“The real danger of blackouts or electrical cuts are the unexpected PC shutdown.”
Choosing the right UPS is key if we want to have a worries-free time while gaming or using your personal computer at home.
Do you need an UPS for home and want to know which one is best?
If you just want to know what the Top 7 UPS for home use in India are, you can find a summary on the table below.
If you are still not clear on what your needs or requirements are please, keep reading. I will guide you and help you understand what your requirements are and which are the best options to choose from.
Here are the Top 7 UPS for PC in India:
1. UPS APC Model: BX600C-IN 600VA/360W
Good value for price
> ₹2,000 range
2 years warranty
2. UPS APC Model: BR1000G-IN 1000VA/600W
Premium option
> ₹10,000 range
Gaming PC compatible
3. UPS iBall Model: Nirantar 621V 600VA/360W
Good value for price
> ₹2,000 range
1-2 year warranty
4. UPS APC Model: BX1100C-IN 1100VA/660W
Mid-premium option
> ₹5,000 range
Gaming PC compatible
5. UPS Zebronics Model: ZEB-U725 600VA/360W
Economical option
> ₹1,000 range
1-2 years warranty
6. UPS VGUARD Model: SESTO 600 600VA/300W
Good value for price
> ₹2,000 range
1-2 years warranty
Short Buying Guide
What do you need to consider to choose the right inverter?
1. First and most importantly, you need to understand what your requirements are.
Your power requirements:
Number and type of devices you would like to have operating when there is a power cut.
Every device has some power requirements which are expressed in Watts. The sum of all the watts that every appliance has is the total wattage.
The wattage required will tell you what type of UPS you need.
VA rating of your UPS:
How do you find the VA rating of the UPS you need for home?
You will learn how to calculate it on the more extense buying guide below.
The Back up time:
How long do you want your PC and other devices to work for?
You will have to take into consideration what type of devices and how many you connect to the UPS. You will find the details on how to find out what your back up time will be on the complete guide chapter below.
2. Type of UPS Inverters to choose from
Inverters can be classified in many ways, but one but the most common ones is in the way they transform the electrical current from DC to AC. There are 2 types of Inverter:
1. Pure Sine Wave Inverter
- Safe.
- Less economical UPS (but the gap has been closing in recent years).
- Most common appliances are supported.
- Recommended for sophisticated appliances or delicate electronics.
- Consumes more energy to operate the appliances.
2. Modified Sine Wave. Also known as Stepped Since Wave or Approximated Sine Wave.
3. Square wave
- Less safe for the equipment compared to the pure since wave.
- More economical UPS.
- Recommended for certain types of equipment or appliances.
- Can cause humming noise when used with induction motors (example: ceiling fans) or more sophisticated appliances.
- Lower energy consumption to operate the appliances.
The Pure Sine Wave type reproduces the alternate current (AC) wave as it comes directly to your home, matching its shape perfectly.
The Square Wave type (or the modified sine wave) reproduces a wave that is not as refined as the Pure Sine. It is more an approximation. Since it is a simpler wave means it also needs less energy to produce it. So, it consumes less electricity.
3. UPS or Inverter? What is the difference?
Even though UPS and Inverter are used by many people interchangeably, they are different!
Both serve the same purpose, transforming DC to AC. The main difference is that UPS starts operating faster when there is an electricity cut compared to an Inverter.
We are talking about milliseconds of difference between UPS and Inverter but there are appliances that might be affected by this small difference.
Simply put, UPS are more convenient for appliances like laptops, desktop computers, stereos and laser printers. You might damage the electronic components of the computer or lose the work you are working on if suddenly there is a cut.
The final objective of an UPS is mainly to protect our PC or electronic device to suffer from a sudden power cut. The typical backup time for an UPS is usually in the range of minutes. Just enough time to save game or any document you are working on.
UPS are Inverters with a built-in battery.
4. Other considerations or characteristics
Brand authority: Well known brands usually (not always!) offer better customer service, reliable and extensively rewied products.
Warranty: typical warranty times are 1-2 years.
Price: it will mostly vary depending on the characteristics of the inverter (VA, type of sine wave, additional features, etc.).
Features: even though the important part from an inverter is its capacity to transform the current, different models offer additional extra functionalities (screens with menus, various indicators, etc.)
