I have an I mac I want to protect from power outages and surges and wonder if anyone can suggest a cost effective unit that will do the job? My iMac is
iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.93 24-Inch (Early 2009) Specs (Early 2009, MB419LL/A, iMac9,1, A1225, 2267) @ EveryMac.com (http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/specs/imac-core-2-duo-2.93-24-inch-aluminum-early-2009-specs.html)
for the details and specs on power in case you need. I use this for business and back it up religiously so that isn't a problem, I would just rather it not shut down or get fried. We have a whole home surge system and it is plugged into a surge bar but I want the battery back up and am asking your advice, thanks.

At the very least, I'd consider a Back-UPS Pro from APC.
APC Power Saving Back-UPS Pro 1500 (http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR1500G&total_watts=200)

I have the next step up, the Smart-UPS. Works great, runs my iMac for about an hour. I use a Back-UPS Pro for my NAS.
APC Smart-UPS 1000VA LCD 120V (http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=SMT1000)

A good UPS is expensive, so you can save a lot by buying from a refurb store. I buy mine from upsforless.ca. Far cheaper, and a great warranty (albeit shorter than new).
UPSforLESS | Power Backup Experts | Home (http://www.upsforless.ca)

This one is a pretty good price, and should run your iMac for a while:
UPSforLESS Power Backup Experts | APC SUA1000 SmartUPS 1000VA UPS (http://www.upsforless.ca/apcsua1000ref.aspx)

Avoid brands like Belkin and other consumer brands - their UPSes are pretty lousy. With a UPS, you absolutely get what you pay for.

I wondered why a question regarding a courier/shipping company was in this area. Turns out you learn something every day and UPS has another rather vague new meaning to me now. ;)

Costco has some very reliable home use UPS models from APC, very reasonable as well.

Sometimes when Dell has sales (and free shipping) they have similar models and prices.

I use these wherever I charge anything around the house.

Thanks guys, I will check out the APC, I don't go to costco but I will check at canada computers

I would just rather it not shut down or get fried.

I don't know if anyone noticed this part of you requirement, but even with a UPS, you have to shutdown the computer eventually. A UPS is to give you that extra half hour to maybe two hours to finish what you are doing and shutdown your computer safely in the case of of power outage. A generator would be required to not shutdown.

I'm probably reading too much into your statement, but just to make it clear.

Not forgetting when purchasing some UPS backup devices, one may need to add a UPS Powered USB Hub for full control if you're out of USB ports on the Mac.

I think you are reading too much yes, I am just concerned about short power outages, brown outs etc. that will shut the computer off needlessly. The iMac has just enough usb ports for what I need thanks for the thought, printer, external hdd and keyboard/mouse. I think I am going to look at cc sometime this weekend.

I wondered why a question regarding a courier/shipping company was in this area. Turns out you learn something every day and UPS has another rather vague new meaning to me now. ;)

I believe in this case UPS is an acronym for Uninterrupted Power Supply. It also provides much better protection against power surges/fluctuations than an ordinary surge bar. Keep in mind that a battery is at the heart of these and all batteries degrade with time. So when new, your particular system may have an hour or two after the lights go out, but a few years down the road you may have to move a lot quicker in the event of a power outage.

I understand about the battery life in a ups, I had one many years ago when I was using a windows tower and had the same circumstances. Went to laptops for many many years and now recently decided to go with the iMac and wondered if ups quality had swung from one maker to another.

And just so you understand a UPS or a surge protector does NOT protect you 100% from frying your computer.

We have a whole home surge and a surge bar now, I am expecting no less with the ups.

And just so you understand a UPS or a surge protector does NOT protect you 100% from frying your computer.

A good line interactive or online (not offline/standby) UPS can all but eliminate that risk.

A good line interactive or online (not offline/standby) UPS can all but eliminate that risk.

will this be stated in the description? haven't seen this on the ones I was looking at.

will this be stated in the description? haven't seen this on the ones I was looking at.

It would be on the manufacturer's website. The two that I linked to are both line interactive - online models are generally more expensive, starting around $1000.

what is the difference between the two?

what is the difference between the two?

The main benefit to the Smart-UPS is the longer runtime and shorter recharge time, a bit more surge protection, and higher efficiency.

I read apc has a safe system shutdown software available is compatible with macs or just windows? I can't seem to find any info on it concerning macs.

I read apc has a safe system shutdown software available is compatible with macs or just windows? I can't seem to find any info on it concerning macs.

OS X has built in support for any standards-supporting UPS, including APC. No need for any special software.

