Choosing a UPS for your home or office

Even a short power cut can interrupt your work. Before choosing an uninterruptible power supply, decide which devices need to keep running and what should happen if the outage lasts longer.

1. List the equipment you need to protect

Make an itemised list of computers, monitors, routers and network storage. Separate essential devices from equipment that can temporarily be switched off. For a quotation, this list is a more useful starting point than the number of workstations alone.

2. Check both the watt and VA ratings

The VA and watt ratings on a UPS datasheet are different limits. Connected equipment must stay within both. Allow for planned expansion, and check the manufacturer's runtime data at the load you actually intend to connect.

Eaton: UPS sizing guide

3. Decide what battery runtime must achieve

Saving documents and shutting down safely is a different requirement from keeping network equipment running for an extended period. An accounting office might prioritise shutting down its computers while planning router and storage protection separately. Two UPS units with the same VA rating do not necessarily provide the same battery runtime.

4. Check connections and shutdown support

Check the type and number of outlets and which ones supply battery backup. A NAS or unattended computer may also need a compatible USB or network connection for automatic, orderly shutdown. Support varies by model.

Eaton: desktop UPS buying guide

What should you include in an enquiry?

Send the device models, known power consumption, required runtime and available space. Mention any planned expansion too. This makes it possible to compare suitable solutions against a clear set of requirements.

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Featured image: AI-generated illustration; it does not show a specific product model.