So currently my house have like sudden blackout that can happen as frequent as few times a day or few times a week.

Since I'm WFH now so quite annoying as I'm using a desktop so the PC will just suddenly turnoff everytime it happen and somtimes some of my documents are lost despite the recover option for microsoft office. Plus I'm thinking will there be negative effect on my hardware due to this?

The power will just lost for few seconds only, 1 minutes top.

Planning to buy a UPS so that atleast it will have a back up power in case of another blackout, and also not sure of which to get. Saw in shopee it can be as cheap as 100+ up to thousands

in your case its a good idea to get an UPS, hardware wise wont affect much if u have a decent power supply, however your data loss is more important, you never know when next time what will be loss or corrupted.

since its a few seconds to few minutes I believe a normal standard sub-RM100-200 should be enough. (still depends on the load).

Yes, you should use UPS
I'm using UPS for both my gaming PC & the internet at home

But the UPS for PC is only for shutting down the gaming PC safely instead of unsafe shutdown because of sudden power loss
The other UPS for my internet is supplying power for both the BTU & the router so that I can still use the internet for several hours even when the electricity is gone

Thanks for the feedback

Do u happen to know if Powerlogic Koss is a good brand? found one model with 850va for rm175. APC is too expensive with rm900+ for 900va model

Yes, all you need is maybe 10 mins backup time to close your files, a simple UPS will do. Don't forget it's just for the PC. Don't plug your laser printer or other stuff into the UPS.

Yes, it's definitely useful in your case. You just need one powerful enough for your PC and monitor. Just connect the UPS outlets to them, and leave everything else (especially laser printers) connected to the wall.

a standard "line interactive" models, i think brand does not matter much as most if not almost identical internally. for a 850VA, it should be sufficient for a load of around 500W (use 850VA x 0.8PF then x0.8 again because being caution)

those expensive like the 1 you mentioned APC 900VA are usually "online" UPS.

most users dont need it

Make sure the UPS is more powerful than your PC and monitor.

Example:
1000W (excluding monitor) equals

1000 / 0.6 = 1666.66VA

UPS with 2000VA is recommended.

This post has been edited by TristanX: Mar 16 2021, 04:26 PM

My current setup power draw never exceed 400w even on full load stress test despite using a 1000w PSU and this actually include my speaker and printer on.

Around 140w idle/some light activity(browsing,excel,power point) and 350w gaming.

So is it safe to use 400w for calculations?

400 / 0.6 = 666.67VA

800-1000va ups should be enough right as 2000va is expensive

Then don't use 1000W PSU. I have no experience with "lower" power draw. My experience with 650W and budget 800VA UPS is bad. It triggers overload.

Been using this since last time was doing SLI setup and old gen gpu & cpu power draw is no joke comparing to current gen, haven't change since it stills going strong.

Maybe it's time to change then

According to your peak load of 400w, a 1000w UPS will give you about 7 minutes of battery backup time. This is on basis that the batteries can still hold its 100% capacity.

1. Which protection are you more concerned on?
Irregular voltage (spike/dips) and/or inconvenience of power supply interruption

Line interactive UPS for the former.
Online UPS for the later.

Overload protection is a plus, else the UPS will just shutdown instantly. A word though, even with overload protection, its just a temporary measure and will still auto shutdown after X period for Y% overload.

2. Malaysia standard warranty for UPS is 3 years for electronics failure, 2 years for batteries.

Koss, Neuropower, Powerlogic, Power Solutions, Right Power to name a few known local UPS resellers. Don't be surprised if some of them look similar to one another as these are just OEM and rebranded locally. The price you are paying for is the after sales service.

If you are confident and know how to replace these batteries, then just look for the cheapest bargain.

Batteries will need to be replaced every 2-3 years at worst case. You're lucky if it goes to 4-5 years and more. Anything lesser indicates a problem with the batteries itself or environment.

Online UPS tend to be hotter due to the Inverter and Charging circuit running constantly. You will definitely feel an increase of temperature if the online UPS is in the same room as the PC (without aircond).

