5 tips To help Choose UPS Battery Backup For Projector

Can I use UPS battery backup for projector? Five things to consider to help you choose the right one for your needs and device…

A projector helps display visual multimedia on a large surface, like a wall or projector screen. However, projectors rely on power from a wall socket to continue functioning, leaving them exposed to disruptions from power outages. A UPS battery backup can help with that. “UPS” is short for Uninterruptible Power Supply.

To choose the best UPS for your projector, start by calculating the projector’s power demands. Be sure to include the power requirements of any accompanying devices like your laptop or external hard drives. Then, shortlist the UPS brands and models with battery capacities that exceed your power requirements by at least 20%. Lastly, choose the UPS with the best value-added features and warranty terms.

There are plenty of UPS models on the market, but not all of them are the best for your needs. This guide will help you find the ideal one for you to use with your projector.

Why Do I Need A UPS For My Projector?

If you’re reading this article, you already know why you personally need a UPS for your projector. 

Still, there might be other reasons you’re not aware of. Those reasons will encourage you to choose the ideal UPS much more carefully.

Here’s why you need a UPS for your projector:

• Cooling: Projectors tend to run very hot and require fans to cool them down. Those fans won’t work during a blackout, causing a projector to remain excessively hot. With a UPS, the fans can continue cooling the projector down to safe temperatures.
• Continued Operation: Some users will want to continue using their projectors despite a power outage. A UPS can provide backup power for at least a few moments, allowing them to do that.
• Accompanying devices: Projectors typically function alongside other devices like computers and hard drives. However, those devices must also be operational if you want to continue using your projector with backup battery power.

Read: How To Choose UPS Battery Backup For Desktop PC? – Troubleshooting Guide

How Do I Choose A UPS Battery Backup For Projector?

Using a UPS battery backup with your projector is an excellent idea to protect it from damage and maximize its lifespan.

Here are the steps you can follow in choosing the ideal UPS model for your projector:

Step 1: Identify Devices That Need UPS Protection

The first step to choosing a suitable UPS for your projector is to identify and list all the critical devices that require backup power.

Of course, your projector should be the first item on that list. Still, you’re more than likely using that projector alongside other devices like a laptop, external hard drives, and more.

You must also account for those accompanying devices to ensure that you can still operate your projector during a power outage.

There are 2 other reasons why you must take the time to identify your critical devices:

1. Because each UPS unit has a limited number of power outlets.
2. Because plugging too many devices into the same UPS will drain its battery too quickly. That will leave your projector without enough backup power during a blackout.

Let’s say you have too many devices that require UPS protection. In that case, consider investing in a separate UPS unit for your projector and another for your other devices.

Read: How To Choose UPS Battery Backup For Garage Or Attic? – Troubleshooting Guide

Step 2: Calculate Power Demands 

After listing your projector and other devices, you must calculate their power demands. 

When choosing a UPS battery backup, you’ll want to calculate the total power demand in volt-amps (VA). That’s because VA is the standard way of measuring a UPS model’s battery capacity.

Here’s what you need to calculate:

1. For your projector and each accompanying device, multiply their volt by their amperage (i.e. volt x ampere). The number you get is the device’s volt-amps or VA.
2. Add the VA of your projector and other devices to get a subtotal.
3. Multiply that subtotal by x1.2. This final step adds a 20% buffer to your total power requirement, so you have more than just the bare minimum backup power.

Completing those steps will make your search for a UPS battery backup much smoother. That’s because you can quickly identify UPS models with a high-enough capacity for your projector and its accompanying devices.

Read: How To Choose The Right Size UPS Battery Backup? – Troubleshooting Guide

Step 3: Shortlist Suitable UPS Models

There are plenty of high-quality UPS manufacturers in today’s market. That’s excellent news for users like you, as it means you are spoilt for choice.

Some reputable names in the UPS industry that you can start searching for include APC, Toshiba, Eaton, and more.

Thanks to your calculations in Step 2, you can now shortlist the UPS models that suit your needs. Those will be the UPS units with VA ratings higher than the power requirements you calculated in Step 2.

But wait! Choosing the best UPS for your projector is more than just about the battery capacity, as you’ll see in the next step.

Read: How Reset APC UPS After Battery Replacement?

Step 4: Consider Additional Features

Now that you have a shortlist of UPS models with enough backup battery power, it’s time to consider the additional features they offer. 

These are called ‘value-added features’ because they help you get the most value from the money you’re paying.

After all, you’re paying a significant price to purchase a UPS for your projector. So, it’s worthwhile to consider the extra features they have.

Some of the features you’ll want to consider are:

• Displays: Some UPS models only have flashing lights as indicators on their front panels. However, others come with LCD screens that show you much more information.
• Alarms and alerts: UPS units have alarms to warn you of dangerous conditions like overheating and overloading. Still, you can choose a UPS with more advanced features like predictive alerts that warn you a potential failure is about to occur.
• Form factor: UPS models come in various shapes and sizes despite having the same battery capacity. For example, if you move your projector around, a compact UPS would be much easier to carry around with it.
• Software support: UPS brands and models also differ in their UPS units’ software. For example, some models come with software that allows you to monitor and control your UPS wherever you might be.

Read: Why UPS Not Working In AC Mode?

Step 5: Check Warranty Terms

Lastly, consider the warranty terms offered by the UPS manufacturers.

Remember: a UPS is a significant investment that’s pretty pricey, no matter what brand or model you choose. Besides that, it’s also expensive to repair them or pay for spare parts.

That’s why it’s worth comparing your choices based on their warranties. A warranty could save you from having to pay for the repairs yourself if something goes wrong.

Plus, a warranty also shows the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Knowing that the manufacturer is willing to back up their product quality claims will give you much more peace of mind.

Read: APC UPS Battery Not Detected. How To Troubleshoot?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are a few more helpful answers for using a UPS with your projector:

Can UPS Be Used For Projector?

Yes, a UPS can sustain a projector and provide it with backup power during a blackout.

What Is The Working Principle Of UPS?

A UPS works by keeping its batteries continually charged. The UPS switches to battery mode when there’s a sudden loss of incoming power (i.e. from the wall socket). That switch happens quickly and allows your projector to continue functioning.

Can UPS Work Without Battery?

Some UPS models can continue working without a battery if plugged into a working wall socket. They can’t provide backup power during a blackout but can protect your devices from faults like power surges.

How Do I Maximize My UPS Runtime?

You can maximize your UPS runtime for your projector by not sharing it with other devices. You’ll get the longest runtime by plugging only your projector into the UPS, as it won’t have to share the backup battery power.

Why Is My UPS Not Lasting As Long?

Your UPS isn’t lasting as long because too many devices are plugged in and drawing power from it. The same can also happen if the backup battery is worn out.