Question : Problem: UPS Battery Backup and Surge Protecor

Can a surge protector strip be plugged into a UPS battery backup without causing power problems?

Answer : Problem: UPS Battery Backup and Surge Protecor

Here is Belkin's comments: Why Can't a surge protector be plugged into another strip, Ups or surge protector?
 
 
The Belkin Connected Equipment Warranty States " All Belkin Surge protectors must be plugged directly into the power source and must not be Daisy-Chained together in serial fashion with other power strips, Ups, other surge protectors or extension cords. Any such installation voids the warranty"
 
There are several reasons why:

1. A surge protect uses MOV's ( metal Oxide Varistors) to absorb excess voltage on the power line. These components caoont be put in series, and that is exactly what happens when a surge protector is plugged into another surge protector. Plugging one surge protector  into another surge protector will cause the surge protector to malfunction.
 
2. Any corded multiple outlet power strip or surge protector has a built-in 15-amp circuit braker. That circuit breaker is designed to "pop" if the amperage being pulled by the devices plugged into the outlets exceeds 15 amps. Most devices pull .05 to 1.5 amps. With 8 outlets that is an average pull of 12 amps, just under the maximum. Now if you plug a power strip or surge protector into one of those outlets, you may well exceed the maximum amperage on one outlet alone. Plugging in an additional surge protector or power strip  will certainly overload the amperage rating of the primary surge protector or power strip.
 
3. A UPS uses extremely sensitive electrical components, which monitor incommin power and provide battery backup when necessary. Plugging a UPS into a surge protector will cause the UPS to receive pre-filtered power and will also cause MOV's used in both a UPS and Surge protector to be in series, as ciscussed above this will cause the MOV's to malfunction..
 
4. Plugging a surge protector into a UPS to get additional outlets on the downstream side of the UPS is not accpetable. This will overload the UPS and cause excess wear on the internal battery.
 
5. Extention cords are desigened as " temporary" power taps. They are not intended to be used on a daily basis and your local fire department will warn againts this. We cannot suggest daily use and therefore we do not allow extension cords to be used in conjunction with our Belkin products