The Alto Power Series AP1200 is a 1200VA line interactive UPS for a home office or small business desk: a desktop PC and monitor, a router, a printer or a small server. At a 0.6 power factor it delivers about 720 W, and its microprocessor-controlled buck and boost AVR keeps output stable through the low and high voltage common on South African supply. Output is sine wave on mains and modified sine wave on battery, so it suits IT equipment, modems and PABXs rather than motors or pumps. Alto quotes 10 to 15 minutes of backup depending on load, enough to finish a task and shut down safely during load shedding or a trip. The charger brings the batteries back to 90% in 6 to 8 hours and keeps charging when the UPS is off. It also supports cold start, self-tests on start-up and has MOV surge protection and a USB port for Alto's monitoring software. The black tower measures 195 x 400 x 235 mm, weighs 10 kg and has LED status indicators. Warranty is 6 months.