Mini UPS for Router and Wi-Fi Camera: Keep the Internet On in a Power Cut
Short answer: a mini UPS is a small battery pack that sits between your router's (or camera's) adaptor and the device, and switches over on its own the moment mains power fails, so the Wi-Fi and the camera stay online through a power cut. Our UPS-12 mini UPS costs ₹950, gives 12V DC at 1A output and is listed for up to 2 to 5 hours of backup for a router, Wi-Fi camera or biometric machine. It only works with devices that run on 12V, so check your adaptor label first. Prices include GST and delivery across India is free.
Why does the internet go off in a power cut even when the inverter is on?
In many Indian homes and shops the router, the fibre box (ONT) and the Wi-Fi camera are plugged into a socket that is not on the inverter line. Even when they are, many inverters take a moment to switch over, and that short gap is enough to reboot a router. A reboot takes a minute or two, the camera loses its connection, and if the power keeps flickering the network never settles.
A mini UPS fixes both problems. It runs on DC, sits right next to the device, and changes over automatically with no gap the router notices. It also keeps working in places where there is no inverter at all: a gate cabin, a godown, a farmhouse or a rented shop.
How does a mini UPS for a router work?
The idea is simple. Your existing adaptor plugs into the wall as usual, but instead of going straight into the router, its DC pin goes into the mini UPS. The UPS charges its internal battery from the adaptor and passes power through to the router. When mains power fails, the adaptor goes dead and the battery takes over at once.
On the UPS-12, the listing gives these ratings:
- Input: 12 to 14V DC, 2A (this is what feeds the UPS)
- Output: 12V DC, 1A (this is what reaches your router or camera)
- Changeover: automatic
- Backup: up to 2 to 5 hours
- Listed for: biometric machines, routers and Wi-Fi cameras
The 2 to 5 hour range is wide because backup depends on how much current the connected device pulls. A small router that draws little current lasts toward the top of the range; a device that pulls close to the full 1A drains the battery faster.
How do I check if my router or camera will work with it?
Turn the router's adaptor over and read the small print next to "Output". This takes one minute and saves a wrong purchase.
- Check the voltage. It must say 12V. If it says 9V or 5V, a 12V output is the wrong voltage for that device. Do not connect it.
- Check the current. The adaptor's current (for example 1A or 0.5A) should be at or below the UPS output of 1A. A device rated above 1A needs a bigger supply.
- Check the pin. Most routers and 12V cameras use the common round DC barrel pin, but look at yours and compare it with the product photos. If in doubt, send us a photo of your adaptor label and pin on WhatsApp.
- Count the boxes. On many fibre connections the internet arrives on a separate ONT box and then goes to a Wi-Fi router. If either box loses power, the internet stops. Plan backup for both.
Many small indoor Wi-Fi cameras are powered by a 5V USB adaptor rather than 12V. Read the camera's adaptor the same way before you plan to back it up from a 12V mini UPS.
Where should I fit a mini UPS?
- Next to the router and fibre box, usually near the main TV unit or the shop counter. This keeps Wi-Fi alive for phones, Wi-Fi cameras and smart devices on the same network.
- At a biometric attendance machine, so staff can still punch in during a cut. The UPS-12 listing names biometric machines as a use.
- At the gate, for a Wi-Fi camera that watches the main entrance. If the camera itself is outdoors, keep the UPS in a dry box or indoors and run the DC cable out.
A mini UPS is for low-power DC devices only. It is not meant for a CCTV DVR with many cameras, a computer or anything that plugs straight into a 230V socket.
What if I need an outdoor or bigger supply?
For outdoor gear, the WPAD-12 outdoor waterproof power supply (₹449) is a rainproof 12V 2A supply with a flame-retardant shell and rain and lightning protection, according to its listing. The listing also says it keeps devices running during a power outage, but it does not state a backup time, so ask us before you rely on it for long cuts.
For a wired CCTV setup with several cameras, use a multi-channel CCTV power supply and battery backup sized for the full system rather than a mini UPS. For electric locks and access control, our guide to access control power supplies and battery backup covers the K80 and 5A supplies.
Mini UPS and related products: prices (NavKar Systems, 27 October 2026)
| Product | What it does | Key spec (from listing) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS-12 Mini UPS | Battery backup for router, Wi-Fi camera, biometric machine | In 12–14V DC 2A, out 12V DC 1A, up to 2–5 h backup | ₹950 |
| WPAD-12 Outdoor Waterproof Power Supply | Rainproof 12V supply for outdoor devices | 12V 2A, rain and lightning protection | ₹449 |
| AD-12V Power Adaptor | Replacement 12V adaptor | 12V 2A DC out, 220V AC in | ₹599 |
| CP Plus CP-V48A Wi-Fi Camera | Outdoor Wi-Fi bullet camera | 4MP, colour and IR night vision, mic and speaker | ₹2,899 |
| CP-Z43Q Wi-Fi PT Camera | Pan-tilt Wi-Fi camera | 4MP, 4mm lens, IR 15 m | ₹3,499 |
| Trueview T18290S Mini PT Camera | Indoor pan-tilt Wi-Fi camera | 3MP, two-way audio, 10x digital zoom | ₹3,649 |
| Trueview T18296S Robot PT Camera | Indoor pan-tilt Wi-Fi camera | 3MP, 352° pan, microSD up to 256GB | ₹3,999 |
The cameras are listed so you can plan a full setup. Check each camera's adaptor voltage before connecting it to a 12V mini UPS. Browse more in power adaptors and mini UPS, Wi-Fi security cameras and smart home and Wi-Fi devices. If you are still choosing a camera, read the CCTV camera buying guide for homes and shops.
Does a Wi-Fi camera record during a power cut without a UPS?
No. With no power the camera is off and records nothing, which is exactly when a break-in is most likely to be planned. With a mini UPS on the camera alone, it keeps recording to its memory card, but you will not get phone alerts unless the router is also backed up. For full coverage, back up the camera and the router together.
FAQ
How long will a mini UPS run my router?
The UPS-12 is listed for up to 2 to 5 hours of backup. The actual time depends on how much current your router draws; a low-power router lasts longer than a device that pulls close to the 1A limit.
Can I use a 12V mini UPS with a 9V or 5V router?
No. The UPS-12 gives 12V output, so it suits devices whose adaptor says 12V. Connecting it to a 9V or 5V device can damage that device.
Do I need a separate UPS for the fibre box and the router?
If your internet comes through a separate ONT box and a separate router, both must have power for the internet to work. Back up both, or ask us on WhatsApp with photos of both adaptor labels.
Is a mini UPS better than an inverter for Wi-Fi?
For a router, yes in one way: a mini UPS changes over with no gap, so the router does not reboot. An inverter is still needed for fans and lights; the mini UPS only handles small 12V devices.
Can a mini UPS run a CCTV DVR?
The UPS-12 gives 12V at 1A, which is meant for a router, a single Wi-Fi camera or a biometric machine. A DVR with several cameras needs a larger power supply and backup.
What is the price of a mini UPS for a router in India?
Our UPS-12 mini UPS costs ₹950 including GST, with free delivery across India.
Prices are NavKar Systems website prices on 27 October 2026, inclusive of GST, and may change.
