You can select uninterruptible power supplies for your needs in our catalog. And if you are interested in a car inverter, we recommend that you click on the following link. But we advise you not to rush, and first figure out what these devices are, which will be discussed below.

What is a UPS and what is it used for?

An uninterruptible power supply is a device designed to offer temporary and stable power during power surges and outages, ensuring the continuity of sensitive equipment. A common example is its use with personal computers, where it provides users with the time to save their work and turn off the PC properly during a power failure, preventing the loss of important data.

The voltage stabilization function, which even the simplest UPSs have, should not be underestimated. In case of strong power surges, some electrical devices may simply fail, and uninterruptible power supplies protect against such damage.

Do you want to know what uninterruptible power supplies are available and how to choose the optimal model for certain purposes? Then we recommend that you read our material “How to choose a UPS”. Here we will talk more about the most advanced type of uninterruptible power supplies — inverter models (Online UPS). Actually they are sometimes called "inverters", which in fact is not quite correct and is also one of the reasons for confusion in devices for backup power supply.

A common situation involving a UPS is its connection to a PC or gaming console.

An inverter UPS stands out by employing double conversion. It initially converts alternating current to direct current and then back, ensuring impeccable output characteristics — voltage, frequency, and waveform — ideal for high-end equipment. Whether there's electricity or a power outage, the inverter UPS maintains stable current, quickly switching to battery power with minimal delays when needed.

Today, uninterruptible power supplies find applications across various household devices. Common scenarios include their use with PCs, fridges, freezers, gas boilers, routers (specifically designed low-voltage models), as well as TVs, lighting, and kitchen appliances.

What is an inverter and what is it used for?

One of the alternatives to UPS today are inverters. Their main function is to convert direct current (most often 12 V, but sometimes 24 V) into alternating current (usually 230 V, but in some countries — 110 V).

Initially, these devices were most often used in the car interior to power portable equipment for long trips. Most often it was a laptop, less often - cameras, video cameras, etc. Today, car inverters are more often used outside vehicles.

Previously, car inverters were used in car interiors, but now they are used as an alternative to a generator.

By purchasing this device, car owners gain a viable alternative to a gasoline or diesel generator. When the vehicle's engine is running, the converter allows power supply to various electrical appliances while simultaneously keeping the car battery charged.

But even without a car the system can work effectively for backup power. It is enough to have an inverter and a battery (car or any other 12 V battery). In this case, the autonomy time will directly depend on the capacity of the involved battery.

You can read more on this topic in our material “How to choose a car inverter for creating autonomous power systems from a car battery.”

More advanced electric current converters, such as those with battery charging capabilities, exist alongside simpler models. Unlike basic inverters, these cpmplex versions can recharge the battery when electricity is restored. This eliminates the need for a separate charger when setting up a backup power system with them.

Inverters for solar panels

Another category includes inverters designed for solar panels, representing more complex and costly equipment that enables complete energy independence for properties like private homes or small enterprises. For instance, a hybrid inverter can supply solar energy to various consumers (household appliances, computers, lighting), store excess energy in connected batteries, or feed it back into the general energy system. In case of insufficient internal capacity, such as during adverse weather conditions, the device can compensate for the deficit by drawing power from external networks.

It should be noted that the creation of such autonomous systems requires a responsible approach (design and pre-calculations) and rather large capital investments. At the same time, the investment can be recouped by earning a "green tariff" and/or saving on electricity. This is a topic for a separate material, and here we will compare UPS with simple inverters (both automobile and household) rather than models for solar panels.

Advanced inverters operate in conjunction with solar panels.
Hybrid inverters for solar panels

Differences between UPS and inverters

Initially, UPSs and current converters have different purposes, but in practice both are actively used for backup power supply during emergency or planned power outages. Accordingly, in order to better understand which device is right for you, it’s worth taking a closer look at their main distinguishing features.

