Question about keeping UPS on

[BlackLab]

I'm planning to get a UPS for my desktop and some other devices (monitors, NAS, etc).

I'm assuming it's only logical to keep the UPS powered on the entire time, even if I'm not actually using the devices attached right? So its charge always remains full.

However the desktop is an energy vampire, so does that mean it's always left leeching power while it's plugged in?

Was thinking the alternative is to buy a UPS with individual switches for each outlet, so I can keep the NAS running 24/7, but only turn on my desktop when needed.

But I'm not sure if such types of UPS actually exist, cause I've looked at the ProLink and APC models, and they all don't have individual switches for the outlets.

Any advice or recommendations for this scenario?

 

[batniss]

I'm planning to get a UPS for my desktop and some other devices (monitors, NAS, etc).

I'm assuming it's only logical to keep the UPS powered on the entire time, even if I'm not actually using the devices attached right? So its charge always remains full.

However the desktop is an energy vampire, so does that mean it's always left leeching power while it's plugged in?

Was thinking the alternative is to buy a UPS with individual switches for each outlet, so I can keep the NAS running 24/7, but only turn on my desktop when needed.

But I'm not sure if such types of UPS actually exist, cause I've looked at the ProLink and APC models, and they all don't have individual switches for the outlets.

Any advice or recommendations for this scenario?

1. Yes. However you are free to do it otherwise.

2. No. U probably should off your cpu psu switch if it is draining for nothing.

3. Plug a multi plugs with those individual switches onto your ups will work

 

[Hafi]

when your PC is in power off/shutdown state, the power drawn to the motherboard is very very little. The CPU/fan, casing fans, GPU/fans are all not powered on so there basically closed to zero electricity consumption from your desktop.

 

[keenklee]

I'm planning to get a UPS for my desktop and some other devices (monitors, NAS, etc).

I'm assuming it's only logical to keep the UPS powered on the entire time, even if I'm not actually using the devices attached right? So its charge always remains full.

However the desktop is an energy vampire, so does that mean it's always left leeching power while it's plugged in?

Was thinking the alternative is to buy a UPS with individual switches for each outlet, so I can keep the NAS running 24/7, but only turn on my desktop when needed.

But I'm not sure if such types of UPS actually exist, cause I've looked at the ProLink and APC models, and they all don't have individual switches for the outlets.

Any advice or recommendations for this scenario?

IMHO.
A UPS have limited power sockets at the back but you can plug in a power extension bar.

Also, you may want to think what is your purpose for using a UPS.

The primary function of the UPS could be said to prevent data loss. When there is a power outage, they need to provide sufficient time for the connected equipment to do a proper shutdown. That said, the sizing is very important. You can size it from minutes to hours.

When connecting a NAS, the NAS and UPS must be compatible. They UPS may talk to the NAS via a cable (usually). When the UPS detects an outage, it will signal the NAS to perform a proper shutdown.

In your planning, do take note that while you can keep the NAS running, the internet will be down unless they are too supported by UPS. Also, provided that in the event of a power outage, the fiber or cable is functional.

 

[BlackLab]

3. Plug a multi plugs with those individual switches onto your ups will work

IMHO.
A UPS have limited power sockets at the back but you can plug in a power extension bar.

Thanks for the advice! I wrongly assumed that wasn't recommended, but good to know that's an option

when your PC is in power off/shutdown state, the power drawn to the motherboard is very very little. The CPU/fan, casing fans, GPU/fans are all not powered on so there basically closed to zero electricity consumption from your desktop.

Oh, I always thought a desktop computer was one of the biggest phantom energy drains in a typical household, hence my original concern...

 

[batniss]

Thanks for the advice! I wrongly assumed that wasn't recommended, but good to know that's an option



Oh, I always thought a desktop computer was one of the biggest phantom energy drains in a typical household, hence my original concern...

i think the router eats more?

 

[BlackLab]

i think the router eats more?

