UPS Backup Time Calculator
Estimate how long your CCTV system will stay online during a power outage. Adjust device wattages for more accurate results.
Set to 0 if no NVR
Excludes PoE camera load (handled above)
Custom Devices
Add extra equipment such as Starlink, intercoms, monitors, NAS units, WiFi bridges, etc.
UPS Backup Time Calculator – How to Use It
A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is one of the most important upgrades you can add to a CCTV system. During a power outage, a UPS can keep your cameras, NVR, PoE switch, and internet connection running for a period of time — allowing recording to continue and maintaining remote access.
Our UPS Backup Time Calculator helps you estimate how long your CCTV system will stay online based on the equipment you have connected.
Step 1 – Select Your UPS Size
Start by choosing the size of your UPS in VA (Volt-Amps). Common sizes include:
- 650VA (small CCTV systems)
- 1000VA (medium setups)
- 1500VA+ (larger systems or longer backup time)
Larger UPS units contain bigger batteries and will typically provide longer runtime.
Step 2 – Enter Your CCTV Equipment Load
Next, enter the devices you want to keep powered during an outage:
Cameras
Enter the total number of cameras, then adjust the average watts per camera if needed.
As a guide:
- Standard IR turret/bullet cameras: 6–8W
- Dual-light or ColorVu cameras: 9–12W
- PTZ cameras: 20–40W+
NVR Power Draw
Most NVRs typically consume around 20–40W, depending on the number of hard drives installed.
Set this to 0W if you are not running an NVR.
PoE Switch Power Draw
PoE switches consume a small amount of base power themselves (usually around 15–30W), in addition to the power supplied to cameras (already counted above).
Router / Modem
If you want remote viewing to stay online during an outage, include your modem or router (typically 8–15W).
Step 3 – Add Any Custom Devices (Optional)
Many CCTV installations include additional equipment beyond cameras and recorders.
You can add extra devices such as:
- Starlink or 4G routers
- Intercom systems
- Network video decoders
- NAS storage units
- Wireless bridges
- Monitoring screens
Simply click “Add Another Device”, enter the device name, and input its wattage.
Step 4 – Calculate Backup Time
Click Calculate Backup Time to instantly see:
- Total system power load (Watts)
- Estimated UPS battery capacity (Wh)
- Expected runtime in hours and minutes
- A full breakdown of where power is being used
Important Notes About Runtime Estimates
UPS backup time is always an estimate, and real-world results vary depending on:
- Battery age and condition
- UPS efficiency and inverter losses
- Temperature and installation environment
- Whether cameras activate IR or white-light LEDs at night
- Sudden load spikes (especially with PTZ movement or deterrence lighting)
For this reason, we recommend allowing a safety margin and sizing your UPS slightly larger than the minimum requirement.
Need Help Choosing the Right UPS?
If you’d like advice on the best UPS size for your CCTV system, or you want a runtime target (e.g. 2 hours, 6 hours, overnight backup), feel free to contact the Security Wholesalers team — we can recommend the best solution based on your exact equipment.