"Typical" consumers

Inverters can supply power to various equipment, including lighting devices, practically any electronics with switching power supplies (such as TV sets and various computer equipment). However, there are certain limitations: they depend on the parameters, which we will discuss below, including switching speed, output waveform, etc.

In general, UPSs are universal devices, offering solutions for a broad spectrum of consumers. While some models are specialized, like those exclusively for routers or video cameras (low-voltage) or designed for proper PC shutdown (backup), robust inverter UPSs can seamlessly pair with almost any appliance, even providing autonomous power for an entire house.

Low-voltage UPS

Independence

Both the inverter and the UPS can operate with a large set of batteries.

To function as a backup power source, an inverter needs to be connected either directly to the car's batteries or through the cigarette lighter in the cabin. It won't provide backup power otherwise. Additionally, basic models lack battery charging capabilities, necessitating the purchase of extra accessories.

A UPS can function independently upon purchase, often equipped with built-in batteries that it can charge. It's important to note that these batteries typically have limited capacity, offering relatively short autonomy. Additionally, there are uninterruptible power supplies without a battery. For them, batteries must be purchased separately.

Complexity of the device (its power circuit)

A car inverter is a fairly simple device. There is a DC-AC converter, interfaces (alligator clips or a cigarette lighter adapter for connecting to an energy source, a socket, and other ports for consumers) and basic controls. Quite powerful devices have a cooling fan. Additional protective systems are common, but not always. It's about basic points — preventing overheating, short circuits, and overloads.

The UPS is structurally more intricate, with its configuration and components varying based on the specific model. Every uninterruptible power supply includes an inverter (DC-AC converter), a charger, a fan, and controllers that switch the power circuit to the battery during a power outage. Additional features may include a battery and a voltage stabilizer (excluding backup models). The management interface is more informative, and the range of connection interfaces is often more extensive. Protective functions are nearly always present, with a more diverse security system compared to car inverters.

Backup UPS

Switching time to battery operation

Inverters lack the ability for instantaneous battery power switching, with latencies usually measured in hundreds of milliseconds. This implies that during unforeseen events, a stationary PC will inevitably shut down, resulting in the loss of unsaved data. Furthermore, manual intervention is needed to switch the inverter to battery operation, and to automate this process, additional devices like relays with contactors are necessary.

UPSs provide truly fast switching times of a few milliseconds. Plus it runs automatically by default. So, if a model is stated to have an indicator of 5 ms or less, then when the light goes out, both the computer and any other household appliance will not turn off. The highest performance (almost zero delays) is provided by inverter uninterruptible power supplies.

Inverter (online) UPS

Output voltage waveform

Recently, in the range of uninterruptible power supply units there were more solutions with a pure sine wave, and among car inverters — with a modified one. But now the situation is equalizing: there are enough devices with a correct smooth waveform everywhere.

Increasingly, car inverters produce a pure sine wave.

A pure sine wave is suitable for any equipment without exception, including the most sensitive ones, for example, medical, server, etc. Modified output waveform is not recommended for gas boilers, circulation pumps, various electronics with motors, because it increases heating and general wear and tear of the equipment. Note that some devices simply will not work without a pure sine wave, giving an error or not turning on at all.

Output (effective) power

Most inverters do not have a rated power of more than 2000 W. However, it is possible to find on sale models with 3000 or even 4000 W. In other words, the device will handle the most powerful single household consumers (like a kettle or an iron).

The situation with UPS is similar (most models up to 2000 W), but slightly more varied, and the power limit is still higher. Thus, there are models at 5 or 6 kW, which support peak surges up to 10+ kW, and this is significantly more than the capabilities of many household wiring. Such solutions are suitable for providing autonomy for the entire house with a variety of energy consumers.

Installation and placement

Car inverters often do not offer any special installation options, although some models allow for wall mounting. Accordingly, it can be difficult to fit the device into the interior. And those who plan to connect the inverter directly to the car and do not have a warm garage should also take into account the permissible operating temperatures.

