Loadshedding often causes internet interruptions because routers and fiber ONT devices require electricity to operate. When the power goes off, both devices usually shut down immediately, cutting off your WiFi connection.
Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your internet running during loadshedding.
In this guide we explain the most common backup solutions used in South Africa and how they work.
Why WiFi Turns Off During Loadshedding
Most home internet setups rely on two devices:
Fiber ONT (optical network terminal)
WiFi router
Both require electricity to operate. When loadshedding begins, these devices stop working unless they are connected to a backup power source.
You can learn more in our guide explaining why WiFi turns off during loadshedding even when using a UPS.
Option 1: Mini UPS for Router
The most popular solution is a mini UPS designed for routers and fiber equipment.
These small battery backup units automatically supply power when loadshedding begins.
Advantages:
automatic power switching
simple installation
reliable runtime
Many mini UPS devices can keep your internet running for 4 to 6 hours depending on the battery size.
You can see recommended models in our guide to the Best Mini UPS for WiFi Routers in South Africa.
Option 2: Power Banks
Some people use large power banks with adapter cables to power routers.
This method can work in some cases, but it usually requires additional cables and manual setup.
Power banks also tend to provide shorter runtime compared to dedicated mini UPS devices.
Option 3: Inverter Systems
Households with larger backup power systems may use an inverter and battery setup.
These systems can power:
routers
fiber equipment
lights
laptops
However, inverter systems are typically more expensive and are designed for powering multiple appliances.
Option 4: Portable Power Stations
Portable power stations are larger battery devices that can power several appliances at once.
They can easily keep routers and internet equipment running during loadshedding but are usually more expensive than mini UPS devices.
Which Option Is Best?
For most households in South Africa, the simplest solution is a mini UPS designed for routers.
These devices are affordable, easy to install, and can provide several hours of backup power during loadshedding.
Larger backup systems such as inverters or portable power stations are better suited for powering multiple appliances.
Final Verdict
Keeping your WiFi running during loadshedding is possible with the right backup power solution.
Mini UPS devices remain the most practical option for powering routers and fiber equipment because they are simple to install and designed specifically for networking devices.
For households that require longer backup power or want to run additional appliances, inverter systems or portable power stations may be worth considering.
Explore More Mini UPS Guides
If you’re looking for the best router backup power solutions, you may also find these guides helpful:
South Africa’s loadshedding makes one problem immediately obvious—when the power goes off, your internet goes off too.
For many households, losing WiFi is actually worse than losing lights. Work stops, meetings disconnect, TV streaming ends, and even security cameras stop recording. The good news is you do NOT need a generator or expensive inverter system just to keep your router online.
A mini UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is a small battery backup designed specifically for routers and fiber ONTs. It automatically switches on when electricity cuts and keeps your internet running without you doing anything.
In this guide, we explain which UPS units actually work in South Africa, how long they last during loadshedding, and which one is worth buying.
What is a mini UPS, and how does it work?
A mini UPS is essentially a rechargeable battery pack that sits between your wall plug and your internet equipment. Under normal conditions, it charges itself while powering your router.
The moment Eskom power fails, the device instantly switches to battery power—usually within milliseconds—so your router does not reboot and your fiber connection stays active.
Most homes actually have two devices that need backup power:
The WiFi router
The fibre ONT box (the small box installed by your fibre provider)
If the ONT switches off, your internet dies even if your router stays on. A proper mini UPS powers both devices at the same time.
This is why normal power banks do not work properly—they cannot supply stable continuous power like a UPS can.
How long can a UPS keep your internet on during loadshedding?
This depends on three things:
Battery capacity (measured in mAh or Wh)
Router power usage
Whether it powers the ONT as well
Most fiber routers in South Africa use only 8W to 12W of electricity, which is very low. Because of this, even a small UPS can keep your internet online for 3 to 6 hours.
Typical real-world backup times:
• Small mini UPS (10,000 mAh) → 2–3 hours • Medium UPS (15,000–20,000 mAh) → 4–6 hours • Large mini UPS (25,000 mAh+) → 6–10 hours
This is enough to survive most Stage 2–4 loadshedding cycles.
What to check before buying a Mini UPS in South Africa
Many people buy the wrong UPS and then think UPS devices don’t work. The problem is not the idea—it’s compatibility.
Before you buy a UPS, you must check these 4 things.