Top 7 UPS for PC, for home use in India: models' analysis.
The UPS APC Model : BX600C-IN is ideal for you if you are planning to connect a typical PC and want to make sure you get a reliable UPS brand. At a good value for price.
The UPS APC BX600C-IN is one of the most positively reviewed of its category. Being considered a good value for money and a reliable UPS Inverter. It produces a Modified Sine Wave. It has a warranty of 24 months.
Here are some of the main specifications:
- Output power capacity: 360 Watts / 600 VA
- Nominal Output Voltage: 230 V
- Nominal Input Voltage: 230 V
- Input Connections: India 5-pin 6 A (3 power outlets)
- Cord Length: 1.22 meters
It has a Battery Saver Mode: If you use this option then the power backup will be reduced, but battery life will be increased. In the Battery Saver Mode the UPS will shutdown automatically in 5 min if the connected load is 30 W or less (the router, for example).
You can check here more technical details about this UPS.
APC is a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, which is a French multinational corporation headquartered in Rueil-Malmaison, France. APC UPSs provide the vast experience from an electrical group as Schneider, which spends importantly in R&D. Holding about 20000 patents.
Pros
Cons
The UPS APC Model : BR1000G-IN is ideal for you if you are demanding and want want to make sure you get the best UPS.
The UPS APC BR1000G-IN is the option to go for in the case you need to connect a Gaming PC or you are planning to connect additional devices (printer, speakers, etc).
The difference in price between the Model BX600C-IN and this model (the BR100G-IN) comes mainly from the VA difference. This model has the capacity to support higher power requirements (Gaming PC for example). It has an output of 600 W.
The UPS APC BR1000G-IN is one of the most positively reviewed of its category. Being considered a premium option and a reliable UPS Inverter. It produces a Modified Sine Wave. It has a warranty of 24 months for both, the UPS and the battery. Most of the other models only have a 1 year warranty for the battery.
Here are some of the main specifications:
- Output power capacity: 600 Watts / 1000 VA
- Nominal Output Voltage: 230 V
- Nominal Input Voltage: 230 V
- Input Connections: India 3-pin 6 A (6 power outlets; only 4 battery backed)
- Cord Length: 1.22 meters
You can check here more technical details about this UPS.
APC is a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, which is a French multinational corporation headquartered in Rueil-Malmaison, France. APC UPSs provide the vast experience from an electrical group as Schneider, which spends importantly in R&D. Holding about 20000 patents.
Pros
Cons
The UPS iBall, Model: Nirantar UPS 621V is ideal for you if you are looking for a good value for price. It provides basic features with a simple and compact deisgn.
The UPS iBall UPS 621V is a good value for the price. It has an output of 360 W.
It has the same VA as the APC BX600C-IN , which is 600 VA, being the main difference the price (lower) and having a simpler design and smaller size.
The UPS iBall UPS 621V is one of the most positively reviewed of its category. Being considered a premium option and a reliable UPS Inverter. It produces a Modified Sine Wave. It has a warranty of 24 months.
Here are some of the main specifications:
- Output power capacity: 360 Watts / 600 VA
- Nominal Output Voltage: 230 V
- Nominal Input Voltage: 140-300 V (Wide input voltage range)
- Input Connections: India 5-pin 6 A (3 power outlets)
- Recharge time: 6 hours to 90% at normal mode
You can check here more technical details about this UPS.
It has also the following features: Green Power Function for energy saving. Automatic voltage regulator for Boost & Buck and Auto restart while AC recovery.
iBall is an Indian consumer electronics company headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, which imports computer peripherals, smartphones and tables from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Text included on the side of the UPS iBall UPS 621V (blue square on the image):
- Charge the iBall UPS for 8 to 10 hours before the first use.
- Keep your AC main power 'ON' to have the battery fully charged and get a maximum backup time.
- Charge the UPS for at least 48 hours once in a month.
- If there is no main power failure for over a week, switch off the main power and run the computer system on UPS for 3-4 min.
Pros
Cons
The UPS APC BX1100C-IN is ideal for you if you are planning to connect a Gaming PC or several devices (5 power outputs). It is a mid-premium option from a reliable brand.
The UPS APC BX1100C-IN is mid-premium option to go for in the case you need to connect 1 Gaming PC or you are planning to connect additional devices (printer, speakers, etc).
