Advantages: Increased runtime and cheaper than a new UPS Disadvantages: Replacing batteries on some models can be tricky
After the old battery for our UPS died (being as it was second hand) I thought I would have to be purchasing a new UPS at £££ costs!! But I was really surprised to find the cost of new/nearly new APC batteries wasn't that much.
The capacity isn't great when you have only just replaced the battery but it's noticably better than an exhausted battery but after a few charges/discharged the run time is excellent.
Having used APC and Belkin UPS's the APC's of the same capacity seem to last that little bit longer (which in business during a power cut can be vital, as I found out on a couple of occasions).
So to summarise, a new battery is a very worthwhile investment for UPS's over 12 months old. ...
Advantages: Performance, Problem Free, Great Reporting Disadvantages: None as yet
The APC Smart-UPS 420 is a small surge protection & battery backup device. It will protect your Server, PC, Network Switch or Router from power failure or even a power surge.
Many users of mission-critical applications need to be sure that if the power goes down for a few minuets, they have time to save their open files and shutdown cleanly. In fact many want to run their system on battery until the mains comes back on-line. The award winning APC Smart-UPS Range offers just that!
Buying a 420
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There are many companies selling 420?s. Personally, I would do a quick search around to find the best prices. Online ordering seems to be the best way of getting these, and also the cheapest! The going price from the big names is about £95 +VAT. Don?t be put off by this though as there are cheaper firms out there ...
Product Information for "APC Isolate Transceiver" »
Manufacturer's product description
American Power Conversion's Isolated Extension Cable is a device that allows you to lengthen the communications connection between a server running PowerChute software and an APC uninterruptible power supply (UPS). When standard cables are used for distances of more than 5 meters, communications can become unreliable and ground loops can damage computer serial ports. If your facility uses large APC UPSs (Matrix-UPS or the Symmetra PowerArray, for example), it may not be practical to place the server running PowerChute software close enough to use the standard data cables. With the Isolated Extension Cable, you can house a UPS in one location and monitor it up to 100 meters away.
