Most uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) require AC voltage and use specific batteries that must be changed every few years. But those may be oversized and not the most efficient if you just want to keep single board computers (SBCs), low-power mini PCs, routers, or security cameras up and running during power failures.
Luckily, some mini UPS solutions use standard rechargeable 18650 batteries, output 5V, 9V, or 12V DC, or even PoE (15V/24V) which may be more suitable for those use cases. Many mini UPS solutions come from WGP (Wonderful Green Power), so let’s have a look at the WPG103A model.
WPG103A mini UPS specifications:
- Batteries – 4x 16850 batteries for a combined 10,400 mAh capacity
- Protection – Overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, and short circuit protection
- Misc – Power button, status LEDs
- Power Input – 12V/2A via DC jack
- Power Output
- 5V via USB Type-A port (likely limited to 1.5A or 2A TBC)
- 9V via DC jack
- 12V via DC jack
- Max power – 24 Watts
- Dimensions – 205 x 80 x 31mm
The mini UPS ships with a Y cable in case two devices use the same voltage, a DC cable, a 5.5/2.5mm to 3.5/1.35mm jack adapter, and an instructions manual. The main use case of such mini UPS is to power a WiFi access point and an FTTx broadband router. However, I imagine it could be used as backup power for a security camera and some SBCs and mini PCs. Sadly, the company only mentions the total power output (24W), and I doubt the 5V USB will deliver the ~5A needed to power a Raspberry Pi 5 under all conditions.
The WPG103A mini UPS can be purchased on AliExpress for about $30 shipped.
Other cheaper options are the DC1018P or DC1036P from another manufacturer, still using four 18650 batteries internally, but also supporting PoE.
The company has different variants, and this time the output capabilities of each port are clearly listed.
Basically, the USB port supports up to 10 Watts (5V/2A), the 9V port 9W or 18W, and the 12V port (if any) 12W to 24W depending on the selected model. The PoE port supports either 15V or 24V DC output as set by the user with a switch, and up to 24 Watts again depending on the model.
Unless I’m mistaken, it’s cheaper than the WPG models because the 18650 batteries are not included, and instead, the user can select the capacity needed for his/her application. Talking about price the DC1018P goes for about $23 on AliExpress and $22 on Amazon after ticking the 10% off coupon box. You’ll also find plenty of other models on AliExpress or Amazon.
Thanks to Onebir for the tip
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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