If you are in India, you should be aware of the power situation here. Moreover, the power situation is not bad everywhere but there are remote cities and villages where you will experience frequent power cuts. While the situation has improved to a considerable extent over the past few years, a 100% uptime cannot be expected in most of the regions. That is exactly where a UPS is much needed and essential. While the situation seems to have improved over the years, it is still risky enough to use expensive equipment without protection. From that perspective, it may be a good idea to check out the best UPS for PC in India to find out which are good to buy.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is a UPS?
- 2 Factors to consider when buying the UPS for PC in India
- 3 Best UPS for PC in India
- 4 How to Calculate UPS Capacity Required?
- 5 What Situations Does a UPS Can Address?
- 6 The Watts to VA UPS Calculator – How to choose the right type?
- 7 How Long Does a UPS Battery Last?
- 8 What is the difference between UPS and inverter?
- 9 Types of UPS
- 10 Best UPS Brands in India
- 11 How does a UPS System Work?
- 12 How to take care of your UPS – The UPS Maintenance?
- 13 The Concluding Thoughts
What is a UPS?
A UPS is an Uninterrupted Power Supply. That in itself should be clearly understandable and let you understand what exactly is a UPS. UPS is designed to provide emergency power for different loads to different devices. They come in handy when the regular power supply fails, and power supply to the critical systems is not affected.
A UPS system comes with an almost instantaneous power resumption through the power stored in the batteries. The run time is considerably less and gives an opportunity to save your work and shut down your system. There are some systems that would help you work with the automatic backup.
Some high-end UPS systems would be helpful in keeping the devices running for several hours even when there is no power supply, and you are not around.
Factors to consider when buying the UPS for PC in India
Before you move ahead to look for a product, it should be practical enough to consider a few select factors worth considering. This will help you make the right choice in terms of the best products and features.
Here are a few select factors you should give a thought to:
Best UPS for PC in India
Having gone through the best UPS buying factors you would need to focus on, here are a few select best UPS options you can check out in India. We will make an attempt at listing out the best UPS options you can check out.
Here goes the list of the best UPS for PC in India:
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iBall Nirantar UPS-621V 600VA UPS
The best part that we loved with the UPS is that it provides you with all-round compatibility with practically every device. It is extremely lightweight, and portable. If you are using one device, you will be able to opt for up to 40 minutes of backup. It provides you with an automatic boost and buck functioning.
The combined voltage stabilization functionality should make it still more useful. The device is powered by microprocessors, and thus you can be assured of excellent performance. You also have access to a host of additional features on the UPS. Some of the worth mentioning options would include charging requirement, battery overloading, and system fault.
A 33 percent faster charging compared to the other similar options is one of the best options that should make it a long-standing option. It does work with the generators as well. You also have access to the energy-saving mode. iBall is an Indian brand, and this is the best UPS for PC under 2000 INR as it is cost effective as well as good for home PC use.
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- A good backup of up to 40 minutes.
Cons
- Slightly heavier design.
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APC Back-UPS Pro BR1500G
The UPS is quite expensive, but if you are looking to run WiFi and LED too when there is a power outage, the APC Back-UPS Pro BR1500G should be a perfect choice for most of your requirements. It also comes with an additional optional battery pack that ill help you extend your battery back up even further. A whopping ten number of outlets would make it an exemplary choice.
The UPS cum backup system provides surge protection and voltage stabilisation as well, along with the uninterrupted power supply. The UPS also provides you access to PowerChute software for safer system shutdowns and prevention of data loss. Energy star efficient.
The UPS comes with the ethernet port for keeping your internet connection running even when there is a power outage. A six feet long power cable should be a perfect option for reaching up to maximum length possible.
Pros
- A host of additional features and functions like voltage protection, LED status display and expandable battery backups.
- The beeps can be muted if you do not like them.
- Works effectively with the power-hungry computers and devices.
Cons
- Expensive price tag
- The fan is a little louder.
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APC BE600M1 Back-UPS 600VA – Best UPS for Gaming PC
UPS is the best option for use with peripherals along with computers. The device works well with routers as well as keeping your internet alive. The portable design makes it work efficiently enough on a small desk. It has been treated to be an excellent option for use with gaming. It provides you access to the voltage stabilization as well.
