UPS - Printer Triggering Undervolt Protection

[TWG1572]

Not sure if this is a better topic for here, or consumer electrics, but computers seems to make sense.

I have a Cyberpower CP1000. Up to this point, I've just had my computer and monitor hooked to it. My Brother wireless laser printer was in another room, on a different circuit. I did some re-arranging the last weekend, and put my printer near my desk. It's much more convenient now. Since the UPS was there, and has a row of "surge protect only" outlets, I just plugged it into the UPS.

What I've noticed is that the UPS voltage protection kicks in whenever the printer turns on and warms up. Apparently there is a lot of power draw in those first 5 seconds, and it's trying to regulate that.

My question here - is this harming anything? I'm guessing not, since the computer is UPS protected, but I figured I'd ask. I print maybe 20 times a year, so it's not a frequent event.

I think the only way to get around it would be to move the printer back to a different room, with a different circuit. I'd assume if I use a different outlet in the same room on the same circuit, I'd still have the issue. But I could test that.

 

[Donald]

I have the same issue and in my case the printer is not even plugged into the UPS, just another outlet in the same room. The UPS is doing what its designed to do. I would not worry about it.

I am thinking the wiring to the room is #14. #12 would be better.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

Generally, you shouldn't plug a printer into a surge protector for exactly that reason. Plug it directly into the wall.

 

[SirTanon]

Yeah. Printers and UPS's/surge protectors usually don't mix.

 

[JMJNet]

Printer does not need to be on a UPS even in the surge protector side.
Just get another surge protector if you want the printer on a surge protector.

 

[tmorris1]

It is going to do this as long as it is plugged into any outlet on the same circuit as the UPS. If one outlet dips, the whole circuit will dip most likely.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

There High Fuser heater current during startup.
I'm looking at thirty or so HP printers on my manuf floor as I type this.

 

[TWG1572]

I'll pull the printer off the UPS then if there is no surge protection benefit. As I think back, I was debating plugging it or the desk lamp into the one remaining outlet in the wall behind the desk. I went with the printer into the UPS and lamp into the outlet, because I figured the printer was the more expensive of the two and might benefit from the surge protector.

I'll swap them out and plug the printer directly into the wall. It sounds like I will still see the dip, since it's still the same circuit, but at least I know it's not going to be an issue either.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: tmorris1
It is going to do this as long as it is plugged into any outlet on the same circuit as the UPS. If one outlet dips, the whole circuit will dip most likely.


+1 as I mentioned. This is what is happening.

 

[Johnny2Bad]

Normal, all laser printers will have a huge power draw at startup, right up to 15A. Not uncommon to trip breakers from time to time.

 

[sleddriver]

My old Brother LP briefly draws about 12A on 125VAC when cold and asked to print. I also get a whiff of ozone.

 

[Subdued]

Originally Posted By: sleddriver
My old Brother LP briefly draws about 12A on 125VAC when cold and asked to print. I also get a whiff of ozone.

The ozone is from the charge/transfer roller. Laser printer's high draw is from the fuser, and from the image transfer system. It takes high voltages to move the image from the image drum to the paper.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Originally Posted By: TWG1572
I'll pull the printer off the UPS then if there is no surge protection benefit. As I think back, I was debating plugging it or the desk lamp into the one remaining outlet in the wall behind the desk. I went with the printer into the UPS and lamp into the outlet, because I figured the printer was the more expensive of the two and might benefit from the surge protector.

I'll swap them out and plug the printer directly into the wall. It sounds like I will still see the dip, since it's still the same circuit, but at least I know it's not going to be an issue either.


No use moving the printer plug unless on a separate curcuit. Can't hurt to leave it plugged into the surge protection side of the UPS, unless there is something funky about the wiring in that particular brance of the room's circuit.

Might be worth plugging the printer in another wall outlet in the room just to see if the voltage drop still occurs the same.