Does APC _really_ sell UPSes?

Den mandag den 14. juli 2014 21.04.11 UTC+2 skrev Robert Baer:

a quick google finds dozens of places online that stock BX500CI here in Euroland though spec'ed 230V/50Hz

-Lasse

Order it from Europe?

Just FYI, the voltage in Ethiopia is not 240V. AFAIK it is 220V.

Probably not. However, if you search for countries that have power mains similar to Ethiopia 220v/50Hz power: you'll probably find a country where the correct voltage and frequency UPS can be purchased. For example, it looks like United Kingdom will work.

What exactly is your problem ?

UPS devices for the European market should be capable using of both

In addition, in developing countries or recently industrialized countries or what ever the current politically correct term is, at least the rural network is often quite weak, so one should not be too surprised of getting something between 150 and 260 V from a nominally

This is a good idea. When traveling, I've sometimes ordered stuff with local voltages to wait for me at the hotel of the destination. It's always a good idea to warn the local recipient to expect your package, as I've learned.

Den mandag den 14. juli 2014 21.51.13 UTC+2 skrev snipped-for-privacy@downunder.com:

the spec on the APC-BX500CI says 160-280V 45-65Hz

-Lasse

Names, please?

Yes, just like US voltage is quoted as 110V but in reality is 120V to

Thanks.

Yes, yes, i know. Who sells them in Ethiopia? Net cost UPS+shipping should be lower there than buying in (say) the UK and shipping to Addis Ababa.

Yes; Specs of the BX500CI seems to cover that.

Rather wise.

Yup! that high end eXplicity is a necessary characteristic; there is a LOT of Urban renewal going on in Addis Ababa (including stealing..err "confiscate" wares) being sold by sidewalk vendors - thieves are "officials" trying to "improve" the economy. Said urban renewal includes transportation which makes for nasty power spikes that destroys computers, their power supplies, and MBs.

This UPS is to be used to give some protection (none used before).

On Mon, 14 Jul 2014 22:55:28 +0300, Mikko OH2HVJ Gave us:

That's what she said!...

I gave a link.

I don't know about Ethiopia in particular, but when dealing with developing countries in general, they usually have quite strict import licensing and taxes. In addition to a lot paper work, quite often some briberies needs to be paid.

If there are some "official importer", the state officials will in practice block any independent import attempts, unless you pay something to the "right" people.

To your question

the right answer is to contact the manufacturer of the product of interest and ask if they have an "official representative" in Ethiopia.

Of course, be prepared to pay multiple times to the official representative compared what you would be paying on the Western market:-).

UPSes are used almost all over the Third World, because of poor utility power characteristics -- voltage fluctuations etc., In India e;g., one cannot run a computer without an UPS, and APC is the top-selling UPS brand. A little pricey compared to Chinese junk, but very reliable device.

I finally was able to talk to Tagel Molla of IP Com Technologies in Addis Ababa.

I ordered the APC BX800CI rated at 220V 50Hz for my friend there.