Reddit mentions of APC Smart-UPS 1500VA UPS Battery Backup with Pure Sine Wave Output (SMC1500)(Not Sold in Vermont)

Just like a motorcycle helmet. If you've got a $10 head, you buy a $10 helmet. /s

I've been hit by a lightning strike. It took out almost anything that wasn't protected, from a toaster, to my garage door opener. My computer equipment and home theater were protected by APC battery back-ups and survived just fine. I have a lot invested in my home theater and use an APC Smart-UPS 1500VA UPS Battery Backup with Pure Sine Wave Output to protect my TV, cable box, blu-ray player, receiver, and game consoles. With speakers, I figure that I've got over $10k invested, so protecting it with a $250 battery backup is cheap insurance.

My computers are protected as well, I figure that the data on them is worth a lot more than I spend on the battery back ups.

I also had a whole-house surge protector installed on the main power line that comes into the house. I've tied a lightning surge suppressor into the incoming coax cable that handles my internet and TV subscriptions.

Overkill? I don't think so, some might, but I like my equipment.

Suggestion for a UPS is spot on. We put these under everybody's desk and I have a bigger one in the studio. It'll keep your machine alive long enough to save and shutdown, and smooth out those little drop outs. Interface, PC, monitor, etc. all go into it, but none of the outboard gear, since we won't be recording in the dark anyway. Note, if you're hoping to keep working, internet usually drops out because while you can backup up your switch and modem, the cable company doesn't UPS their gear. Phone company does, but DSL...

It is the APC SMC1500.

I went a little ^a ^lot overkill when I bought it. Works great though.

They usually say pure sine wave. They're also usually a little more expensive. Here are a couple examples:

https://www.amazon.com/APC-Smart-UPS-1500VA-Battery-SMC1500/dp/B007ZT2KKM

https://www.amazon.com/CyberPower-CP1500PFCLCD-Sinewave-Outlets-Mini-Tower/dp/B00429N19W

You shouldn't need to run it off battery 100% of the time, but the UPS should support sinewave. I'm partial to APC battery backups myself. We use them at work for our servers, routers, and ATM machines. Some of the ATMs I service are in some really old buildings. A simple APC SMC1500 which goes for around $300 should be perfect for your usage. My issue with recommending a dedicated line conditioner is that you'll be masking the real problem. You should really hire a licensed electriction to inspect the wiring. You might be surprised to find out the problem is something small like bad wires going to the wall outlet.

http://www.amazon.com/APC-SMC1500-Smart-UPS-Interface-Uninterrupted/dp/B007ZT2KKM/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=1-6&keywords=APC+UPS

this is just for home use? get a UPS. Anything above 500VA would probably power both all night if the power went out. To be safe, get something beefier.

https://www.amazon.com/CyberPower-CP1500PFCLCD-Sinewave-Compatible-Mini-Tower/dp/B00429N19W/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1505343694&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=apc+ups&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/APC-Smart-UPS-1500VA-Battery-SMC1500/dp/B007ZT2KKM/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1505343694&sr=1-6&keywords=apc+ups

>I'm thinking max it's going to be drawing about 500W at any one time.

Probably a lot less. You need something like killawatt to tell you the real amount of power you're using.

I'd probably get this. Its no frills, cheap, and battle-tested.

http://www.amazon.com/APC-SMC1500-Smart-UPS-Interface-Uninterrupted/dp/B007ZT2KKM/ref=lp_764572_1_10?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1418914712&sr=1-10

1500VA is going to be highest VA rating for a 120V line. This model also comes in as a rackmount.

APC makes better "floor" models with full battery backup, like this one