Could using a UPS solve my issue?

[Spoons]

Hello!

 

I live in an area where there are severe thunderstorms daily and up until about a month ago, I assumed that the PC was safe by plugging it into a surge protector. I was proven wrong in the worst way possible when lightning struck near my house frying the PC. Since then I've been simply unplugging my new computer anytime it starts to thunder to avoid killing this one too. The problem is that I work from home and 80% of what I do is done on my PC, therefore, I just can't afford to unplug my computer during the five to six hour daily storms.

 

I've been reading about an uninterrupted power supply and it sounds like one could fix my problem but I have a couple questions that I hope some of you can answer because I'm having trouble finding the information online. My understanding is that the UPS works like a normal power strip but it has a battery it charges while it's plugged into the outlet, my intention is to unplug the UPS and use just the battery while the storms happen.

 

What I don't know is how long these batteries last and if I need a specific one for my issues. I'm using a 650W PSU on the PC and will need to run at least one monitor + the PC for a minimum of three hours. If anyone could point me in the direction of a UPS that fits these needs I would really appreciate it. I don't have any budget in mind as it is critical I begin working again.

 

Thank you for your help!

[SysAdminInTraining]

It really depends on the UPS, you won't get very long out of most of them, they're really designed to allow you time to properly shutdown your system safely. Not to use as a full blown power source. You'd want an Inverter for that, good ones go for around $2000.

 

Even Linus Tech Tips $17000 UPS wouldn't be able to run full load for over an hour. So you want an Inverter. You also have to plug your router in to maintain an internet connection.

 

Edit: If you are as mission critical as you think, I would look into a home backup power generator. The way they work is when they sense power is off, they flip the switch and provide power to the household for as long as you keep their tanks full. They on the other hand can run up to $20K plus w/ installation. 

[Earnhardt]

I have been using 2 of these:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA7RD2WW8809&cm_re=CP1500AVRLCD-_-42-102-048-_-Product

 

for about 3 years,we also get storms here and power outages. The PSU wattage means nothing,It all depends on what your system draws as to how long they will run.

I have never unplugged my system and everything is fine.

[SysAdminInTraining]

2 minutes ago, Earnhardt said:

I have been using 2 of these:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA7RD2WW8809&cm_re=CP1500AVRLCD-_-42-102-048-_-Product

 

for about 3 years,we also get storms here and power outages. The PSU wattage means nothing,It all depends on what your system draws as to how long they will run.

I have never unplugged my system and everything is fine.

This seems like it would be perfect for a general use UPS and would give peace of mind to OP if he leaves his stuff plugged in.

[knightslugger]

9 minutes ago, Spoons said:

I'm using a 650W PSU

the good news here is that your 650 Watt PSU is not drawing 650 watts from the wall. if it is you are in need of an industrial solution, and a much larger PSU.

[Spoons]

1 minute ago, SysAdminInTraining said:

It really depends on the UPS, you won't get very long out of most of them, they're really designed to allow you time to properly shutdown your system safely. Not to use as a full blown power source. You'd want an Inverter for that, good ones go for around $2000.

 

Even Linus Tech Tips $17000 UPS wouldn't be able to run full load for over an hour. So you want an Inverter. You also have to plug your router in to maintain an internet connection.

2

The power usually doesn't go out, I have been unplugging the PC simply as a precaution. As long as the computer doesn't die when there is a lightning strike then I will no longer have to unplug the PC as a precaution and therefore fixing my problem. Just to verify, if I plug the PC into the UPS and there is a very major surge (enough to destroy the surge protector I was using) it will not affect the PC? The main thing is that I basically need my computer to survive a huge power surge, the idea I put in my post (running it on the UPS for three hours) was just an idea to make it survive that surge, if the UPS can make it survive just normally plugged into the wall it will still solves the problem.

[Earnhardt]

13 minutes ago, knightslugger said:

the good news here is that your 650 Watt PSU is not drawing 650 watts from the wall. if it is you are in need of an industrial solution, and a much larger PSU.

Exactly,right now I am drawing close to 200W at idle without monitors and power saving features off, One of my upc's shows 30min runtime,(my monitors are plugged into the other)

With power saving features on I could possibly get an hour outta it.

But these are only designed to give you time to shut down.(or game a little longer hoping power comes back)

But as SysAdmininTraining suggested,for all out complete usage of your computer,only a generator will work

[knightslugger]

7 minutes ago, Spoons said:

The power usually doesn't go out, I have been unplugging the PC simply as a precaution. As long as the computer doesn't die when there is a lightning strike then I will no longer have to unplug the PC as a precaution and therefore fixing my problem. Just to verify, if I plug the PC into the UPS and there is a very major surge (enough to destroy the surge protector I was using) it will not affect the PC? The main thing is that I basically need my computer to survive a huge power surge, the idea I put in my post (running it on the UPS for three hours) was just an idea to make it survive that surge, if the UPS can make it survive just normally plugged into the wall it will still solves the problem.

The protection level is about how many joules the device can take before failure. eg, a 1000 joule surge protection can either take two 500 joule hits, ten 100 joule hits, or one 1000 joule hit before it fails.

[flibberdipper]

24 minutes ago, SysAdminInTraining said:

It really depends on the UPS, you won't get very long out of most of them, they're really designed to allow you time to properly shutdown your system safely. Not to use as a full blown power source. You'd want an Inverter for that, good ones go for around $2000.

 

Even Linus Tech Tips $17000 UPS wouldn't be able to run full load for over an hour. So you want an Inverter. You also have to plug your router in to maintain an internet connection.

 

Edit: If you are as mission critical as you think, I would look into a home backup power generator. The way they work is when they sense power is off, they flip the switch and provide power to the household for as long as you keep their tanks full. They on the other hand can run up to $20K plus w/ installation. 

I fully agree with this. Not to mention that if you cheap out on a UPS, the time it takes from power loss to battery power might be just enough to piss your PC off anyways.

[tlink]

that would not solve your problem if you have an ethernet cable. lightning killed devices in the whole street trough that one time. one expensive laugh thor was having that night. you need lighting isolators on every power and communication cable if you want to decently protect things.