The UPS and accessories category covers uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for home and office computers, network equipment and servers, along with replacement batteries and mains protection products. Our range has over 2,800 items, with brands such as APC, EATON, CyberPower and BlueWalker.
Some models stand on a desk or the floor, while others mount in a server rack.
How to choose a UPS
Power rating. A UPS is rated in volt-amperes (VA) and watts (W), and the watt figure is the one that matters for your equipment. Add up the power draw of everything you plan to connect and leave a margin of at least a fifth. An office PC with a monitor often needs only a few hundred watts, while a gaming PC or a server needs considerably more.
UPS type. Standby (offline) models switch to the battery only when the mains fails and suit inexpensive household equipment. Line-interactive models with automatic voltage regulation (AVR) smooth out voltage swings without draining the battery, which is why most homes and small offices choose them. Online (double-conversion) UPS units power the equipment through an inverter all the time, so they are used for servers and sensitive hardware.
Output waveform. Some power supplies with active PFC and boiler circulation pumps do not work well with a stepped (simulated) sine wave. For that kind of equipment, choose a UPS with a pure sine wave output.
Runtime and battery. A standard UPS is meant to cover a few minutes, enough to save your work and shut the computer down safely. If you need longer, look for models that accept extra battery modules. Batteries wear out after a few years, so it helps to know in advance whether your UPS uses a standard replacement battery.
Sockets and management. Check the socket type (Schuko or IEC C13), how many there are, and whether some outlets provide surge protection only, without battery backup. A USB port or a network management card lets software shut your computer down automatically.
Brands we carry
- APC: A Schneider Electric brand, known for the Back-UPS series for homes and Smart-UPS models for business.
- EATON: A maker of professional UPS systems, often chosen for server rooms and data centres.
- CyberPower: Offers line-interactive models with a pure sine wave output, in both desktop and rack formats.
- BlueWalker and PowerWalker: UPS units from the German manufacturer BlueWalker, sold under the PowerWalker name, covering household and industrial models.
- Brennenstuhl: A German company known for extension leads and surge-protected sockets.
- Lanberg: A Polish manufacturer of network and IT accessories, including rack equipment.
- Green Cell: Specialises in replacement batteries and charging solutions.
- VARTA and Duracell: Well-known battery makers whose products you will find in this category.
Also in our range: 2-Power and CoreParts.
Frequently asked questions
What size of UPS do I need for a computer?
Choose a UPS whose wattage exceeds the total draw of all connected devices by at least a fifth. Add up the power of the PC, monitor and router, using the power supply or graphics card specifications as a guide for the PC. If only VA is listed, the watt rating is usually around 60 to 70% of that figure.
What is the difference between line-interactive and online UPS?
A line-interactive UPS smooths out voltage swings and switches to the battery only when the mains fails, while an online UPS powers your equipment through an inverter all the time with no switchover. Online models give a steadier output but cost more and produce more heat. For homes and offices, line-interactive is usually enough.
How often should a UPS battery be replaced?
UPS batteries usually need replacing every three to five years, depending on temperature and how often the power fails. A battery in a hot room wears out faster. If your UPS reports a battery fault or runs for only a very short time, it is worth testing or replacing the battery.
Can I connect a laser printer to a UPS?
It is not recommended to connect a laser printer to a standard UPS, because the fuser draws a large burst of power that can overload the unit. If you must, choose a UPS with a much higher rating, or plug the printer into a surge-only socket without battery backup.
