12v ups

There is a growing number of 12VDC plugin power supplies in my Starserve panel.
I am considering setting up a 12V UPS for devices including 2 x CNI units, modem and network switch.
The idea is to reduce the number of plug in power supplies but also allow some operation of my data network in case of power loss.
Can anyone point to some devices or setup which may be suitable?
I found this device.
http://www.snaptec.com.au/dc_ups/pdf/cbu-series-din-rail-mount-dc-ups.pdf
This device has exposed 240V terminals so it makes installation a bit harder.
Depending on the cost and for the sake of space I might even consider consolidating some of the 12V power supplies and do without the battery backup.
Heat inside the panel is also becoming an issue.

Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated.
Daryl

 

12VDC options

Hi Daryl
In my previous house's custom "Star serve" type installation, I used to have a 12VDC supply via an old Cat4 RJ45 patch panel. Then I made small patch-leads to go into each device requiring DC supply. I also integrated a small DC/DC driver (Jaycar kit) for those that required something smaller than 12V. I also patched it through to power an IR repeater in the lounge room. (I had a few Cat5 RJ45 outlets in each room).

To supply the panel I had an old sealed lead acid battery that was charged by a small 12V 10W solar panel. For times of low sun (or more when I forgot to turn the workshop 12V car amplifier off!) I had a 1amp 12V supply added.

I made it primarily to reduce the standby losses from several 240VAC>12VDC power supplies that come with so many components. The only one I couldn't do it with was the phone as it caused interference. Other than that it worked really well

There may have been better ways to do this, but it was all made from stripped out "recycled" components from commercial comms jobs. The only thing I bought was the solar charge regulator (& the DC/DC drivers where required). I was planning to set it up again in the current house but it's all still in boxes from the move 5years ago, as I forgot to get the 12V solar panel from the roof when I left! I scored that from a prior neighbour.

Regards
Matthew

 

Hi Matthew
Thanks for the reply.
That sounds reasonable.
A solar panel would skirt around the exposed 240V terminals of the UPS I linked to and solar regulators for battery charging are probably easy to find.
What about the volts since I imagine a solar regulator would go to 14 or 15V while charging at the battery terminals.
I would be quite hesitant to supply beyond 12V due to the cost of the equipment connected.

 

I have seen specialist products from WES which offer a 12V UPS feature. It takes a 12V input and has a 12V output.

If that is what you are looking for then you may find many such devices at alarm wholesalers or WES components in Sydney.

Since it is a structured cabling solution then not many of the powerful units will be DIN mounted.

 

Hi tobex
Thanks for the tip.
I will check out WES.
I was thinking alarm systems and thought Ness might have something but I couldnt find it.

 

12V smoothing

Hi Daryl
I know the battery acts as a capacitor / ripple smoothing device, but not sure to what extent. The solar regular also has a panel in, battery & 12volt out terminals so that kept the output quote stable. I remember thinking a volt or two more would help with the voltage drop running the DC over the small UTP conductors. IME most low voltage DC devices have their own power supply & filter inbuilt as the circuit board components like things very stable. If you measure the open circuit voltage on a plug pack you will find it is typically 20% higher than the rated supply voltage.

 

Using solar panels or solar charger is the ideal way of generating clean and cheap electricity.. Even I am using solar technology for fulfilling my home electricity needs.