What size UPS do I need to run TV and WiFi?
To power a TV and WiFi, a 600–800VA UPS typically suffices, assuming a modern LED TV (80–200W) and router (5–20W). Calculate total wattage, add 20–30% buffer, then divide by the UPS power factor (0.6–0.8) to determine VA. For example, a 150W TV + 10W router = 160W; with 0.7 PF, select 160/0.7 ≈ 229VA → choose 400–600VA for 10–30 min runtime.
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How to calculate UPS size for TV and WiFi?
Sum device wattages, apply safety margins, and factor in efficiency losses. Wattage ratings (TV specs) and runtime needs dictate UPS capacity.
Start by checking your TV’s power label—modern 55″ LEDs average 150W, while older plasmas may hit 400W. WiFi routers consume ≤20W. Add these (e.g., 150W + 20W = 170W) and multiply by 1.3 for safety: 170 × 1.3 = 221W. Convert to VA using the UPS power factor (PF). If PF=0.7: 221W ÷ 0.7 ≈ 316VA. Pro Tip: Always round up—choose a 500VA unit here. For runtime, a 500VA/300W UPS with 12V 9Ah battery provides ~15 minutes at full load. But what if you want 30+ minutes? Opt for 800VA or external battery packs.
What runtime can I expect from a 600VA UPS?
A 600VA/360W UPS typically delivers 10–25 minutes for a TV+WiFi setup, depending on battery capacity and load.
Runtime hinges on two factors: battery energy (Wh) and load (W). A standard 600VA UPS uses a 12V 7Ah battery (84Wh). For a 150W TV + 10W router: 84Wh ÷ 160W ≈ 0.525 hours (31.5 minutes). However, real-world efficiency losses cut this to ~20–25 mins. Heavy loads? A 400W system reduces runtime to 12–15 mins. Pro Tip: For critical setups, prioritize UPS models with hot-swappable batteries or external ports. For example, the CyberPower CP800LCD provides 18 mins at 160W but extends to 2+ hours with an added 12V 18Ah battery.
| UPS Size | Load (W) | Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| 600VA/360W | 160W | 18–25 mins |
| 800VA/480W | 160W | 30–40 mins |
| 600VA/360W | 300W | 8–12 mins |
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FAQs
Only for small TVs (≤32” LED, ~50W) and brief runtime (5–10 mins). Most 350VA units support ≤200W—insufficient for larger TVs.
Do I need a pure sine wave UPS for WiFi?
Yes—modified sine waves can damage router power supplies. Pure sine wave models prevent harmonic distortion, ensuring stable WiFi connectivity during outages.