Online UPS or inverter: which backup does your shop or office need?
People often use the words inverter and UPS as if they meant the same thing. They overlap, but for sensitive equipment the difference can matter.
A home inverter
A normal home inverter waits for the mains to fail, then switches over to battery power. The change-over takes a short moment. Fans, lights and a television are fine with that. Some computers and electronic equipment may restart or glitch during the switch.
An online UPS
An online UPS continuously converts incoming power and feeds the equipment from its own conversion stage, with the battery standing by. Because the equipment is always running from the UPS output, there is no switching delay when the mains fails, and the output is isolated from many mains disturbances. That is why online UPS units are chosen for servers, networking gear, medical-grade electronics and critical billing systems. They cost more and generally use more energy than a simple inverter.
Line-interactive units
Between the two sit line-interactive UPS units, which correct small voltage swings and switch quickly to battery. They suit many small offices and desktop setups.
How to choose
- Home comfort loads (fans, lights, TV): a regular inverter with a suitable battery.
- A few desktop computers and a router: a UPS designed for that load.
- Servers, network racks or equipment that must never restart: an online UPS.
Always size the unit for the total load in VA or watts, and plan battery backup time for how long you need to keep working. Our sizing method works for small business loads too.
Explore the online UPS range, or tell us what you need to protect and we will help you choose.