Haha true, but no choice since that's always on, unlike the desktop. Was just thinking of ways to minimize unnecessary energy consumption from that.

Is there anything I should look out for with a multi-plug or extension bar that goes into the UPS?

 

[Koenig168]

The biggest energy leech when powered down is the aircon condenser or aircon system. No idea why.

I had an electrician check my power meter as there was quite a bit of power usage even when nobody is at home. Switched off and unplugged everything one socket at a time to see where was the power drain.

Finally, with everything unplugged, there was still power being drawn. That left only the aircon system/condenser which can't be unplugged.

Power drawn became nil only when the switch at the MCB is off.

 

[Hafi]

The biggest energy leech when powered down is the aircon condenser or aircon system. No idea why.

I had an electrician check my power meter as there was quite a bit of power usage even when nobody is at home. Switched off and unplugged everything one socket at a time to see where was the power drain.

Finally, with everything unplugged, there was still power being drawn. That left only the aircon system/condenser which can't be unplugged.

Power drawn became nil only when the switch at the MCB is off.

your aircon compressor no weatherproof isolator to on/off at the ledge? If the aircon is not used often can turn off the isolator instead of the MCB in the **.

 

[Hafi]

Thanks for the advice! I wrongly assumed that wasn't recommended, but good to know that's an option

actually there a reason why the UPS have a fixed number of sockets at the back cos if you maxed them out and connect an extra extension socket strip with a further 4 to 6 outlets and load them up as well then you may overload your UPS hence wear out your UPS battery even faster.

Oh, I always thought a desktop computer was one of the biggest phantom energy drains in a typical household, hence my original concern...

nowadays computer PSUs are very efficient and doesn't "suck/leak" power when they are in off/shutdown state, even in sleep/hibernate mode there not much electricity drawn cos all the fans in the comp are off, the only components drawing power is the motherboard (which is very little) and USB ports if you connect external cooling fans or other peripherals which needs to be powered on.

 

[Koenig168]

your aircon compressor no weatherproof isolator to on/off at the ledge? If the aircon is not used often can turn off the isolator instead of the MCB in the **.

Aircon is used everyday. This is Singapore.

There is probably something at the ledge but I am not going to climb out there just to switch the aircon on and off.

 

[keenklee]

Aircon is used everyday. This is Singapore.

There is probably something at the ledge but I am not going to climb out there just to switch the aircon on and off.

Sometimes I think would it be a good idea to off the not required at the circuit breaker. I recall vaguely some practice that. Can help to reduce carbon foot print.

 

[irbadboyz]

Turning off and on your computers more than once a day, you are going to use in fact more power than leaving the computer on the entire day and leaving it at idle. Try to play with your power management settings which allow your computer to not fully turn off.

Many offices that used to have flourescent lighting would leave the lights on than turn them off for this reason alone, not these days with LED lights. Computers however are running an array of components, starting up fans, chips etc from zero consumes a giant amount of energy and it also degrades your capacitors and many power related component.

UPS above all else, will make your computer last a long time. In a way, it is like a water filter, always making sure your power levels are stable. Even with Singapore's stable powergrid, there are a lot of spikes and dips in power, which is not very good for your power supply and motherboard circuitry always having to compensate and regulate such irregular voltage.

Ever notice your laptop adapter always says 220-240V, this is the fluctuation. UPS will always clean it and deliver a consistent voltage and amp. Because of this your computers can last longer.

UPS have loads at the delivery end, so while you can connect a power expansion cord from the UPS, it is also good to make sure your total load is below the maximum for your UPS spec. If that is the case, feel free to do whatever you need to do, turn off and turn on.

But my advice, for the longevity of your desktop, keep it running.








IT support singapore

 

[Hafi]

Aircon is used everyday. This is Singapore.

There is probably something at the ledge but I am not going to climb out there just to switch the aircon on and off.

bruh... an isolator is installed for ease of switching on/off so it'll have to be easily accessible in case of emergency when you need for your compressor to be cut off power supply. If your isolator switch is installed at a location where you have to climb out of the aircon ledge in order to switch it off then you have engaged the wrong aircon installer.

