Re: battery backup/surge protector (UPS)

Welcome!

Apple won't answer that here and I doubt they recommend a specific brand/model.

Have you contacted APC support? The symptoms sound more APC than Apple at this point.

Did you install APC software or use the USB connection to manage the UPS? I never use those on our Macs

What macOS version are you running? Did the UPS behavior change when you updated the OS or installed new apps?

I've always used only APC or Tripp power management products. Tripp has been in the power biz for over 90 years. Currently we are using APC with no issues.

AJ

I also wanted to know if there were some UPS products that take Mac OS or hardware more into account when building their product. I read a few places where they mentioned "not compatible with Macs" (which seemed odd to me) so I wondered if that was an actual thing.

A fair question.

I am not aware of anything that would, from a hardware standpoint, prevent any USPS form working on a Mac. It goes between the wall socket and the computer, that's all. It cannot communicate with the system without a software link and an extra cable.

Yes, UPS makers will push their "management " software on their users, and it is common to see that the software is for Windows only. I give that a "meh." I've never found a need for that stuff.

The only UPS issue I had was an old APC 1000W model that ran for years before the battery weakened to the point where its "I need you" buzzer was far too active. The replacement batteries (there were two in that model) were in short supply and a pair cost as much as a newer, more compact APC model that had the same power ratings and more ports. The old one was recycled. The new one is doing fine without any extra software.

I have not contacted APC.

Based on symptoms. I think that could be quite productive.

Allan