It will offer you access to over 45 minutes of battery backup with ease. It can work with a host of devices that include an LCD TV, a router, or even a DVR. It can be placed on a floor on a desk as per your preference. This is the best UPS for gaming PC on this list in my opinion.
Pros
- It provides enough power for accessories and a WiFi router.
- The best option to power your gaming consoles.
- Convenient placement.
Cons
- Not many issues.
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V-GUARD UPS SESTO 600
It is one of the best options for use with any practical usage. It is quite compact and efficient in terms of performance. You have access to Big power button and an LED indicator. A simple design and easy functionality would make it a great performer. If you are someone who looks for performance rather than looks, the V-Guard SESTO 600 should be the best choice you would want to.
You will have access to over 15 minutes of backup. The device does offer you 24 months of warranty. The UPS provides you access to a good number of connectivity options. Coming from V-Guard, which is the world leader in the voltage stabilizers, the V-Guard Sesto 600 has the voltage regulation features as well. The UPS can provide you access to up to 15 to 20 minutes of backup capacity.
Pros
- Connectivity and compatibility with most of the peripherals.
- It can support the devices with up to 300 Watts.
- Efficient functionality
Cons
- The fan sound may be a little heavier.
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Microtek 800VA UPS
The double battery UPS service should provide you with an excellent functionality in terms of backup power needs. The UPS can also take care of the voltage fluctuation as well. It can handle one device and provide a backup of up to 25 to 30 minutes. If your device is not much power-hungry, you should be able to get a back up of over 50 minutes as well.
The UPS also packs in a host of other advantages as well. Given the fact that Microtek is a popular brand for inverters, it provides you with fuse protection, surge protection, and pulse to pulse electronic active protection. You can be assured of Over-voltage protection and Automatic Voltage Regulation. I vote this up higher than other because I have used it, and I have great experience with it. I can say that this is the best UPS for PC in India.
Pros
- Best suited for the home users and smaller industries.
- Supports multiple devices and peripherals.
- The LED indicator provides complete information about status.
Cons
- May not work with the inverters.
- Takes a while to charge to full.
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Artis-1000VA Line Interactive UPS
The best part that should make it one of the preferred choices is that it has a 1000 VA power capacity. The input voltage range is also impressive, and thus, the UPS should work with a host of devices. The availability of a microcontroller ensures that the functioning of the UPS lives up to the expectation with extreme reliability.
In addition to the UPS functionality, it also provides you with the voltage stabilization functionality. This can be the right option to make sure that your expensive devices are safe from being damaged. The battery has a heavy duty functionality that should provide you with a higher degree of reliability and longer life.
Pros
- High capacity battery backup
- Wider voltage range of 140 to 300 V
- Voltage stabilization functionality
Cons
- Backup time is a little limited
How to Calculate UPS Capacity Required?
A UPS is normally rated in VA or Volt-Amps. This measures the maximum Volts x Amperes that it can deliver. Do note that there is a huge difference between the power consumed and the VA rating. It is quite important to calculate the VA rating that you require for your devices and needs. If you go wrong with your calculations and drain the UPS beyond its rated capacity, you may end up damaging the life of the battery and shorten the life of the UPS to a considerable limit.
A simple way to calculate the exact VA rating for your power requirements, you will need to go through a proper analysis of the power capacity of all the devices you would want to connect. To begin with, calculate the wattage of all the devices you would want to connect to your new UPS. Once you arrive at your total wattage load requirement, you can apply the following formula:
1.6 * Wattage Load = Minimum Volt-Amperes (VA)
This should provide you with the minimum VA rating that your UPS should have. There is no harm opting for a UPS with any higher VA rating than the one you have calculated.
However, there are no calculations available for arriving at the exact run time or back up time.
Yet another option would be to use the following formula. Please note that this method will work only when your devices have a labeled Volt and Amp description.
- List out all the equipment that you want to be protected by the UPS.
- List the Volt and Amps for each of them.
- Simply multiply Volts by Amps to get the Volt-Amps.
- Add all the VA subtotals.
- Multiple the VA total by 1.2. This is done to arrange for the expansion.
Use this grand total to arrive at the right type of UPS for your needs.
What Situations Does a UPS Can Address?
There are several power problems that can considerably affect your computer and the normal functioning that you would expect from it. Let us check out a few common power problems that we may come across.
Power problems can hit you at any time. The lightning can strike the electrical substation and electrical poles. This can subsequently cause problems in equipment hundreds of meters away.
