How long will a UPS run a router?
A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) can typically power a standard home router for 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the UPS battery capacity and the router’s power consumption. For instance, a 500VA UPS with a 300W router load provides ~10 minutes runtime, while a 1500VA unit may extend this to 1.5 hours. Always check your router’s wattage label and cross-reference with the UPS manufacturer’s runtime chart for precise estimates.
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What factors determine UPS runtime for routers?
Runtime hinges on battery capacity (Ah), router wattage, and UPS efficiency. A 12V 7Ah battery with 85% efficiency powering a 15W router lasts ≈3.5 hours. Pro Tip: Multiply battery voltage × amp-hours × efficiency ÷ router watts for rough runtime estimates.
Three key variables govern UPS runtime: energy storage capacity, power draw, and conversion losses. Most consumer routers consume 10-30W—higher-end models with multiple antennas may reach 50W. Lead-acid batteries in entry-level UPS systems typically deliver 50-70% capacity before voltage drops trigger shutdown. Lithium-ion models (like those using NMC chemistry) maintain voltage better, squeezing out 15-20% more runtime. For example, a 1000VA UPS with 600W capacity running a 20W router could theoretically last 30 hours, but real-world inefficiencies cut this to ≈25 hours. Always derate manufacturer specs by 20% for aging batteries.
How does router power consumption affect UPS runtime?
Wattage directly inversely impacts runtime—halving router power doubles runtime. Modern Wi-Fi 6 routers average 12-18W versus older 802.11n units’ 25-40W. Use a kill-a-watt meter for precise measurements.
Router power profiles aren’t static—transmit bursts during heavy data transfers can spike consumption by 30-50%. QoS-enabled routers prioritizing VoIP or streaming may sustain higher average draws. For accurate UPS sizing: 1) Measure router’s peak wattage during 4K streaming 2) Add 20% buffer 3) Select UPS with double that wattage rating. A typical home setup (modem + router + switch ≈40W) would require at least 800VA UPS for 1-hour runtime. Enterprise-grade routers pulling 100W+ need commercial UPS systems with external battery packs for meaningful uptime.
| Router Type | Avg Power | 600VA UPS Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Wi-Fi 5 | 15W | 35 mins |
| Mesh Node | 8W | 1.2 hrs |
| Gaming Router | 40W | 12 mins |
Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
Only with enterprise-grade systems—home UPS units typically max out at 2-3 hours. Consider adding external battery banks or solar hybrids for extended runtime.
Do PoE routers change UPS requirements?
Yes—Power over Ethernet devices add switch power draws. A 48-port PoE++ switch can pull 400W+, requiring 3000VA+ UPS for meaningful backup.