The Best UPS Battery Backup For TV: UPS Power (2024)

A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is a battery backup power source that prevents data loss by enabling safe device shutdown during power outages. You can use UPS for TVs, computers, soundbars, and many more devices. To find the most suitable one, it's helpful to understand your specific needs and preferences.

You can power a TV with an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS), and depending on the size of the power supply it may keep the TV going for anywhere from 15 minutes to a couple of hours. Some of the top UPS picks for TVs include CyberPower CP900AVR, APC BR1500MS2, and Amazon BasicsStandby UPS.

This article discusses using UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for TVs and electronics, highlighting their role in providing emergency power and preventing data loss during outages. It also compares different UPS models, emphasizing the need to match a UPS's capacity with your device's power requirements.

What is UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply)?

A UPS, or Uninterruptible Power Supply, is a device that offers emergency power to essential equipment like computers and data centers during a power outage. Its main function is to prevent data loss and hardware damage during unexpected power disruptions.

To use a UPS, place it in a stable area, connect it to a power source and your devices, turn it on, set up the battery if necessary, install any accompanying software, and test it by simulating a power outage. (Source)

Can a UPS Battery Power a TV? For How Long?

The prices and power capacities of UPSs vary a lot. The cost ranges from ~$150 all the way up to $500 for more expensive options. And the runtime–how long they can actually operate–can be anywhere from 1-3 hours depending on the size of the UPS and the load of your TV. (Source)

One primary distinction of these is just to get you by until the power comes back on though. Oftentimes the average of 15 minutes is not the case according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). In most cases, the average estimated power outage is somewhere between 106 to 118 minutes. That shows us that it could be worth a top-line product but at a high cost.

One of the most important things to note if you want to use a UPS battery to power a TV is the particular UPS product specifications. It’s important to know two things, in particular, the maximum output, and the maximum power delivery time. 

• First, finding the output power is going to be key to matching your two products together. You’ll need to find the power in Watts the UPS battery can deliver. A few high-in uninterruptible power supplies can output up to 900+ Watts which will be substantially more than most TVs need to operate. 
  
• Second, you need to know the delivery time. At the maximum operation of the UPS, how long will it take before there is a power failure? Oftentimes, products will exhibit what is the “Full Life” and the “Half-Life” with an amount of time associated with each category. 

Is It Smart to Plug a TV into a UPS?

Connecting your TV to an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) can be a wise decision based on your specific requirements and the features of the UPS. Key factors to consider include:

• Power Outage Protection: A UPS can keep your TV running during short power outages, ensuring you don't miss important moments in shows or sports events.
  
• Surge Protection: If you’ve ever heard of a power surge, you may know there is the potential to ruin anything plugged in. UPS devices typically offer surge protection, which can safeguard your TV against damage from power surges.
  
• Battery Life: The UPS's battery capacity determines how long it can power your TV. For larger TVs, more power is required, so check the UPS's specifications.
  
• Cost-Effectiveness: If you experience frequent power outages, a UPS can be a good investment. However, if that's not the case it might not be cost-effective.
  
• Quality of Power Delivery: High-quality UPS models provide clean power, which is beneficial for sensitive electronics like TVs. If you have an 85” Samsung TV (on Amazon) with a market value of $4,000.00, investing a few hundred dollars in good protection to avoid getting it ultimately fried is vital. See the USAID's notes on the power quality with UPSs for more on this.

Another feature that UPS units have is power conditioning, a feature that might be unfamiliar to many. Essentially, using a UPS ensures a steady and consistent energy supply, maintaining a constant level of power.

The decision to buy a UPS with surge protection depends on your budget and the value of the product you're safeguarding. The overall benefits will be worth it, and you can easily add additional devices to it or move it around if you need to. 

Best UPS for TV

This section provides a table with some of the best UPS models that are your best bet for providing reliable power backup and surge protection for your TV. Remember to check the specific requirements of your TV to ensure compatibility with the UPS model you choose, so that you get the most out of your investment.

Is a UPS a Good Protection Measure for All of Your Home Equipment?

A good quality UPS is used more often than you might think. While they are often seen in the average American home plugged up at the computer, they’re also really all over. Here are some common household tech items that could be worth a UPS:

• Computers
• Soundbar
• Receiver/Speakers
• Media Devices (Apple TV, Blu-ray, Fire TV, etc.)
• TV
• Network equipment (modem/router)

Don’t forget we still have to take necessary precautions when there is a power surge or power outage. It’s best to do a safe shutdown for any devices that are plugged in and then let UPS do its job.

This will continue to protect your home entertainment electronics by using the features as they were built instead of the abrupt disconnection or fluctuation in power.