Joined Sep 2005
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Forum Thread
How much extra electricity does a UPS use?
February 14, 2012 at
06:54 PM
How much extra electricity does a UPS use? I'm looking for a 1000+ watt supply for my home theater. Will it cause my electricity bill to go up much?
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http://www.hometheater
http://cocoontech.com/forums/topi...e-theater/
http://www.hometheater
http://www.avsforum.co
http://cocoontech.com/forums/topi...e-theater/
I'm not an audiophile; I just play one on the internet
Note the second quote:
In all seriousness, your stereo (computer, TV, etc) is not a delicate and fragile flower. So long as it's supplied a 110-120V 60hz AC current, it will function correctly.
What do you think is the best solution for my goal?
What do you think is the best solution for my goal?
However, a UPS is probably a better choice as it does more than protect from surges. It will protect equipment from Brownouts and Blackouts. It will also step in if voltage dips.
If you own your house, you may want to consider a house surge protector installed at the fuse box.
I do want to point out that what is said above is true: Cheaper UPS devices will output a square wave AC current, which is different from the typical sine wave AC current. However, each component in your home theater system more than likely uses an AC/DC inverter, meaning that the power is transformed at least once, if not many times. However funky the AC current may be, it shouldn't directly affect your system in any way you can actually perceive including lifespan or audio quality.
However, a UPS is probably a better choice as it does more than protect from surges. It will protect equipment from Brownouts and Blackouts. It will also step in if voltage dips.
If you own your house, you may want to consider a house surge protector installed at the fuse box.
I do want to point out that what is said above is true: Cheaper UPS devices will output a square wave AC current, which is different from the typical sine wave AC current. However, each component in your home theater system more than likely uses an AC/DC inverter, meaning that the power is transformed at least once, if not many times. However funky the AC current may be, it shouldn't directly affect your system in any way you can actually perceive including lifespan or audio quality.
Any recommendations on a UPS that can handle about 1200-1400 watts?
What's a ballpark of how much a whole house surge protector costs?
Does it damage the equipment if the power simply fails?
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If this is an estimate (especially based on specifications taken from a web site), you may want to get yourself a Kill-a-watt device. This will measure the power draw from the outlet of any devices you are using. I actually measured my own home theater system. Despite the specs pointing to around 800W of power use (from the HTPC, TV and stereo), I found I was using < 300W with everything on.
You will want to discuss one of these devices with a specialist, such as an electrician. You will also want to have a specialist install the device for you.
If this is an estimate (especially based on specifications taken from a web site), you may want to get yourself a Kill-a-watt device. This will measure the power draw from the outlet of any devices you are using. I actually measured my own home theater system. Despite the specs pointing to around 800W of power use (from the HTPC, TV and stereo), I found I was using < 300W with everything on.
Maybe it would be easier for me to just get a Kill A Watt and see exactly how much power everything's using.
You will want to discuss one of these devices with a specialist, such as an electrician. You will also want to have a specialist install the device for you.
Maybe it would be easier for me to just get a Kill A Watt and see exactly how much power everything's using.
Thanks a lot. I'll certainly look into these.
Along with a TV and blu-ray player, I can't imagine either adding up to 800W. A PS3 on load will maybe top out at 150W, as its basically a computer. A standalone BD player will be a fraction of that.
As for the TV, a large, old, inefficient plasma might be around 500W. I think my 42" uses less than 100, or 150W. So I think youll be more than safe with 1000W and thats probably overkill.
Along with a TV and blu-ray player, I can't imagine either adding up to 800W. A PS3 on load will maybe top out at 150W, as its basically a computer. A standalone BD player will be a fraction of that.
As for the TV, a large, old, inefficient plasma might be around 500W. I think my 42" uses less than 100, or 150W. So I think youll be more than safe with 1000W and thats probably overkill.
OTOH a regular backup that switches from line AC to battery power should use only a constant amount of power, to trickle charge the battery, and I measured 11W for my 650VA APC.
Basically, 95% of surge protectors on the market use the same technology. There's no sense in spending over $40 on a surge protector unless you're going to do it right.
If you're interested, look at companies such as Brickwall and Zerosurge.
http://www.zerosurge.c
These are called series mode surge protectors. They don't have a joule rating because they can literally take anything (outside of a direct lightning strike). Lifetime surge protectors.
Personally I don't see the point in a UPS. After three years the battery will end up being close to dead anyway. I'd much rather spend my cash on a real surge protector. Look into it when you get a chance.