The UPS/Inverter support thread

[scud]

Thanks Gnome!

 

[Magnum]

Assuming you are using 1000 watt which is almost certainly more than your UPS outputs you are at around 4.5 amps @ 220v (I'm using 220v because cheap UPS sold in SA generally output 220v and not 230 as it should).
Lets assume 5 amps for simplicity.

Just about any extension cord will not have an issue with that amount of power. So should be fine.

What is risky however is that you may have people plugging things into a UPS that shouldn't be plugged into a UPS. Like a vacuum cleaner. And when that happens, it will not be pretty. Not because of the extension cord but because of the UPS

This is why UPS power sockets in the industry is RED with the earth contact molded with a flat spot.
You cant plug anything into UPS power that does not have a red plug.

At home we just tend to build our own monstrosities and make a mess of everything.

 

[mister]

What is risky however is that you may have people plugging things into a UPS that shouldn't be plugged into a UPS. Like a vacuum cleaner. And when that happens, it will not be pretty. Not because of the extension cord but because of the UPS

Not pretty? My maid has plugged the vacuum in before and the UPS just switches off.

 

[Gnome]

Not pretty? My maid has plugged the vacuum in before and the UPS just switches off.

Depends on the product you bought.

If your house burns down because your UPS caught fire and you had an extension cord plugged in, you will definitely be denied an insurance claim. It really isn't worth the risk, but that is your choice.

The only time I would do that is if:
A) It is a quality product
B) The manufacturer specifically state they added overload protection
C) Someone has independently verified that is the case. Typically I look to the internet for this

For example I can confirm the above is true for APC UPS but taking that risk on a Mecer UPS for example, that is just reckless I think.

I am all for hacking but with devices that are built to provide high current and high voltage to other devices you are dealing with unknown variables and it is best to be careful.

I recently started building my own high power electronic devices and I've come to realize that most products are built by people who tried to minimize cost. They did this by copying another design, cheaping out on many of the components and finally not testing the product thoroughly. All those things cost a lot of money and when you want to sell cheap you can't afford to test extensively or spend a lot of money designing a product.

Just my 2c on the topic. But as always it is up to you to make the right choice for yourself.

 

[mister]

A) It is a quality product
B) The manufacturer specifically state they added overload protection
C) Someone has independently verified that is the case. Typically I look to the internet for this

Mine are all the cheap rubbish ones and seem to all have overload protection. After two incidences of vacuum cleaners in them I put those baby-safe plug covers in the spare sockets.