Curse

MercenaryKnight · Aug 28, 2008, 04:48 AM // 04:48

I have 2 computers each with a battery backup/ surge protector that they are plugged in to. I notice that as of lately, when the washing machine goes on, or air conditioning is on with the microwave. That for some reason the battery back ups both start beeping as if they are into battery mode.

Any idea why they would go to battery mode if the power didn't go out? Is it just because all the other appliances are sucking the power away and causing it to go to battery?

Elder III · Aug 29, 2008, 02:12 PM // 14:12

That sounds like an electrical problem. Have you added anything major to that circuit of late? If you still have the backup's manual it should say how much juice is required before it will go into battery mode. If you have large appliances kicking on that could be using all that is in the line. The Electrical Code for most states in the US require a separate line for a washing machine, a separate line for an AC unit, when was your house built?

Quaker · Aug 29, 2008, 03:58 PM // 15:58

When those major appliances start up they can cause large spikes on the power lines. Not knowing the particular UPS you're using, it's possible that the beeping is just to inform you that the surge protector has tripped (which may make it switch over to battery)
As Elder mentioned, at least some of those appliances should be on separate circuits. Even if they are, you can get large spikes, especially if the main panel is not properly grounded.