UPSs are more flexible in terms of installation. There are floor and wall-mounted models on sale, uninterruptible power supply units mounted in a server rack, etc. These devices are almost always placed indoors, but not necessarily residential, it is easier to make them less noticeable in the interior. Note that some models have terminals for 12 V battery and technically can also be connected directly to the car.

A backup power system for an entire house takes up a lot of space.

Prices

Excluding low-voltage uninterruptible power supplies, the most affordable car inverter is cheaper than the simplest UPS. On the other hand, top-tier uninterruptible power supplies come with a correspondingly higher price tag compared to their counterparts. Inverters with the same rated power and signal shape are still more cost-effective, but they lack instant battery switching, built-in batteries, and the multi-level protection found in UPS devices.

What do an inverter and a UPS have in common?

What do a UPS and a car inverter have in common besides being used for backup power supply? If the option of operating together with a car is not considered, then this is a direct dependence of the autonomy time on the capacity of the batteries used. Although many uninterruptible power supply systems have their own, in practice, for full backup power, it is necessary to buy additional batteries.

It all comes down to specific needs. For instance, if there's a constant need to power a fridge, PC, and lighting in an apartment, totaling 1000 W, and the nominal power of the UPS (or inverter) covers it, the determining factor will be the connected battery. Based on average calculations, a 60 Ah battery would last for about 30 minutes, a 100 Ah battery for up to an hour, and so on.

Yes, efficiency factor also plays a role, which is sometimes higher for the inverter, including because it itself requires less energy to operate (no display, minimum protective systems, etc.). But the difference here is small and can be neglected.

Which power backup device is right for you: inverter or UPS?

The preferred device on which to make a backup power supply system depends directly on the needs of the individual user (family). It is impossible to consider all individual situations, but we have tried to cover and present typical situations below:

  • if you are very limited in budget, then take a car inverter. However, keep in mind that it will most likely contain a modified sine wave, which, for example, is not suitable for a gas boiler. But just for LED lighting, or for a TV and something “small” — it will be fine;
  • if backup power is required only for a router or a video surveillance camera, then a low-voltage UPS will be the best choice (and in terms of price too);
A compact and relatively inexpensive UPS is suitable for the router.
  • if you need to ensure autonomous operation of a personal computer, then you need to take an uninterruptible power supply. As an alternative, which is more expensive, you can consider a charging station with UPS;
  • if safety is your first priority, uninterruptible power supplies (as well as the charging stations just mentioned) are more reliable and protected devices. But in any case, it is not superfluous to buy a fire extinguisher;
  • if you have a private house and a car, the car inverter can be a good alternative to a generator. Then you will be able to save on batteries, because autonomy will depend on gasoline (diesel) reserves;
A car inverter can become a budget alternative to a generator (for the car owner).
  • if there are sensitive appliances among household consumers (from a boiler to equipment with electric motors), it is not even the type of device (UPS or inverter) that is more important, but the presence of a pure sine wave. But note that in UPSs if it is declared, then, as a rule, there is no need to doubt it, but in the case of car inverters of little-known brands, unpleasant surprises are possible;
  • if you plan to power an entire apartment or a whole house, then it is better to take an inverter UPS with high effective power. Due to the car inverter, it will not be possible to ensure the conditional simultaneous operation of a kettle, an iron and a washing machine;
  • if you live in a private house, right now you just want to spend the coming winter warm and with light, but in the future you are thinking about “green” energy, then it is advisable to consider solar inverters. By the way, there are even models with a UPS that will satisfy the needs of owners of stationary PCs.
Charging stations with UPS

In conclusion, the inverter and the UPS are not necessarily mutually exclusive. In some situations, they can be used together. For example, a powerful inverter can be used to power the main consumers, and for a stationary PC you can additionally take a backup UPS, which will provide a few minutes of autonomy while you manually perform all the switching.