An uninterrupted power supply (UPS) is a backup power source that helps prevent disruptions to the continuous operation and service of data systems in the event of a power outage.

This article guides you through how to choose a suitable UPS and set it up.

1. Calculate the total wattage of all devices

2. Choose a UPS

For example, if the total wattage required for your devices is 650 W and the output power factor of a UPS is 70%, you should select a UPS with output power greater than 930 W.  Output power is calculated as follows:

Output power = Total wattage of your devices / Output power factor of a UPS

Therefore, following our example:

Output power required = 650 / 70% = 928.5

Different manufacturers have different volt-ampere (VA) ratings based on the performance of their UPS. To determine the total power (W) that the UPS can support, we recommend consulting the manufacturer's product manual.

Additionally, you should also verify the battery capacity and available runtime of the UPS. Different UPS have varying battery capacities, which are crucial in determining how long your UPS will last in the event of a power outage.