At the very least, I'd consider a Back-UPS Pro from APC.
APC Power Saving Back-UPS Pro 1500 (http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR1500G&total_watts=200)

I have the next step up, the Smart-UPS. Works great, runs my iMac for about an hour. I use a Back-UPS Pro for my NAS.
APC Smart-UPS 1000VA LCD 120V (http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=SMT1000)

A good UPS is expensive, so you can save a lot by buying from a refurb store. I buy mine from upsforless.ca. Far cheaper, and a great warranty (albeit shorter than new).
UPSforLESS | Power Backup Experts | Home (http://www.upsforless.ca)

This one is a pretty good price, and should run your iMac for a while:
UPSforLESS Power Backup Experts | APC SUA1000 SmartUPS 1000VA UPS (http://www.upsforless.ca/apcsua1000ref.aspx)

Avoid brands like Belkin and other consumer brands - their UPSes are pretty lousy. With a UPS, you absolutely get what you pay for.

What specifically is wrong with Belkin UPSs?

I had two different ones for two different Mac systems and they both lasted about seven years until the battery would not hold a decent charge any longer.

I then replaced them with two new Belkin UPSs on sale because the sale price was cheaper than buying a replacement battery.
Those two have been running for a few years now without any issues.

If there was a make I would recommend against it's Cyberpower. That one, running a third Mac system quit after about two years.
I replaced that with a small APC simply because that was the right size and was on sale at the time. That was about six month ago.
I would have bought a Belkin UPS again since I like their form factor much better but it seems Belkin now has a very limited selection when it comes to UPSs.

And your recommendations on UPSs are way overkill for what kelman is looking for.

I found that both in Montreal and in Ontario, I either get very short term power glitches or outages, less than five minutes, often only seconds....or if it is not that short term, then the outage is several hours.
What I want a UPS for is to bridge those short outages that shut down the computer unnecessarily and I'm sure are not good for the hard drive if your reading or writing at that time.
I don't need a 1500 VA unit for that - for a Mini plus display plus modem and router I use the smallest one, a 330 VA one or a 550VA one. The fill the bill for that purpose quite nicely and run the system for more than 1/2 hour.
If the power is out more than 15 minutes, I just shut everything down, but that has happened only once in the last year - that time the power was gone pretty much the whole day.

What specifically is wrong with Belkin UPSs?

I had two different ones for two different Mac systems and they both lasted about seven years until the battery would not hold a decent charge any longer.

I then replaced them with two new Belkin UPSs on sale because the sale price was cheaper than buying a replacement battery.
Those two have been running for a few years now without any issues.

If there was a make I would recommend against it's Cyberpower. That one, running a third Mac system quit after about two years.
I replaced that with a small APC simply because that was the right size and was on sale at the time. That was about six month ago.
I would have bought a Belkin UPS again since I like their form factor much better but it seems Belkin now has a very limited selection when it comes to UPSs.

And your recommendations on UPSs are way overkill for what kelman is looking for.

I found that both in Montreal and in Ontario, I either get very short term power glitches or outages, less than five minutes, often only seconds....or if it is not that short term, then the outage is several hours.
What I want a UPS for is to bridge those short outages that shut down the computer unnecessarily and I'm sure are not good for the hard drive if your reading or writing at that time.
I don't need a 1500 VA unit for that - for a Mini plus display plus modem and router I use the smallest one, a 330 VA one or a 550VA one. The fill the bill for that purpose quite nicely and run the system for more than 1/2 hour.
If the power is out more than 15 minutes, I just shut everything down, but that has happened only once in the last year - that time the power was gone pretty much the whole day.

Belkin UPS units, like most Belkin products, are made with the cheapest components you can find. They're not line interactive, and they don't support OS X.


VA doesn't correlate directly with runtime. It merely refers to the maximum wattage the unit can output. The units I recommended are cost effective, reliable, and will allow for more powerful devices in the future, and also provide decent runtime.

Keep in mind that half of the reason to get a UPS is to protect from brownouts and over-voltages that can damage electronics just as much as a sudden power failure. This happened not too long ago in downtown Toronto, and we had several clients with cheaper UPSes that had to replace equipment (including the UPS) after a prolonged over-voltage. Both of my UPSes alerted to the over-voltage (they both registered around 140V incoming at peak), and were able to compensate without using the battery power. A standby/offline UPS, such as the Belkin models would have had to use valuable battery charge to compensate.

