Power Station UPS Compatibility Checker
Decide: Traditional UPS or Power Station? Check compatibility & runtime
UPS Mode vs EPS Mode • Switchover time guide • Global voltage support • Load & runtime calculator
UPS vs Power Station: What Do You Need?
Find out if you need a traditional UPS, a power station with UPS mode, or EPS backup
Understanding UPS Types
True UPS Mode (0-10ms switchover)
Best for: Sensitive electronics (Gaming PCs, iMacs, NAS, Servers, Medical equipment)
Why: Zero interruption – seamless power transfer protects data and equipment
EPS Mode (20-30ms switchover)
Best for: Household essentials (Refrigerators, TVs, Routers, Lights)
Why: Short delay acceptable for non-sensitive devices – most appliances won’t notice
High-Surge EPS
Best for: Inductive loads (Power tools, AC units, Pumps, Motors)
Why: Handles high startup surge – power stations often better than small UPS units for this
Quick Decision Guide
| What Are You Powering? | UPS Type Needed | Can Power Station Do It? |
|---|---|---|
|
Sensitive Electronics Gaming PC, iMac, NAS, Servers, Workstations |
True UPS (<10ms) |
✓ YES – But only high-end models e.g., EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra, Anker Solix F3800, Bluetti AC500 |
|
Household Essentials Fridge, TV, Router, Lights, Fans |
EPS Mode (20-30ms) |
✓ YES – Almost all modern units Jackery, Bluetti, EcoFlow, Anker (2024+ models) |
|
Critical Life Support CPAP, Oxygen Concentrators, Medical Devices |
True UPS (0-10ms) |
⚠ SOME – Only certified units Must verify <10ms transfer time. Consult doctor. |
|
Inductive Loads Power Tools, AC Units, Pumps, Motors |
High-Surge EPS |
✓ YES – Actually BETTER than UPS Power stations handle surge better than small UPS units |
|
Networking Equipment Router, Modem, Switch, Security Cameras |
EPS or UPS (either) |
✓ YES – All power stations work Low power draw, not sensitive to switchover delay |
Key Differences: Traditional UPS vs Power Station
🏢 Traditional UPS
- Fixed location (stays plugged in)
- Short runtime (5-30 minutes)
- Fast switchover (0-10ms)
- Best for: Office/desktop equipment
- Example: APC Back-UPS 1500VA
🔋 Power Station (UPS Mode)
- Portable (take anywhere)
- Long runtime (hours to days)
- Varies: 10-30ms (model dependent)
- Best for: Emergency prep, outdoor, travel
- Example: EcoFlow Delta 2, Jackery 2000
Now use the calculator below to check your specific setup
Check UPS Compatibility
Enter your UPS specifications and devices to verify compatibility and calculate runtime
Your UPS Specifications
Your Devices
How to Use This Checker
- Find your UPS specifications – Check the label on your UPS or the user manual for VA rating, wattage, and battery capacity.
- Select voltage system – Choose your country’s voltage (110V-240V). Most UPS units match input and output voltage.
- Add all your devices – Select device types or enter custom wattage. Include everything you want to protect.
- Set quantities – Specify how many of each device (e.g., 2 monitors, 1 desktop, 1 router).
- Check efficiency – Most UPS units are 80-90% efficient. High-end models reach 95%+.
- Click Calculate – Get instant compatibility check, load percentage, and estimated runtime.
- Review recommendations – See if you’re overloading, have safe capacity, or need a larger UPS.
Expert UPS Tips
Safe Load Capacity
Never load a UPS beyond 80% of its rated capacity. This ensures proper performance, extends battery life, and prevents overload shutdowns during power failures.
VA vs Watts
VA (Volt-Amperes) is apparent power, Watts is real power. Most UPS units have a power factor of 0.6-0.7, meaning a 1500VA UPS delivers ~900-1050W.
Runtime Reality
Runtime calculations are estimates. Actual runtime depends on battery age, temperature (cold reduces capacity by 20-40%), and load variations during use.
Voltage Matching
Ensure your UPS output voltage matches your device requirements. 120V devices work on 110V, but 240V devices need 220-240V UPS units.
Battery Replacement
UPS batteries last 3-5 years. Replace proactively to avoid surprises. Test your UPS monthly by unplugging it while running devices.
Pure Sine Wave
High-end UPS units output pure sine wave power, essential for sensitive electronics like medical equipment, audio gear, and some laser printers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between VA and Watts on a UPS?
VA (Volt-Amperes) measures apparent power, while Watts measures real power that actually runs your devices. UPS units specify both. The ratio is called power factor (typically 0.6-0.7). Example: A 1500VA UPS with 0.6 power factor delivers 900W (1500 × 0.6).
Can I use a 110V UPS with 220V devices or vice versa?
No. Voltage mismatch will damage devices or prevent them from working. A 110-120V UPS is for North America/Japan. A 220-240V UPS is for Europe/Asia/Australia. Always match UPS output voltage to your device requirements.
How long will my UPS run my devices during a power outage?
Runtime depends on total load and battery capacity. Example: A 1500VA/900W UPS with 150Wh battery running 300W of devices = ~30-40 minutes. Lower load = longer runtime. See calculator results for your specific setup.
What happens if I overload my UPS?
Overloading (exceeding wattage rating) triggers immediate shutdown or overload alarm. The UPS cannot start or will shut down within seconds. Always keep load under 80% of rated capacity for safe operation.
Do I need a UPS for my home router and modem?
Yes! Routers and modems draw only 10-25W total. A small 600VA UPS can keep them running 3-6 hours during outages, maintaining internet for work-from-home, security cameras, and communication.
Can I plug a UPS into another UPS (daisy-chain)?
Never daisy-chain UPS units. This causes incompatibility issues, efficiency loss, and potential damage. If you need more runtime, use a single larger UPS or add external battery packs if supported by your model.
What’s the difference between standby, line-interactive, and online UPS?
Standby (offline): Cheapest, 2-10ms switchover delay. Line-interactive: Mid-range, voltage regulation, 2-4ms switch. Online (double-conversion): Most expensive, 0ms switch, pure sine wave, best for sensitive equipment.
How do I calculate if my UPS can run my gaming PC?
Check your PSU wattage. A high-end gaming PC typically uses 300-500W under load. Add monitor (30-50W) and peripherals (10-20W). Example: 400W PC + 40W monitor = 440W total. You need a UPS rated 550W+ (leaving 20% safety margin).
Why does my UPS show different runtime than advertised?
Manufacturer ratings often assume minimal load (e.g., 100W). Runtime decreases exponentially with load. Also, battery age, temperature, and efficiency losses reduce real-world runtime. Use this calculator for accurate estimates.
Can a UPS work globally with different voltages?
Some “universal” UPS models auto-detect 110-240V input and provide corresponding output. However, most UPS units are region-specific. Always check specifications. This calculator helps verify voltage compatibility for your specific setup.