A power cut that lasts 10 minutes can cost more than the UPS you never bought. Power outages hit without warning — and your Network Devices (computers, Wi-Fi, cameras, and other smart devices), network, and phones go down together.
The Real Cost of Time offline
Power-related failures account for 54% of unplanned IT time offline incidents, making them the single most preventable cause of business interruption. For a tenant, every minute without power means no Network Devices, no internet, no camera system, and no phone. A UPS doesn't just protect hardware — it protects revenue.
What a UPS Protects
Every Very important System in Your Store Depends on Clean Power
01 / Network Devices: A sudden power cut mid-transaction corrupts open tickets and forces manual reconciliation. A UPS gives you clean shutdown time — or keeps you running through a brief outage entirely.
02 / Network: Your UDM Pro, PoE switches, and access points need protected power. A UPS on your network rack keeps Wi-Fi, failover, and camera feeds alive when the main power cuts out.
03 / Phone: VoIP phones and SIP trunks run through your local network. If your switch loses power, every call drops. A UPS keeps your phone system operational during outages.
04 / Cameras: Security incidents don't wait for power to come back. Keeping your NVR and cameras powered during an outage makes sure continuous recording through exactly the moments you need most.
⚡ San Diego Power Reality SDG&E's grid serves a region with big wildfire-related PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) events and summer demand spikes. Tenants near PSPS zones have experienced multi-hour unplanned outages during peak season. A UPS doesn't replace a generator — but it bridges the gap between outage and graceful shutdown, protecting your systems from the damage that power interruptions cause.
UPS Sizing Guide
What Size UPS Does a Tenant Need?
1–2 Network Devices, a UniFi switch, and a router. Provides 10–20 minutes of runtime at typical load. Enough for a clean shutdown or to ride out a brief outage. APC BX1500M (~$180) is a common fit.
3–5 Network Devices stations, full UniFi rack (UDM Pro + 2 switches + APs), 3CX server, NVR. Runtime of 15–30 minutes at full load. APC SMT1500RM or equivalent rack-mount unit. Lithium-ion models usually offer lower total cost of ownership over a 10-year horizon due to longer battery life (8–10 years vs. 3–5 years for VRLA).
Install Checklist
What a Properly Installed UPS Setup Looks Like
- Network rack UPS first — Router, switches, and APs are the highest-priority load. If the network stays up, your 5G failover keeps your Network Devices running even when the fiber modem loses power.
- Network Devices on protected outlets — Each Network Device and card reader should be on a UPS-protected outlet, not a surge strip.
- NVR on dedicated UPS — Your camera NVR should be on its own protected circuit so camera recording isn't dependent on the same load as Network Devices.
- Runtime test quarterly — UPS batteries degrade. Test actual runtime every 90 days. Most modern UPS units support self-test via management software or a physical button.
- Battery replacement planning — VRLA batteries last 3–5 years. Lithium-ion models last 8–10 years. Build replacement into your IT budget before the battery fails, not after.
MKR Systems Approach
Related Reading
MKR Systems is an authorized AT&T Business agent. All analysis, recommendations, and cost models in this article are independently produced by MKR Systems based on publicly available data and our direct operational experience. Third-party data sources are cited as listed above. MKR Systems is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of Ubiquiti, 3CX, or any other vendor mentioned herein for the purposes of this publication.
