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Guides

APC Battery Backup for Laser Printer

by Tony ExcessUPS

It is not recommended to plug laser printers in to a UPS. Laser printers consume a lot of power during normal operation and especially at the initial time the fuser warms up. This large consumption of power can easily overload a UPS.  Laser printers should be plugged directly into the wall socket. The power supplies on laser printers are designed for this use.

hp laserjet p4015 printer series 190x170 APC Battery Backup for Laser Printer

If you have a Back-UPS it is also not recommended to plug the laser printer in to the surge protected outlets. The power the laser printer consumes could have adverse affects on the rest of the protected equipment, even on the battery back up up side of the UPS.

 

If you really need to put a laser printer on a UPS, then you need to size the UPS properly to accommodate the large power consumption of the laser printer. Check with the manufacturer to find out exactly how much wattage the laser printer consumes during printing, and how much voltage is consumed during the initial warm up stage. You’ll need a Smart-UPS, large than a Smart-UPS 1500VA. Don’t be surprised if you end up needing a Smart-UPS 2200VA or a Smart-UPS 3000.

 

Panasonic Viera 65″ Plasma 3D HDTV TCP65VT30 Battery Backup

by Tony ExcessUPS

We’ve been getting a lot of inquiries from customers trying to set up a power back up for their Panasonic Viera 65″ Plasma 3D TV. This TV costs over $3,000 brand new, it’s definitely worth investing into a proper UPS to protect the TV from damage caused by surges, voltage spikes, over voltage, power sags, brownouts and power failure.

Panasoni65TV Panasonic Viera 65 Plasma 3D HDTV TCP65VT30 Battery Backup

The power consumption for the TC-P65VT30 is 159W. This plasma TV doesn’t need a huge UPS, but it definitely needs a good high quality one to keep it protected.
A UPS like the Smart-UPS 700 will do the job perfectly. This is a line interactive UPS, maximum capacity of 450W, offering power boost (AVR Boost), power drop (AVR Drop), surge protection, power filtering and  run time.

For example, for the Plasma TV alone, this UPS could provide 28 minutes of run time. When it comes to TV’s, you’re not really going after the run time, you should be more concerned with the power filtering and enough capacity to protect all the equipment. If the power fails, you have a few minutes to safely shut down the TV, or if you must, finish the next 20 minutes of the show.

SU700NETmed Panasonic Viera 65 Plasma 3D HDTV TCP65VT30 Battery Backup

Like most people, you probably have a DVR System, home theatre system, a blu ray player and some other cool devices. You can also plug these in to the UPS to make sure they’re protected. Keep an eye on the wattage consumption of the devices to make sure you’re not going to overload the UPS. A UPS shouldn’t have more than 80% load.

 

If you’re a power user with a big variety of devices then make a list of the devices and add up the power consumption. On the back of the devices near the power cord there will be a label with the consumption. Also, you can look on-line for for this information.

Example list of devices and their power consumption ratings:

1. PlayStation (380W)

2. Sony 3D Blu-Ray Player (22W)

3. Sony Home Theatre (130W)

4. Cable Receiver (150W)

5. Plasma TV (159W)

Total = 841

* These numbers are the maximum the device can consume. During normal operation, the devices will probably consume less than that. My guess is we’d be running at around 650-700W.

With the above set up, the Smart-UPS 700 would not suffice.  The needed battery backup for this set up would be a Smart-UPS 1400 (950W). If you have less than what’s described above, you can go with the Smart-UPS 1000 (670W). Check your configuration to make sure you’re getting the right UPS. It’s better to size a slightly bigger UPS for the job than not have enough capacity.

If you need help figuring out which UPS is needed for your home theatre system, get in touch with us and we’ll get you the one you need!

 

 

Battery discharge rates during storage (All APC UPS Models)

by Tony ExcessUPS

The batteries inside of a UPS discharge during storage. There are several factors that affect the discharge rate including temperature in storage and battery rating. Also, the type of UPS and the method of storage will affect the discharge rate. Take a look at these interesting figures of discharge rates.

