Without doubt one of the most important pieces of kit I have is a U.P.S. (Uninterruptible Power Supply), which is basically a big battery that keeps my office / studio running when (not if) there’s a power cut, and protected when (not if) there’s a power surge.

History

In the past I’ve suffered because of power cuts on 2 occasions…

When living at our first home, the power, well, just cut off and this caused irreparable damage to the hard drive system that I had at the time and I consequently lost years of files.
When I was using a Windows based PC as my main computer and there was a power cut during an update being installed to the Operating System.
This resulted in a complete re-install.

So enough was enough; I needed a solution.

Solution = UPS

There’s a whole host of companies that make these UPS units; all with different power capabilities depending on your needs i.e. how many peripherals you have plugged in and need to keep powered up when there’s a power cut.

The one I currently have is the BX1400UI made by APC…

This particular unit has 6 available plug sockets; 3 of which are battery backup and surge protected and the remaining 3 are surge protected only.

The idea behind a UPS is simple; when mains power cuts out, the UPS kicks in immediately meaning your equipment keeps running until the mains power returns; this ultimately means your equipment is safe.

Of course with it being a battery it can only keep things running for a limited amount of time which in my case is roughly 20-25 minutes, by which time the power should be back up and running.

However, if it isn’t then there is built in software called Powershute which will take over and safely power down the system rather than letting it run until the battery power runs out.

KEY

A: Main Computer

B: 2nd Monitor / Screen (BenQ SW321C)

C: Synology NAS 4-Bay Backup

D: G Tech External Hard-drive

E: Broadband Router

Living in the middle of the countryside, momentary power cuts are a way of life so having a UPS is not only a life saver but essential.

When it does kick in, all you hear is a feint click as it engages, but there’s absolutely no interruption to your computer system whatsoever. A percentage indicator also appears in the information bar at the top of my screen saying how long at the current usage the battery can keep things running.

Essential Kit

Having experienced the wrath of a power cut on a couple of occasions, I simply would not be without a U.P.S..

A U.P.S. not only protects your equipment, but also nowadays with doing more and more online presentations using video platforms such as Zoom, it means (if there’s a power cut midway through) I don’t just leave people wondering where the heck I went.

Instead, the unit makes me aware it’s kicked in and this is usually just for a second or 2, however if it’s going on longer than hoped, I can make people aware that I need to close things down.

Thankfully this hasn’t happened BUT it’s something we all need to be aware of if we do online meetings.

So if there was one piece of kit I would recommend you look at investing in for 2022 (if you haven’t already) it would be a U.P.S. ; the first time it kicks in and keeps you running is INCREDIBLY satisfying and reassuring.

You can check out the U.P.S. I have over on my Gear Page here (LINK)

Keep well,
Glyn