How To Choose The Right Size UPS Battery Backup? – Troubleshooting Guide

If you’re reading this article, you probably already understand the importance of having an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). However, choosing the correct size for your UPS battery backup can be challenging, as your needs are not the same as anyone else’s.

Choosing the right size UPS battery backup is pretty straightforward. Firstly, calculate the total volt-amps (VA) of all your devices and multiply it by 1.2. The answer represents your energy needs plus a little extra to act as a buffer. An ideal UPS size exceeds your total VA needs.

This guide will walk you through each step to choose the right size UPS battery backup for your needs. You’ll also discover a few additional features to look for when shopping for a UPS.

Overall, you must consider your volt-amps (VA) requirements before you choose a UPS size. Not only do you need a UPS that can provide your critical devices with the necessary power during a blackout, but it must also be able to run for as long as necessary.

Considering your VA needs is something you should do before shopping for a UPS. Doing that will help you avoid buying a UPS underpowered for your needs.

Here are the steps you can follow to determine your VA needs and help you choose the correct UPS size:

Step 1: List All Devices

First and foremost, list all the devices you want the UPS to protect. Remember: not all devices require backup power during a blackout or other power supply disruption. For example, your speakers don’t need the protection a UPS offers.

Instead, you should focus on your most critical devices, like your computer, server, or backup external hard drive, just to name a few. 

These devices are critical and require UPS protection because a sudden power disruption can cause them damage.

So, list each of them clearly and note their quantities (e.g. some setups have multiple servers).

Read: How Reset APC UPS After Battery Replacement?

Step 2: Calculate The Volt-Amps (VA) For Each Device

Once you’ve identified your critical devices, you’ll need to calculate the volt-amps for each one and add them to the list you started in Step 1.

You can do that by identifying each device’s volts and amps figures. Then,  multiplying the volts and amps will give you that device’s volt-amps (VA).

The volts and amps information is typically displayed on labels stuck on the device. Check behind and underneath it if you can’t find that label.

Alternatively, you might find that the manufacturer lists that information in the user manual, a technical sheet, or that device’s packaging.

If you’re reading this article, you probably already understand the importance of having an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). However, choosing the correct size for your UPS battery backup can be challenging, as your needs are not the same as anyone else’s.

Choosing the right size UPS battery backup is pretty straightforward. Firstly, calculate the total volt-amps (VA) of all your devices and multiply it by 1.2. The answer represents your energy needs plus a little extra to act as a buffer. An ideal UPS size exceeds your total VA needs.

This guide will walk you through each step to choose the right size UPS battery backup for your needs. You’ll also discover a few additional features to look for when shopping for a UPS.

Overall, you must consider your volt-amps (VA) requirements before you choose a UPS size. Not only do you need a UPS that can provide your critical devices with the necessary power during a blackout, but it must also be able to run for as long as necessary.

Considering your VA needs is something you should do before shopping for a UPS. Doing that will help you avoid buying a UPS underpowered for your needs.

Here are the steps you can follow to determine your VA needs and help you choose the correct UPS size:

Step 1: List All Devices

First and foremost, list all the devices you want the UPS to protect. Remember: not all devices require backup power during a blackout or other power supply disruption. For example, your speakers don’t need the protection a UPS offers.

Instead, you should focus on your most critical devices, like your computer, server, or backup external hard drive, just to name a few. 

These devices are critical and require UPS protection because a sudden power disruption can cause them damage.

So, list each of them clearly and note their quantities (e.g. some setups have multiple servers).

Read: How Reset APC UPS After Battery Replacement?

Step 2: Calculate The Volt-Amps (VA) For Each Device

Once you’ve identified your critical devices, you’ll need to calculate the volt-amps for each one and add them to the list you started in Step 1.

You can do that by identifying each device’s volts and amps figures. Then,  multiplying the volts and amps will give you that device’s volt-amps (VA).

The volts and amps information is typically displayed on labels stuck on the device. Check behind and underneath it if you can’t find that label.

Alternatively, you might find that the manufacturer lists that information in the user manual, a technical sheet, or that device’s packaging.