Computer Power Backup

[Alan J. Raul]

A question was sent to both Ralph and myself regarding computer power back up.

I use the APC Back-UPS 650VA, 120V + 1 USB charging port (BN650M1). I purchased 5 of these for $34.99 each on sale. Throughout the year and on Black Friday weekend; Best Buy, Office Depot/Office Max and Staples will have them for a VERY DEEP DISCOUNT.

One advantage of this APC UPS is a USB charging port for the ability to charge tablets, phones, cameras and other USB connected devices in case of a power interruption/failure.

I have found that Spectrum (Charter) Internet usually stays on in the case of a power interruption/failure. This allows me to still use my magicJack and other network and Wi-Fi connected devices.


I use 4 of the APC UPS's in the following locations:

Network Closet UPS:
Switch
Router
Cable Modem
Verizon 4G LTE Network Extender
See attached "Network Closet" picture - This is not a fancy wiring job; but very easy to troubleshoot and to work on.

Office - UPS #1:
Switch
Desktop computer (connected to the APC UPS with a USB cable and the computer using PowerShoot software)
Monitor
magicJack
NO printer or speaker system is connected to the UPS.

Office - UPS #2:
Synology NAS (connected to the APC UPS with a USB cable and the NAS using Synology software)
Swann Network Video Recorder
Monitor

Living Room UPS:
Switch
HTPC (Intel NUC)
Apple HomePod
Apple TV
NO TV is connected to UPS.


https://www.apc.com/shop/us/en/products/APC-Back-UPS-650VA-120V-1-USB-charging-port-Retail/P-BN650M1

https://www.apc.com/shop/us/en/categories/power/uninterruptible-power-supply-ups-/ups-management/powerchute-personal-edition/N-1b6nbpp

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/apc-back-ups-650va-7-outlet-1-usb-battery-back-up-and-surge-protector-black/4984103.p?skuId=4984103

https://www.officedepot.com/a/products/321880/APC-Back-UPS-BN650M1-Battery-Backup/

https://www.staples.com/APC-Back-UPS-650VA-Battery-Backup-7-Outlet-with-USB-Charging-Port-BN650M1/product_2259351

[dick]

This is my original email to Alan and Ralph:
I have used APC 750 battery power backup units successfully for several years. The batteries last about 5 years and currently cost about $36 to $46 each. I use two units, one on each of our main computers, their monitors and the router, modem and printer. I do not have backup for the iPads. I usually only use the battery units to quickly stop what I’m working on and then shut down. I almost never have anything crucial enough to need power for more than a few minutes.  We seem to have more power failures than usual these days and I was wondering if there is now some better but not too costly way to do this. It is not a problem, I’m just wondering if modern technology has found a better way to do this.
dickJ

Alan; You are right.  That's a VERY deep discount. as these units retail currently at about $70 to $99 depending where you buy them now. A replacement battery runs around$50.

[rsutter]

Hello All,
Here is a copy of the e-mail that I originally sent to Dick regarding his questions on backups
Ralph
-----
Hi Dick,
I’m not aware of any dramatic improvements in UPCs.  In my case, I have a one year old Cyberpower unit.  It provides backup power to my router, desktop computer and Synology NAS.  I connect other devices to the non-battery backup outlets of the UPC for surge protection.  I don’t connect my printer or monitor to the battery backup side, since my goal isn’t to be able to use most computer devices when the power goes out.  It is to be able to shut them down reliably.

My router and one network switch are connected to battery backup so that I can access the Internet through my laptops.  I have several laptops.  All of them are left plugged in so I should get several hours of use from each of them without power
I have a couple of USB battery packs charged in the event that I need to recharge my smart phone.
The other side of my backup plan is the data backup of my computers.  For that, I use Acronis True Image and Synology Active Backup for Business.
Ralph