UPS Buying Guide for Load Shedding: Keep Your PC and Wi-Fi Running

By Web Direct, refurbished computer specialist in Cape Town since 2002 · Updated October 2026

A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) keeps your equipment running for the first minutes or hours of a power cut and protects it from surges when power returns. Here is how to choose one.

Size your UPS

1. Add up the watts of everything you want to run (PC 60-200W, monitor 20-40W, router and ONT 10-25W).
2. Choose a UPS whose watt rating is at least 30% above that total (VA is not the same as watts).
3. Check the runtime chart: bigger batteries give longer runtime.

Which type

• DC mini UPS: for fibre ONT and router only; 4-8+ hours.
• Line-interactive UPS (APC Back-UPS, Eaton 5E): desktops and small offices.
• Online double-conversion UPS: servers and sensitive equipment.
• Inverter with lithium battery: longer runtime for many devices.

Shop backup power solutions.

Frequently asked questions

What size UPS do I need for a desktop PC?
A 1000-1500VA (600-900W) line-interactive UPS covers a desktop and monitor for a safe shutdown or short outages.

How long will a UPS last during load shedding?
It depends on battery size and load; small UPSs give 10-30 minutes at full load, much longer at low loads like a router.

VA or watts?
Watts is the real capacity; VA is usually 1.5-1.7 times higher. Size by watts.

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