[ale] help providing stable power to pc's to ride through storms

[Mike Harrison]

On Tue, 22 May 2012, Ron Frazier (ALE) wrote:

> Hi Bob,
>
> Based on your recommendations as well as Mike H's and Wolf's , I'm 
> looking more into the UPS options. That may be the best solution for a 
> sub $ 300 price tag. However, taking the APC Backups Pro 1500 as an 
> example, the surge protection rating is only 354 joules. That sounds 
> insanely low. That doesn't inspire my confidence at all using the thing 
> as a surge protection device. APC's free standing premium surge 
> protectors in the $ 50 range have ratings of 2000 - 3000 joules. Perhaps 
> I should use a free standing surge protector then connect the UPS to 
> that.


That's probably a kJoules rating. And 360 kJoules will start your heart. :)

I have an old religious hatred of APC UPS's.. you would also if you hurled 
a smoking rack mount 3000kva APC into the dumpster, once with fire trucks 
pulling up at the data center as I dragged it by the cord out the door.

If you can handle 208volts or 240 volts and will put new batteries in it, 
(about $125 at a good supply place) I'll give you an Eaton Powerware 5125
if you can pick it up in Chattanooga, or arrange transport. it's heavy.

Similar to:
http://powerquality.eaton.com/Products-services/Backup-Power-UPS/5125-rm.aspx?cx=3
But older and 2u.

Dual power in.. SNMP, requires an L6-30R receptacle

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At home, my wife and I run laptops.. and if lightning and power surges are 
such a concern, you would need an 'air gap' for everything. ethernet.. 
cable.. power..

Instead, run some heavy redundant grounds (against electrical code in some 
places to have redundant grounds because of "ground loops") in theory, 
they should all tie back to a common point with at least 12 gauge wire.
Then, at your local electrical supply house (Not lowes/home depot)
like Grainger or a contractor supply house near you, buy one of these:

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/EATON-Surge-Protector-6YTP3?Pid=search

or similar. A cheap one is: < $70

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/SUPCO-Surge-Protector-5TDG2?cm_sp=IO-_-IDP-_-BTM_BTB05209020&cm_vc=IDPBBZ2

Have a pro install it at the breaker panel, or, if you do it yourself, be 
very very careful.

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Lastly: We have 4 more spare of those UPS's for sale, $150 each if picked 
up downtown Chattanooga.