Question 1

We have momentary interruptions of power - less than a second or two (sometimes 30 in a morning.)   I'm a writer and if I'm in the middle of a composition like on email or Word and it hasn't been saved, will this jump in immediately so there is no interruption - which would erase whatever has not been saved?

Accepted Answer

You will not notice anything other than a beeping sound from the UPS, telling you that it is operational and is now supplying the power. The only way I know the power is out in my office (if my overhead light is off) is due to all the others in the office complaining. I am also a "writer"...just one of firmware. I cannot take a millisecond of downtime for the same reasons.

Question 2

How long is the power cord?  I need something at least 10 ft long.

Accepted Answer

Thank you James.  I contacted Tripp-Lite and they do have a 10 ft cord unit that will work for me.  It does not have the surge protector outlets -- I'll have to buy one for the printer, but thought you may want to know they do have something that seems like it will work wonderfully.

Question 3

HOW LONG WILL THIS SUPPORT A SMALL PHONE SYSTEM AS A BATTERY BACK UP?

Accepted Answer

Most backups are used for computers, and only need to run long enough for a safe shutdown. As such 10 minutes is long enough. With a phone system you also need to find out if the company you use has their switching equipment in your building setup with backup power too.

Also, you need to consider today's reality; that even if the phone works, if your computers are down there's not much your employees can do when it rings.

Now to your main question:
Every device has a specification tag. You will need to look at the amperage or wattage draw of your device there, and then go to Tripp Lite's calculator. I initially put in the like, but this think won't let me do so. Go to Tripplite and search for calculator there.
You put in the load, (It lets you select amps or watts,) and decide how long you want it to run on battery. There you have it, buy accordingly.

Question 4

will it automatically shut down my computer normally after a period?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with the correct software (Communication Ports and Free PowerAlert Software).

The SMART1500LCDT features a HID-compliant USB port (cable included). Used with Tripp Lite's free PowerAlert software (available from Tripp Lite as a Web download), these ports enable safe unattended system shutdown and file saves in the event of a prolonged power failure. The USB port also enables integration with built-in power management and auto shutdown features of Windows and Mac OS X.

Question 5

What is the run time?

Accepted Answer

In practice you use the software it comes with and tell it to shut down the computer after say 5 minutes. That bridges the gap of a quick drop, but safely shuts things down after that. A large unit might last 15 minutes, depending on if you put monitors on it or not. But batteries get older, and then don't last as long too.
As-to how long it could last, there is no one answer to your question. The greater your load, the shorter the run time. If you go to Tripp Lite, they have load VS time charts there. But first you need to figure your real current draw. There are inexpensive meters that will show watts or amps that you could plug your stuff into to see. Adding up the numbers on the tags can be deceiving, as a 300 watt power supply doesn't usually pull 300 watts - just what it needs to meet demand. You might see 250 watts on startup, then settling down to 150 watts for example.

Question 6

Does this unit have a fan in it? Our current UPS has a fan and it is really annoying.

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it only runs during a power outage. Otherwise it's a quiet unit. It replaced a faulty other well known brand that I hated. After that I have been using Tripp Lite UPS's since and have been much happier. Power mgmt software would put my machine to sleep anytime we had a blip. This was when I was running Windows 7, I haven't tried it now that my system's upgraded to 10. I don't really need the software to shut my machine down for a blackout, as they rarely happen where I live.

Question 7

how many of the outlets are battery backed up as well as surge protected.  the description just says 10 outlets?

Accepted Answer

5 is surge protected only and the outher 5 is both surge and battery protected all in all this unit was nice for the price but I wish it had more support for automated shutdown if yer thingking of needing this id sudgest a more expensive unit

Question 8

does it need to charge before i plug anything into it?

Accepted Answer

It won't hurt anything to plug something in right away because you are not on the battery.  the battery only enters into action if there is a power outage.  The battery probably only has a partial charge and it will take a few hours to reach a complete charge, so hopefully there will not be a power outage before full charge is achieved.

Question 9

Could this be wired in ahead of the electrical panel in an RV to provide sine wave power from a non inverter generator?

Accepted Answer

Hello there, Thank you for contacting us in regards to your question. Unfortunately that is not a question we can answer, but you can contact the manufacturer directly for possible assistance. Their contact information can be found under the 'Warranty & Returns' tab and will also be listed below. Website: https://www.tripplite.com/ Support Phone: 1-773-869-1111 Support Website: https://www.tripplite.com/support/help Thank you, Newegg Support

Question 10

Can I  set it to provide a MINIMUM voltage of 120vac?

Accepted Answer

I have used this unit for some time - for short duration it is capable of cutting wall power and going to battery power if the wall out let is either too high or too low from 120. i don't remember the exact amount but i think it is around +-10v from 120. i have had countless brown outs and power surges in my area and this unit has worked like a champ. my equipment that is running off of it has been safe and protected the entire time. it is easy to maintain as well. also if it has to go to battery power and for some reason or another and the wall power does not come back on in a timely manner the USB connect will tell your OS the batteries are dying. as for me windows will automatically place the server in hibernation and wake it once power is back on.

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