The Complete UPS & Inverter Guide for Loadshedding (South Africa 2026)

# UPS & Inverter Guide for Loadshedding (South Africa 2026) Loadshedding isn't going away anytime soon. Here's how to keep your critical tech running when Eskom can't. ## UPS vs Inverter — What's the difference? **UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)** - Instant switchover (0ms) — your PC won't even blink - Designed for: computers, servers, network equipment, POS systems - Runtime: 15–60 minutes depending on size - Best for: keeping you working long enough to save and shut down properly **Inverter + Battery** - Switchover: 5–20ms (fine for most electronics, not ideal for servers) - Designed for: running lights, TV, Wi-Fi, fridge during full loadshedding stages - Runtime: 2–8 hours depending on batteries - Best for: keeping your household running through a 2.5-hour slot ## What size UPS do you need? | Equipment | Watts | Recommended UPS | |-----------|-------|-----------------| | Desktop PC + monitor | 300–500W | 1000VA / 600W | | Laptop + router | 80–120W | 650VA / 360W | | Gaming PC | 500–800W | 1500VA / 900W | | POS system + printer | 200–400W | 1000VA / 600W | | Server + switch | 400–800W | 2000VA / 1200W | | CCTV NVR + cameras (PoE) | 100–200W | 1000VA / 600W | **Rule of thumb:** Your UPS wattage should be 1.5× your total equipment watts. ## Our UPS recommendations ### For home offices: - **APC Back-UPS 650VA** — budget option, 15 min runtime for a laptop + router - **APC Smart-UPS 1000VA** — pure sine wave, good for desktop PC + monitor ### For businesses: - **APC Smart-UPS 1500VA** — covers a POS + PC + router - **APC Smart-UPS 3000VA (rack)** — for server rooms and multiple workstations - **Eaton 5P 1550VA** — excellent for network closets ### For CCTV: - **Dedicated 1000VA UPS on the NVR** — keeps recording during loadshedding - **PoE switch with UPS** — keeps cameras powered even without mains ## Tips for surviving loadshedding 1. **Always UPS your router** — even if nothing else, keep your internet alive 2. **Set your laptop to charge at 80%** — batteries last longer this way 3. **UPS your CCTV** — criminals know when the power goes off 4. **Test your UPS monthly** — pull the plug and confirm it switches over 5. **Replace UPS batteries every 2–3 years** — they degrade over time ## Need help? We sell, install, and maintain UPS systems and inverters for homes and businesses across the South Coast. 📞 Call: [039 314 4359](tel:0393144359) 💬 WhatsApp: [082 556 9875](https://wa.me/27825569875) 🛒 [Shop UPS systems online →](/products?category=accessories) [Contact us for UPS sizing advice →](/contact)