How much backup power do I need?

Within reason, there is never too much battery available. More batteries cost more, take up more room and weigh more. But the more battery power, the longer the UPS can operate without an external source of power. One solution is to have two to four hours of backup battery available and have a generator that […]

How long will equipment on a UPS keep running after the power goes out?

For most computer workstations, one might have a UPS that was rated to keep the machine alive through a 15-minute power loss. If you need a machine to survive hours without power, you should probably look at a more robust power backup solution. Even if a UPS has a very small load, it must still […]

What is the function of a UPS?

A UPS performs the following functions: Absorb relatively small power surges. Smooth out noisy power sources. Continuously provides power to equipment during line sags. Automatically shuts down equipment during long power outages. Monitoring and logging of the status of the power supply. Display the voltage/current draw of the equipment. Restart equipment after a long power […]

What is a UPS?

An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a device that sits between a power supply (e.g., wall outlet) and a device (e.g., computer) to prevent undesired features of the power source (outages, sags, surges, bad harmonics, etc.) from adversely affecting the performance of the device. A UPS provides a conditioned and reliable source of power to […]

How do I reset my Surge Protector?

Panel mount surge protectors cannot be “reset.” Once they have reached the end of their useful lifecycle the indicator light will extinguish and the product will need to be replaced.

Can I daisy chain surge protectors?

No. Surge protectors must be plugged directly into a grounded outlet to work properly. (Underwriters Laboratories prohibits daisy chaining) Never plug a surge protector into a plug strip or plug adapter.

What is the purpose of the phone jacks on surge suppressors?

Some of the surge suppressors incorporate protection circuitry for the telephone line. There are two sockets on these products. By plugging a phone line through the sockets, you can minimize the effects of a surge coming into your equipment through the phone line. Facsimile machines, cordless phones and answering machines are especially sensitive, and computers […]

How do I hook up my plug-in surge protector?

Plug the surge protector into a powered wall outlet. Be sure the switch on the surge protector is set “ON” by pushing down on the reset side. If the surge protector has LEDs, be sure they are lighted according to the enclosed instruction manual. If not check your wall outlet. Connect equipment into the outlets […]