 

[Koenig168]

bruh... an isolator is installed for ease of switching on/off so it'll have to be easily accessible in case of emergency when you need for your compressor to be cut off power supply. If your isolator switch is installed at a location where you have to climb out of the aircon ledge in order to switch it off then you have engaged the wrong aircon installer.

not sure took a look and couldn't trace the power supply (everything covered) or find a switch for the compressor

will remember to have a switch installed for the compressor when I upgrade the aircon

 

[keenklee]

Turning off and on your computers more than once a day, you are going to use in fact more power than leaving the computer on the entire day and leaving it at idle. Try to play with your power management settings which allow your computer to not fully turn off.

Many offices that used to have flourescent lighting would leave the lights on than turn them off for this reason alone, not these days with LED lights. Computers however are running an array of components, starting up fans, chips etc from zero consumes a giant amount of energy and it also degrades your capacitors and many power related component.

UPS above all else, will make your computer last a long time. In a way, it is like a water filter, always making sure your power levels are stable. Even with Singapore's stable powergrid, there are a lot of spikes and dips in power, which is not very good for your power supply and motherboard circuitry always having to compensate and regulate such irregular voltage.

Ever notice your laptop adapter always says 220-240V, this is the fluctuation. UPS will always clean it and deliver a consistent voltage and amp. Because of this your computers can last longer.

UPS have loads at the delivery end, so while you can connect a power expansion cord from the UPS, it is also good to make sure your total load is below the maximum for your UPS spec. If that is the case, feel free to do whatever you need to do, turn off and turn on.

But my advice, for the longevity of your desktop, keep it running.



IT support singapore

My advice for the longevity of desktop
1) Desktop with HDD - use a surge protector and reduce vibration.
2) Desktop without HDD - use surge protector and switch off when not in use.

 

[Hafi]

My advice for the longevity of desktop
1) Desktop with HDD - use a surge protector and reduce vibration.
2) Desktop without HDD - use surge protector and switch off when not in use.

you go see the show your hardware thread got pple place their CPU tower directly above subwoofer less than 0.5m apart .

 

[keenklee]

you go see the show your hardware thread got pple place their CPU tower directly above subwoofer less than 0.5m apart .

Eh... they like can already.
This only 2 points, there are quite a few actually.

Actually the worse will be those running 24-hours never turn off.
Usually people heck care until the day they see always-on machines gets turned off, rest an hour or so, turned on again and then realized that the RAID system has 2 drives failure.

 

[AS1]

One thing about ups, get a 500w version or better if your desktop power draw is 300w when everything connected is on. Same or lesser doesn't give enough time to save and shut down properly in case power trip.

 

[uncle_josh]

1. Unless your location have constant power failure, there is no real need for UPS for homes in SG.

2. Constantly keeping the battery at full charge, you will know that it will not hold the charge for long. So preventive maintenance of the battery comes into play.

3. The beeping sound of the UPS is quite irritating. If some family member accidentally off the switch while you are not at home and your UPS and PC are running, it will beep non-stop until your UPS battery flat or turn it back on. Your aggrieve family member will sure question you when you return home.

4. Lastly save electricity, save money and save yourself the trouble. UPS at home is not necessary.

I'm planning to get a UPS for my desktop and some other devices (monitors, NAS, etc).

I'm assuming it's only logical to keep the UPS powered on the entire time, even if I'm not actually using the devices attached right? So its charge always remains full.

However the desktop is an energy vampire, so does that mean it's always left leeching power while it's plugged in?

Was thinking the alternative is to buy a UPS with individual switches for each outlet, so I can keep the NAS running 24/7, but only turn on my desktop when needed.

But I'm not sure if such types of UPS actually exist, cause I've looked at the ProLink and APC models, and they all don't have individual switches for the outlets.

Any advice or recommendations for this scenario?