UPS

UPS, not the well know global logistics company but uninterruptible power supply. It's the most neglected gadget by many since you don't really see it everyday (if you keep it under the table), you don't play with it everyday like your phone and PS3, you don't even realize its existence if there's no power incident. Therefore many people do not invest in it.

I have been using one since 7-8 years ago...

An APC Smart-UPS 1000VA UPS. The PC shop owner even laughed at me when I told him "I have an APC UPS at home". Ya, at that time I could buy another decent PC with its price. It's not only because of the reserved power but also other insurance I get out of it, check out the wiki to learn about the common power problems, a good UPS will protect your gadgets from all these power problems. I am pretty confident that you would raise both of your hands and legs to agree with me on the "power quality" delivered to our house by the national sole electricity provider TNB.

Recently, this long serving gadget has finally alarmed me that the batteries need to be replaced. I went out survey on the price and found out the APC genuine battery replacement pack cost me RM500+, I decided to give a pass and looked for alternative...

The UPS needs 2 packs of this battery. Similar specification (12V 12AH) to the original but cost me only around RM130.

Open up the battery compartment...

Slot in the batteries and make sure the batteries are connected with right polarity. Power it up to verify...

Good to go. Note down the date of replacement before seal up the compartment...

Ya. This post was dated 9 months ago :P

Look at this...

The amber LED indicates input power is higher than the rated voltage and the UPS is doing its job as AVR (automatic voltage regulator) to regulate the source down to the specification i.e. 220V. This is not an occasional surge or spike but it happens all the time!! Imagine yourself on an electrical chair, your gadgets are suffering the same without UPS! The is what I meant the "quality" of TNB's service.

Get yourself one, the price for entry level UPS is now much more affordable than a decade ago.