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Looking for a 1U UPS? My bottom line is that this lithium UPS is an absolute must for any 3D printing rack. A rack full of printers, a network switch and a Raspberry Pi or print server is a lot of gear to leave at the mercy of the power grid, and a compact rack-mount battery backup is one of the more sensible upgrades you can make. Below I explain why I like it, what to keep in mind, and what to check before you buy any 1U UPS.
Quick disclosure: the Amazon link I use for this product is an affiliate link. If you buy through it I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What I liked
- It’s a 1U unit. It fits a standard 19-inch rack and takes up only one slot, which matters when every unit of space is spoken for by shelves, switches and printer enclosures.
- It uses lithium. Lithium (usually LiFePO4) UPS units are generally lighter than traditional sealed lead-acid models. They also tend to last more charge cycles and need battery swaps less often, which suits gear that runs all the time.
- It suits a 3D printing rack. This is my honest opinion: if you’ve built a rack for your printers, a UPS belongs in it.
What could be better
I won’t pretend any 1U UPS is perfect. These are the general trade-offs of the category, and you should weigh them before buying:
- Capacity is limited by size. A 1U case can only hold so much battery. Don’t expect it to run several printers with heated beds for long.
- Lithium usually costs more up front. The longer service life is the usual argument for paying more, so it’s worth thinking about how long you plan to keep the rack running.
- Rack depth varies. Short-depth racks and wall-mount cabinets can be tight for some rack-mount UPS units, so check dimensions first.
Who it’s for
This type of UPS makes the most sense if you:
- run several printers, a print farm or a home-lab style rack and want to protect the electronics around them;
- keep a network switch, router, NAS or print server running alongside your printers;
- want something compact that mounts in the rack instead of sitting on the floor;
- would rather not deal with periodic lead-acid battery replacement.
If you already own an APC unit with a tired battery, replacing the battery may be cheaper than buying new. I cover that in my post on bringing an APC UPS back to life.
What to check before buying
- Watts, not just VA. Look at the wattage rating and add up what you plan to plug in. Printers with heated beds can draw a lot while heating, so check each printer’s power rating on its label or spec sheet.
- Runtime. Manufacturers usually publish runtime at various loads. A UPS is mainly for riding out short outages and shutting things down safely, not for running a full rack for hours.
- Output waveform. Many modern power supplies work fine on simulated sine wave, but pure sine wave is the safer choice for sensitive electronics. Check what the unit provides.
- Outlet types and count. Make sure the outlets match your plugs and that there are enough of them. Some rack gear uses C13/C14 connectors, so you may need the right cables.
- Rack depth and mounting. Measure your rack’s usable depth and confirm the mounting hardware fits your rails.
- Monitoring. USB or network monitoring lets connected computers shut down cleanly during an outage. It’s useful if a Pi or server is in the rack.
- Warranty and support. With a lithium battery, check how long the warranty runs and what it covers.
A UPS doesn’t replace common-sense fire safety. Printers shouldn’t be left running unattended without proper precautions, and a smoke detector near the rack is a good idea whatever backup power you use.
FAQ
Is a UPS really necessary for a 3D printer?
It isn’t strictly necessary, but it can help. A short power dip can ruin a long print, and a UPS can bridge brief interruptions. It also protects networking gear and computers in the rack from abrupt shutdowns. Whether it keeps the printers themselves going depends on their power draw and the UPS’s capacity.
Why choose a lithium UPS over a lead-acid one?
Lithium models are typically lighter and more compact and often have a longer battery life, so you replace batteries less often. The usual downside is a higher purchase price, so it comes down to how long you’ll keep it and how much you value low maintenance.
Can I plug every printer into a 1U UPS?
Only if the total load is within the unit’s wattage rating, with some headroom. Add up the maximum draw of everything you want to connect, remembering that heated beds and hotends pull the most power. If the total is close to the limit, protect only the essentials, or look at a larger UPS.
Verdict
I stand by my original take: if you’re building or running a 3D printing rack and want a compact, lithium-based battery backup, this 1U UPS is an absolute must. Check the wattage, runtime and rack depth against your own setup first, and you’ll end up with a rack that’s better protected against power problems.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page may earn 3DPicks a small commission at no extra cost to you.
