I picked up a small UPS on a whim and now I'm trying to figure out how much load it can actually support for my home use. I know the difference between volt-amps (VA) and watts, but I'm stuck on understanding the specifications. My UPS has these ratings: 500VA (350VA) and 300W (210W). Can someone help clarify what the numbers in brackets mean in relation to the main ratings? Specifically, when would it deliver 300W, and when would the limit drop to 210W? I'm trying to figure out if the lower figures apply when it's on battery power and the higher ones when it's connected to mains. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
It sounds like you might be dealing with an older model where the specs are laid out this way. Usually, the lower bracketed numbers are indeed the ratings for when the UPS is running on battery. So, you'd be fine using 300W when it's plugged in, but stick to 210W on battery to avoid risking a shutdown or damage to the devices connected.
The numbers in brackets typically indicate the maximum load under different conditions. In your case, 500VA is the peak or surge rating, while 350VA is the continuous rating, which is what you should be more concerned about during normal use. The same goes for the wattage: 300W is the peak load it can handle momentarily, while 210W is the recommended sustained load if you want to use it for a longer period, especially on battery. So yeah, you'll get max performance when on mains, but if it’s on battery, stick to the lower figures to avoid overloading it.
That makes sense! Thanks for clarifying the difference between peak and sustained ratings. I guess I better keep an eye on my devices' power needs.
That's really helpful! I'll definitely keep that in mind—better safe than sorry!