This UPS will scare off phantom power loads
Connecting state and local government leaders
The Tripp Lite UPS System cuts down on wasted electricity by combining a smart power strip and UPS in one device.
This is the second in a series of green IT product reviews.
Making sure the computers and devices under your purview are as energy-efficient as possible has quickly become one of the core duties of the average network administrator. Of course, one area that can readily be overlooked is the device handling the power output, that is, the uninterruptable power supply (UPS) or surge-suppressing power strip.
Just because a device such as a printer or scanner is turned off does not mean that it is drawing zero power. Often these devices go idle and continue to use a tiny bit of electricity, sometimes called phantom or vampire power. Over time, and when multiplied by several hundred users, this unnecessary expense can really add up.
Many “smart” power strips are on the market now that cut power to certain sockets to help eliminate these “phantom loads.” However, they accomplish this by monitoring the power level of a master socket that the computer is typicaly plugged into, and that usually takes some guesswork on the part of the power strip. Besides, not one includes a UPS battery system, most UPS systems don’t have this power-saving feature, and generally you don’t want to cut power to the devices you need uninterruptable power for in the first place.
Tripp Lite Energy-Saving UPS System
Pros: Regular and predictable shut-offs for Eco outlets.
Cons: A bit heavier than some users will want.
Performance: A-
Ease of Use: A
Features: A-
Value: A
Price: $111
Reviewer’s Choice
PREVIOUS: ColorQube proves you can't judge green by power use alone
The Tripp Lite ECO750UPSTAA Energy-Saving UPS System combines a smart power strip and UPS into one device, providing the best of both worlds. It measures 12 inches long by 6.75 inches wide by 3 inches high, which is the size of four to six regular power strips bundled together. Of course it weighs significantly more than several power strips, mostly because of the 750 volt-amp battery. However, at 8 pounds, 12 ounces it’s still manageable enough to carry with one hand.
The eco UPS has six sockets along one side that are connected to the battery, and six on the other that are not, having only surge-and noise-protection. Four of the latter have “Eco” capability, which means they will cut power to anything that is plugged into them when told to by the UPS. There is also a pair of telephone jacks that provide surge-suppression to a phone line (used for either a dial-up modem or DSL)
Dual-use power device
Tripp Lite, www.tripplite.com
TOMORROW: Big desktop performance in a, literally, Tiny package.