UPS or quiet generator

w1z4rd

w1z4rd

Karmic Sangoma
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At home I am looking to run the following for the 2 hour down times we are currently having:

Two computers
Three monitors
Router
4 Port gb switch
42" monitor
DSTV decoder


What size generator would I need for that and whats the most silent one out there?

Would it make more sense just to have a giant UPS for that instead of a generator?
 
You need both generator and UPS. UPS alone would cost too much for what you're asking to do. Get a UPS for the PC stuff so you have time to switch to generator.
 
Last edited:
You can certainly attach larger capacity batteries to increase the uptime. I used the following system

1 x 2000VA UPS
2 x 12 volt 100 a/h batteries in parallel

The UPS cost R 1400, the batteries were R 2200 each

The UPS comes with software which allows you to monitor the battery voltage. I suggested to the customer that he not allow the batteries to drop below 11.8 volts. The 2000VA UPS was chosen since this has a 300VA transformer and good enough regulation so it can replenish the batteries without strain

On a couple of tests, running a PC, a TV and about 100 watts of lamps achieved 5 hours of mains power before the batteries dipped below 12 volts. It then took just under 2 hours to charge the batteries to 13.8 volts

This was installed in 2010. Since then, one of the batteries seems to get hot which indicates some internal breakdown. I will replace this with 2 x 40 a/h batteries which cost about R 500 less than a 100 a/h one
 
ghoti said:
Well, if a quiet geneterator is ganna cost in the region of 10-12k (Im looking at something like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-E...OR-SUPER-QUIET-FREE-SHIPPING-48-/111513471534 )

What would 10-12k in batteries get me?
Click to expand...
Not 100% sure but remember with batteries that they get old and need to be replaced, the more cycles they run through the shorter their lifespan. Generators can be serviced for relatively cheap and can last a very long time if taken care of.
 
Batteries are about 80% efficient. Trouble is, every time you blink your eye they have gone up in price. If the battery has substantial plates and proper internal connections, it can last 15 years. I had a PowerSonic gel battery (made in the USA) which lasted from 1981 to 1997 in a customer's gate motor. It was 12 volt 17 a/h. A lot of the stuff sold today is Chinese made and the quality control is inconsistent.

One factory, ET Systems who make access control equipment found that they were getting so many returns from their 24 volt batteries that they reduced the guarantee to 6 months
 
My alarm system just went out. I have 2 x standard batteries connected in parallel to the alarm system.
But with the load shedding, I don't think these batteries are coping.
Can anyone suggest what other batteries can be used to power the alarm system?
Or should I increase the size of the transformer?
 
midnightcaller said:
My alarm system just went out. I have 2 x standard batteries connected in parallel to the alarm system.
But with the load shedding, I don't think these batteries are coping.
Can anyone suggest what other batteries can be used to power the alarm system?
Or should I increase the size of the transformer?
Click to expand...

An alarm battery should last 3 to 4 years. The current draw will be 400mA tops. You should have a 50VA transformer anyway (preferably with lightning protection)
 
midnightcaller said:
My alarm system just went out. I have 2 x standard batteries connected in parallel to the alarm system.
But with the load shedding, I don't think these batteries are coping.
Can anyone suggest what other batteries can be used to power the alarm system?
Or should I increase the size of the transformer?
Click to expand...

Mine went last night too. Three years old system. Jissis Eskom. Amazing how you appreciate electricity suddenly. :)
 
chrisc4290 said:
An alarm battery should last 3 to 4 years. The current draw will be 400mA tops. You should have a 50VA transformer anyway (preferably with lightning protection)
Click to expand...

Batteries are about 2 years old. So maybe I need to replace both batteries.

In June the alarm company installed a new transmitter that sends sms to control room when alarm triggers.
I suspect that this transmitter is drawing more amps than the previous transmitter that worked on radio frequencies.

The transformer is a 48va.
 
undesign said:
Mine went last night too. Three years old system. Jissis Eskom. Amazing how you appreciate electricity suddenly. :)
Click to expand...

This is not good.
Can't afford the alarm system to not have power over December period while on holiday.
I need a plan b and plan c.

Any ideas?
 
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