12 VDC 7.2Ah Sealed Lead Acid battery is the common type. Some will use 12 VDC 9Ah which is not sold by every battery manufacturer due to limited demand.

3. 3KVA and below UPS will use the common BS1363 3-pin plug. Anything above 3KVA will need to be connected to an Isolator.

4. Check if the UPS outlet are using BS1363 or IEC C13 socket. If its the later, do get the supplier to bundle in a few cables or be prepared to buy them separately.

Thanks for the detailed explanation. Online seems like a better choice but my budget of rm400 definitely don't allow it😅

1250VA Line interactive UPS with Output voltage regulation ± 10% tolerance for RM 508
https://shopee.com.my/NEUROPOWER-COMPACT-TO...2715.1523939530

Online UPS voltage regulation typically ± 1%

There's currently this 1KVA Online UPS for RM 929 + RM 12.80 shipping if you're willing to spend more.
I don't prefer the universal Outlet socket though as it can be a loose fitting VS standard BS1363 socket.
If you won't face any accidental tugs on the power cord to the Outlet socket (pets, robot mop/vacuum, etc) then it'll be fine.

https://www.lazada.com.my/products/prolink-...Vsz80z&search=1




I believe technology had catch up on the switching time for Line Interactive UPS to be as fast as Online UPS. This is the time measurement needed for the UPS to provide the uninterrupted voltage supply.

However, this still depends on the appliance itself if it has sufficient capacitors to hold the charge to last the critical few milliseconds (1-6 ms). If it doesn't then the only way to resolve is by using an Online UPS since it is always providing an uninterrupted voltage supply.



I'm paranoid thus had always been using an Online UPS.
Its 6 years old now, haven't replaced any electronic boards for it and there's no issues with the boards too.
I've only had to replaced the two fans since it was using sleeve bearing and had changed the batteries for the third round now.
I do clean as much dust as possible internally on 1-2 year basis with monthly cleaning of the fan outlets.
Its definitely not an international branded UPS.
This should help you on the ROI and reliability.

UPS typically can last only few mins ya. its not a replacement...

i.e just enough time if you notice to power down.. typically less than 5 mins.

I personally STOPPED using UPS because it is expensive to begin with and the battery NOT RELIABLE.. every year or so NEED TO REPLACE..

dont just consider the intiial purchase.. but consider that you need replace the battery every couple of years.. usually 1yr+

Ya man... just realized my UPS battery konk after 1 year++ because won't hold my pc when power outage.

Niamah it's barely used but still damage because it's always being charged and our weather is humid/hot so the UPS is always above 40'c causing the battery life to shorten from 2/3 to 1 year.

But luckily can get battery online for rm 30++ only so it's ok lah, yearly consumable.

If u read my original post I just need the extra minutes of power as normally the outage last only few seconds

This post has been edited by kira_88: Mar 18 2021, 01:35 PM

Why don't you make a call to TNB to report the issue? The place where I stay only blackout once several year (planned maintenance no count). How I know? I have a device that will not auto restart if there is any power failure.

For now UPS seems like a best workaround.

Long term wise, I think you still need to talk to your electricity service provider.

hi, may i know why need to calculate requirement based on VA? iinm the VA value is wattage required plus any imperfections in the equipment power factor due to capacitance/inductance. usually i will choose any VA as long as its higher than my PSU rating.

afaik the most important UPS rating is the battery AH (amp-hour) value. so if you need 1000W with 240V mains supply, your current draw will be roughly 4 amps. so for example if the blackout lasts for 1 hour you will need at least a UPS with 4AH battery capacity.

Here. You multiply watts by 0.6.

https://www.bit.com.au/news/how-long-will-a...s-go-out-316806

Having a UPS helps in reporting the issue, if you connect it to your PC and log the power outage occurrences.

Years ago in Australia, my building voltage was too high and kept tripping my UPS alarm. I emailed the state's electricity grid with my logfile. Got a call back from them and within a week they rectified the problem.

