UPS battery life
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
UPS battery life
I have been looking into buying a UPS to plug some lamps into in my living room, so if the power goes out the lights will stay on for a while. I was toying with the idea of getting a higher powered one so I could also plug the tv in to it as well. My only reservation is I see the battery life is usually listed at around 3 years. My question is will the battery life be 3 years regardless of use, meaning power outtages are rather few and far between, so if the battery is not used very often, will the battery stay good for a lot longer? Or should I expect 3 years out of it regardless of how often it gets used?
I like the idea of the UPS because you can get a pretty decent powered one for $200 or less, but I am wondering if a small generator would be better. I just like the option of instant backup versus having to hook things up to the generator. I know there are more sophisticated solutions but I am looking for a quick and cheap one!!
I like the idea of the UPS because you can get a pretty decent powered one for $200 or less, but I am wondering if a small generator would be better. I just like the option of instant backup versus having to hook things up to the generator. I know there are more sophisticated solutions but I am looking for a quick and cheap one!!
#2
yeah i'm bored.
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A battery will drain rather it's used or not. Obviously it will drain quicker if under usage. I'd assume these aren't meant for everyday use, so their claim of 3 year lifespan probably means you're covered if a blackout occurs in the next 3 years.
#3
Go Giants
I would have thought it doesn't use the battery when juiced
#4
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (2)
The battery will loose it's charging ability over time. However once it's been discharged & then recharged 1-2 times the battery will be pretty dead.
We replace our UPS's at work about every 3 or so years. You can buy new batteries for less then new units.
Also most good sized UPS's will only give you about 10 or so minutes of battery power if you run something like a TV or fridge.
UPS's are not used for this. They are used to gracefully shut down equipment if power goes out for an extended time, or to protect equipment form power surges & brown outs that would normally knock out your equipment.
I do have have 3 though. Big APC 2200 units. They are heavy as hell too. My TV/stereo is plugged into 1, my PC equipment in another & the last is on standby.
If you want your power, buy a gas generator. You can get a good one that will run a TV & a few lamps for around $700.
We replace our UPS's at work about every 3 or so years. You can buy new batteries for less then new units.
Also most good sized UPS's will only give you about 10 or so minutes of battery power if you run something like a TV or fridge.
UPS's are not used for this. They are used to gracefully shut down equipment if power goes out for an extended time, or to protect equipment form power surges & brown outs that would normally knock out your equipment.
I do have have 3 though. Big APC 2200 units. They are heavy as hell too. My TV/stereo is plugged into 1, my PC equipment in another & the last is on standby.
If you want your power, buy a gas generator. You can get a good one that will run a TV & a few lamps for around $700.
#7
Needs more Lemon Pledge
Plus, don't most UPS devices (for the home) sound an alarm while on battery power? I know mine does.
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#8
Senior Moderator
spend a bit more money 2+K on instant generator that hooks up to your circuit breaker if you want to do that. I have a gas generator to run the fridges and fans on when the power is out during hurricanes, it is cumbersome to use and loud, plus no usage at night. the instant ones are much better in my opinion...
#9
Drifting
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by csmeance
spend a bit more money 2+K on instant generator that hooks up to your circuit breaker if you want to do that. I have a gas generator to run the fridges and fans on when the power is out during hurricanes, it is cumbersome to use and loud, plus no usage at night. the instant ones are much better in my opinion...
And about the alarm, yes most/all beep annoyingly but I have seen a lot of the APC's can be disabled. I will probably just get a small apc unit to keep the lamp plugged into so when/if the power goes out the lights will stay on.
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