---
title: "What Size UPS Do You Need? Simple Guide (Kenya) | Qyvea"
url: https://qyvea.co.ke/what-size-ups-do-i-need-kenya
description: "How to choose the right UPS size in Kenya for computers, routers, CCTV recorders and servers: VA, watts and backup time explained simply. Live prices, free Nairobi delivery over KES 5,000 and 7-day returns."
updated: 2026-10-17
---

> Markdown copy of https://qyvea.co.ke/what-size-ups-do-i-need-kenya for AI assistants. Prices and stock change; check the live page.

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Shopping Guides · Guide

# What Size UPS Do I Need for My Computer, Router or CCTV?

Add up the watts, add 30%, and pick the UPS. Here is the quick method.

What happens to your security when the power goes off?

Read on: it takes a few minutes and could save you a lot more than that.

**In this guide you will see:**

- Add watts, add 30% headroom.
- VA is not watts: watts are about 60 to 70% of VA.
- Backup time depends on the battery size.

Quick answer

Add up the watts of what you want to protect, add about 30% headroom, and choose a UPS whose watt rating is above that. A typical desktop with monitor needs about 650 to 1000 VA; a router and fibre box need a tiny UPS; a CCTV recorder with cameras needs a UPS sized to the total load.

[Photo: Andre Taissin / Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/LBPU8K7loz8)

Why this matters now

## Each outage you wait through is another night your protection depends on the grid.

### If you wait

- Fence, cameras and lights go off together
- Recorders restart badly or lose footage
- A generator needs fuel and attention

### What you get

- Batteries carry your essentials through the outage
- Solar reduces what you buy from the grid
- Sized to the load you actually have

[Jinko Solar 450W Mono](/products/jinko-solar-450w-mono-perc-solar-panel-102 "Jinko Solar 450W Mono PERC Solar Panel")[Must 6kva solar inverter](/products/must-6kva-solar-inverter-28900 "Must 6kva solar inverter")[200Ah 24V LiFePO4 Lithium](/products/200ah-24v-lifepo4-lithium-battery-pack-413 "200Ah 24V LiFePO4 Lithium Battery Pack")

[Get my free quote on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/254113301244?text=Hi%20Qyvea%2C%20I%20read%20your%20guide%3A%20What%20Size%20UPS%20Do%20I%20Need%20for%20My%20Computer%2C%20Router%20or%20CCTV%3F.%20I%20want%20solar%20and%20backup%20power%20sorted.%20Can%20you%20help%3F)Reply usually within 30 minutes. Free site survey in Nairobi and nearby counties.

Real products, live prices, in stock now

## Key takeaways

- Add watts, add 30% headroom.
- VA is not watts: watts are about 60 to 70% of VA.
- Backup time depends on the battery size.
- Do not plug in laser printers or heaters.

## What to look for before you buy

| Load | Typical UPS |
| --- | --- |
| Router and fibre box | Mini UPS or small battery |
| Desktop and monitor | 650 to 1000 VA |
| CCTV recorder and 4 cameras | 650 to 1000 VA |
| Small office (5 PCs) | 1 to 3 kVA |
| Server | Online UPS, sized to load |

## Best prices in stock today

Prices update live from the Qyvea store. Tap any product to see full specs, stock and delivery options, or [ask us on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/254113301244) for a recommendation.

## Why buy from Qyvea

### Why Kenyans buy from Qyvea

- **Genuine branded products** sold with the manufacturer's warranty (typically 6–24 months, varies by product)
- **7-day returns and exchanges**; damaged or wrong item? Report it within 48 hours for a free replacement or full refund
- **Pay with M-Pesa, bank transfer or card**; refunds go back the same way
- **Free delivery in Nairobi** on orders over KES 5,000, and delivery across Kenya
- **Delivered to your door**, dispatched once payment is confirmed, rated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews ([bought from us? leave a review](https://g.page/r/CY2LNNqrlgV5EBM/review))
- **Talk to a person** on WhatsApp [0113 301 244](https://wa.me/254113301244), usually within 30 minutes

Full details: [return & refund policy](https://qyvea.co.ke/return-policy).

## Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between VA and watts?

VA is the apparent power; usable watts are lower, often around 60 to 70% of VA.

Can I run a printer on a UPS?

Avoid laser printers: they draw big surges. Use a surge protector.

## Why customers choose Qyvea

**Genuine brands**: Manufacturer warranty on what we sell, so you are not gambling on the box.

**One team, start to finish**: The people who advise you also install and support it.

**Fast answers**: WhatsApp replies usually within 30 minutes, and delivery within 24 hours in Nairobi.

**Easy to buy**: Pay by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000.

**Risk taken off you**: 7-day returns and exchanges on products, and a workmanship warranty on installations.

**Customers say so**: Rated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews.

**Your next step takes one minute:** send us a photo of the place on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it needs.

## Related articles

[Solar & Electrical · Troubleshooting

UPS Beeping? What It Means for Your Office Computers and Servers

On battery, overload, or 'replace battery': read the beep and protect your equipment.

3 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/ups-beeping-kenya)[Shopping Guides · Guide

How Do I Keep My Wi-Fi Working During a Power Cut?

Three ways to stay online when KPLC goes off, from cheapest to most reliable.

2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/keep-wifi-on-during-power-cuts-kenya)[Shopping Guides · Guide

Generator or Inverter: Which Backup Is Right for Me?

Quiet and clean battery backup versus long-run generator power.

2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/how-to-choose-a-generator-or-inverter-kenya)

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## Want help choosing?

Send us your budget on WhatsApp and we'll suggest what's in stock, with delivery across Kenya.

Chat with us — 30 min response

---
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