What is your UPS method?

felixrosbergen

Senior Member
Hi All,

I am at the stage where i want to get a UPS to keep my server running during short outages, and i also want to keep the home network up and running (cable modem, router, switch, wireless access point and VOIP adapter).

I recently ran some new circuits from a electrical sub panels and have all the network gear plugged into a quad outlet on one circuit and the server and whole house audio bits on 2 Quads on a 2nd circuit (the audio stuff could move to another circuit if needed).

The server draws about 100 watts and the network gear i don't know but it's your typical residential stuff.

I want to get a UPS, i woudl prefer rack mounter but they seem very expensive. I also want a 'clean' way to connect everything that needs to connect to it. I don't really like the idea of mounting power strips on the wall that are plugged into the UPS.

The recently added quad outlets are in surface mount boxes connected to the sub panel with some romex.

If it legal/code to keep these outlets, but put a plug on the other end of the romex and plug it into the UPS? Or i believe some UPS's allow hardwiring, would that be 'legal'?

I'm willing to spend a few hundred, but it seems like rack UPS's are getting towards $1k which is too much. If needed I'm ok with making a shelf/brackets on the wall and having a UPS sit on that.

I would like somewhere between 30 minutes to an hour of UPS running time and automatic shutdown after that, with automatic restart when the power comes back on.

Any suggestions? What did you guys do?
 
I have deployed many of those CyberPower AVR1500 systems, and while I have received a few DOA, they really are nice units. I have a 1000VA unit myself.
 
MikeB: nice link.

Interesting link on how to determine the size of a UPS.

Also found this calculator

1500VA seems plenty big for my use...looks like i would get a few hours out of that. If the cable modem stays alive and my network does too i could surf the web from my laptop during a power outage. ;)
 
MikeB: nice link.

Interesting link on how to determine the size of a UPS.

Also found this calculator

1500VA seems plenty big for my use...looks like i would get a few hours out of that. If the cable modem stays alive and my network does too i could surf the web from my laptop during a power outage. ;)

I got my APC from refurbups.com. I have a 1500VA for a server, switchI also use an Elk power supply with battery to power my router and modem.
 
I have only used APC. I think the number of the one I'm using is RS-1500.

RS 1500

I have almost my entire rack plugged into it. You can remove the stand, and can tip it on to ONE of it's sides.

My Rack (OLD PIC)

I've since cleaned it up and have walls around everything now!

My server draws 81W, the hubs are like 15 each, cable modem (DSL in that picture), monitor, and a few other "critical" things. I figure it should last a few hours.

Things NOT plugged into it, the rack of external hard drives. Those are some of the networked drives I use for daily backups. I have a UPB module that turns on, a script that registers the drives, then when registered, the backup commences. Then after that is done, they are turned off (along with the HUB they are plugged into). Works pretty well!

I have one more of those networked drives in the house...hidden. I want to put it in a fireproof box, as it's totally remote controlled, I don't need physical access to the drive. It is where all the security images and family valuables (tax paperwork, our repository of digital pictures, etc.) are stored.

--Dan
 
I'm a cheap skate, so I saw a 1000VA unit over at monoprice for around $175. I've gone a bit spend crazy this last month, so I think I'm going to hold off for a while, but unless something else pops up thats the one I'm going to get.

--Jamie
 
I have deployed many of those CyberPower AVR1500 systems, and while I have received a few DOA, they really are nice units. I have a 1000VA unit myself.

+1 on the Cyberpower. I have my UPB PIM plugged into the same outlet, and do not have any noise problems with my UPS either (I have heard a lot of complaints from people who have older APC units).
 
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