Standby (offline) UPS units are backup power supplies for home computers, routers, network gear and small office equipment. Our range has over 30 models, from 0.65 to 2 kVA, in tower, mini tower and small-footprint designs. You will find APC, Tecnoware, Fortron Source and Trust products.
How to choose a standby UPS
Power. Add up the wattage of everything you plan to connect and leave at least a fifth in reserve. Models in our range run from 0.65 to 2 kVA, with stated output of roughly 210 to 900 W. Do not rely on kVA or VA alone, because the real load limit is set by watts.
How it works. A standby (offline) UPS feeds equipment straight from the mains and switches to the battery only when the power fails, so its design is simpler than line-interactive or online units. That is enough for a PC, router or NAS when you only need time to save work and shut down safely. Equipment that is sensitive to voltage fluctuations is more often paired with an online UPS.
Outlets. Choose by plug type and the number of devices you need to connect. Most of our models have Type F (Schuko) outlets, while some use C13 sockets and need matching power cables. The number of outlets ranges from 2 to 10, and models with 2 or 4 are the most common.
Battery capacity. Capacity decides how many minutes your equipment keeps running without mains power, and a heavier load shortens that time. In our range the most frequently listed batteries are 7 Ah and 9 Ah, with some at 12 Ah. A standby UPS is meant for a safe shutdown, not for long work without electricity.
Input voltage range. Some models tolerate larger mains swings and switch to battery less often. In our range the minimum input voltage varies from 88 to 220 V, and the maximum reaches up to 300 V. If your supply often sags or spikes, pick a wider operating window.
Size. Tower models usually house a larger battery, while small-footprint units are easier to tuck under a desk or next to a router. Measure the space first and check the cable length.
Brands we carry
- APC: part of Schneider Electric and known for the Back-UPS series aimed at home and small office equipment.
- Tecnoware: an Italian UPS manufacturer offering standby models of various sizes for computers and network equipment.
- Fortron Source: the UPS brand of the FSP group, which grew out of computer power supply manufacturing.
- Trust: a Dutch maker of computer accessories, often chosen for low-power home UPS units.
- Digitus: a brand of the ASSMANN group, known for network and server rack equipment.
- PowerWalker and BlueWalker: PowerWalker UPS units are made by the German company BlueWalker.
Also in our range: Armac, Rebel, Green Cell and DSIT.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a standby and a line-interactive UPS?
A standby UPS passes mains power straight to your equipment and switches to the battery only when the supply fails. A line-interactive model also has a voltage regulator, so it corrects smaller fluctuations without using the battery. For a home PC and router, standby is often enough.
How long will a UPS keep a computer running?
Usually a few minutes to a few dozen, depending on battery capacity and the connected load. The more power your equipment draws, the shorter the runtime. That is normally enough to save files and shut the computer down.
Is a standby UPS suitable for a heating boiler or pump?
Not always. Many standby models output a simulated sine wave, while some boiler and pump motors need a pure sine wave. Check the boiler manufacturer's requirements and the UPS output waveform before buying.
How often does a UPS battery need replacing?
Usually after a few years, because lead-acid batteries lose capacity over time. High ambient temperatures and frequent discharges shorten their life. If your UPS runs noticeably shorter than it used to, it is time to plan a new battery.
