Battery Surge Protectors?

[bmoc]

I just got through doing a UPS inventory of the data closets at work (not really my job but it wasn't geting done by the responsible parties) and we have some batteries in service that were installed in 2009. Some die in 2 or 3 years while others seem to last forever. So it varies wildly based on a number of factors. Load, number of times it switches to battery power, how clean your power is, etc.

For the record, they are all monitored now so we get alerts when something is wrong. Most were not setup to be monitored, a few were misconfigured, and a handful lacked the network management card altogether. It has taken me all summer to straighten out that mess and replace bad batteries.

I've had my home desktop hooked up to my BE550G ever since I got the UPS. It still has a sufficient runtime during outages and I have never had any equipment hooked up to it go bad. Some models of APC equipment allow you to file a claim if your equipment gets fried while hooked up to one of their units. Never had to do that myself though.
http://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA156534/

[Jagosaurus]

Jagosaurus, about how long do the batteries last on the one you recommended?

bmoc's going strong for 5 years sounds crazy. Is the surge protection still there too and all?

That I don't know the answer to off hand. I'd have to do some digging. I know I have several installed 3.5 yrs ago still going strong.

[Xeogred]

Bumping this to say I'm very glad I got one of these. Literally just had the power for the whole place flicker off on me in my face and the PC stayed on.

I think I'm going to get a second one for my TV/consoles.

I got the one Jag linked earlier:
http://www.microcenter.com/product/4490 ... _850va_ups

[Exhuminator]

Keep in mind that the MOVs in surge protectors wear out once they have absorbed a certain amount of over-current, and most protectors won't tell you when they are out of capacity and continue to pass along current, leaving your stuff unprotected.

This is sadly true, and even worse, a failing MOV can become a fire hazard due to thermal issues. Nicer surge protectors have a fuse that's supposed to stop a failed MOV from igniting, but cheaper ones I wouldn't bet on it. That's why even though I have quality surge protectors on all my expensive equipment, I still unplug the surge protector from the outlet when not in use. I see no reason for the MOVs to be receiving unnecessary wear and tear.

[marurun]

I think I was reading that the power backwash from refrigerators and other large appliances can actually slowly peg away at the lifespan of surge protector MOVs. Hooray for having to constantly replace stuff! Boo....

[Jagosaurus]

Happy I could help