Do you have a desktop PC and dread seeing the power go out? Got a wireless router and Modem that share an Internet connection that goes 'black' when the power goes out?Do you have one of those 'VOIP' phones that needs an internet connection to call in emergencies? Have you lost work and data, even hardware when the power went out?
You don't have to worry about it again!
Buy an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and your computer will stay up during brown outs, and be able to weather black-outs, or at least shut down more gracefully when the power goes off and stays off.
Steps1.
shop for a uninterruptible power supply.Look in office supply stores, big box electronic stores, specialty computer stores, or on the internet.
For a desktop PC, you're looking for is enough power to supply your computer (the beige or black box), the monitor, and whatever critical IO devices are connected to it.
Most UPS packaging has a list of what the UPS 'should' back up, and for how long. 15 minutes should be plenty long enough to close your documents and shut down safely. An hour will let you 'finish' whatever it was you were doing, and possibly
A printer is not critical, and laser printers eat too much power to plug into a UPS.
Amplified speakers are not critical.
A MODEM or ROUTER that supplies the computer may be critical
For a router/phone internet connection (presumably with a notebook), you only need a smaller UPS to keep it running for hours.
2 Get the UPS out of its box3. Follow the directions for it.
Plug the UPS in
Plug the monitor, computer and any ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL devices that require power to keep the computer from crashing into the 'Battery protected' plugs
Most UPSs have surge protected plugs that don't offer battery back-up.
4.Even if you don't use a phone line MODEM, if you have a phone on the desk, use the phone filter. You could save yourself an electrocution in the event of a lightning strike.
5.Plug in the monitoring cable (usually USB nowadays) and install the software (or install the software and plug in the cable, as is sometimes called for in the instructions).
6.Configure the software to safely shut down or hibernate the computer if the power goes out and you're asleep or otherwise disposed.
After a few hours, the UPS battery will be fully charged and the system will stay up through short black-outs, or at least shut the system down normally when power is interrupted.
TipsUPS devices work well on answering machines, too.
Most UPSs will 'beep' annoyingly when the power goes out. This can usually be disabled either through software or a small 'DIP' switch on the back.
If your computer's off when the power goes out, the UPS can be safely shut off. They will charge the internal batteries whether on or off.
ALL notebook PCs have a battery inside, thus their own 'UPS' built in. They don't have a surge suppressor on their AC power unless you provide one.
Most inexpensive UPSs are built around the same 12V/7AH sealed lead acid batteries. One with a dead battery can be 'saved' by cannibalizing one that's broken with a 'good' battery, or you can sometimes scrounge them from big rechargeable spotlights. These also cost around $15 to buy online, but around $15 to ship as well.
'Hibernate' is a better (and quicker) option to shut down, assuming your computer supports it. It will come back up with everything as you left it when you shut down, and take a fraction of the time.
'Stand By' will save a lot of UPS power (assuming you expect power to come right back), but if the UPS runs out of juice, you'll lose whatever wasn't saved.
WarningsAC powered Devices that are attached to the computer, but not under 'battery' protection need to be plugged into 'surge protected' plugs. A lightning strike or car accident that drops high-tension cables onto your lower voltage house lines can follow unprotected circuits into your computer.
Recycle dead UPS batteries!
Test your UPS every couple of months. Plug a 100 watt lamp into it for a load and make sure it runs for 30 minutes. You may never otherwise find out the battery is gone until you needed it.
You can not STORE a UPS. If you're not using it, consider selling it, giving it to a friend/family member, or finding another use for it (i.e. backup for the answering machine). The SLA batteries will self-destruct if not kept charged.
