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What Size UPS Do You Need for a CCTV System?
Installing a CCTV system is a vital part of any business’s security strategy, but it’s only as reliable as its power source. Without consistent electricity, even the most advanced cameras can’t protect your premises. A power cut of just a few minutes can result in lost footage, system reboots, and security blind spots. That’s why choosing the right size UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is so important.
For most small to medium-sized CCTV installations, a 1500VA UPS is the go-to choice. It typically delivers 18–24 minutes of runtime for a 4-camera system and around 8–18 minutes for an 8-camera setup. Larger installations, such as 16 cameras or more, often benefit from a dedicated 1500VA unit for the DVR/NVR, with additional UPS units powering the cameras themselves.
The Quick Answer: What is the Best UPS for CCTV?
For most small to medium-sized CCTV installations, a 1500VA UPS is the go-to choice. It typically delivers:
· 18–24 minutes runtime for a 4-camera system
· 8–18 minutes runtime for an 8-camera setup
Larger installations, such as 16+ cameras, often benefit from a dedicated 1500VA unit for the DVR/NVR, with additional UPS units powering camera groups or PoE switches.
Why a UPS Is Essential for CCTV Systems
A UPS for CCTV ensures your surveillance keeps running when mains power fails or voltage fluctuates. Without one, a sudden outage could mean losing crucial footage or leaving your premises unprotected. For many insurers and compliance standards, backup power is also strongly recommended.
Key benefits include:
- Preventing downtime during power cuts.
- Protecting equipment from surges and spikes.
- Delivering clean, stable power to sensitive CCTV electronics.
- Allowing safe shutdown during extended outages
How to Determine the Right UPS Size for Your CCTV
Choosing the correct UPS size isn’t guesswork. Follow these three simple steps to ensure your security never goes dark.
Step 1 – Calculate your total wattage
Add up the requirements for all connected devices, cameras, your Network Video Recorder (NVR) or Digital Video Recorder (DVR), and any networking equipment.
Step 2 – Factor in future growth
Choose a UPS with a higher output watt capacity than your current load so you can expand without replacing it.
Step 3 – Decide on your required runtime
Most businesses need 15–20 minutes of backup to keep recording during short outages or allow for a safe shutdown. For example, a 1500VA UPS will usually power a 4-camera system for up to 24 minutes, while the same unit might power an 8-camera system for around 8–18 minutes. If you need significantly longer runtimes, you may want to dedicate one UPS to the recorder and use smaller UPS units for camera groups.
Here’s a simple example:
| Equipment | Quantity | Watts Each | Total Watts |
| CCTV Cameras | 4 | 10w | 40w |
| NVR | 1 | 40w | 40w |
| PoE Switch | 1 | 50w | 50w |
| Total Load | 130w |
Recommended UPS Models
For commercial and security installations, reliable online UPS systems are often preferred. For maximum protection. The right model will depend on your total load, runtime requirements and site layout.
- Riello Sentinel Dual UPS – Flexible rack/tower format.
- Riello Sentryum Active Dual Phase – High efficiency, scalable options.
- APC Smart-UPS On-Line Rackmount – Double-conversion reliability.
Protect Your CCTV System Today
At Adept Power Solutions, we supply and install UPS systems tailored to your security setup. From small shops to large commercial sites, we’ll help you choose the right size and configuration for complete peace of mind.
Call us or contact our team to secure uninterrupted surveillance.
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