Battery backup for a router

Niv

Hi.

I am looking for a battery backup/UPS for my router. We get semi-regular power cuts but typically for no longer than an hour. The reason is twofold, I am sure randomly turning on and off must not be good for the router but also I often WFH so if I can make by BB more stable / keep connected that would be useful especially when I am working on cloud based systems.

I am aware I am great at mission creep, so before I buy a nuclear PowerStation I thought I would ask the wisdom of the forum. 

So, parameters; needs to last at least an hour or two for a router, would like a reputable brand (rather not temu/Amazon/ebay this due to risk of fakes and poor spec replicas - although solid recommendations would be considered) and not cost the earth. I don't mind spending a bit extra to have something 'better' i.e. maybe much bigger battery for an extra couple for quid or  two plug sockets so a mobile phone could be charged etc but its primary role is keeping the router going. Would like to keep it under £200 if possible.

Any thoughts?
Edit: I would like to leave it plugged in all the time aka UPS rather than charge and have to sort it after power fails.
Thanks

Cisco001

I would just hotspot from my work mobile.
Powerbank would be the back up for phone and laptop...

Anyway, Screwfix & currys sell Anker and Ecoflow portable power station if that is what you after.
I assume they are decent brand.

Niv

Cisco001 said:

I would just hotspot from my work mobile.
Powerbank would be the back up for phone and laptop...

Anyway, Screwfix & currys sell Anker and Ecoflow portable power station if that is what you after.
I assume they are decent brand.

Well, that's part of the question, portable power station implies charge it and then use it. I do not want that I want a UPS, plugged to the mains all the time with the router plugged into that so in the event of a power cut the router stays on. I don't want to have to manually plug it in every time there is a power cut - if I am working on cloud systems they don't always save if you just 'disappear' . Similarly the hotspot idea does not work for the same reason as the wifi will drop.

MyRealNameToo

One thing to consider is that batteries in UPSs dont last forever, better brands say they'll last up to 5 years some budget brands only give 2 years. With some the battery is user replaceable and in others it's not replaceable at all. It may be worth paying a bit more for one where the battery can be switched over rather than it going into landfill every couple of years. 

ballyblack

old post but may be of use?

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6315246/battery-back-up-for-router

Niv

MyRealNameToo said:

One thing to consider is that batteries in UPSs dont last forever, better brands say they'll last up to 5 years some budget brands only give 2 years. With some the battery is user replaceable and in others it's not replaceable at all. It may be worth paying a bit more for one where the battery can be switched over rather than it going into landfill every couple of years. 

It wouldn't go to landfill, but I get your point. Replaceable batteries would appeal to me if it was cost effective, def something to consider.

gefnew

Look here for more info.
UPS Buying Guide: Battery backup for uninterrupted power. | Schneider Electric United Kingdom

Frozen_up_north

I leave my desktop PC running 24/7, it only draws about 20 Watts. It is used for remote access to my 2nd home when I am not there. I have an APC UPS, model BE650G2-UK. Price today for the 850VA version at Amazon is £125 (the 650VA one is out of stock at Amazon).

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0828G42KN

These APC units have a utility that runs under Windows which can send you an email when the mains fails. You can also log in to view events, run time, supply Voltage etc. the app is called PowerChute, the address for access is https://localhost:6547/eventlog

The run time on my 650VA UPS for the PC + router is just over an hour. The PowerChute software shuts down the PC in a controlled manner after 10 minutes of mains failure. I am not sure how long the UPS would keep the router/Raspberry Pi running for, obviously in excess of an hour.

In addition, I have a Raspberry Pi running a Python script to "ping" Google every 4 minutes. The Pi has a relay "hat" with one of the relays connected in series with the DC supply from the plug top "wall wart" power supply to the router. If the router hangs up, or the ping test fails after 4 attempts, the Pi script activates the relay to disconnect the supply for a few seconds before reconnecting and trying again after a settling down period.

We have noticed 3 mains "glitches" in the past month where nearby properties have lost power for a few hours, our power only went off for a few seconds we received the email message and was able to log-in and see what the situation was.

Niv

@Frozen_up_north thats amazing info. Thank you so much. The APC brand has come up a few times and came out of the checker @gefnew put forward and I was just looking at the APC BE850G2-UK when I flicked back to this thread so seems like thats a decent shout.

Thank you all!

Vitor

I use an APC UPS to power MODEM, Router, Switch and LED lamp. With that draw, it'll last for hours. I bought it years ago when they had replaceable lead acid batteries you swap out every few years. Not sure of the modern ones have gone over to lithium.

QrizB

APC have been around for ages, they were American Power Conversion before they were taken over by Schneider. I was using their products in the previous millennium!

I've had an APC BE-series UPS powering my router ever since I moved to digital voice. I bought mine used but with a new battery. No problems yet.

Edit: see also this recent thread:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81801991#Comment_81801991