Streams on a UPS

[BlueCorn]

Hey Roger

I've been considering putting one (or both) of my streams on a UPS. In the event of a power outage that would provide more than enough flow to keep the water oxygenated and provide pretty good run time due to their power consumption.

I've got a couple of questions.

1. Many cheaper UPS units don't provide a true sine wave. Is that a concern? (my hunch is no since it's using a transformer).

2. What happens if I have only one pump on the UPS but both plugged into the multicontroller. Would it be detected as a fault preventing the pump with power from running?

Thanks

 

[ssheipel]

Great questions; tagging along.

 

[BlueCorn]

FYI


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[rvitko]

Tagging along

 

[rvitko]

Whoops double post!

 

[BlueCorn]

What a putz.


Note to self - next time buy a Seio.

 

[rvitko]

Dammit Beavis :lol: Anyway, if the pump on the UPS was plugged into the first socket on the multi, labeled 8, in the manual it would be no problem for the controller. The transformer produces AC current but in the driver is a bridge rectifier which switches it to DC so the Hz will have some effect but the pump will still run. The only danger is if it gets really out of whack since this would change the total power output after the conversion to DC and could blow the pump. It might be best to get one of the better units, APC seems to be the best from my experience. I have heard from several people that the 6060 runs very well on these UPS sets and can be run for almost a day on a relatively small unit so I don't think the Hz are that far off or the pump wouldn't start and run correctly for this synchronous model.

 

[ssheipel]

I'm a tad nervous responding with: Thanks Roger, AND LMAOFL!!!

 

[BlueCorn]

Thanks Roger.

For what it's worth, my understanding of APC UPS units is that the "Backup UPS" line produces a modified sine wave and the "Smart UPS" line is true sine.

 

[rvitko]

I think as long is it doesn't deviate too much from 60hz it is OK. Basically in the conversion to DC the risk is higher hertz converts to more power since in the conversion total power is equal to the surface of the wave, you have to calculate in PF. That is the reason US versions are 1V less, to compensate for the higher 60Hz wave. On synchronous pumps they generally won't start unless they are given there required frequency, then they can be varied to a limited extent but will produce extra heat and may trip the thermastatic switch in extreme cases. My honest opinion is a computer should be more fragile and if it works for a computer it should be OK.

 

[Fliger]

Roger, I would like to put these on a back-up as well. Question though, if I had 4 Streams on a multi-controller, how does that work? All 4 have independant power supplies, but do they all have to be on the UPS? Or can I just plug in one or two, and have the other 2 on the regular power supply (not to run the power down). With the M/C work this way?

Also, do you know where I can get a high quality UPS that will operate the Streams? Which brand (is APC a brand?) I know nothing about them.

Thanks

 

[BlueCorn]

That's basically the question that I asked Fliger. I installed my 1kva UPS today. The important thing is to have the the pump that is plugged into socket 8 on the UPS.

 

[Fliger]

Thanks. I'd really like to put 2 of them on the back-up but was wondering how long it would last. Do you mind telling me where you bought the UPS? Oh btw, I'm going with envision as well. And your name is very close to my heart. The beer part, not the Doug part. ;-)

 

[BlueCorn]

I bought mine at Fry's Electronics, it's an APC Backup UPS XS 1000VA. At 44W it should provide anywhere from 3-5 hours. Since, with the MC active, power levels change it may last longer then that. I'll probably give it a test some day.