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#1
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Multiple APC Back-UPS Failures
I have had a number of APC Back-UPS XS-1000 / XS-1200 UPS power
supplies failures over the last year or two. Without exception, the problem occurs when I turn on the power switch at the back of the computer. It seems the current inrush overwhelms the UPS and fries it. So far about 5 or 6 of them have been toasted. The all-up wattage of the computer (the only device attached to the UPS) is about 600 watts. I do try to minimize using the main power switch. To APC's credit, they have replaced them all so far, though the return postage is starting to add-up. I would appreciate any advice, perhaps in terms of something that could mitigate the current inrush? |
#2
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Multiple APC Back-UPS Failures
Does monitor get turned on simultaneously w. computer?
A surge suppressor between UPS and PC might help. wrote: I have had a number of APC Back-UPS XS-1000 / XS-1200 UPS power supplies failures over the last year or two. Without exception, the problem occurs when I turn on the power switch at the back of the computer. It seems the current inrush overwhelms the UPS and fries it. So far about 5 or 6 of them have been toasted. The all-up wattage of the computer (the only device attached to the UPS) is about 600 watts. I do try to minimize using the main power switch. To APC's credit, they have replaced them all so far, though the return postage is starting to add-up. I would appreciate any advice, perhaps in terms of something that could mitigate the current inrush? |
#3
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Multiple APC Back-UPS Failures
Just the computer is on the UPS (about 600 watts). I use a second UPS
for the monitor and accessories. Any suggestions regarding a surge suppressor? Does monitor get turned on simultaneously w. computer? A surge suppressor between UPS and PC might help. |
#4
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Multiple APC Back-UPS Failures
On Feb 4, 1:11 pm, wrote:
Just the computer is on the UPS (about 600 watts). I use a second UPS for the monitor and accessories. Any suggestions regarding a surge suppressor? Numbers are even printed on the surge protector box. Its let- through voltage is maybe 330 volts. Does the computer or UPS rise to 330 volts because computer is powered on? That is what Bennett Price has just claimed. Of course not. If a power surge occurs, a sudden inrush of current causes voltage to decrease - not increase. So what does a surge protector do? Ignores any and all electricity until voltage exceeds 330 volts. Protectors operate like switches. They remain open circuit until voltage gets too high. A surge protector will do nothing for startup current - normal or excessive. Look inside the protector. There is nothing but conductors between protector plug and protector receptacles. Where is this rumored protection? Meanwhile, power supplies containing essential functions (as 30 years ago) also contain an inrush current limiter. Was that computer power supply one of those discounted type promoted by 'computer assemblers' only on price and watts? Then it may be missing an inrush current limiter - causing a large current surge via UPS. Meanwhile, even that current surge should not harm the UPS. The UPS is apparently defective - not sufficient for its load. Far more useful is what exactly is repaired. Information that would elicit useful replies. But the surge protector recommendation was from one without even a vague idea what a protector does. |
#5
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Multiple APC Back-UPS Failures
w_tom wrote
wrote Just the computer is on the UPS (about 600 watts). I use a second UPS for the monitor and accessories. Any suggestions regarding a surge suppressor? Numbers are even printed on the surge protector box. Its let- through voltage is maybe 330 volts. Does the computer or UPS rise to 330 volts because computer is powered on? That is what Bennett Price has just claimed. Of course not. If a power surge occurs, a sudden inrush of current causes voltage to decrease - not increase. So what does a surge protector do? Ignores any and all electricity until voltage exceeds 330 volts. Protectors operate like switches. They remain open circuit until voltage gets too high. A surge protector will do nothing for startup current - normal or excessive. Varys with the technology. The ferroresonants do just that. Look inside the protector. There is nothing but conductors between protector plug and protector receptacles. That is just ONE type of surge protector, stupid. Where is this rumored protection? Meanwhile, power supplies containing essential functions (as 30 years ago) also contain an inrush current limiter. Was that computer power supply one of those discounted type promoted by 'computer assemblers' only on price and watts? Then it may be missing an inrush current limiter - causing a large current surge via UPS. Meanwhile, even that current surge should not harm the UPS. The UPS is apparently defective - not sufficient for its load. Far more useful is what exactly is repaired. Information that would elicit useful replies. But the surge protector recommendation was from one without even a vague idea what a protector does. You in spades. |
#6
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Multiple APC Back-UPS Failures
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#7
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Multiple APC Back-UPS Failures
wrote: Just the computer is on the UPS (about 600 watts). I use a second UPS for the monitor and accessories. Any suggestions regarding a surge suppressor? Does monitor get turned on simultaneously w. computer? A surge suppressor between UPS and PC might help. You want a suppressor that has choke coils; e.g., http://www.kalglo.com/s-spiker.htm since you want to limit current, (not voltage). As others have suggested, the choke coils could/should be in the PSU but if the PSU doesn't limit inrush current, an external choke will. And, like others, I'd suggest asking APC for advice. |
#8
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Multiple APC Back-UPS Failures
I have to admitt that I am assuming the cause of the failure is
current inrush. The PSU is an Antec Phantom 500 watt, so I guess that wattage would be the normal sustained load for which it is designed. I believe my earlier comment regarding normal computer internal (CPU, hard drives etc) wattage is high. The UPS units are APC Back-UPS XS-1000 and XS-1200 models which I believe are rated in-excess of the 500 watts of the PSU. On Mon, 05 Feb 2007 01:59:39 GMT, Bennett Price wrote: wrote: Just the computer is on the UPS (about 600 watts). I use a second UPS for the monitor and accessories. Any suggestions regarding a surge suppressor? Does monitor get turned on simultaneously w. computer? A surge suppressor between UPS and PC might help. You want a suppressor that has choke coils; e.g., http://www.kalglo.com/s-spiker.htm since you want to limit current, (not voltage). As others have suggested, the choke coils could/should be in the PSU but if the PSU doesn't limit inrush current, an external choke will. And, like others, I'd suggest asking APC for advice. |
#9
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Multiple APC Back-UPS Failures
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#10
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Multiple APC Back-UPS Failures
On Feb 4, 9:26 pm, wrote:
The UPS units are APC Back-UPS XS-1000 and XS-1200 models which I believe are rated in-excess of the 500 watts of the PSU. Your 500 watt supply, like most desktop computers, probably never draws anywhere near to those 500 watts - with or without inrush current limiting. Those UPSes should supply something like 500 and 700 watts continuous - even higher during short and sudden current demands (also called a power surge). Numbers suggest damage is not due to excessive load. Numerous AC problems can exist including brownouts, noise, and harmonics. Excessive harmonics can 'stress' some equipment. Is your problem based in excessive harmonics? (Harmonics can be created by other devices on AC electric such as 'ceilings' of fluorescant lights). Harmonics can cause some equipment to consume more power; create more heat. IOW harmonics can damage electronics even if UPS was not providing a load. UPS should not be damaged by excessive harmonics. Should ... Were UPSes fixed by replacing failed batteries? Just another speculation. Problem: no provided facts explain your damage. At best, we can only speculate. Known numbers imply that damage did not happen. Your situation is a failure where facts to explain that failure are missing. |
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