If you're going to do something, don't half-ass it. Do it right.

thanks krs, I had a small ups before for my windows tower and just wanted to bridge the small outages, or in the case of long down time - have the computer sense the battery drain and shut itself down. I think that is all I am needing now, I want something that will run 20-30 minutes to bridge the unforeseen outage, the reenergize and the fluctuations until it is normal again. With this, what would be recommended?

Thanks again John, what would you suggest to make it right without going too far? no change from before or would a smaller one suffice?

Thanks again John, what would you suggest to make it right without going too far? no change from before or would a smaller one suffice?

Are you only planning on plugging your iMac into it?

only the iMac and the external usb hdd power supply block nothing else

only the iMac and the external usb hdd power supply block nothing else

My iMac draws approx. 200W in regular use, which would give you about 30 minutes of runtime with the APC Back-UPS Pro I recommended in my first post.

With my Smart-UPS, I get about 45 minutes, with a lower VA model.

If you're happy with 30 minutes, then go for the Back-UPS Pro. If you decide you want longer runtime later, you can add an external battery pack to it for an extra hour.

I want about 20-30 minutes so the one you recommended in your first post should be adequate. I see tiger direct is even cheaper than canada computers for ups's so I think I am going to check them out this afternoon, thanks.
We don't get many outages in this area but I even if it is once a year it's worth it to have one.

Looks like the BR1500G is going for $220-$230 at Canada Computers and TigerDirect. Amazon has it for $199 with free shipping. Of course, that doesn't help if you want it today :)

APC BR1500G BACK-UPS RS 1500 10-Outlet 1500VA/865W UPS System: Amazon.ca: Electronics (http://www.amazon.ca/APC-BR1500G-BACK-UPS-10-Outlet-1500VA/dp/B003Y24DEU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341068619&sr=8-1)

the specs shows

(5) NEMA 5-15R (Battery Backup)

and

(5) NEMA 5-15R (Surge Protection)

is it not possible to have surge and battery backup? or are the surge receptacles them selves battery backed up?

the specs shows

(5) NEMA 5-15R (Battery Backup)

and

(5) NEMA 5-15R (Surge Protection)

is it not possible to have surge and battery backup? or are the surge receptacles them selves battery backed up?

Battery backup includes surge protection by default. The surge outlets are surge protected only, so those outlets function as a surge bar.

ok understood, thanks

My iMac draws approx. 200W in regular use, which would give you about 30 minutes of runtime with the APC Back-UPS Pro I recommended in my first post.

Something doesn't make sense here....

If that UPS is rated at 865 watts output power and the iMac draws 200 watts, the UPS should be able to run the iMac for at least 4 hours with a new, fully charged battery.

A Watt is a Watt, doesn't matter if it's supplied by a UPS or Hydro power directly.

I saw the APC graph which only shows about 30 minutes of run time at a 200 watt load.

With the tiny 330VA UPS I have, I can run my Mini and 23 inch monitor for close to 30 minutes, mind you, the Mini and the monitor take a lot less than 200 watts, but still.
I don't see how these numbers stated by APC make any sense.

only the iMac and the external usb hdd power supply block nothing else

I would suggest you also think about plugging in the modem/router that connects to the net.
Those devices take very little power and when I had the last power outage I wish I had.

Belkin UPS units, like most Belkin products, are made with the cheapest components you can find. They're not line interactive, and they don't support OS X.


VA doesn't correlate directly with runtime. It merely refers to the maximum wattage the unit can output. The units I recommended are cost effective, reliable, and will allow for more powerful devices in the future, and also provide decent runtime.

Keep in mind that half of the reason to get a UPS is to protect from brownouts and over-voltages that can damage electronics just as much as a sudden power failure. This happened not too long ago in downtown Toronto, and we had several clients with cheaper UPSes that had to replace equipment (including the UPS) after a prolonged over-voltage. Both of my UPSes alerted to the over-voltage (they both registered around 140V incoming at peak), and were able to compensate without using the battery power. A standby/offline UPS, such as the Belkin models would have had to use valuable battery charge to compensate.

If you're going to do something, don't half-ass it. Do it right.

I had a Belkin KVM switch that was built like a brick s**t house with the most robust cabling I have ever seen on any KVM. Also I have powered USB hubs from them that have been on 24/7/365 for years now without any problem. So in my experience what you say about all Belkin products being "made with the cheapest components you can find" isn't true.

I would suggest you also think about plugging in the modem/router that connects to the net.
Those devices take very little power and when I had the last power outage I wish I had.

they are in two different areas of the house, iMac second floor office, modem/router basement utility room. maybe I should buy the smallest ups for the modem/router?

