UPS Prices in South Africa - What are all the costs?

UPS backup power unit extras

*Sealed maintenance free batteries are recommended if unit is going to be installed in your living space

Standby times

These are based on using 100 AH car or deep cycle batteries in units.

• 600 watt – provides 10 hour standby and enough energy to watch TV for 2 – 4 hours. Unit can run a fridge/freezer as well as your TV simultaneously. 2 or 3 energy efficient lights can also be run at the same time
• 800 watt – 10 hour standby is enough to watch TV for up to 4 hours. An 800 watt unit can power a typical fridge/freezer and a chest freezer as well as your TV simultaneously.  A 100 AH battery will power all of those appliances for an hour.
• 1400 watt – 24 volt system ( 2 x 12 Volt Batteries ) – 15 Hour Standby and is enough to watch TV for up to 8 hours, power indoor lights, or if nothing else is on the circuit you can use your normal 1400watt microwave on high for 30 minutes.  You can power your TV, fridge, freezer and garage / gate motor as well as some lights for 2 hours simultaneously with 2 x 100 AH batteries.

Choosing the right UPS system

Finding a UPS system can be a daunting task for even the most knowledgeable IT professional. Obviously depending on which UPS you get the price will vary. Here are four things to consider before you make a decision:

Choosing a type

The line-interactive UPS may be a somewhat superior option because it transitions from utility to battery power more quickly than the offline or standby UPS, even if the latter can be more cost-effective and suitable for brief power outages. For homes or small enterprises, this can be very effective. On the other hand, large businesses using sensitive equipment would be better off going with an online UPS since it can supply steady, uninterrupted power in the event of a power outage without causing any starting delays.

Power required and overload regulation 

First consider the number of appliances or equipment you will be running on the UPS, before you buy one. This way, you will know the amount of power you will require. Then, you have to choose a UPS that has a 25% higher power capacity than the total power need you calculated. Also, make sure that the UPS has an overload regulation feature or an alarm system that alerts you when the load has to be reduced.

Runtime and switch-over 

Selecting a UPS with an adequate backup runtime will ensure that you are ready for extended or frequent power outages. It should be able to be quickly recharged and have a lengthy battery life. In order to ensure that appliances continue to get electricity in the event of a power outage, the switchover to battery mode should also happen instantly. This is particularly crucial for delicate devices like computers, which require a constant power source to prevent rebooting.

Size and appearance

The UPS should be compact if you need to fit it into a small home or office. You should be able to install it on the floor too, if needed. Plus, the look should be modern and complement the décor of the space you have in mind.

Finding the right Pro

Now that you have a better understanding of what can affect the ups cost – it’s time to find the best Pro for the job. Luckily for you – Kandua has hundreds of Pros who can install a UPS.

All you need to do is:

• Answer some questions about the job
• Share your contact details so no more than 5 Pros can contact you directly
• You’ll be contacted with quotes or a request for more info by affordable, experienced and trusted Pros
• Read their online reviews and make your choice of who to hire

Remember, it’s not always about finding the cheapest option, especially with UPS installations. Stick to these tips, and take into account: the entire package, pro reviews, your experience in dealing with them and then, of course, the cost.