Resolved UPS & Surge Protectors

[Chuckeee]

I have an older APC UPS (APC Back-UPS Pro 280) and expect for occasionally needing a new battery it works great.

Do I need a surge protector too?

If so, before or after the UPS.

I originally thought I didn’t. The UPS would protect my desktop from any surges but now I’m having some doubts

 

[Bigwaff]

I have an older APC UPS (APC Back-UPS Pro 280) and expect for occasionally needing a new battery it works great.

Do I need a surge protector too?

No. That model has dedicated surge protection outlets and surge protection for the battery backup outlets.

The UPS would protect my desktop from any surges but now I’m having some doubts

Why are you having doubts?

 

[Chuckeee]

Why are you having doubts?

Saw someone else’s newer APC UPS and it mentions “surge protection” all over the packaging and it made me wonder about my older unit that doesn’t have any of that marketing on the unit.

 

[Bigwaff]

It should be clearly marked on the back of the unit which outlets are surge protection only and which are battery backup + surge protection.

 

[Chuckeee]

Hence my ambiguity

 

[Apple_Robert]

Ideally, you should have surge protection built into your UPS. I would spend the money and get a newer UPS. What you have is ancient. If you get a surge as is, you could end up in bad shape with your electronics.

 

[Chuckeee]

That was my concern

 

[Bigwaff]

Hence my ambiguity

I see two battery back-up (w/ surge) outlets and a single "accessory" surge protected mini-extension outlet. If you read the User Manual, it clearly states the two battery back-up outlets have surge protection.

APC Back-UPS Pro 280VA, 120V - BP280S | APC USA

BP280S - APC Back-UPS Pro 280VA, 120V | APC USA

www.apc.com

 

[MRxROBOT]

Hence my ambiguity
View attachment 2330146

I think it's pretty clear all 3 outlets have surge protection.

 

[MacProFCP]

Most UPS surge protectors are good enough. If you have very expensive equipment, you should consider either adding a decently expensive power conditioner with voltage regulation (~1K) or get a better UPS.

 

[Chuckeee]

My concerns have been alleviated. Thanks to all.