[Stone]

I'm considering two of these things in case of power failures.
One to run a sump pump and another to run my VOIP modem.

Is this overkill?

Any suggestions on what sizes I'll need? Also, the one for the sump pump would be in a pretty humid environment during the summer (although it may not be necessary during the summer). Is that really bad?

[g.johnson]

The UPSs with which I'm familiar give you only enough power to perform an orderly shutdown. Are you sure you wouldn't be better off with a small generator?

[Stone]

I'm considering a generator as well.

[g.johnson]

You'd only want a UPS if the item in question must run continuously -- I wouldn't have thought that was necessary for either a sump pump (whatever that is) or a VoIP modem.

[splinky]

I'm considering a generator as well.

if you go the generator route you'll want to route all your most important systems to it for back up with the ability to shut down any situationally (corporate bastardisation of the concept) unnecessary ones. an electrician can tell you the right size for what you want to run and for how long. and you have to decide how you want to fuel the thing. also they make noise regularly as they self test so you'll want to take that into consideration with regard to placement near the house

[Stone]

A sump pump cycles on and off as the water level under the house rises. Usually for a minute or so every hour.
The VOIP is really only necessary to make an alarm call if the house freezes again.

[splinky]

you may want to run your freezer or a path of emergency lighting

[g.johnson]

It seems to me that you want a standby generator.

[Stone]

Indeed, I'm considering a Generac.

[g.johnson]

I don't think you need a UPS then.

[Stone]

Correct. I'm hoping the UPS would be a less expensive alternative at least for the time being.

[Lex]

Correct. I'm hoping the UPS would be a less expensive alternative at least for the time being.

UPS units, even industrial strength ones used in data centers, only supply power for about 30 minutes. Household units will probably give you 15 minutes worth of power. I'm not sure if that will meet your needs.

Of course you could employ out of work Wall St. analysts in one of these -

[Stone]

Correct. I'm hoping the UPS would be a less expensive alternative at least for the time being.

UPS units, even industrial strength ones used in data centers, only supply power for about 30 minutes. Household units will probably give you 15 minutes worth of power. I'm not sure if that will meet your needs.

Of course you could employ out of work Wall St. analysts in one of these -

I thought a UPS running just the phone might last a day or so. I don't think many power outages will last more than that.
I think you're right w/r/t to the sump pump, because even cycling once an hour or so, there's probably a big draw.

I may also look into a power outage alarm, cause that's the real issue.

[mongo_jones]

i think you need a realtor.

[Lex]

Correct. I'm hoping the UPS would be a less expensive alternative at least for the time being.

UPS units, even industrial strength ones used in data centers, only supply power for about 30 minutes. Household units will probably give you 15 minutes worth of power. I'm not sure if that will meet your needs.

Of course you could employ out of work Wall St. analysts in one of these -

I thought a UPS running just the phone might last a day or so. I don't think many power outages will last more than that.
I think you're right w/r/t to the sump pump, because even cycling once an hour or so, there's probably a big draw.

I may also look into a power outage alarm, cause that's the real issue.

I'm quoting the figures for a UPS for a PC. I'm not sure if their battery life is based on minutes or the draw of whatever appliance is plugged in.

Here you go.