HR20 Power consumption.

[wavemaster]

I'm having a whole-house generator installed today with an automatic whole panel transfer switch.

The PC's and most electronics are on UPS's and I was trying to get some accurate numbers on the HR20's. To big of a UPS and you waste a LOT of energy in the UPS itself. 5-10 minutes without power would be the worst-case, it should be fully switched over within 2 minutes, but I may increase the warm-up time.

So what's the smallest UPS with surge protection to suit just an HR20?

Thanks

[ajtmcse]

I did a quick google, and hr-20 power usage is apparently around 33 watts.

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6475_7-6400401-2.html

[wavemaster]

I've seen similar info. I just find it hard to believe that between the drive, CPU/GPU, fans, tuners, and power for the LNB's it's only 33 watts.

They just ran the fail over test and all looks good, I should be all set for the norester due tonight/tomorrow ;-)

The best thing is no more filling the old small generator with gas (the new one is natural gas, so it can run and run) and no more limping along. The new unit will put out about 130 AMPS constant.

[Ken S]

I'm having a whole-house generator installed today with an automatic whole panel transfer switch.

The PC's and most electronics are on UPS's and I was trying to get some accurate numbers on the HR20's. To big of a UPS and you waste a LOT of energy in the UPS itself. 5-10 minutes without power would be the worst-case, it should be fully switched over within 2 minutes, but I may increase the warm-up time.

So what's the smallest UPS with surge protection to suit just an HR20?

Thanks

I thought some people had tested here and came up with something around 41 - 45 watts...but that's off the top of my head.

[davring]

I measured mine a while back, on=41 watts, off=39 watts

[davring]

I've seen similar info. I just find it hard to believe that between the drive, CPU/GPU, fans, tuners, and power for the LNB's it's only 33 watts.

They just ran the fail over test and all looks good, I should be all set for the norester due tonight/tomorrow ;-)

The best thing is no more filling the old small generator with gas (the new one is natural gas, so it can run and run) and no more limping along. The new unit will put out about 130 AMPS constant.

Sounds like a great unit. After huricane Wilma, in 2005, we lost our city supplied natural gas for over two weeks. My back-up is gasoline but it is a pain to store and keep fresh. I may convert to propane with an underground tank.

[wavemaster]

I have 2 100lb LP bottles that I can use if the NG goes out.

To switch, you have to shut the unit down and turn two different valves, then restart it. Hopefully I won't ever need to switch it over.

I'm just glad to have it handled automatically and able to carry the load.

[KCCardsfan]

I measured mine a while back, on=41 watts, off=39 watts

Correct, this is what my HR20 measures on my UPS.

[davring]

I have 2 100lb LP bottles that I can use if the NG goes out.

To switch, you have to shut the unit down and turn two different valves, then restart it. Hopefully I won't ever need to switch it over.

I'm just glad to have it handled automatically and able to carry the load.

Automatic would be nice but since we don't have to deal with the problems of cold weather it isn't worth the expense down here; at least not to me anyway. Propane backup is great, always ready to go.