UPS advice

[XecutioneR]

Hi All,

I would like to get a UPS to protect my multimedia setup from power surges and power failures (just enough time to power off safely).

The components that I would like to protect:
TV - 140w
HTPC - 80w
Home theatre - 160w
Routers and networking devices - +-30w
Xbox - 150w

Im stuck between two choices:
1. 2000VA(1200W) PC UPS and 3 pin power adapters (+-R1200)
http://www.comx-computers.co.za/ME-...E-UPS-Information-Price-Buy-Cheap-p-57202.php
http://titan-ice.co.za/product_info.php?cPath=67&products_id=5892

2. Power inverter (R2750)
http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/6458..._2_600_WATTS_IDEAL_POWER_BACKUP_SOLUTION.html

Can anyone advise me which would be best for my case as I am uncertain about factors such wattage/amperage ratings of each type, any issues with simulated sine waves, and long term maintenance such as battery replacements.

Thanks in advance

 

[Messugga]

Not following the link due to being on my phone, but you have to use a line interactive UPS or no actual filtering of the power will take place. These cost significantly more than standard units.

 

[froot]

First off, you need a line-interactive UPS. It has a much faster switching time than off-line and it monitors the line for fluctuations, spikes and dips.
An off-line UPS will only switch on AFTER the power goes off.

I can't comment on that Inverter system because it doesn't have all the details.
If you buy an inverter for "computer or related" electronics, you need a pure-sine-wave inverter and not a step/square/sawtooth inverter as they produce dirty power that screws with your electronics.

For a nice surge-protector, take a look at the APC surge protector plug (~R200)

This is a decent UPS to look at. You can go cheaper/more expensive depending on your power requirements.
http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=58&products_id=3568

 

[XecutioneR]

Thanks for the quick responses. I have found the following alternative as per your suggestions

www.sybaritic.co.za/store/product_i...mania&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=direct_link

My only concern is the ability to properly power equipment such as my tv and home theater when using the 3pin adapters since these were designed for pc. Just to note the adapters that I could find are rated at 10 amps

 

[froot]

What the guys generally do is to make a kettle-cable-> 3prong-plug cable.

 

[Pada]

I just replaced the normal 3-pin plug on a multi-adapter with a kettle-plug

The correct way to do it would be to get a multi-plug that only takes 3-pin dedicated (red) plugs - like this: http://www.ripsdiy.co.za/graphics/dedicatedplug.jpg
Then you'll also need to replace your existing power cables with the dedicated ones.
By doing so, you'll be preventing persons from plugging in LaserJet printers, vacuum cleaners and kettles - none of which you should ever plug into an UPS!

If you value your equipment very much, then it would be worth while spending more on a trusted UPS such as the APC Smart-UPS 1000VA: http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.ph...mania&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=direct_link
I have this UPS that I'm using to power my: HP Microserver, 4.1 speakers, 30" IPS panel, gaming PC (~550W peak) & routers. So far (2 years) I'm very impressed by it! It was worth it spending R3300 on it.

The Powercom Black Knight Pro UPS' aren't bad either from what I've heard people say on the SA forums. I haven't ever tested/seen the Powercom one in action, so I can't really compare it with the APC one.