Which UPS?

[Yowie]

I live in an old house with some really dodgy wiring. I've already lost a motherboard to a power surge (don't worry my system is now surge protected).

However I've been experiencing keyboard lock-ups, system hangs, hard-drive problems and various other things since I first got my PC. Someone mentioned this might be due to 'brown-outs' and suggested a UPS to monitor the power supply to my PC.

Anyone have any experience with a UPS? I haven't got a clue :) My best option appears to be by APC, model Back-UPS 500 I don't really need to run my system for more than a few minutes in the event of a power failure and above all its cheap :)

Any advice or links much appreciated.

[Edited by Yowie on 02-08-2000 at 03:47 PM]

[Calzor Suzay]

Dunno bout the problems you've got but I've never heard a bad word about the APC ups's, I think they still use software called powerchute and are pretty good at keeping your pc up so it can be shut down safely.

Not sure if it will help you though as ups's tend to be in the event of total power failure they'll kick in, if the power spikes they'll normally surpress it but they don't add any power to the line if it dips but only at the point wheres theres insufficient power to run the gear plugged in it i.e. power failure again and you would of noticed by now your equipment going on and off all the time.

You might be better off getting an electrician to check your wiring, some companies even do it for free but may suggest a total rewire when it's a minor problem, no win situation really :(

[Gadget]

APC UPS(s) are very good - we got a couple of hundred at work and the only problems we have are the batteries dying after about 3/4years of service. I use a SmartUPS 1400 at home and have never had a problem.

But (there's always a but), a UPS will draw a _lot_ of power - my 1400 makes the leccy meter spin like a ******* (they consume enough power to feed devices up to their maximum load capacity), so if you've got any dodgy wiring, this will certainly highlight it...probably by making it melt ;)

I'd agree with Calzor - get a proper sparky in to check it and if necessary, start saving to have the house rewired.

[Yowie]

Thanks guys.

I was looking for a simple solution but you're right about calling in an electrician. Guess the best solutions always cause the most hassle :{