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milhouse537

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UPS and laser printer

First: I am well aware of the limitations on UPS devices and laser printers.

Client is a financial firm that prints complex documents as part of their production activities. No documents printed = no fulfillment, no money. A critical business function.

These are large documents, like 200 pages. Currently they print out on an HP LaserJet 41xx with several paper trays/handlers attached. As I mentioned this is a critical business function.

The power grid has been problematic in their area recently. I just finished installing heavy-duty UPS devices on all their computers and VoIP phones. But what about the laser printer? If they can't print, then the whole thing is a bit of a waste.

Unfortunately they are located in a large office building that has no whole-building generator, and it would be impractical for them to get their own generator.

Some sort of UPS device for the laser printer? If so, how to size it? Is this practical? It was suggested to me that I use a marine battery and a power inverter. I've seen that done with certain powerful radio equipment. But is that the best solution?

Any input welcomed. Thanks in advance.
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John
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milhouse537

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I read this to mean multiple UPS machines - one per computer and one for the VOIP system. If this is wrong, how big (watts) is heavy duty.

You assume correctly. APC BR1500G units on each workstation, and an APC SUA1000XL with an additional two SUA24XLBP auxiliary packs attached for the phone system.

The specifications for their printer say that it consumes 450 watts during printing, which: sure, there are units that supply that kind of power. But I was under the impression that the first jolt of power as it starts printing is beyond that, and would blow out the UPS, or damage it, or whatever. Maybe I'm mistaken on that?

And are you saying that the Smart-UPS (whichever exact model) would be preferable in this case, because it will handle the initial load more easily?
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FWIW I do not folks who have used 1500 watts UPS units with "personal" laser printers and have not had a problem.    I don't recommend it ... but clearly it can work with relatively low power lasers.
Here is a short list of decent APC Smart UPS Units.

I agree with the caveats above, but small laser printers should be able to manage.

http://www.apc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=165

... Thinkpads_User
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