A NAS is a small load that really dislikes losing power. Dropping a multi-disk array mid-write risks the volume, not just the file, and a rebuild on a large array can take days. The load is light enough that a modest Back-UPS gives generous runtime — and every serious NAS supports UPS-triggered graceful shutdown, which is what actually protects the data.
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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 |
|---|---|
| NAS (2-bay, idle / active) | 20 – 40 W |
| NAS (4-bay, populated) | 40 – 80 W |
| Unmanaged switch (8-port) | 5 – 15 W |
| Managed / PoE switch | 20 – 60 W |
| Router or firewall appliance | 15 – 40 W |
| Fibre ONT | 5 – 12 W |
What size UPS you need
| Your total load | Recommended UPS | Why |
|---|---|---|
| NAS + switch (under 100 W) | APC Back-UPS 600VA | 2-bay or 4-bay NAS with a small switch. |
| 100 – 200 W | APC Back-UPS 800VA | NAS, managed switch, router and ONT. |
| 200 – 350 W | APC Back-UPS 1100VA | Small network rack with PoE. |
| NAS sharing a rack with servers | Online Smart-UPS | See our server rack guidance. |
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 for a home or small-office NAS and switch. Move to an online UPS when the NAS shares a rack with servers.
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.
Connect the USB cable — it is the whole point
Every mainstream NAS reads a UPS over USB and will shut down cleanly on low battery. A UPS that is not plugged into the NAS data port protects the hardware but leaves the array exposed to exactly the unclean shutdown you bought it to prevent.
Runtime is generous here
Because a NAS and switch together often draw under 100 W, a small Back-UPS carries them for a genuinely useful period — long enough that most Indian outages end before the battery does.
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 NAS?
A 4-bay NAS with a switch and router is typically under 100 W, which a 600VA Back-UPS handles with long runtime. Add PoE cameras or a managed switch and step up to 800VA or 1100VA.
Will my NAS shut down automatically on a power cut?
Yes, if you connect the UPS data cable. Synology, QNAP, Asustor and TrueNAS all read APC units and can be set to shut down gracefully at a chosen battery level. Do connect it — this is what protects the array.
Do I need an online UPS for a NAS?
Not for a standalone home or small-office NAS — a line-interactive Back-UPS is appropriate. Move up to an online Smart-UPS when the NAS lives in a rack alongside servers.
How often will the UPS battery need replacing?
Every 3 to 5 years for a genuine APC RBC cartridge. Use the Battery Finder to get the exact battery for your model when the time comes.