1) Voltage (MOST IMPORTANT)
Routers and ONT boxes usually run on 12V or 9V.
If the UPS output voltage does not match your router, it will not power on—or worse, it can damage the device.
Always look at the sticker underneath your router or ONT. You will see something like
Output: 12V—1A
Your UPS must match that voltage.
Good mini UPS units in South Africa normally support:
9V
12V
sometimes 5V USB
Avoid units that only have USB ports—those are power banks, not UPS systems.
2) Number of ports
You need at least 2 DC output ports because loadshedding affects:
• The router • The fibre ONT
Many cheap UPS devices only power the router—then your internet still goes off because the ONT has no power.
This is the number one mistake buyers make.
3) Battery capacity
Capacity determines how long your internet stays on.
Rough guide:
8,000–10,000 mAh → short outages only
15,000–20,000 mAh → ideal for most homes
20,000 mAh+ → best for heavy loadshedding
In South Africa, a 20,000 mAh unit is usually the sweet spot.
4) Automatic switching
A real UPS switches automatically when power cuts.
You should not have to press a button during loadshedding.
If the product description says:
“Manual power on”
Avoid it—it defeats the purpose of a UPS.
Mini UPS vs Generator vs Inverter for WiFi During Loadshedding
Feature
Mini UPS
Power Inverter + Battery
Petrol Generator
Internet stays on instantly
Yes
Yes
No (must start it)
Noise
Silent
Silent
Very loud
Setup difficulty
Plug & play
Medium installation
High
Cost
Low
Medium/High
Medium
Running cost
None
Very low
Fuel required
Works at night
Yes
Yes
Not practical
Powers TV/PC
No
Yes
Yes
Best use
Router + Fibre ONT
Whole room backup
Whole-house emergency
For most South African households, a mini UPS is the easiest and most affordable solution to keep internet working during loadshedding. Inverters and generators can power more appliances, but they are significantly more expensive and require installation or fuel. A UPS is designed specifically for networking equipment and works automatically when the power cuts.
How long will a mini UPS power your router?
Runtime depends on two things: the router power usage and the UPS battery size.
Typical fiber setup:
Fibre ONT: ±8–12W
WiFi Router: ±6–10W
Total load ≈ 15–20 watts.
Estimated runtime:
UPS Capacity
Expected Runtime
8,800 mAh
2–3 hours
10,400 mAh
3–4 hours
20,000 mAh
5–8 hours
This means a properly sized mini UPS can easily cover Stage 2 and Stage 4 loadshedding in South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a mini UPS run both my router and fiber box (ONT)?
Yes. Most fiber installations in South Africa have two devices: the fiber ONT and the WiFi router. A properly sized mini UPS is designed specifically for this setup and can power both at the same time. You simply connect both devices to the UPS using the provided DC cables.
How many hours will a mini UPS last during loadshedding?
On average, a standard 10,000 mAh mini UPS will run a router and fiber ONT for around 3–4 hours. Larger models can last up to 6–8 hours depending on the power usage of your router.
Does a UPS damage a router?
No. A mini UPS actually protects your router. It supplies stable voltage and prevents damage caused by sudden power cuts and surges when electricity returns after loadshedding.
Can I use a computer UPS instead?
You can, but it is not ideal. Traditional computer UPS units are designed for PCs and alarms. They are bulky, noisy, and inefficient for routers. A mini DC UPS is quieter, uses less power, and lasts longer during outages.
Do I need an electrician to install a mini UPS?
No. A mini UPS is plug-and-play. You unplug your router power cable, connect it to the UPS, and then plug the UPS into the wall. Setup takes less than 5 minutes.
Will a mini UPS recharge between loadshedding stages?
Yes. Most units recharge within 2–3 hours. This is fast enough to recharge between normal South African loadshedding cycles.
Final Verdict—Is a Mini UPS Worth It?
For most South African households, a mini UPS is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to deal with loadshedding. Instead of installing an expensive inverter or running a noisy generator, a small backup battery can keep your internet connection active automatically whenever the power cuts.
Because routers and fiber ONTs use very little electricity, a properly sized UPS can keep you online for several hours, making it ideal for remote work, online classes, streaming, and security cameras. The one-off cost is low, there is no fuel required, and installation takes only a few minutes.
If staying connected during loadshedding is important to you, a mini UPS is not just a convenience—it is one of the most practical backup solutions you can buy.
