How do I regulate power to my computer?

I live in an apartment with old wiring, and as I am about to spend a few dollars upgrading my system I was wondering what I could do to protect my computer.

I would like to find something that will regulate the flow of electricity to my computer, 2 monitors, usb external HD, DSL modem, and wireless router. Do I need a deluxe online UPS (which I can not afford), would a less expensive (100$) UPS work, or can I get by with a power conditioning surge protector?

The electricity in the apartment does not go out (unless it is the fault of the Electric Co. or a storm), however it does seem to fluctuate. Lights dim slightly or flicker when too many appliances are drawing electricity at once. While I don't think that this is seriously affecting my computer so far (I have been here for two years) I am worried that the new additions to my computer (bigger psu, another monitor) may draw a little more power.

Please let me know any recommendations you may have.

 

Hi Njm,

PC power supplies are rated to operate satisfactorily from 100 to 127 VAC. That's a pretty large swing. If it does go above or below that you could use a UPS. Capacity of the UPS is important only as the length of time you will need to shut down safely. More capacity means more time. Most any UPS will give you plenty of time. Windows can recover from a shutdown if not in use. Only real damage is done if a Drive is being written to when the power is lost. Hope this helps a little.

Good Luck, Jim

 

Even a $50 UPS might do the job. I'd consider this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842102032

Or, from the well-known APC brand: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842101343

What about putting one of those monitors on a surge protector, especially if they are CRTs? That could make the less expensive UPS units more easily meet your power needs.

 

Thanks for the replies,
I didn't realize that PSU's are designed to handle that much power fluctuation.
I was actually looking at the 750 va version of that APC, might be more than I really need right now, but I am sure there will be more add ons in the future.

The only other question I have is, the apartment does not have three prong outlets, is there any serious damage that can occur from hooking up a UPS to a two prong outlet with an adapter?
I know this is not the ideal situation, but it is what I have to deal with.
Thanks.

 

I'm not sure about the three prong adapter question. I found a Wikipedia article, AC power plugs and sockets, which says, "The earth wire (known as ground in American English) is only intended to carry electric current when the connected equipment develops an insulation (safety) fault, and should otherwise never carry a current. It is generally connected to metal cases and other parts of the equipment which may come into contact with humans. Electromagnetic interference filters and surge protectors dispose of unwanted electric charges via the earth wire."

So, it seems to me you could do that and have no problems, assuming there are no electrical defects with any parts of the devices connected to the UPS. But, I'm not an expert on electrical issues such as this.

Any chance you could get the apartment owner to install a three prong outlet? I'd think they might be agreeable to this, since the lack of three prong outlets could be a issue with future tenants, too.

If you might want to explore the possibility of installing a three prong outlet yourself (with approval from landlord), numerous references on the procedure can be found on the web, such as:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/how_to_central/home_clinic/1889457.html, and

Replacing a two-prong receptacle with a three-prong receptacle

 

Hi again Njm,

Usa is 100% correct. If you are familiar with house wiring and have a meter measure between each slot to the screw head holding the finish plate to the sockets. If one measures about 110/120 volts and the other very near zero (about .5 or less) then the house is wired in metal conduit and the screw is 'Safety' grounded. An adaptor with a pigtail to attach under the screw will be the same as 3 prong wiring. If you are not electrically inclined leave it to an electrician.

Luck, Jim

 

Again thanks to both of you for all of your help. You just gave me an excuse to buy a multimeter.
On a side note, last night I was comparing prices and specs on UPS devices, and my wife plugged her antique hair dryer in. Somehow something arched, sparks flew out and a fuse blew shutting my computer off.
No damage (thank god I wasn't flashing my BIOS), but New Egg made a sale with that one.