[BC] UPS hell

[Mike McCarthy]

I have used the Walker and other generic brands and have gone back to 
PowerSonic, Yasua, or Panasonic.  My local UPS service shop sells 
PowerSonic cheaper than anyone I can find.  And their stock is always 
fresh and floated ready to be installed in a critical machine.

Also, for those who don't know this, the 12V 7.2A/hr. cells can be 
replaced by newer 7.9A/hr. cells of the same physical size.  The 7.9 
cells are generally the same, but a design change allows the higher 
rating while maintaining the same electrical properties otherwise.

Also, many UPS's have fans running 24/7.  Good PM practices require they 
not only be vacuumed, but blown out. Micro-dust can't be pulled out.  
But it sure as hell can be pushed and then sucked up by the vacuum.  TX 
sites are notorious for out of sight/out of mind neglectfulness.

MM

________________________

Note also that reliability of a UPS depends on many factors. One is the 
quality of batteries used - a cheap gel cell is not worth the hassle. I 
use Power-Sonic cells for all of my replacements. Another factor is heat 
- a UPS needs plenty of breathing space. My rack-mounted units generally 
have at least 2 RU of space above and below them.

Dale H. Cook, Market Chief Engineer, Centennial Broadcasting, 
Roanoke/Lynchburg, VA