I'm on a metered electricity plan at home, which means if I don't keep it topped up, the power goes out. This usually happens a couple of times a month, and while the electricity is only off for a few minutes, it can be annoying when I'm working on my computer and lose progress. I want a temporary backup solution to allow me a couple of minutes to save my work and shut down properly when that happens. I've done a bit of research and it seems like a UPS would be the right fit for this. My computer has a 650W PSU, but I'm finding it hard to locate a UPS that isn't overly powerful and expensive, since I only need it for my single device for about a minute or two tops. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
You'll want a UPS that’s at least 1000VA or higher. They can be a bit pricey, though.
Have you thought about asking your supplier for a credit meter instead? Some companies might allow you to switch to a direct debit plan, which could avoid these outages in the first place. It might be tricky, but it’s worth exploring.
I appreciate the suggestion! Unfortunately, I don't have much control over that, since my brother handles the payments. But I’ll keep this advice for when I have more independence!
There are plenty of UPS options at places like Scan and RS. Look for something around 1000VA, which might cost you around £80. However, this issue also sounds like it might be more about managing the electricity meter than just getting a UPS.
My brother manages the meter, so it’s not always easy for me to keep things balanced. It’s just one of those things with metered electricity—sometimes it runs low unexpectedly. But I’m definitely looking into saving up for a UPS!
Honestly, it might be more cost-effective to just keep your meter topped up. It feels simpler than investing in a UPS if it’s just occasional outages.
If only it were that easy! I send my brother money for it, but it can be tricky to keep track. It’s become a real hassle, which is why I’m considering the UPS.
Thanks for that info! I can definitely see how the price adds up, haha!