Keep in mind that the type of batteries used in a UPS have a “self discharge” characteristic.  In 20° Celsius (68° Fahrenheit) temperature, the battery naturally loses 3% per month. After 6-9 months, the battery could become completely discharge and not usable.

Also, with some series of UPSs, it’s best to make sure the battery is totally unplugged during storage, this will reduce the discharge rate to the natural self discharge rate.

 

Back-UPS,  Back-UPS Pro and the rest of the Back-UPS family:

APC BE750G front sm Battery discharge rates during storage (All APC UPS Models)

- when they’re powered off, it’s the same 3%, the natural discharge rate

 

APC Smart-UPS series

SUA1500sm Battery discharge rates during storage (All APC UPS Models)

- if the battery is disconnected with the “battery disconnect” at the back of the UPS, the discharge rate is the same as the natural discharge rate (3% per month)

- if the battery is physically disconnected (by disconnecting the battery from the UPS inside the battery bay), the rate is the same as the natural discharge rate (3% per month)

- if the UPS is turned off from the front control panel, then the discharge rate rises to 5%. The extra power goes to keep the microprocessor in the UPS powered

 

Smart-UPS RT (1-10KVA)

APC SURT3000XLT front sm Battery discharge rates during storage (All APC UPS Models)

- batteries should be disconnected as soon as possible

- batteries can discharge below start up voltage (85vDC) within 72 hours

- if batteries are physically disconnected, the discharge rate will be the natural discharge rate,  can still fall below the the minimum required start up voltage

 

Smart-UPS RT (20KVA)

APC SURT10000XLT front sm Battery discharge rates during storage (All APC UPS Models)

- batteries should be disconnected if going into storage or if power is out for an extended period of time. This will reduce the discharge rate

- the 20KVA RT’s can charge the batteries while in by pass mode, so if the UPS is operating in by-pass, it’s ok to leave the batteries connected, they’re being charged and maintained anyway

 

Matrix UPS

APC Matrix 5000 MX5000 sm Battery discharge rates during storage (All APC UPS Models)

- if disconnected by the rear switch, the discharge rate is slightly higher than natural, around 5%. The extra power goes to the bleeder circuits which are required to discharge the large capacitors and keep service folk from getting hurt.

- if the Matrix UPS is turned off from the front control panel, the discharge rate jumps to 7% a month. The extra power goes to the microprocessor that keeps the settings

- if storing for an extended period of time, disconnect the battery packs from the Matrix completely. This should reduce the discharge rate to the minimum

 

Symmetra UPSs

Symmetra Battery discharge rates during storage (All APC UPS Models)

- anytime the power is off or bypass for over 24 hours, disconnect the battery modules (SYBT2, SYBT5, SYBATT)

- battery modules can quickly discharge below the needed start up voltage (90vdc)

 

Please note:

- UPS batteries batteries don’t like the heat. The hotter the temperature in the room, the higher the discharge rate rises

- at 30° Celsius (89.6° Fahrenheit) ups batteries discharge at 3% a month, at 40° Celsius (104° Fahrenheit), they discharge at 10% per month

12 sweat Battery discharge rates during storage (All APC UPS Models)

- if room temperature is 30° Celsius (89.6° Fahrenheit), charge at least once every 6 months to maintain battery life

- if temperature is hotter, charge the batteries every two to three months to make sure you get the longest life possible

 

Site Wiring Fault Light is ON

by Tony ExcessUPS

If the site wiring fault LED indicator (small red light on the back of the Smart-UPS) is lit on your UPS, this means that there could be a site wiring fault in the building or in the outlet providing power to the UPS. The site wiring fault indicator doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with the UPS, usually it’s one of the following:

 

1. Overloaded neutral wire (>5vdc measured between Neutral and Ground)

2. Reversed polarity (hot and neutral wires are reversed)

3. Missing ground wire (also includes using a 3 prong to 2 prong adapter)

 

If the site wiring fault indicator is lit up, the wiring in the facility should be inspected to make sure everything is wired and grounded properly. This could be a shock hazard so it’s important to address it and get it corrected as soon as possible.

 

Backup Power for Aquarium Lights, Pumps, and Heaters

by Tony ExcessUPS

APC Battery Backups can provide back up power to aquarium equipment such as lights, pumps and heaters. Before picking the perfect UPS you need to make a list of everything that needs to be backed up.