The difference in price between the Model BR1000G-IN and this model (the BX1100C-IN) comes mainly from more premium features that the former has. Having both models similar output capacities (1000 & 1100 VA), this model (BX1100C-IN) has more basic characteristics but at a lower price.
The UPS APC BX1100C-IN is a positively reviewed UPS. Being considered a mid-premium option and a reliable UPS Inverter. It produces a Modified Sine Wave. It has a warranty of 12 months.
Here are some of the main specifications:
- Output power capacity: 660 Watts / 1100 VA
- Nominal Output Voltage: 230 V
- Nominal Input Voltage: 230 V
- Input Connections: India 5-pin 6 A (5 power outlets; only 4 battery backed)
- Cord Length: 1.52 meters
You can check here more technical details about this UPS.
APC is a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, which is a French multinational corporation headquartered in Rueil-Malmaison, France. APC UPSs provide the vast experience from an electrical group as Schneider, which spends importantly in R&D. Holding about 20000 patents.
Pros
Cons
The UPS Zebronics ZEB-U725 is one of the most economical options. It is the battery to go for if it suits your needs. It supports a standard PC configuration.
The UPS Zebronics ZEB-U725 is one of the most economical options. It is a definitely good for price for value considering that it performs as reliably as other less economical brands. This Zebronics model has an output of 360 W, which is in the lower range but it also comes at a lower price. Again, it will depend on your needs.
It comes with very similar features as other more premium UPS:
- Output power capacity: 360 Watts / 600 VA
- Nominal Output Voltage: 230 V
- Nominal Input Voltage: 140-300 V
- Input Connections: India 5-pin 6 A (3 power outlets)
- Recharge time: 6 hours to 90% after complete discharge
According to their official website: Zebronics is a IT & Gaming Peripherals, Sound systems, Mobile & Lifestyle Accessories & Surveillance Solutions brand with a mission to provide products which are Great on design, performance yet so easy on pocket, that every household in the country can afford.
Pros
Cons
The UPS V-Guard Model: Sesto 600 is ideal for you if you are looking for a good value for price. This model is one of the top selling UPS in India.
The UPS V-Guard Sesto 600 is quite popular, it is one of the best sellers. It does the job and is relatively reliable, according to most of the reviews.
It has very similar features as other brands with the same capacity (600 VA) but the brand claims a maximum power output of 300 W instead of the 360 W other brands claim, with the same VA ratio:
- Output power capacity: 300 Watts / 600 VA
- Nominal Output Voltage: 230 V ±10%, 50 Hz±1%
- Battery details: 12 V, 7 Ah - 1 No
- Input Connections: India 5-pin 6 A (4 power outlets, 3 backed by the battery)
- Output Waveform: Pseudo Sine Wave
The UPS V-Guard Sesto 600, similarly as other brands, has a feature that when there is a small load connected (less than ~35 W) the UPS switches off after 5 min. It is a feature the UPS has to save energy. If you are planning to connect just your modem to the UPS you should take this into consideration as your UPS might switch off after just few minutes automatically. It is an issue that can be solved but you should contact your technician.
V-Guard is a consumer goods company headquartered in city of Kochi, Kerala, the company now has over 500 distributors, 30,000 retailers, and branches across India. The company manufactures voltages stabilizers, electrical cable, electric motors, geysers, pumps, solar water heaters, electric fans and UPSs.
Pros
Cons
The UPS Intex, Model: Protector 725 is another of the most economical options. It is the battery to go for if it suits your needs. It supports a standard PC configuration.
The UPS Intex Protector 725 is one of the most economical options selected, together with the Zebronics ZEB-U725. It is a definitely good for price for value considering that it performs as reliably as other less economical brands. This model has a squared sine wave, which is in theory of a lower quality compared to a modified sine wave, claimed in the Zebronics model.
It comes with very similar features as other more premium UPS:
- Output power capacity: 360 Watts / 600 VA
- Nominal Output Voltage: 230 V
- Nominal Input Voltage: 140-300 V
- Input Connections: India 5-pin 6 A (3 power outlets)
- Typical recharge time: 6 hours up to 90%
According to their official website: Intex Technologies, incorporated in 1996, is one of India’s leading privately held company with strong presence in Consumer Durables, IT and Mobile Accessories. Intex delights customers through its PAN India network of Branch offices, Distributers, Dealers & Service touch points. It also operates exclusive brand stores - Intex Smart World - in more than 65 locations. Intex products are also available across TV shopping channels and e-commerce platforms.
