My modest layout (15’x16’ with 8 track storage yard underneath) is powered by a Digitrax Super Chief (5 amp) with assorted power supplies (for Peco turnout motors and several wall warts for Tomar signals, etc.) Plus an inexpensive CCTV DVR 4 camera system and monitor (mostly for viewing the hidden helix). And in the near future will add a Touch Toggle system (requiring several boards) to update several control panels for turnout control. So a lot of assorted electrical components that add up to a considetable $$ and time investment overall. I’ve been considering adding a modest UPS to protect everything from electrical surges and spikes, not just for $$ protection but also the time and effort to replace any components that might get fried. Our home has a permenate stanby generator so keeping power isn’t a issue. Cost for a APC unit I’m considering is under $100. Is this a smart thing to consider or just overkill? Do you all utilize these devises? Thnx all for your comments.
The NCE Zen desk recommends a surge suppressor. Since you already have a generator, I'm not sure what an APC does for you other than keep things running until the generator starts up.
I've used surge suppressors religiously on my computers for years. They have a little light, sometimes it is the on switch, that lights to indicate protection. Eventually, that light goes out, maybe because it did it's job, but it still supplies power, so unless you look at it, you are none the wiser. The same happened on an APC my son had, battery backup still worked, but the protection light went out.
Maybe the electrical cognicenti will tell me I'm all wet, but I think the surges killed my surge suppressors and the APC. When that happens, I'd rather buy a cheaper surge suppressor.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
When we lost three PVRs that was the last straw. I installed a good quality surge protector in the panel for the whole house. We had lost things over the years when storms would cause a power surge when trees went down over the lines. We have/had power bars with surge protectors and they were useless. We have not lost a thing since I put in the surge protector in the panel.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
No UPS is needed, not for DCC. A GOOD surge protector is a good idea for ANY electronic equipment. If it cost $30 or less - it's NOT a good one, almost universally. On my electronics workbench I have all my equipment plugged in to a Tripp-Lite IsoBar surge protector that also does line filtering. For a smaller layout this might be an ideal thing - the model I have has the power switch on a cord, not part of the main outlet block, which I mounted under the front corner of my workbench. Flip the switch and everythign n my bench is turned off. It's also a loghted switch. On a layout you could put the block with the outlets underneath where everythign plugs in and mount the switch near the front somewhere, so you can power down the entire layout from a single switch.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
BigDaddyI've used surge suppressors religiously on my computers for years. They have a little light, sometimes it is the on switch, that lights to indicate protection. Eventually, that light goes out, maybe because it did it's job, but it still supplies power, so unless you look at it, you are none the wiser. The same happened on an APC my son had, battery backup still worked, but the protection light went out.
From howtogeek.com: A typical surge protector uses a component called a metal oxide varistor (MOV). When the voltage spikes, the surge protector effectively diverts that extra voltage to the MOV component. This component degrades when it's exposed to either a small number of large surges or a larger number of smaller surges.
You should replace your surge protectors every couple of years.
I thought of one but only use a NCE Power Cab but unplug when not using. No need.
For PC, router, Charter Internet, a pure sine wave, full time I bought from Amazon some years ago. I get the batteries from them also.
My town DPW takes and recycles them for free.
Since last October, I now have a device nearby that monitors my Pacemaker above my heart by wireless that keeps my heart going if it beats too slow. Heart flat lined last October. It sends to the router and to the VA in DC so the UPS is needed. Tech is great.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
richg1998I thought of one but only use a NCE Power Cab but unplug when not using. No need.
Unless you have a surge while it's on. We are having a windstorm and since I posted last night, the power has been out once and the lights flickered at least 4 times.
Same thing in Western, Ma. Heavy winds. My UPS chirped once.
Thnx all for your input/comments. I was ready to pull the trigger on a UPS until I read your comments. So I did some internet research and realized that a UPS offers little surge protection, my main concern. As Randy offered, a TrippLite Isobar surge protector offers far more protection. I’ll order one from Amazon today. The only issue is I need to replace my satellite power strips (with small surge protection) that are around the layout with unprotected ones. I read in several places you should not daisy chain multiple surge protectors as the one(s) down stream negatively effect the main one upstream. No big whoop, those strips are pretty inexpensive at big box stores. Again, thnx all.
Will Fedex or USPS work?
I have bought these for my home computer and will add one to the layout I'm building in Florida, since I can't have a fixed generator (HOA won't allow it).
https://www.apc.com/shop/us/en/products/APC-Back-UPS-6-Outlets-425VA-120V/P-BE425M;jsessionid=wx0T1hX1jGYrgBIutHJb22uh.prod_store01-1
These work well, and Best Buy has them all the time at a very good cost.
Neal
maxman Will Fedex or USPS work?
Surprised it took this long for a wise guy to chime in - so unlike this forum!
nealknows I have bought these for my home computer and will add one to the layout I'm building in Florida, since I can't have a fixed generator (HOA won't allow it). https://www.apc.com/shop/us/en/products/APC-Back-UPS-6-Outlets-425VA-120V/P-BE425M;jsessionid=wx0T1hX1jGYrgBIutHJb22uh.prod_store01-1 These work well, and Best Buy has them all the time at a very good cost. Neal
Sucky HOA that won't allow a generator? I'm pretty sure mine allows it as several home have generators. Been thinking about getting one myself.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Surge protectors are not forever. Do some research folks. They have a limited life span, especially if they have protected against surges during known storms.
My UPS are full time and protect against surges. Different design.
I did my research some years ago. UPS vs surge protectors.
I also installed both as a maintenance tech. Forgot about that. Retired some years ago.
riogrande5761 Sucky HOA that won't allow a generator? I'm pretty sure mine allows it as several home have generators. Been thinking about getting one myself.
They allow portable and must be in the driveway. I want a permanent one like I have at home. Since the place I live in FL doesn't have gas service, I would need to use a portable gas generator. UGH!
richg1998 Surge protectors are not forever. Do some research folks. They have a limited life span, especially if they have protected against surges during known storms. My UPS are full time and protect against surges. Different design. I did my research some years ago. UPS vs surge protectors. I also installed both as a maintenance tech. Forgot about that. Retired some years ago. Rich
A full time UPS - one that is ALWAYS powering via the inverter - is quite expensive.
A UPS usually has surge protection as well as overvoltage and undervoltage protection - using the same sort of MOVs you find in surge protectors. No MOV is 'forever' - they are constantly damaged by various minor surges until eventually failing. A good surge protector will have an indicator that lets you know when the MOV is no longer functional. And a good surge protector has more than just a cheap MOV - those are the chepy surge protectors, MOV, no other components, no nothing. Those are not worth the space they take up.
I received my surge protector, an Isobar8Ultra. I don’t need the 8 outlets, but it comes with a 12’ cord which will allow me to do a direct replacement of what I have now (10’ heavy duty extension cord from wall outlet with plug in cheapy surge protector from Home Depot). Reading the specs on the packaging it seems very well engineered with protection and filtering circuitry.