What Size UPS Do You Need for a CCTV System?

Installing a CCTV system is a key part of any business security strategy, but it’s only as dependable as its power supply. Without consistent electricity, even the best cameras can’t protect your premises. A power cut lasting only a few minutes can lead to lost footage, system reboots and security blind spots. That’s why choosing the right size UPS (uninterruptible power supply) matters.

For many small to medium CCTV installations, a 1500VA UPS is a common choice. As a guide, it can typically provide around 18–24 minutes of runtime for a four-camera system and roughly 8–18 minutes for an eight-camera set-up. Larger installations, such as 16 cameras or more, often benefit from a dedicated 1500VA unit for the DVR/NVR, with additional UPS units used to power camera groups or PoE switches.

The quick answer: what’s the best UPS for CCTV?

For most small to medium CCTV installations, a 1500VA UPS is a strong all-round option. It typically delivers:

• 18–24 minutes of runtime for a 4-camera system
• 8–18 minutes of runtime for an 8-camera system

For larger sites (16+ cameras), many businesses use a dedicated UPS for the DVR/NVR and add extra UPS units for camera groups or PoE switches to achieve the runtime and resilience required.

Why a UPS is essential for CCTV systems

A UPS keeps your surveillance running during power cuts and helps protect against voltage fluctuations. Without backup power, an outage can mean lost recordings or a period where your premises are unmonitored. In some cases, insurers and compliance standards also strongly recommend backup power for security systems.

Key benefits include maintaining recording during short outages, protecting equipment from surges and spikes, supplying clean, stable power to sensitive electronics, and enabling safe shutdown during longer interruptions.

How to choose the right UPS size for your CCTV

Selecting the right UPS isn’t guesswork — it comes down to load, headroom and the runtime you need.

Calculate your total wattage
Add together the power requirements for cameras, DVR/NVR, PoE switches and any network equipment.

Plan for growth
Choose a UPS with spare capacity so you can expand without replacing your system.

Decide on your required runtime
Many businesses aim for 15–20 minutes, which covers short outages and allows time for an orderly shutdown if needed. If you require longer runtimes, it can be more effective to power the recorder on a dedicated UPS and use additional units for camera groups.

Here’s a simple example:

• 4 CCTV cameras at 10W each = 40W
• NVR at 40W = 40W
• PoE switch at 50W = 50W
• Total load: 130W

Recommended UPS models

For commercial and security installations, online UPS systems are often preferred for maximum protection. The right model depends on your total load, runtime requirements and site layout. Common options include the Riello Sentinel Dual (rack/tower flexibility), Riello Sentryum Active Dual Phase (high efficiency with scalable options), and APC Smart-UPS On-Line Rackmount (double-conversion reliability).

Protect your CCTV system today

At Adept Power Solutions, we supply and install UPS systems tailored to your security set-up. From small retail sites to larger commercial premises, we can help you choose the right size and configuration for dependable, uninterrupted surveillance.

Call us or contact our team to secure reliable backup power for your CCTV system.

For more information on What Size UPS Do You Need for a CCTV System? talk to Adept Power Solutions Ltd