A few electrical disturbances that can affect you would include:
The Watts to VA UPS Calculator – How to choose the right type?
It is quite important to note the difference and relationship between Watts and VA when choosing a UPS. The actual power is measured in Watts and indicates that part of the power flow, which results in the consumption of energy.
There are other portions to the energy, one of them being Reactive Power and another Apparent Power. Reactive Power is that part of the power flow that is due to stored energy. The Apparent Power is the mathematical combination of real and reactive power.
If you are looking for the right option for calculating the Watts to VA UPS calculator, the following formula would be helpful enough –
Watts = VA * Power Factor or VA = Watts / Power Factor
If your equipment is rated in Amps, you will need to convert it into VA. The formula for converting Amps to VA would be as follows –
Single phase: Multiply amps by voltage
Three phases: Amps x volts x 1.732
Most of the equipment available currently are rated in Watts; the above formula can be the right choice for sizing up a UPS.
How Long Does a UPS Battery Last?
Well, there are two variants to that question. How long does a UPS battery last or what exactly would be the lifetime of a UPS battery? The second question would be how long would the UPS be able to provide the backup under ideal conditions.
Of course, you cannot expect a UPS to last forever. The exact lifetime of a UPS will be dependent upon the components used in the manufacturing. Most of the UPS systems last a minimum of 12 to 13 years. However, it should be noticed that the lifetime of the battery on a UPS may be dependent upon multiple factors. It can be dependent upon the usage conditions of the UPS; the maintenance levels used for the UPS can also be a deciding factor. On average, a UPS battery should last a minimum of 3 to 5 years.
The second question is how long does a UPS battery last in terms of backup that it provides. Unfortunately, there is no specific calculation that can help you answer that query. Questions like how Long Does a 1500VA UPS Last may not be easy to answer. There are several factors that can affect the actual battery backup provided by your UPS.
What is the difference between UPS and inverter?
Both UPS and inverters are designed to provide backup for the power systems. Their functionality and principle of working remain almost the same, with a few minor differences. The key difference between an inverter and UPS is the switching from mains to battery power.
The UPS comes with a battery and supplies the power when the power outage happens. It can be quite helpful in addressing the shorter duration of power outages. The Inverter, on the other hand, inverts the direct current into alternating current.
The following chart should be helpful enough in arriving at the right comparison –
Features and Particulars | UPS | Inverter |
Switching over | Immediate | Takes a while |
Backup | Electrical | Electronic |
Types | Offline, Online, Line interruptive or Standby UPS | Stand Alone and Grid Tie Inverter |
Connectivity | Connects directly to the equipment | Connects to the battery |
Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
Power Supply duration | Shorter period | Longer period |
Protection for Voltage fluctuation | Available | Not available |
Application areas | Domestic and industrial use | Domestic use alone |
What are the situations where you would want to opt for UPS or Inverter? When you are opting for the same power requirements, a UPS unit may be a little expensive when compared t an inverter. In fact, a UPS comes with additional components and functionalities, and that is exactly what increases the cost.
If your devices are in need of a continuous power supply, the UPS would be what you should prefer. An inverter will introduce a slight gap between switched off power and inverter switch on. A good example would be a data center that you would not want to go without power. In the case of the home lighting systems or other systems, you can tolerate the slighter degree of disconnection.
Yet another difference between the UPS and inverter would be that it comes with a rectifier built within and does not require a separate charging controller. An inverter, on the other hand, will require a separate controller. Hope the difference between UPS and Inverter is now clear to you.
Types of UPS
Ideally, UPS systems are available in three different categories. In fact, there are two major types of UPS systems that can be useful for your needs – Online and Offline.
Best UPS Brands in India
UPS is an important element if you want to make the best use of the digital revolution. In case you are looking for the best ever experience in terms of the performance, it is essential to give a thought to the best UPS brands so as to ensure good quality performance.
In this perspective, here are a few top-end UPS brands that you can indeed check out.
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Luminous
This is the best and most popular UPS brands in India. The portfolio of the company includes UPS, batteries, inverters and a host of other power backup systems. The company has a total of seven manufacturing plants spread across multiple locations in India.
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Microtek
A brand known well enough for inverters and power backup systems, Microtek has been one of the first choice UPS in many business applications. The huge PSP that the company has based its performance would include the excellent after-sales service that it has build its business on. The company has over 300 service centers and 50 service stations across the nation. Microtek also has five manufacturing units across the country, and for me, this is the best UPS brand in India. However, other brands are good too.