Aquarium 247x300 Backup Power for Aquarium Lights, Pumps, and Heaters

For example:

 

1. 1x Light (30W)
2. 1x Pump (100W)
3. 1x Heater (20W)

 

Write down the power consumption on each one of these devices. Usually you’ll be able to find that information on the transformer that plugs in to the wall, the manual or even online on the manufacturer’s website. Once you know how much “load” you have, you need to think of how much run time you’ll need.

When you look at battery backup options you’ll see the maximum capacity and how much run time you’ll have at half load, and full load. You’ll be able to get an idea of how much time you’ll have with that UPS should the power fail.

An even easier way to get the perfect power backup for your tank is to make a list of the equipment and give us a call at toll free 866-311-1945 or send us and email  at sales@excessups.com. We will work with you to make sure you get the perfect battery backup for your aquarium. We’ve done power backup configurations for aquariums that provided run times of 10 minutes to 72 hours! I am sure we can help you get the set up you need.

BE750G and BE750G-CN – What’s the difference?

by Tony ExcessUPS

Question: What’s the difference between the BE750G and the BE750G-CN?

APC BACKUPS ES 750VA BE750G med BE750G and BE750G CN Whats the difference?

Answer: There’s no difference, they’re the same unit. The -CN is on  UPSs that are meant to be sold in Canada. Both models are identical and will work perfectly both in the USA and Canada.

What is an Uninterruptible Power Supply? Part 2

by Tony ExcessUPS

The Different types of UPSs

In our last post, we discussed the basic definition of what is an uninterruptible power supply. This post, we’ll go through the main types of uninterruptible power supplies on the market.

There are three main types of Uninterruptible Power Supply units on the market. Thee three types are:

1. Offline / Standby

2. Line-interactive

3. Double Conversion / Online

A basic explanation of the three types:

1. Offline / Standby

  • The most basic available
  • Provides battery backup and basic surge protection only
  • A power bar with a battery
  • Equipment is directly connected to utility power. The UPS functions as a surge protector, power bar
  • When the power fails, the UPS transfers the equipment to the battery. Takes up to milliseconds
  • Most of the time with general equipment, the switch will not be noticed
  • The offline / standby unit, is the entry level power backup
  • Output:  Simulated or Square wave
  • e.g. – APC Back – UPS CS 500

2. Line – Interactive

  • The most common type of UPS in data centers, server rooms, and businesses


What is an Uninterruptible Power Supply?

by Tony ExcessUPS

Join us as we discuss the basics of power back ups over the next few posts.  We’re going to keep these posts short and simple.  Please leave questions in the comments.

What is an Uninterruptible Power Supply?


SU2200FRONT 300x300 What is an Uninterruptible Power Supply?

An uninterruptible power supply, also known as a UPS, battery backup or power back up is a device that provides power to attached equipment when the utility power goes out. The main idea of a UPS is to provide instant power without interruption to the attached devices. That way, the computer or server attached will not lose power but will continue running uninterrupted.

Common Names for Uninterruptible Power Supplies:

-          Uninterruptible Power Supply

-          Uninterrupted Power Supply

-          Battery Backup

-          Power Backup

-          UPS Backup

-          UPS

All of the above terminology basically means the same thing. So if you want be part of the cool club, call it a “UPS”.  How do you pronounce that? That’s a great question, it’s pronounced like the shipping company, “UPS”.  It’s not pronounced like the “UPS” in the diapers “Pull Ups”.

What are Uninterruptible Power Supplies used for?

-          Computers

-          Servers

-          Data centers

-          Telecom equipment (voip, pbx, phone system)

-          Medical Equipment

-          POS Equipment (cash registers, debit machines)

-          ATM, ABM

and every other piece of equipment that can be harmed or cause harm by suddenly losing power. You might not have noticed them before, but they’re pretty much everywhere. Your local bank has them, the grocery store and your internet service provider.

In the next few posts, we are going to discuss:

  • Different types of UPSs
  • Main Features
  • Power Problems

If you have any questions please post them in the comments or post them up on our Q&A Site