[ale] OT power failure problems - answering machine, dehumidifier

[Jeff Hubbs]

I'm not sure if anything but many-multi-thousand-dollar UPSses (if that) 
could handle the inrush current of a dehumidifier.



On 7/12/12 4:27 PM, Ron Frazier (ALE) wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> With all the storms in the area, I've had three power failures within
> the last week.  Not long ago, I got advice here which prompted me to get
> a APC Smart UPS for the PC.  That's working well.  Unfortunately, I have
> some other things which give problems when the power fails.
>
> By the way, if you need a cheap power failure sensor, just get one of
> those old red LED clocks.  Don't put any backup battery in and make sure
> it has no power failure protection.  If there is a glitch more than a
> few seconds, it will be blinking in your face when you see it again.
>
> I have two answering machines that lose their greeting when the power
> fails.  They do have a spot for a 9V battery but they eat a battery
> every few months.  It's not physically convenient to attach these to my
> UPS.  I went on a search for new machines locally.  They're almost
> impossible to find without phones attached and higher price tags.  I got
> the AT&T 1740 and it works well.  It will survive a power failure
> without a hitch.  The manual says it saves the greeting and the
> messages.  It also says you may have to reset the clock.  However, I
> unplugged it for 30 seconds and the clock kept working.  If the clock
> does die, it will automatically reset on the first call if you have
> caller ID.  This device does not require a 9V battery.  If you were to
> buy one, don't get the 1739, it's older younger brother.  Get the new one.
>
> The main reason I'm writing this message is to ask about a
> dehumidifier.  I have a unit from Kenmore which has a digital control
> panel.  So, you push some fancy flat panel buttons to set the thing.
> However, when the power fails, the unit shuts off and won't restart
> until you manually go turn it on and reset everything.  When my LED
> clock starts blinking upstairs, I know there has been a power failure
> and I have to go to the basement and check the unit.  Other than buying
> a different appliance, anyone know anything I could do?  Since it draws
> 700 W, it would probably cost more than the dehumidifier does to put it
> on a UPS.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Ron
>