Something doesn't make sense here....

If that UPS is rated at 865 watts output power and the iMac draws 200 watts, the UPS should be able to run the iMac for at least 4 hours with a new, fully charged battery.

A Watt is a Watt, doesn't matter if it's supplied by a UPS or Hydro power directly.

I saw the APC graph which only shows about 30 minutes of run time at a 200 watt load.

With the tiny 330VA UPS I have, I can run my Mini and 23 inch monitor for close to 30 minutes, mind you, the Mini and the monitor take a lot less than 200 watts, but still.
I don't see how these numbers stated by APC make any sense.

You're misunderstanding.

The max wattage that can be output by these is determined by the inverter inside. The end power source is the same on all of these, a 12v DC lead acid battery - but in varying capacities.

You could have a model that can output 800 watts of power, but would only last 10 minutes doing so. That same model could output 100 watts of power, and last much longer.

You're misunderstanding.

The max wattage that can be output by these is determined by the inverter inside. The end power source is the same on all of these, a 12v DC lead acid battery - but in varying capacities.

You could have a model that can output 800 watts of power, but would only last 10 minutes doing so. That same model could output 100 watts of power, and last much longer.

Yes, the output wattage rating of UPSs is sort of meaningless.
For this particular unit, the full 865 watts can be delivered for 3 minutes, but for others from APC, the duration the full rated output can be delivered varies from 3 minutes to 5 minutes and all the way up to 8 minutes for some models.
No consistency there and I'm sure other UPS manufacturers use different time periods for their rating.

This APC chart is really useful to determine the size of UPS you need based on the run time you want and the power requirements of the equipment.

I bought a digital wattmeter which are only around $20.- and let you measure the real power drawn by your equipment rather the power specified which is always the worst case. And then I selected the size of UPS I needed for my set up.
Runtime Chart for Back-UPS Pro (http://www.apc.com/products/runtime_for_extendedruntime.cfm?upsfamily=27)

they are in two different areas of the house, iMac second floor office, modem/router basement utility room. maybe I should buy the smallest ups for the modem/router?

Depends if loosing the internet connection on a power outage is a problem for you or not.

Last time it affected me and I wish I had power back up for the modem/router was when I was filling in all sort of information on an on-line web site.
That all disappeared when the power went off even though my Mac and monitor kept running.
More of a nuisance and extra work than anything else.

This APC chart is really useful to determine the size of UPS you need based on the run time you want and the power requirements of the equipment.

I bought a digital wattmeter which are only around $20.- and let you measure the real power drawn by your equipment rather the power specified which is always the worst case. And then I selected the size of UPS I needed for my set up.
Runtime Chart for Back-UPS Pro (http://www.apc.com/products/runtime_for_extendedruntime.cfm?upsfamily=27)

Sure it's consistent. The model that lasts 20 minutes at max load has an attached battery pack, instead of just the internal.

I've also got a watt meter. I think I got it at Canadian Tire, for around the same price. Great for figuring out if it's worth shutting something off when not in use.

Yes, the output wattage rating of UPSs is sort of meaningless.
For this particular unit, the full 865 watts can be delivered for 3 minutes, but for others from APC, the duration the full rated output can be delivered varies from 3 minutes to 7 minutes and all the way up to over 20 minutes for some models.
No consistency there and I'm sure other UPS manufacturers use different time periods for their rating.

This APC chart is really useful to determine the size of UPS you need based on the run time you want and the power requirements of the equipment.

I bought a digital wattmeter which are only around $20.- and let you measure the real power drawn by your equipment rather the power specified which is always the worst case. And then I selected the size of UPS I needed for my set up.
Runtime Chart for Back-UPS Pro (http://www.apc.com/products/runtime_for_extendedruntime.cfm?upsfamily=27)

Looks like the BR1300 will keep it going for the 1/2 hour I'm looking for.

Sure it's consistent. The model that lasts 20 minutes at max load has an attached battery pack, instead of just the internal.

The 20 minute model shouldn't have been included in that comment - that's a model with a secondary battery as you mentioned....but for the other basic units the unit ratings are based on different run times varying from 3 to 8 minutes - that is inconsistent from an Electrical Engineering point of view.
If there is no industry accepted standard for the UPS spec, and there doesn't seem to be one, then the run time at maximum load should be part of the basic spec of each unit.

I'm not picking on APC here, Belkin and Cyberpower are actually worse when it comes to a decent electrical spec.

still haven't had a chance to go get one, the weekend got away from me. I think I may buy the smallest available to plug in the router/modem as well.