Pros
Cons
UPS | Capacity (VA) | Weight (kg) and dimensions (LxWxH) | Output Power (W) | Approx. Backup time with 100 W load |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 600 VA | 4.7 kg; 218x107x237 mm | 360 W | 30 min |
 | 1000 VA | 11.35 kg; 301x114x382 mm | 600 W | 57 min |
 | 600 VA | 4.25 kg; 287x100x142 mm | 360 W | < 40 min |
 | 1100 VA | 8.98 kg; 282x132x259 mm | 660 W | 1 h 14 min |
 | 600 VA | 9.8 kg; 324x140x220 mm | 360 W | 30-40 min |
 | 600 VA | 4.2 kg; 279x101x142 mm | 300 W | < 30 min |
 | 600 VA | 4.2 kg; 279x101x142 mm | 360 W | 10-15 min |
Complete buying guide for an UPS inverter: How can I choose the right UPS for a home PC?
How an UPS inverter works.
This is how the electricity usually arrives at our homes:
When things go well and we have electricity at home coming from the distribution lines the inverter transforms the AC (alternate current) to DC (direct current) which is the type of current the batteries use. The battery is charging.
But when there is a cut in the distribution and we have no electricity coming from the outside, the UPS inverter does the job of transforming the electricity current coming from the battery in form of DC (direct current) to AC (alternate current) which is the one that your PC uses.
What you need to know to choose the right UPS inverter.
1. Your power requirements:
Number and type of devices you would like to have operating when there is a cut.
Every PC or PC components have some power requirements which are expressed in Watts. The sum of all the watts that every appliance has is the total wattage.
The total wattage required will tell you what type of UPS you need.
Take into consideration that a PC might have changing wattage requirements depending on the programs you are running. For that reason many PC components manufacturers they recommend a minimum number of Watts.
Maybe you are just surfing the web and your UPS works fine, but you start playing a game or playing videos and the UPS might switch off.
A typical Desktop PC + monitor might have a wattage needs in the range of 100-250 W. A Gaming PC might require more than >300 W, up to 1000+ W.
In this web there is an interesting tool to calculate the power requirements of a PC depending on its components.
Typical PC components:
Typical Wattage requirements for the different PC components:
PC cOMPONENT | WATTAGE RANGE |
|---|---|
CPU (Central Processing Unit) | 20-100 W |
Motherboard | 100-250 W |
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) | 50-400+ W |
RAM (Random Access Memory) | 1-15 w |
SSD (Solid State Drive) | 10 W |
HDD (Hard Disc Drive) | 15-40 W |
Otical Drive (CD/DVD/Blu-Ray) | 15-30 W |
2. VA rating of your UPS inverter:
How do you find the VA rating of the UPS inverter you need for your home?
VA stands for Volts Ampere. It is the voltage (V) and current (A) supplied by the UPS inverter to the appliances you want to connect to.
VA rating = Total Load of your appliances (Watts) / UPS inverter efficiency (%)
Example:
- You know that all the PC components you want to have running sum up 600 Watts
- The efficiency of your UPS is typically about 60-80%.
VA rating = 600/0.8 = 750 VA
For this example an UPS which is closer to a 750 VA rating you need would be sufficient. You see that an UPS with a rating of 1000 VA would be required for you.
In any case, generally UPS for PC already specify the maximum Wattage besides their VA ratio.
It is always recommended to overestimate the needs for our UPS, not only for a longer backup time but for a long lasting and healthy battery.
3. Backup time:
Important: the back up time will change depending on the type and number of PC or devices you connect, which is the same as the total watts. It will also vary if the battery is not fully charged or on how old it is.
Typically, UPS are not designed to keep running PC for long but to save the PC from unexpected power cuts that can damage the hardware of our computer or even disrupt our game or work we are doing.
As an example, in the following graph you can see how the backup time decreases as the Wattage connected to the UPS increases:
Graph constructed from the data available in the APC official web page for the model BX600C-IN 600VA/360W.