Yes, even a small portable generator could power laser printers, but, it's the power distribution that can be the larger cost. Unless you're going to run extension cords clear from outside and hopefully not place the generator near the door for carbon monoxide risks, you're going to need a transfer switch so that you can switch power input from either the grid or your generator. Portable generators usually run on gasoline, so, you're going to have to make sure that's fresh as gasoline goes bad relatively quickly.
By the time you have an electrician mess with the transfer switch, and consider the risks of the portable generator not being maintained correctly, its probably worth just installing a small standby generator that can run on natural gas or propane and will start up and switch automatically when the power goes out. You could get some quotes from generator salesmen, given the expected load you'll need.
-----Original Message-----
From: MIDRANGE-L <midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of Jeff Crosby
Sent: Friday, January 17, 2020 3:35 PM
To: Midrange Systems Technical Discussion <midrange-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: UPS, generators and such
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
All,
Our IBM i is in the cloud, so the UPS we have is now way oversized.
Liebert Nfinity installed in 2004. It's had batteries replaced, etc and served us well during the 2-hour power outage yesterday. But seriously, we don't need 180 minutes run time. :) I have a quote for a replacement.
I got to thinking about something yesterday. Even without power, if we had a way for our laser printer(s) to work, we could have continued on our merry way, though somewhat in the dark.
Laser printers should not/cannot be placed on a UPS due to power draw.
What about a portable generator? With the assurance that we have clean power coming out of it. We wouldn't need EVERY laser printer running, just one of them.
Anybody ever do this?
Thanks.
--
Jeff Crosby
VP Information Systems
UniPro FoodService/Dilgard
P.O. Box 13369
Ft. Wayne, IN 46868-3369
260-422-7531
direct.dilgardfoods.com
The opinions expressed are my own and not necessarily the opinion of my company. Unless I say so.
--
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