UPS or Portable Power?
- Thread starter BOP
- Start date
Sneakers
Just sneakin' around....
If you want additional capability, or more capacity, something like the Ecoflo or Anker small powerstations can work out well. They have an UPS mode just like the APC. But if all you really want/need is to protect your equipment from brownouts/blackouts/surges, the APC is cheaper and probably a better idea.
If you do look at a small powerstation, check whether it supports pass-through charging. Many don't. That might change how it works in UPS mode, whether it is standby or online backup.
If you do look at a small powerstation, check whether it supports pass-through charging. Many don't. That might change how it works in UPS mode, whether it is standby or online backup.
LightRoasted
If I may ...
For your consideration ...
Echoflow power supplies only have basic electrical surge/spike protection. Not a strong intentionally designed purpose built surge/spike protection that UPS units are specifically made for. UPS units block all errant electrical surges/spikes from the electrical grid to protect devises, and can also provide a pure sine wave for such sensitive devices, (computers, printers, routers, etc.), while the UPS is plugged into a wall circuit, and to keep devises up and running if household power goes out for a short time. They are designed to protect and allow enough power, instantaneously, to save & shut down.
Echoflow power supplies, or similar type power supplies when fully charged, are typically used as stand alone portable power to be used absent any electrical grid power, or for emergency use, and are rated for a much longer, (in the hours), run time. They are not designed/intended to be used while plugged into a wall circuit while in use. Hence not having the need for a strong purpose built surge/spike protection. While a UPS has a near-instantaneous, (can be as low as zero milliseconds), switch over rate, if power fails, portable power supplies do not, with some taking 20ms-30ms when used in "UPS mode", which can be detrimental to any sensitive electronics.
So there is the difference. UPS units are built to protect. Power supplies are built to provide power when there is none available.
Plus, UPS units are much less expensive, as well as their replacement batteries.
Echoflow power supplies only have basic electrical surge/spike protection. Not a strong intentionally designed purpose built surge/spike protection that UPS units are specifically made for. UPS units block all errant electrical surges/spikes from the electrical grid to protect devises, and can also provide a pure sine wave for such sensitive devices, (computers, printers, routers, etc.), while the UPS is plugged into a wall circuit, and to keep devises up and running if household power goes out for a short time. They are designed to protect and allow enough power, instantaneously, to save & shut down.
Echoflow power supplies, or similar type power supplies when fully charged, are typically used as stand alone portable power to be used absent any electrical grid power, or for emergency use, and are rated for a much longer, (in the hours), run time. They are not designed/intended to be used while plugged into a wall circuit while in use. Hence not having the need for a strong purpose built surge/spike protection. While a UPS has a near-instantaneous, (can be as low as zero milliseconds), switch over rate, if power fails, portable power supplies do not, with some taking 20ms-30ms when used in "UPS mode", which can be detrimental to any sensitive electronics.
So there is the difference. UPS units are built to protect. Power supplies are built to provide power when there is none available.
Plus, UPS units are much less expensive, as well as their replacement batteries.
BOP
Well-Known Member
Thanks! Great breakdown. I may still get an echoflow or three, just in case.
I've always bought APC's, but any suggestions?
LightRoasted
If I may ...
For your consideration ...
There are now many very good UPS manufacturers. I use a CyberPower 1500PFCLD for my setup. Protects my monitor, computer, and router switch. Also have another one that is used to protect my 4K TV, Playstation, and surround sound system. PlayStation isn't used for games though. I'd rather use the steaming apps loaded onto it than what is built into the TV itself.
Just ensure that the one you do get has a pure sine wave output. Not the simulated or modified sine wave.
Here's what the difference looks like between a pure sine wave and a simulated or modified sine wave.
There are now many very good UPS manufacturers. I use a CyberPower 1500PFCLD for my setup. Protects my monitor, computer, and router switch. Also have another one that is used to protect my 4K TV, Playstation, and surround sound system. PlayStation isn't used for games though. I'd rather use the steaming apps loaded onto it than what is built into the TV itself.
Just ensure that the one you do get has a pure sine wave output. Not the simulated or modified sine wave.
Here's what the difference looks like between a pure sine wave and a simulated or modified sine wave.
BOP
Well-Known Member
I just ordered that same one from CDW. It'll be here Friday. $208.00, which was the cheapest price I could find, but they bone you on the shipping. Still, I couldn't find it locally, and Amazon wouldn't ship it to my location.