[johnny13oi]

Hey guys, I have a basic question about UPS back up systems. Do they all protect devices connected to it from brownouts? The place where I live during school has very bad power and I am sure there are plenty of brownouts that occur, and I want to make sure to protect my TV and other devices during such events. I have a giftcard for Best Buy and was thinking about purchasing the cheapest UPS system they have which I believe is about $50. Would UPS systems from Best Buy around that price protect from brownouts?

 

[AV Doogie]

Depends...


A cheap UPS will typically switch from line voltage to battery when voltage levels drop below approximately 90 volts (see mfr literature for details). The tolerances of a cheap UPS device is typically poor (meaning that switching may occur within 5-10% of that voltage). You also need to take a look at the power supply requirements of your AV equipment to see if the UPS is capable of providing the protection you require.

 

[johnny13oi]

I just got this one instead: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ems-_-42102044

Should that one protect a 47" LCD and a PS3 just fine?

 

[duvetyne]

How much power do those devices consume?

 

[johnny13oi]

I think the LCD consumes about 250W and the PS3 is the newer one which consumes about 100W I think. I just want something that will filter the power and protect from brownouts. I did have a 2000W hair dryer plugged in and used it while the LCD and PS3 was plugged in and it made a loud beeping noise and turned everything off. I also wonder how much power the UPS consumes itself plugged in. I typically unplug PS3 and LCD after usage to conserve electricity because I am pretty sure they consume about 40W when off.