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Chip LevinsonFlag for United States of America

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Will a Larger UPS Prevent Power Spikes

Hello,

I have been having problems with my daughter's PC.  Every time she turns on the printer or sends a file to print, there is a spike in the power that causes her UPS to make a quick sound.  Sometimes her computer locks up.  For other reasons, I just purchased a new computer and the problem remains.

Here is her set-up:

1. The UPS is an APC Back-UPS ES 350.  It is a few years old and is rated at 200 W / 350 VA.
2. The computer is an Acer AX3400 and the monitor is a 19" LCD.  The computer and monitor are plugged into the UPS sockets that provide battery backup.
3. Her speakers (small ones), desk lamp, and pencil sharpener are plugged into the surge protection only plugs.
4. Her printer is a Brother HL-2040 laser.  We have plugged it into the UPS in a surge protection only plug, and directly into the wall.  Either way when the printer starts to run we get that pop and problem.

Q. Would a new, larger UPS with a much higher rating prevent the issue?  
Q. If yes, how high a wattage rating do we need?  I do not care about having a run time of more than a few minutes.  I would only buy a bigger UPS if it would fix these power spikes.
Q. Could this problem be caused by the printer itself?  If I need to buy a new printer I will, but I prefer not to.
Q. Any other suggestions how to fix this?

Thanks (from my daughter and I)!!!
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Thank you both for commenting.  The only reason I am using the UPS is to get a higher quality surge protection.  In terms of battery backup - only the PC and monitor are protected and a couple of minutes is enough.

The wall outlet has two plugs.  The UPS is plugged into the bottom one.  Would it help if I bought a high quality surge protector, plugged it into the top wall outlet, and used it just for the printer?

Another idea is to plug the printer into an outlet that is on the other side of the bedroom.  I would need a long USB cable (like 30 feet) to stretch from the PC to the printer.  The printer does not have any networking capabilities.  Would this be better?
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Based on all of the above, I am going to go find a 15' extension chord, then I will leave the printer where it is on the desk by the PC, but plug it into an outlet on the other side of the room.  I will also use a good quality surge protector and will have nothing else on that line.  Thanks!