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A backup power supply for an apartment is a system or set of devices that provide electricity to a home when the main power supply fails or the voltage in the grid becomes unstable.
To put it simply, a backup power supply is a plan B for electricity.
The lights go out, but the apartment does not go completely dark; it continues to operate in a limited but controlled mode.
An important point: this is not a complete replacement of the electrical network, but temporary support for key appliances — those without which modern life quickly comes to a halt.
What is usually meant by backup power
The term backup power often covers solutions of varying complexity — from simple to almost engineering systems. But in any case, they consist of three basic elements.
When the grid goes down, electricity has to come from somewhere. In apartment solutions, this is usually rechargeable batteries — the most common option. Portable or stationary power stations are also used, less often generators (there are serious restrictions for apartments), and sometimes solar panels as a supplement to batteries. In most city apartments today, backup power equals batteries, everything else is variations around them.
A battery alone cannot power household appliances. This requires devices that convert and control electricity: an inverter converts low voltage from batteries to standard 220 V, a UPS provides uninterrupted power for individual appliances, and a switching system disconnects the apartment from the grid and connects the backup. This is where the difference between “just a battery with sockets” and a full-fledged backup power supply for an apartment comes in.
A key point that is often overlooked: backup power almost never powers the entire apartment. Usually, it only covers critically important consumers — lighting, refrigerator, router, laptop, phones, sometimes a gas boiler or pump. Everything else is either turned off or works very limitedly.
Energy source: where does electricity come from?
When the grid goes down, electricity has to come from somewhere. In apartment solutions, this is usually:
- rechargeable batteries (the most common option);
- portable or stationary power stations;
- generators — rarely used in apartments and with serious limitations;
- solar panels — not as a basis, but as a supplement to batteries.
In most city apartments today, backup power = batteries. Everything else is variations on that theme.
Energy management and conversion device
A battery alone cannot power household appliances. This requires devices that convert and manage electricity:
- inverter — converts low voltage from batteries (12/24/48 V) to standard 220 V;
- UPS / UPS — an uninterruptible power supply, usually for individual devices;
- switching system — manual or automatic, which disconnects the apartment from the mains and connects the backup.
This is where the difference between “just a battery with sockets” and a full-fledged backup power supply for an apartment comes in.
Consumers operating in backup mode
A key point that is often overlooked: backup power almost never powers the entire apartment.
Usually, it only covers critically important consumers:
- lighting;
- refrigerator;
- router and internet;
- laptop, phones;
- sometimes — gas boiler or pump.
Everything else is either turned off or works very limitedly.
What backup power does not mean
This is where the most disappointment arises, so it is important to note this right away:
- backup power does not mean that the apartment works “as usual”;
- it is not designed for an indefinite period of time;
- it does not always work automatically.
This is where most disappointments arise, so it is important to note this right away: backup power does not mean that the apartment works “as usual”; it is not designed to last indefinitely; it does not always work automatically.
Backup power is a controlled compromise, not magic. Therefore, before buying, you should realistically assess your needs and capabilities. You can read more about preparing for energy independence in the checklist for 2026.
Typical scenarios when people say “backup power for an apartment”
In everyday language, this term is used in different ways:
- “I want backup power” — usually means light and internet during outages.
- “5-6 hours of backup” — a battery and inverter for basic needs.
- “Uninterruptible power supply” — UPS for specific devices.
- “Autonomous power supply” — often confused with backup, although it is a completely different class of solutions.
Briefly about the terms
- Backup power — temporary power during outages.
- Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) — so that there is not even a second of failure.
- Autonomous power supply — the apartment lives independently of the grid (complex and expensive).
To summarize
Backup power for an apartment is a system that allows key electrical appliances to continue operating during power outages, using batteries or other sources instead of the city grid.
Typical backup power configurations for apartments: from one-room to three-room
When it comes to backup power, many people focus on the area or number of rooms. This is not entirely correct from a technical point of view, but in practice, this division allows you to quickly explain the level of the system and the expected comfort.
It is important to understand: below are not universal recipes, but typical configurations for city apartments in Ukraine with a gas stove or moderate electricity consumption.
One-room apartment: basic reserve
For a one-room apartment, a backup power supply usually solves one problem — surviving a power outage without completely losing touch with life. A typical set of consumers in such a scenario includes lighting, Wi-Fi and the Internet, a refrigerator, a laptop, and phones.
In this case, we are not talking about electric stoves, boilers, or heaters. Such appliances are either not connected at all or are used very sparingly. Typical system parameters are an inverter power of about 1-2 kW, a battery capacity of 2-3 kWh, and an operating time of 5 hours at base load.
Portable charging stations such as the EcoFlow Delta 3 Max are often used for such scenarios, combining sufficient capacity with compactness and ease of use.
This is the minimum level of reserve that does not create illusions but provides light, communication, and a cold refrigerator even during prolonged outages.
A typical set of consumers in such a scenario:
- lighting;
- Wi-Fi and internet;
- refrigerator;
- laptop, phones.
In this case, we are not talking about electric stoves, boilers, or heaters — such appliances are either not connected at all or are used extremely sparingly.
Typical system parameters:
- inverter power — about 1-2 kW;
- battery capacity — 2–3 kWh;
- operating time — from 5 hours of base load.
