UPS & Surge Protectors
UPS & Power Strips
Protection for whatever cannot take an outage: UPS units for computers, networking and NAS, and surge-protected power strips. PowerWalker, CyberPower, Armac, Eaton, Ever and Green Cell.
- Time to shut down safely: a UPS does not keep you running for hours — it buys you time to save.
- Keep the internet up: a router and ONT on a UPS means connectivity through an outage.
- Surges: protected strips absorb spikes; plain ones do not.
- Professional gear: Eaton and PowerWalker for rack, server and NAS.
What are you after?
How much UPS do I need?
- Add up what you will plug in — a computer and monitor typically draw 150-350W. Add the router and external drive if you want them covered.
- VA and watts are not the same — watts are the real figure. An 850VA unit delivers roughly 480W.
- Leave headroom — aim for the UPS to run at 60-70% of its rating. It lasts longer and holds longer.
- Decide what you need — for a safe shutdown, 5-10 minutes is enough. To keep a router alive, look for a larger battery.
Power strip or UPS?
A surge-protected power strip guards against voltage spikes — lightning, power restoration, large appliances starting up. It does not supply power during an outage.
A UPS does both: it filters and keeps the device alive on battery when the power drops. It is essential wherever a sudden cut costs something — a computer with unsaved work, a NAS, a till, network equipment.
Green Cell and Anker also cover portable power for anyone who needs autonomy away from the desk.
See also
Power Protection Adapters & Connectors Monitors Peripherals
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a UPS last during an outage?
- Usually 5 to 20 minutes at a typical desk load. The point is not to keep working but to save and shut down properly. The lighter the load, the longer the runtime.
- What is the difference between VA and watts?
- VA is apparent power and watts are real power. The ratio is usually 0.55 to 0.6 — an 850VA unit delivers around 480W. Always size by watts.
- Can I plug a printer into a UPS?
- Laser printers should not go on a UPS: they draw heavily when the fuser heats and can overload it. Put one on a surge-protected socket instead.
- Can the battery be replaced?
- On most models yes. Typical life is 3 to 5 years, depending on temperature and how many outages it absorbs.
- Is a surge strip enough?
- If you only care about spike protection, yes. If you need work to survive an outage, you need a UPS.
- Can I collect my order from the shop?
- Yes, choose collection at checkout — UPS units are heavy, so it saves on shipping too.
Buying by VA instead of watts. Measure the real draw of everything you will connect, then add 30-40% headroom.