Absolutely. You never know when power outage could strike and lost all the work you are doing.

Go for branded UPS for the better warranty coverage.

Question : Do you switch off the UPS when not in use? My APC UPS only connected to PC and monitor, after shutting down the PC and monitor I always turning off the UPS by clicking the power button, but it's still charging because i dont switch off the wall plug, it just cutting off the output power to PC/monitor. Do i need to turn off the UPS power button everytime when not in use?

yup its charging batteries because it's a backup unit. can safely turn off since u dont use it.

Yea buy, avoid data OS corruption

No need to turn of at all

UPS will beep, at least it can trigger auto hybernation mode. If you on SSD this be quick like 1 minute procedure.

The UPS unit is not in use, does it mean harmful because it keeps charging the batteries?

Do you mean it is safe to turn off the UPS unit only, no need to turn off the wall switch?

No, batteries on maintenance mode and always online ready to kick in incase power trip. Charging on full cycle only take place if it is in use to makeup for power loss. No harm. Get good brand like APC, they even have software linked to APC hardware.

Hi, seeking for opinion.
I having PSU (1000watt) while my total CPU consumption(690watt). I should go with 900watt UPS or 1200watt UPS?
Meanwhile, appreciate if any user experience share for Neuropower or Prolink brand
Thanks.

Calculation already posted....

1000 / 0.6 = 1666.66 VA

Recommended at least 1700VA

Thanks.
Actually i am confuse with the UPS power supply should be greater than PSU power or actual CPU power usage?
Although i having 1000watt PSU, but the power usage is much more lower which is max at 690watt

Of course UPS should be more powerful than PSU. Unless you wanna trigger overload.

This one is hard. If you wanna cheap out based on power usage, its your call. Be prepared for overload triggers.

Got it.
I shouldn't risk the PC by saving 100++
Thanks!

looking to purchase a UPS for my office,

question: does UPS come with Surge protector?

P/s: UPS will connect to 2 Office PC (mainly for Accounting)

Tumpang thread, are UPS with extra features like power regulator and pure sine wave worth it for personal pc use?

I haven't used UPS for many years. I think 20 years ago it was using acid lead batteries, which doesn't last long and short life span.

Today I saw something that got me thinking. There's a lot of camping power supply available using lithium batteries. I'm wondering if we can use it like a UPS? I guess it will last longer. Not sure how it will hold up if the unit is being plugged in all the time and rarely any power cuts, but just wanted to discuss the possibility

Those portable power supply are for just that; portable. Their not meant to keep your PC/whatever appliance continue running if your TNB suddenly cuts out as these are not designed for instant switchover to battery power. Those UPS that dont last are due to undercapacity. For power hungry use, get those with dual/quad batteries.

I thought the PC would just be drawing power all the time, while the battery itself is being recharged all the time, so a switchover would not be an issue. Can't say much about the possible heat and charging cycles killing the battery though.

I'm glad power supply is stable nowadays, I can't remember the last time there was an unscheduled cut.

Just like your powerbank its not meant to be charged while being in use (discharging) at the same time, tho Im not sure if any designed for that. Even if you can switchover from outlet to battery I doubt its instantaneous like with a UPS. Your welcomed to try and let us know.

For me I only use UPS for my unifi and wifi... Not many affordable consumer ups can support off grid usage for a PC... Most can only last 10-20 mins for you to switch off safely

Usually when power outage in my area it will happened at least 3-4 hrs...

My recommendation just use ups for wifi..and use laptop when blackout

wahaha I just had an idea and wanted to discuss. After reading all this, no way i'm trying that. Don't need a UPS either since rarely power cut

any good brand for UPS?

Koss

Prolink

anyone have any experience with the UPS? where do you dispose the UPS battery?

How often do you change the UPS battery? 3 years? 5 years? 10 years?

Been trying to tap my old newspaper collector buyer to take my UPS batteries after all their lead acid too on inside.