Line Conditioner, UPS Advice Needed

[TruthIs1]

Well, the warm weather comming and for me that means power problems. Last year in my building, I noticed on warmer days there would be luls in power (because of AC usagage I think). Static would appear on my TV for a few seconds, room fans would slow down and most importantly my PC monitor would show interference, which I think is the cause of having one motherboard dying and another no longer having full funtionality.

Here's the Question: What should I buy to protect my electronics? My tv is right near my pc so everything could be plugged into one device. Do all UPS devices have line conditioners? I have alot of devices to plug into the unit you recommend, (ie printer, scanner, dvd play, ect). Can you plug something into to extend the amount of outlets, like a a power strip without doing damage? I could use 9 outlets if possible.


Thanks so much, you guys are always so patient with me.

[mjc]

Can you plug something into to extend the amount of outlets, like a a power strip without doing damage? I could use 9 outlets if possible.

This one first...yes, no, maybe...

Each outlet on a UPS is rated to handle a certain amount of power, so as long as that isn't exceeded you are fine, but whatever you use to 'extend' the outlets CANNOT have any kind of surge protection of its own.

Yes, almost all UPS devices condition the line to some extent, but most aren't going to handle very short term transient drops...like someone's airconditoner kicking on. To handle that you will need to find one that is actually running from the batteries all the time...so to speak.

Also it would be better to buy more than one UPS instead of trying to put everything together. I would make sure that the computer is actually on a separate circuit from the TV/DVD/etc. Use one UPS for the A-V stuff and a separate, more powerful one for the computer. This will provide more 'filtering' and over all 'cleaner' power than cramming everything into one unit.

[TruthIs1]

Thanks for the info.

MJC said:
I would make sure that the computer is actually on a separate circuit from the TV/DVD/etc.

I would love to but I'm in a studio apt. They're be plugged into the same outlet, I don't have any other choice. And I think I only have one circuit in this place. Welcome to NYC. I wouldn't mind 2 devices if necessary, but I don't know if it would help in this case. Do you have any suggestions on keywords or brands I should search for?

[PrntRhd]

APC (American Power Conversion Corp) is the best known brand name for UPS devices. (I use a Back-UPS 800XS myself)
Belkin makes decent UPS units also.

Yes, mjc is correct regarding no surge strips being plugged into a UPS, they work by clamping to ground, which would be acting like a short on the battery in the UPS.

[mjc]

APC has a couple of small units that run about $40 at places like CircuitCity...

[TruthIs1]

The circuit city ones look perfect thanks