This is the minimum reserve level, which does not create any illusions, but provides light, communication, and a cold refrigerator even during prolonged outages.
Two-room apartment: comfortable reserve
For two-room apartments, the scenario is usually more complicated. Often it is:
- 2–3 residents;
- working from home;
- several lighting zones;
- more electronics.
Here, the backup power supply moves from the “minimum” category to a mode of controlled comfort. Light is available not in one room, but where it is needed; the internet is stable; the workplace does not depend on outage schedules.
Typical characteristics of such a system:
- power — 2–5 kW;
- capacity — 4–8 kWh;
- operating time — 6–10 hours depending on the load.
Such configurations often include:
- a separate backup line in the electrical panel;
- manual or semi-automatic switching;
- limited use of powerful appliances (for short periods).
This is no longer a “big battery with an extension cord,” but a real backup power system for an apartment.
Three-room apartment: extended backup
In three-room apartments, backup power is most often an engineering solution rather than a household accessory.
A typical scenario:
- a family of 3–5 people;
- several work or study areas;
- the need for stable lighting throughout the apartment;
- sometimes a gas boiler or pump.
A portable station is not enough here. The following are used:
- stationary batteries (often 48 V);
- 5-10 kW inverters;
- a separate backup panel;
- automatic or semi-automatic switching.
Typical parameters:
- power — 5–8 kW;
- capacity — 5–10 kWh;
- operating time — 8–12 hours with a reasonable load.
Such systems are capable of supporting the operation of most household appliances, but here too, the main rule of backup power applies: not everything and not at the same time.
Why the number of rooms is only a guideline
From a technical point of view, backup power refers to the following life support functions of an apartment:
- which appliances work simultaneously;
- how many hours of backup are needed;
- whether there is gas equipment;
- whether silence and automatic switching are required.
Two apartments of the same size may require completely different backup systems. It is important to keep this in mind and consult with professionals if necessary.
How not to be deceived when buying backup power for an apartment
The phrase “this is enough for the whole apartment” is one of the most common manipulations in the backup power market in Ukraine. It is used by sellers of portable stations, installers, and even some “experts” on social media.
The problem is that, from a technical point of view, this phrase does not mean anything specific. It does not contain any parameters by which the real capabilities of the system can be assessed.
Why “for the whole apartment” is not a technical description
In 99% of cases, this formula does not specify:
- which devices should work;
- how long they should work;
- in which mode — simultaneously or sequentially.
In fact, this is marketing noise, not an engineering characteristic. And it is on this that inflated expectations are most often built.
Seven typical manipulations you should be aware of
Power without capacity
One of the favorite phrases of salespeople is “here’s 3 kW, that’s more than enough.”
The problem is that kilowatts (kW) are only power, not operating time.
A 3 kW inverter paired with a 1 kWh battery means one very simple thing:
1 kW load = approximately 1 hour of operation. After that, the reserve runs out.
Confusion between peak and continuous power
Phrases such as “easily powers a refrigerator, washing machine, and microwave” often do not take into account the physics of the processes.
A refrigerator has a starting current several times higher than the nominal current, a washing machine combines a motor and heating, and a microwave creates sharp peaks. As a result, the inverter may turn on and then turn off after a few seconds.
Silencing prohibited devices
An honest consultation always includes a list of what cannot be connected:
- electric stoves;
- boilers;
- heaters;
- air conditioners.
If this list is not provided, and you are told that “everything is possible,” then you are not dealing with technical expertise, but with sales.
Hours without load
“Enough for 10-12 hours” is another favorite phrase.
The key question that is often ignored in such cases is: at what power?
The difference is fundamental:
- 200 W — can really work all night;
- 800 W — 2–3 hours;
- 1.5 kW — about an hour.
Without specifying the load, any hours are conditional.
The illusion of simple connection
Promises of “just plug it in and the whole apartment works” do not take into account the method of connection.
Only 1–2 devices can actually work through an extension cord.
Through an electrical panel — a completely different level of complexity, budget, and responsibility.
Without a separate backup line, “the whole apartment” exists only in words.
Ideal figures without losses
Real systems always have losses:
- inverter — minus 10–15%;
- batteries — a few more percent;
- cold and wear — separately.
Therefore, the stated 2 kWh often turns into 1.6–1.7 kWh of usable energy in practice.
Manipulation of the word “autonomy”
A backup power supply for an apartment without solar generation is not autonomy.
Even a 4 kWh battery does not make an apartment independent of the grid, but only provides a time reserve.
Three questions that instantly reveal the level of the seller
To separate marketing from engineering, three clarifications are enough:
- What exactly works at the same time?
- Phrases such as “everything essential” are a sign of superficial consultation.
- For how many hours and at what power?
- An honest answer always comes in the form of specific numbers.
- What is strictly forbidden to turn on?
- If there is a long pause, this is a bad sign.
Who can be trusted
There are many offers on the backup power market today, but few companies that speak to the customer in terms of real limitations rather than promises.
That is why it is worth paying attention to integrators who:
- design the system for specific scenarios;
- immediately explain what will not work;
- take responsibility for connection and safety.
One such company in Ukraine is Alteco, an integrator that works not with abstract “for the whole apartment” concepts, but with real loads, operating times, and engineering logic. When it comes to backup power, experience and a systematic approach are more important than flashy advertising slogans.
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