UPS for home use

[joeyr]

Planning to get a ups for home use, doesn't have to be full features, but should last min 1/2 hour with the load of 2 PCs & 1 LCD screen. At work we use apc 1000-1500 models, they work well but I question if I need so much for home use.
Other option maybe to get a decent used one and just replace the batteries...

Any suggestions?

[Ohlias]

2 Desktops and an LCD will require quite a large UPS

I've got an APC model 750 or so and it claims to be able to power ONE desktop and 17" LCD for 22". I'm sure in real world it's much less.

I currently use it to power my Cable Model, VoIP gateway and router so that in a power failure, I've got phone and wi-fi.

Good luck in your search.

[soul_taker]

You have to measure your load in watts and not number of peripherals. I have a APC 1300 at home and it powers my single PC setup using ~400w (50% load) for about 10 minutes.

To power two PCs for half an hour I don't think even the 1500 will be enough. Maybe the 1500 + the attachable battery or maybe one of their more corporate solutions?

[joeyr]

Hmm, I guess I'll have to review my requirements then. Any otherbrands than APC which are recommended?

[joeyr]

Tiger direct pushes the ULTRA UPS products, anyone tried these before? There seem to be some others, randomly, but not too many players in this market.

We use APC exclusively at work, but that may be just because we're used to them, and we buy everything from Dell. From the interns of these units, they don't seem very complicated, so I imagine just about anyone can make a decent unit (especially the unmanaged types).

Also, had a look at work, and I'm using an APC 550 for 1 PC and 2 LCDs, to date it's been quite good, gives me about a 1/2 hr of power (even tho the estimate is 53 minutes), and have had to change the battery only once in the past 5 or so years.