Backup power supply

Tom_46

I have a steam heat boiler that temporarily stopped working because of a power outage in our area. I'm no expert by any means, but it seems as though only a low voltage/amps is needed to operate the thermostat. Is there any way to hook up a battery backup to operate the boiler when the power goes out?

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Here's An Idea

Use an un-interruptable power supply (UPS) for a computer. They're not particularly expensive anymore and seem to last for years. Should be able to supply a simple steam system for MANY hours.

Dale

Generator

The little generators with a legal disconnect switch are the way to go if you don't have a well, if you do have a well you need a larger one. If the power is out pick your fridge, favorite lights, tv and boiler circuits. If you may not be home you can pay more and get the auto start model. The UPS is a good idea as steam has tiny AC loads or you could go Amish and have the boiler converted to a powerpile system and need no AC at all. If you're likely to be home the generator is my vote.

Constantin

Second the UPS for different reasons...

... the UPS is a simple, plug-and-play solution. There are a couple of things to keep in mind though, principally that the batteries in them self-destruct more quickly the warmer they are. In other words, keep the UPS away from a warm boiler or you'll be swapping the AGMs out faster than needed.

What makes a UPS so attractive on todays heating systems though is not just the battery backup, it's the peace of mind WRT the electronics inside the heating systems. A quality UPS may save many a service call whenever questionable electrical conditions exist.

However, for a very simple steam system, few things are going to beat a powerpile. Trouble is, I thought they were made illegal in many areas due to energy conservation concerns. IIRC, the Amish get an exception b/c of their religion.

Ralph Blaine

Connecting Power Supply

I've been thinking about this problem for awhile myself so was glad to see this post. Question: Given that you have the UPS, exactly how or where would you put it in - can it be patched right into the fuse box?

Tom Giedraitis

I did try this last year by basically cutting into the feed to the boiler and installing a three prong plug to plug the boiler into the ups.

Unfortunately, it did not last all that long. Maybe 8 hours at the most.

While there weren't any pumps associated with my steam system I did have electrically powered gas valve and a motorized damper. I never checked on how much power the system was drawing when operating, but I think the the gas valve and damper probably killed the UPS, since as soon as the power was cut both would shut. Therefore, they were drawing power to stay open.

It seemed like a great idea at the time, but in practice you need more than a typical computer UPS.