One vs. Two UPS'

[dlewis]

Hello,

If you have an option of getting two UPS' that total around 1080 watts versus getting one UPS that has 1900 watts, which option would you choose and why? Thanks!

 

[WayneW]

depends upon the loads.. I assume you have multiple loads and will run the UPSes in parallel... running UPSes in series is not recommended by APC. Are you needing the high power or trying to get longer run time? Runtime is determined more by the batteries than by the power limits. How will you manage them? or will they just be dumb? UPSes are normally rated in VA, not watts. 1900 watts is a BIG UPS... do you have a dedicated 20 amp circuit for it?

 

[dlewis]

depends upon the loads.. I assume you have multiple loads and will run the UPSes in parallel... running UPSes in series is not recommended by APC. Are you needing the high power or trying to get longer run time? Runtime is determined more by the batteries than by the power limits. How will you manage them? or will they just be dumb? UPSes are normally rated in VA, not watts. 1900 watts is a BIG UPS... do you have a dedicated 20 amp circuit for it?

I'm looking for high power that can run for a decent amount of time (if that answers your question). Here are the options (to make it clear):

The 1980 watt UPS: http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techsp...mp;tab=features

The two 1080 watt UPS': http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techsp...ku=SUA750R2X338
http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techsp...base_sku=SC1000

I don't know if I plan to make the dumb or manage them. I'll lean towards manage. Hopes this makes it clear. Thanks!

-Derrick

 

[sic0048]

But if you are only running one load (ie one computer) then you need 1 UPS. If you have several loads, then you can spread them out over several UPS devices. But make sure no device is hooked up to two UPS's. You might think it would work fine to hook 2 UPS into one device, but it actually doesn't work in real life, and you'll end up with only 1 doing most of the work.

 

[dlewis]

But if you are only running one load (ie one computer) then you need 1 UPS. If you have several loads, then you can spread them out over several UPS devices. But make sure no device is hooked up to two UPS's. You might think it would work fine to hook 2 UPS into one device, but it actually doesn't work in real life, and you'll end up with only 1 doing most of the work.

I might have 3 to 4 computers and a 360watt switch. I was thinking it would be better to spread them between two UPS' instead of one would be better. What are yalls thoughts (based on the above mentioned UPS')? Also, when you say a 20am circuit for the 1980watt UPS, is this 100% required?

Thanks!

 

[tmbrown97]

Honestly, I prefer 1. With 2, the loads may not distribute the way you want. Kinda like having 4 250gb hard drives or 1 1tb. I'd rather divvy it up myself than be forced by mechanical limits.

 

[gatchel]

Also, when you say a 20am circuit for the 1980watt UPS, is this 100% required?

Thanks!

A 15 Amp circuit only provides 1800 watts of power at 120v.
A 20 amp circuit would be needed to handle the UPS at full load. (2400 watts)

Also the larger unit says it comes with a NEMA 5-20P (Plug). You will require, at a minimum, a 20 amp circuit with a 20 amp outlet to be able to use this UPS.

For home use I would use the 2 separate units instead of the single unit based on the fact that you can plug the 2 UPS' in anywhere if you choose to move them later.