On Fri, 2024-01-26 at 15:17 +0000, Andy Smith wrote: > Hi, > > On Fri, Jan 26, 2024 at 04:11:39PM +0100, hw wrote: > > I've never had issues with any UPS due to self tests. The batteries > > need to be replaced when they are worn out. How often that is > > required depends on the UPS and the conditions it is working in, > > usually every 3--5 years. > > Out of interest what brand of UPS do you recommend for home use that > has easily-replaceable batteries every 3–5 years? For a load of > about 300W.
Generally I recommend APC because they work well (which is something to be expected and shouldn't need to be pointed out), they can easily be monitored with apcupsd and, very importantly, their batteries are usually easily available so you can replace them without difficulty. However, stay away from their cheap models as seen on this[1] picture (Back UPS). They work and you can replace the batteries yourself even though you're not supposed to. It's a minimum basic device. It may be on ok option if you're on a budget. Their batteries last about 3 years. I like the better models way better, like as on that[2] picture (Back UPS pro). I bought one a bit over 10 years ago (it even came with a 120k or so warranty for when a device protected by it would get damaged) and replaced the batteries twice so far. It's been working without any issues ever since, and it'll probably work as long as new batteries remain available. So that's about 3 years battery life as well. Then it depends on a lot of things, primarily on the availability of replacement batteries, then on how much you're willing to spend --- since you can buy used ones because the only thing that goes bad is the batteries, and you can find new old stock --- how much power you need, if you want one that features a network card and if you want a 19" rack version or a standalone version. Of course, their models change over time. The 900VA smart UPS pro delivers up to 540W, IIRC, and when it's overloaded it very annoyingly beeps, but it continues to provide power. I guess it shuts down when it's overloaded and the main power fails, but I've never had that happen yet. For only 300W you go for this one: https://www.apc.com/us/en/product/BR700G/apc-backups-pro-700va-420w-tower-120v-6x-nema-515r-outlets-avr-lcd-user-replaceable-battery/ Just keep in mind that you usually end up needing a UPS with higher capacity than you planned for. So it makes sense to check what the batterie(s) cost and what the price difference between models with lower and higher capacity is. Some models take two or more batteries while the version with lower capacity may take the same battery but only one, making it overall so much cheaper that the model with more capacity that requires two (or more) batteries may get too expensive. But there may be a model with slightly more capacity that still takes only one battery and you may be glad later that you spent a little more money for more capacity. Definitely stay away from UPSs from HP. If you can reach someone from HP at all, they will charge you before they would tell you what the price of the batteries might be :( Eaton probably makes good ones, too, but they're not common here, same as another manufacturer the name of which I can't remember. So I have no experience with them. Of course, you don't want to buy one from an unknown manufacturer with no reputation, especially when it's a chinese one. The batteries are pretty generic, but for all you know, the manufacturer may have not understood that pretty high currents can flow in an UPS and probably has skimped on the wiring and/or other components to keep it cheap, and it'll set your house on fire. APC has understood that even in their basic models (at least for the wiring; I can't tell for the other components since I don't have enough knowledge about those). After having said all the above, it's pretty simple because it comes down to that, unless anything APC is difficult to come by where you life, you can't go wrong with APC. [1]: https://cdn-reichelt.de/bilder/web/xxl_ws/E910/APC_BX1400U_01.png [2]: https://oaziscomputer.hu/images/products/6934_apc-back-ups-pro-900-br900g-gr_1527776643.jpg
