Battery backup recos for imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 to prevent deep cleaning after power outage

[printer1000]

I keep my Pro 1000 always on. Occasionally we lose house power and even though we have a generator, the delay of changeover to the generator causes the printer to "turn off" improperly and thus when we power back up, it does a deep cleaning and wastes a tremendous amount of ink.

Do users use some type of battery backup to prevent a crash of the printer when power to the house is lost? If so what type etc. and how to pick one.

Thanks for your help

[printer1000]

Yikes! Sorry for the typing errors! I don't see an edit function....

[rsilber]

Absolutely! I always use a UPS to protect my Pro 1000 to guard against what you are experiencing.

My old UPS was in need of updating and I just installed a CyberPower 1500. It may seem like overkill, but in my environment it not only protects against surges, but the power blips. Just this week I experienced another multi-hour outage and the UPS kept the printer up. I typically can count on 7 plus hours, meaning I don't turn off the printer unless the outage is projected to last longer. Sadly, my generator does not cover my studio building. 

Another advantage: The UPS will keep your printer running in the event you have print job going when the power goes out. Another reason why I upgraded to a 1500.

With the UPS, I no longer have those improper shutdowns and massive ink consumption on startup. 

[printer1000]

Awesome answer! In the past I have been alarmed at the risk of fire with a battery backup. This was several years ago research. What should I look for to mitigate against that? AND how big a backup do I need to get? That is what type of rating? Is it just hours of service or also power rating? Thanks for helping this newbie in this area. I have to do something to reduce the cleaning ink waste - it is killing me financially.

[rsilber]

I've never had a concern for fire risk. I use good equipment like CyberPower. Size of UPS is totally up to you. I chose larger for the reasons stated earlier. 

Read more here about size recommendations. The size I chose is 1500/900, which is vey common. The Pro 1000 uses about 1.1 watts in standby, which is minimal. For my use the 1500 is perfect. It will pay for itself quickly in save ink, more if it stops a surge from frying your printer. 

Here's a Best Buy listing: [Replaced link with screengrab to facilitate conversation.]

I got mine from Costco for 150. 

[printer1000]

Amazon reviews on this model notes that some of these have caught on fire. That worries me.

[Mod Note: "This model" refers to the UPS power supply, not the printer]

[printer1000]

I also notice that the pro 1000 printer uses 2.5 watts in standby mode and a maximum of 37 watts when in operation at least according to an internet search.

[rsilber]

The Canon manual lists that at 1.1 watts. Regardless, with my printer plugged in to my UPS, the UPS panel tells me I have a solid 7 hours for runtime with the printer in standby. 

[printer1000]

I just checked with CyberPower and they recommend against using a UPS if the circuit is on a generator (mine is natural gas powered whole house design) due to varying cycles of a generator supply. Sigh.....

[rsilber]

Yikes! Good to know...thanks for sharing. This sure does not help your original problem. I guess you may want to consider powering down the printer when not in use.

Not optimal, but it would lessen the ink loss. I had a couple of instances, on my old UPS, of the power going out when the printer was off. It wasn't severe and did not go through the dreaded massive amount of ink as when a power loss occurs with the printer on. 

Good luck.