Battery Capacity Formula:
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The battery capacity (measured in ampere-hours, Ah) determines how long your UPS can power connected devices during an outage. It's calculated based on the total power consumption of appliances and desired backup time.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts watt-hours to ampere-hours by dividing by system voltage.
Details: Correct battery sizing ensures your UPS can provide adequate backup time without over-sizing (which increases cost) or under-sizing (which reduces protection).
Tips: Sum the wattage of all appliances needing backup. Common UPS voltages are 12V (small systems), 24V (medium), or 48V (large). Always add 20-30% safety margin to calculated capacity.
Q1: How do I find my appliances' wattage?
A: Check appliance labels or manuals. Alternatively, use a wattmeter to measure actual consumption.
Q2: What's typical backup time for home UPS?
A: Most home systems aim for 1-4 hours depending on critical loads like lights, routers, and refrigerators.
Q3: Should I use inverter or UPS battery?
A: UPS batteries are designed for frequent discharges. Inverter batteries may have different characteristics.
Q4: How does battery type affect capacity?
A: Lead-acid batteries should only be discharged to 50% capacity for longevity, while lithium can often discharge deeper.
Q5: Can I connect multiple batteries?
A: Yes, batteries can be connected in series (increases voltage) or parallel (increases capacity).