Eaton UPS shuts down power-hungry accessories (Green Gadget of the Week)

(This is the latest in a regular weekly series of spotlights on green technology that’s accessible to you and me. If you have a green technology or gadget to suggest for coverage, please send a note via my contact email.)

Because many of my neighbors here in New Jersey are freaking out and buying emergency power generators because of the hurricane (seriously!), I figured it would be relevant to dedicate this week's item to the Eaton 3S power protection and surge device (aka uninterruptible power supply). The technology is focused on small office or home office (SOHO) equipment, personal computers, telephone equipment and home entertainment systems.

The main thrust of the 750VA model of the UPS, which is priced starting at about $76, is that it can shut down accessory devices. That saves roughly 30 percent of the power consumption typically associated with those sorts of things, according to Eaton.

The 3S can handle and surge-protect up to 10 devices, and has five battery backup receptacles. If there is a power outage, it can keep a personal computer running for 20 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the system configuration. The batteries are user-replaceable, and the product line comes with a three-year warranty.

Past Green Gadgets of the Week:

• Logitech solar keyboard for Mac
• Suntrica SolarStrap
• SportsArt self-powered fitness equipment
• RainPerfect solar pump for rain barrels
• Philips LED replacement for 75-watt bulbs
• K3 Wind & Solar Charger
• Logitech solar wireless keyboard
• Voltaic Spark solar iPad cover
• Samsung Replenish smartphone (from Sprint)