CyberPower UPS,
An Uninterruptible
Power Source….
©
2013 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
An Uninterruptible Power
Source, UPS, is an electrical device providing emergency power and surge
protection to other electrical devices such as a computer, when the mains power
fails. It differs from a generator in that it will provide almost instantaneous
loss protection from your local electrical power utility. It accomplishes this
by energy stored in batteries commonly housed in a container with electrical
outlet sockets, and a continuous charging circuit connected to the mains. This
charging circuit detects the loss of electricity from the mains, sounds an
alarm and automatically continues to power the device(s) connected to it. Naturally,
the intent is not for you to continue operation of the device(s), but rather to
allow ample time to power them down thus preventing possible data loss. The
exception to this might be when powering low-power items such as routers,
modems, and VOIP devices. Such gadgets might have the possibility of remaining
operational for many hours or even days due to their low current draw.
(TIP: A UPS is commonly used for computers, data and
telecommunications devices. It’s especially important with VOIP telephone
modems allowing for continued operation since the electrical draw is minimal.
Another application is with flat screen displays that are fan cooled, since
post power shut-down requires such fans to continue operation for a couple of
minutes until sufficient cool-down is achieved.)
UPS Power
Sources come in various capacities and thus selecting the proper size is
dependent on the sum total wattage of all the connected items. My tests were
primarily for powering a VOIP such as the Vonage & Internet modem, a
router, and a switch, a device that expands the number of router ports. After
much research and testing, I chose a CyberPower CP600LCD 600va/340 watt model (100~140vac) since
all these items are very low wattage.
Now, one might say, other
than capacity, how different can one UPS be from another? Well here’s where the
CyberPower CP600LCD shines. This
model incorporates a multi-purpose, illuminated LCD meter indicating LOAD being
consumed, INPUT voltage, OUTPUT voltage, BATTERY CAPACITY, and estimated RUNNING
TIME, along with icons showing battery mode, overload condition, fault
condition, and silent mode. All are
important features when the mains power fails. Other features include:
USB port to PC, on/off switch, resettable circuit breaker, broadband network,
phone ports and audible alarms for overload, battery power engaged, and low
battery. Battery replacement is possible and easily accomplished. Expect about
a two-year battery life span before replacement.
Like most other UPS’s, there
never seems to be enough outlets. This model offers four back-up outlets and
four pass-thru ones and is designed for horizontal, vertical or wall-mounted
installation. When used with low-voltage devices power overload is generally
not an issue. To over come the lack of sufficient outlets I used 2 triple cube
taps. When properly configured they accommodate an additional 4 outlets and
allows for the use of the oddly shaped power plugs generally used by such
devices.
The CyberPower UPS system as
tested offers the most bank for the buck! Well built, feature packed, and
competitively priced makes it a great buy! Included is a “connected equipment”
lifetime guarantee of $125,000.00, software and a 3-year warranty.
MSRP:
$74.95
For
more information go to: http://bit.ly/ZG759a
GADGETEER’S RATING: *****
Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be
contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not
represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are
solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer
generally supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other
compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he
feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason
for many superior ratings.
