A CCTV system that stops recording during a power cut is not a security system — and cuts are exactly when you most want the footage. The good news is that surveillance is a light, steady load, so a modest APC Back-UPS delivers a genuinely useful amount of recording time rather than the few minutes a PC would get.
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What draws power in this setup
Typical figures for Indian installations. Use the actual rating on your equipment where you have it — these ranges are for planning.
| Equipment | Typical draw |
|---|---|
| DVR / NVR (4-channel) | 20 – 30 W |
| DVR / NVR (8 – 16 channel) | 30 – 60 W |
| Analogue camera (each) | 4 – 8 W |
| PoE IP camera (each) | 6 – 12 W |
| PoE switch (8-port) | 20 – 60 W, depending on cameras powered |
| Monitor (only if always on) | 20 – 35 W |
What size UPS you need
| Your total load | Recommended UPS | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 80 W | APC Back-UPS 600VA | 4-channel DVR with four cameras — the common shop or home install. |
| 80 – 160 W | APC Back-UPS 800VA | 8-channel system, or 4 channels plus a PoE switch. |
| 160 – 300 W | APC Back-UPS 1100VA | 16-channel system with a PoE switch and a monitor. |
| Above 300 W | Back-UPS Pro or online | Larger multi-site or commercial installations — ask us to size it. |
How the numbers work: UPS VA ratings in these families assume a 0.6 power factor, so a 1100VA unit supports roughly 660 W. Size for peak draw plus about 30% headroom, not for average use.
Which type of UPS
Line-interactive Back-UPS. The load is small and constant, which is the best case for battery runtime.
Genuine APC units we stock for this
All prices are GST-inclusive and every unit ships with the full APC manufacturer warranty and a GST invoice.
Back up the network too
If your cameras record to the cloud or you want remote viewing during a cut, the router and PoE switch must be on the UPS as well. Backing up only the DVR leaves you with local footage you cannot see until the power returns.
Leave the monitor off the battery
The viewing monitor is often the biggest single load in a CCTV setup and it does not need to run while nobody is watching. Put it on a surge outlet and give the battery to the DVR and cameras — it can double your useful recording time.
The battery, three to five years from now
Every UPS eventually needs a new battery, and this is where buying from an authorised partner pays off. A genuine APC RBC replacement battery cartridge typically lasts 3 to 5 years. When yours is due, enter your model in the Battery Finder and it will show the exact cartridge that fits, with live pricing — or check the battery replacement chart.
What we do beyond selling you the box
- Genuine APC supply — Authorised APC by Schneider Electric partner. Factory-sealed units, full manufacturer warranty, GST invoice on every order.
- Sizing help — Tell us what you need to protect and we will size the UPS for you before you buy — on WhatsApp or by phone.
- Installation — UPS installation and on-site service, so the unit is commissioned properly rather than left in the box.
- Battery replacement — Genuine APC RBC replacement cartridges, matched to your exact model, for the life of the UPS.
- AMC — Annual Maintenance Contracts to keep business-critical power covered.
- Collection or delivery — Fast, fully-tracked delivery across India, or collect from our Bengaluru warehouse.
Frequently asked questions
What size UPS do I need for a CCTV system?
Add the DVR, the cameras and the PoE switch. A typical 4-channel system with four cameras is around 60 W and sits comfortably on a 600VA Back-UPS. An 8-channel system usually wants 800VA, and a 16-channel system with a switch wants 1100VA.
How long will a UPS keep my CCTV recording?
Longer than you might expect, because the load is small. A lightly loaded Back-UPS carrying only a DVR and a few cameras runs for a useful stretch rather than a few minutes. Tell us your exact camera count and we will estimate it properly.
Should the router be on the CCTV UPS?
Yes, if you want remote viewing or cloud recording to survive the cut. The router and modem add well under 30 W, which is a small price for keeping the system reachable.
Do you install CCTV UPS systems on site?
We supply, install and commission the UPS, and we handle battery replacement and AMC afterwards. Call +91 95133 93373 to arrange it.