This category covers UPS units, UPS and device batteries, power strips, surge protectors, rack PDUs, inverters and power stations for homes, offices and server rooms. Leading brands in our range include APC, EATON, CyberPower and BRENNENSTUHL. Laptop, tablet and power tool batteries, solar panels and smart plugs are also here.
How to choose a UPS and power protection
Capacity. Add up the wattage of everything you plan to connect, rather than relying on the VA figure alone, because the watt rating of a UPS is lower than its VA rating. Leave some headroom so the unit is not running at its limit. A desktop PC with a monitor needs far less than a network cabinet full of switches and servers.
UPS type. Standby models are the simplest and suit basic home PCs and routers. Line-interactive units also correct small voltage swings, which helps where mains power is unstable. Online double-conversion units supply clean power at all times and are usually chosen for servers and storage.
Runtime and batteries. Runtime depends on the connected load and the battery capacity, so a lightly loaded unit lasts much longer than a full one. Most UPS units use sealed lead-acid batteries that need replacing after a few years, so check that the replacement battery matches your UPS model. Our range includes dedicated UPS batteries as well as accessories.
Form factor and outlets. Tower units sit under a desk, while rack-mount units fit a 19-inch cabinet. In a rack, a PDU shares power between devices, so check the connector types your equipment uses and make sure the socket type matches your plugs.
Backup or surge protection. A surge protector or power strip does not keep anything running when the power fails. For longer outages, an inverter or portable power station can run a router, lights or a laptop for hours, depending on its battery size.
Brands we carry
- APC: known for the Back-UPS and Smart-UPS families, which cover home desktops through to server rooms.
- EATON: a power management company whose UPS range extends to larger online systems for business use.
- BRENNENSTUHL: a German maker of extension cords, power strips and surge-protected socket strips.
- CyberPower: focuses on line-interactive and online UPS units in tower and rack formats.
- VARTA: a long-established battery manufacturer, offering batteries for devices and tools.
- ECOFLOW: specialises in portable power stations and related solar accessories.
- BlueWalker: a UPS supplier that offers units from compact desktop models to rack versions.
Also in our range: 2-POWER, CoreParts, Qoltec, InLine and LogiLink.
Beyond UPS units, subcategories include rack PDUs and accessories, surge protectors, laptop and power tool batteries, power adapters, and chargers and power banks.
Frequently asked questions
What size UPS do I need?
Choose a UPS whose watt rating is comfortably above the total wattage of your connected devices. Check the power label on each device and add them together, then leave some headroom. If you plan to add equipment later, choose a larger unit now.
How long does a UPS battery last?
Most sealed lead-acid UPS batteries last roughly three to five years, depending on heat, load and how often the power fails. Warm rooms shorten battery life. Replace the battery with one that matches your UPS model.
Is a UPS the same as a surge protector?
No, they do different jobs. A surge protector limits voltage spikes but cannot supply power during an outage. A UPS has a battery that keeps devices running, and most models also include some surge protection.
Should I buy a UPS or a power station for load shedding?
A UPS suits computers, servers and network gear that must not switch off suddenly, since it takes over without a break. A power station or inverter holds more energy and suits running lights, a router or small appliances for longer. Choose according to whether you need a clean shutdown or hours of runtime.