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True Power
The power backup solutions company was established back in 1993 and become a top-end UPS manufacturer. The company is quite innovative in its approach. They do have a state of the art manufacturing unit along with a specialized R & D section as well.
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Amara Raja
Amara Raja is yet another prominent name in the Indian UPS industry. In fact, it has been one of the huge names that have shaped up the concept of UPS in India. They have also been into power management and storage options and also deal in renewable energy sources like solar.
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Genus Power
The sophisticated R & D is what makes Genus one of the best options you would want to opt for. In fact, it is one of those rare industrial units that has its research section approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology. The company has five manufacturing plants in different parts of the country.
How does a UPS System Work?
Well, the basic principle that a UPS works would be on similar lines as a battery does. It comprises of a few components that store the energy and deliver it when needed. A UPS features a few components like inverters, batteries, static switch and more importantly, a rectifier.
The rectifier receives the power supply in the form of AC current and converts it into DC current. The rectifier receives the energy and converts it into DC power and performs another secondary function where its battery charging voltage just like a charger.
The battery inside the UPS acts as a storage of energy. It consists of several cells in series and holds the supply in the form of DC current. When the power supply is normal, it converts the electrical energy into the chemical energy and stores it within its cells. When the power supply fails, the chemical energy is converted into the electrical energy and supplied to the inverter.
Inverter, as we are already aware, converts the DC power supplied by the battery into AC power. The inverter normally consists of inverter bridge control logic and filter circuit. The final part, the static switch, performs the task of switching between the direct current and the stored energy. It is a contactless switch and facilitates an easier switching between the two modes of power supply.
UPS Working Principle and Block Diagram
The following flow chart should provide you with a better insight into how does a UPS work
The following block diagrams can represent the online and offline UPS systems:
Image credit – Pinterest
How to take care of your UPS – The UPS Maintenance?
Most of us tend to believe that a UPS does not need maintenance, and it is a maintenance-free battery. Do note that this is a myth. In many cases of UPS failures, it has been found that the failures are due to an abnormal load or lack of maintenance.
Make sure that you follow a few important maintenance tips and go through the right kind of maintenance regime for enhanced performance of your UPS –
- Make sure the environmental temperature is optimal for normal operation of the battery. The best ambient temperature recommended by most of the battery manufacturers ranges to up to 20 to 25 degree C. An increase of even 10 degree C is expected to reduce the battery life by 50%. Increased temperature can induce an increased chemical activity within the battery and thus can adversely affect battery life.
- Make sure that you are opting for the frequent charge-discharge cycles at periodic intervals. This will ensure a better life span for your battery and the UPS in general. It is advisable to discharge the UPS battery once every two or three months for a better life span of your UPS battery.
- Take care of safety requirements. Electricity and electrical power can be quite fatal. A single wrong step can cause fatalities and even death. Ensure that you are abiding by all the safety recommendations provided by the manufacturer. If you are unsure of something related to your UPS, make sure that you refer the case to a professional who knows what to do and when.
- Create a maintenance schedule and abide by it. Many businesses create a schedule of maintenance just for the sake of compliance and seldom follow it. Remember that the maintenance schedules are designed to improve the efficiency of any device. Keeping the records and following every maintenance schedule should be helpful enough in getting the UPS work for a prolonged period of time.
To make things work better, make sure that you have assigned the maintenance tasks in a clearly defined manner. There should never be any sort ambiguity about who is doing what. This will help you avoid the unneeded mess and help you reach out the best results.
It should be ideal to leave the maintenance of your UPS to someone who is aware of the UPS and their working in a professional manner. Instead of doing it yourself, it would be advisable to go with the professional assistance even if it tends to cost more. This can go a long way in helping you address the downtime effectively and help avoid the risk to lives.
The Concluding Thoughts
That was a complete discussion on the UPS systems and how effective they can be in taking care of your computer. We assume that the information contained here in the discussion should have helped you arrive at the best solutions for your needs. If that helps you arrive at the best solutions in terms of power backups and other requirements, our efforts would be paid off.
Hello Atish,
This is such a mammoth guide on this topic and very informative for everyone who are searching for guides related to the best UPS to buy in India.
Thanks for sharing all possible steps with clear and easy to reqd and understandable language.