarding data, rather than a mad scramble to shut down once you realise the power has gone if you get one that is too small.

I have a Smart UPS1000 powering my main pc and comms equipment at home, which will last about 15 minutes and is set via the simple interface to shut down the machine when it gets to 10% of battery as generally, power cuts are blips or brown outs, but when the power goes off totally, its usually off because something major has happened.

I would stick with APC as they are one of the better ones, but Eaton are another good brand to chose.
 
I use one at home purely to allow my server time to shut down. Windows Home Server goes absolutly bat**** mental if its shut off instantly. Mine is the cheaper Back-UPS and it has been flawless the past 3 years! Works a charm, had a few blackouts, and a couple of brownouts, few spikes and it has kept it rock solid.
 
The 8 workstations on full load pull around 350w each so thats around 3000w,do i need a UPS that will output this amount and more takingthe server into account?
 
You can connect multiple machines to a UPS but it gets complicated from a signalling point-of-view. Also a UPS with the capacity to run the server and all of the workstations for more than a couple of minutes is going to cost thousands.

I'd either assume one UPS per machine, or pay someone to come in and set things up properly.
 
You can get a network card for a smart ups, so if you are resolute of running all the workstations and server, you will need a 5000VA UPS with a network card. For this you are looking at about £2579.99 retail, plus someone to come and install it. This will give you only 6 minutes of run time however.

How do you know that your workstations only draw 350w? I haven't seen a machine that only draws that little for a while. Also, don't forget, you will need to add in the monitors and the network devices. All told, you are looking at 8KVA UPS for £3500 give or take.
 
mejinks said:
You can get a network card for a smart ups, so if you are resolute of running all the workstations and server, you will need a 5000VA UPS with a network card. For this you are looking at about £2579.99 retail, plus someone to come and install it. This will give you only 6 minutes of run time however.

How do you know that your workstations only draw 350w? I haven't seen a machine that only draws that little for a while. Also, don't forget, you will need to add in the monitors and the network devices. All told, you are looking at 8KVA UPS for £3500 give or take.
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I going to go with this 5000VA UPS, it may be overkill but once its bought then its done.

Thankyou all for the help, I really Appreciate it;)
 
PFS said:
I going to go with this 5000VA UPS, it may be overkill but once its bought then its done.

Thankyou all for the help, I really Appreciate it;)
Click to expand...

Our pleasure. Have you specced one with a network card? It will then tell the workstations connected to the network to save their work and shut down.
 
mejinks said:
Our pleasure. Have you specced one with a network card? It will then tell the workstations connected to the network to save their work and shut down.
Click to expand...

Yeah i got one mate, Havent bought it yet but once i get 5 mins and sorted out the downtime in the business ill get it ordered, Thanks again.;)
 
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