A question for online UPS users

[Soundstage]

Do you keep the unit powered on 24x7?

My listening time is about an hour a day in the evenings, so do I need to keep the unit on at all times to keep the batteries charged? Or can I power it on a couple of hours before my listening session and switch it off afterwards?

Also, what happens when I am travelling and not using the UPS/Hifi equipment for a somewhat extended period? If the unit_is_ switched off for 2to 3 weeks at a stretch, would that significantly reduce the life of the batteries?

Many thanks!

 

[josephjohnt]

Normally all UPS and inverters have the capability to recharge batteries if it is receiving power from mains. When you switch on or off you are controlling the output. If you use your equipment for only an hour, its doesn't make sense to keep the UPS powered on always.

 

[ajay124]

I keep it on standby at night and powered on during the day.

 

[beep]

Friends,

I have a related question, hope this is a good place to post.
Iam narrowing down on Su-kam Online UPS. I have a a few queries on this:

1. Power: I have a total consumption of about 1200 W. So would a a 2KVA UPS suffice? (VA * 0.7 = W). 2KVA is about 1400 W. Do we need to factor in an output loading factor of 70 to 80% on the output wattage?
2. Noise: This is 45dB at 1 meter in mains or battery operation. Iam guessing that this is can be really audible, so did you guys have to place the UPS in a different room than your AV equipment?
3. Brand: What other brand is good?

Would also appreciate your inputs on if an Online UPS is really necessary for longevity / performance of the AV equipment(reciever mainly), is it worth the cost? Are there other cheaper alternatives, etc?

Cheers,
B

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

I have a total consumption of about 1200 W. So would a a 2KVA UPS suffice? (VA * 0.7 = W).

I can't argue the formulae or the maths, no good at either but...

My computer system has a 1500kva UPS. It is rated at 865W maximum load. Thus, I think you have to look for the actual specification of max. load for any individual UPS.

 

[sam9s]

My online UPS is almost on atleast 12x7 if not 24. Its mostly switched off at nights, but the entire day its always running ...... Also after every 2-3 months I also make sure that there is a complete discharge cycle done with the batteries. Though the warranty for the batteries was i year, its been 1.5 and I still get the same backup that I was getting on day one (it a different thing that I did not purchase the online UPS for backup)

My online UPS ...... Online UPS

 

[Kittu]

My online UPS ...... Online UPS

What backup time you get on this one?

 

[sam9s]

15 min on full load .... 20-25 on half ...... but as I said that is not, what I purchased this online UPS for.... its was purely for protection, specially voltage fluctuations and to be able to handle the switch over time from my Inverted to the time I start my Genset ...

 

[matbhuvi]

Well..i got a 3KV online UPS installed just y'day. The installation guy advised not to switch of the power to battery..but the UPS output shall be switched off. As sam9s said, the manual recommends a complete recycle once in every 3 months for maintenance.

 

[beep]

Well..i got a 3KV online UPS installed just y'day. The installation guy advised not to switch of the power to battery..but the UPS output shall be switched off. As sam9s said, the manual recommends a complete recycle once in every 3 months for maintenance.

Hi matbhuvi,

Congrats on ur purchase. :clapping:
I too just got a 2KVA APC O/L UPS yesterday.
It seems a little noisy, so I have to place it in a different room. This means I have to run a hardwired output wire from the UPS to the room where the AV gear is, bcos multiple wires from all the required output receptacles to the AV equipment cannot be run from room to room. The APC has a provision to solder / attach 3 wires(G, H, N) to a rear socket, called hardwiring. In such a scenario I would not need to use any of the other C13 output receptacles.
Do you face a similar situation? How are you connecting your multiple AV equipment to the UPS?
Thanks for your help.

Cheers,
B

 

[matbhuvi]

Yes.. the noice is bit unbearable. I am yet to setup my HT. Still finalilzing on the speakers. I just tested the UPS with my HD20 projector + Airtel DTH + Bose companion speakers (I hear that you are saying.."you got to be kidding me"). Even that tinny bose desktop speaker seem to suppress the sound. I hardly noticed when watching Avatar in Star movies.

It is much louder than my projector though. I am thinking of ordering (making) an AV rack which can accomodate all my source, ups and receiver. Just making them open back would give room for ventilation.

Btw, my ceiling fan is equally noisy

 

[Pitchucold]

Hi Guys, Sam,

I am planning to go for 3 KVA Online UPS for connecting my home server, HTPC, AVR, Sub, other gadgets. Total wattage comes to close to 2400 VA, hence planning to go for 3 KVA.

One thing i am not clear is whether i shd go for liebert (28K) or Microtek(20K).
Is there a distinctive advantage in going for Liebert over microtek ? Is the premium of 8K justified ?

Would there be an issue in connecting 3 KVA Online UPS to 800 VA APC inverter. I dont plan to run everything while the power is out. IT might be overloaded for a brief 5 mins max? Would this kill the inverter.

My online UPS ...... Online UPS

regards,
PRasanna KV

 

[GeorgeO]

Hi Prasanna

AFAIK connecting one inverter /UPS to another is a no-no. I use a 3KVA online APC unit.

 

[Pitchucold]

Thanks George for response. I have heard people in the forum use online UPS with an input from inverter.

I hope this does not harm the components.

regards,
Prasanna KV

 

[rud3dawg]

Hey guys A Quick question...
I am assembling my first component audio system with two floorstanders & a Yamaha receiver , just wanted to ask you would my equipment be ok If I run it through a Stepdown/stabilizer and not a UPS/Inverter. My place has frequent powercuts so I avoid using my HT in the day time because of power cuts but lets say if my receiver experiences 1 abnormal shutdown a day... while running movies or music... will it be ok ??

I know it might sound silly to you but I did lose some valuable computer equipment due to frequent powercuts along time ago & a receiver does have some chips with SW onboard... so....can you guys enlighten me here pls!!!

 

[baijuxavior]

I had similar power out problems before I invested on a UPS and I have not experienced any problem with the AVR due to accidental shutdown.

 

[rud3dawg]

I had similar power out problems before I invested on a UPS and I have not experienced any problem with the AVR due to accidental shutdown.

Thnanks Baijuxavior.. Also would like to know for how long did u run your system without the UPS.. thanx alot for the info

 

[baijuxavior]

I run it for around two months. Then I bought a line interactive UPS. AVrs will shutdown automatically if voltage falls below a predefined voltage like 150V for Denon. After using the ups, there is no more abnormal shutdown.

 

[rud3dawg]

I run it for around two months. Then I bought a line interactive UPS. AVrs will shutdown automatically if voltage falls below a predefined voltage like 150V for Denon. After using the ups, there is no more abnormal shutdown.

gr8.. can you also tell me the make and model and how much did you buy it for.. I might have to make it my priority now but mines a Yamaha Ax-2000.. so what do you think should I go for any suggestions ??

 

[GeorgeO]

Generally speaking a decent CVT type protection unit will do the trick, unless you have really expensive equipment to protect or a projector that needs to power down slowly. The next step is the type of gear that Baiju talked about-a line interactive UPS which has AVR-automatic voltage regulation-a home inverter is an example of this. The top of the line and most expensive is the online which outputs pure sine wave power. The back up time is a function of the battery size.