1. What is a UPS Runtime Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates how long a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) can power connected equipment during an outage.

Purpose: Helps IT professionals and home users determine backup power duration for critical systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Runtime — Backup duration in minutes
• BatteryCapacity — Total battery energy storage (Watt-hours)
• Efficiency — UPS conversion efficiency (typically 0.9 for 90%)
• Load — Total power consumption of connected devices (watts)

Explanation: The formula calculates how long the stored energy can sustain the connected load, accounting for conversion losses.

3. Importance of Runtime Calculation

Details: Accurate runtime estimation ensures critical systems remain operational during power outages and helps select properly sized UPS units.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter battery capacity in Wh (found in UPS specs), efficiency (default 0.9), and total load in watts. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find my UPS battery capacity?
A: Check manufacturer specifications, usually listed as "Watt-hours" or "VAh" (Volt-Amp hours).

Q2: What's a typical UPS efficiency?
A: Most modern UPS systems have 90-95% efficiency (enter as 0.9 to 0.95).

Q3: How do I measure my actual load?
A: Use a power meter or check device specifications. Many UPS units display current load.

Q4: Why multiply by 60 in the calculation?
A: The formula converts hours to minutes (1 hour = 60 minutes) for more practical results.

Q5: Should I add a safety margin?
A: Yes, consider reducing calculated runtime by 10-20% to account for battery aging and unexpected loads.