Power cuts, power fluctuations don’t give you prior notice. Whether it’s a blip or a blackout, your business can’t afford to lose data, access, or uptime. That’s where a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) comes in. But how do you know what size UPS is right for your business?
Why a UPS Isn’t Just for Big Corporates
Every SME relies on something that shouldn’t go down, a server, a switch, a router, or even a CCTV system. A properly sized UPS for business protects you from disruption, even during short interruptions. For some, it’s about keeping core systems running. For others, it’s about buying time for a safe shutdown.
Start with the Load Size
The first thing to figure out is what needs protecting. List the equipment that can’t afford downtime – that might be a server, a router, or an entire comms cabinet. Add up the total power draw (in watts or VA), then factor in around 20–30% headroom for safety and future growth.
Don’t just protect what you’ve got today. Think ahead.
How Long Do You Need to Stay Online?
Runtime matters. A UPS battery system might only need to keep things going for five minutes, just enough to ride out a flicker or shut things down cleanly. Or maybe you want 30 minutes to hand over to a generator. Either way, the bigger the battery, the longer the runtime and the larger the UPS.
What Most Businesses Get Wrong
A few common mistakes:
- Sizing too small. When budgets are tight, it’s tempting to buy cheap and underpowered. That won’t help you in a real outage.
- Ignoring cooling. UPS systems give off heat. Even small ones need airflow. Larger setups may need dedicated server room cooling.
- Forgetting about monitoring. A UPS is no use if it fails silently. Proper systems alert you before the battery gives up.
A Local Setup That Got It Right
We recently helped a small business in Crawley kit out their new office. Their server room wasn’t huge, but the equipment mattered. After a power audit, we installed a UPS system sized for 15 minutes of runtime, with monitored battery backup and proper cabling. Now, even if the grid drops, their operations stay up.
Not Sure Where to Start?
We make UPS installation simple. Whether you need advice, installation in Crawley, or just want to make sure your UPS power setup can handle the load, our team can help.
Need help choosing the right UPS for your business? Get in touch for a tailored assessment.
