What to Plug Into a UPS — and What Never To
Last verified: September 2026
A UPS is for small electronics. This guide gives you the green list, the firm red list (never a laser printer or space heater), and how to use the battery vs surge outlets. Unsure about a device? My number is (330) 200-8042.
The Plug-In Rulebook, at a Glance
A UPS is built for small electronics — a computer, monitor, modem, router, a security base, a NAS. It is not built for anything that makes heat or has a big motor: never plug in a laser printer, space heater, hair dryer, microwave, or a pump. Those overload it instantly. Printers and chargers can go on the UPS's surge-only outlets. And never chain a power strip to a UPS. There's a printable 29-page version up top.
Common Questions
1 Can I plug my printer into the UPS?
On the surge-only outlets, yes — for surge protection. Never on the battery outlets, especially a laser printer, which can overload the unit the instant it heats up.
2 Why can't I run a space heater on it, even briefly?
A heater turns power into heat and draws far more than any gadget. A UPS can't feed that, and trying will overload or damage it. Heaters belong in a wall outlet only.
3 Can a UPS keep my sump pump going?
No — a pump's motor needs a hard jolt of power well beyond a UPS. For a sump pump you want a battery-backup pump or a generator.
4 Is it okay to plug a UPS into a power strip?
No. Give the UPS its own wall outlet and plug your gear straight into the UPS. Chaining strips can overload things and defeat the protection.
5 What should I actually put on it?
Your must-stay-on small electronics: the computer, internet gear, a security base, a NAS. Keep printers and chargers on the surge outlets, and everything hot or motorized off entirely.
6 Can I plug a laptop or phone charger in?
Sure — they're thrifty. But since they hold their own batteries, the surge-only outlets are the sensible home, leaving the battery outlets for gear that truly needs backup.
Would You Rather I Just Help?
Not sure whether something belongs on your UPS? Text me the device and I'll tell you: battery side, surge side, or wall only. No question too small. $99 flat for an in-home visit, 30-day come-back-free.
Would you rather I just do this for you?
No shame in it — plenty of folks would rather hand it off, and that's what I'm here for. I'll come to your home, set it up right, and make sure it's working before I leave. Flat $99 per visit — no jargon, no upsell, and every visit is 30-day come-back-free.
Not a hardware job? I can often fix it remotely for $49 — a secure screen-share, up to 2 hours, that you watch the whole time and can end whenever (included free for $39/mo Support Plan members, and it counts toward the $99 if it turns out I need to come out).