What does 4000 VA mean?

smkettner wrote:

road-runner wrote:

VA does not always equal watts. I just bought an uninterruptible power supply for my computer equipment. It is rated 750 VA/450 watts.

I find that really strange. If you have a load that's 600 VA and also 600 watts, which limit applies?

The lower limit just like towing.

OK, I found a web site that says the standard for small UPSs is that the watt rating is 60% of the VA rating. I still think it's strange, but it is what it is. I've never noticed a generator or inverter rated like that, and I "assume" the UPS contains an inverter. Maybe it has something to do with the battery or heat dissipation. For larger UPSs (whatever "large" means), it says the the watt and VA ratings are generally the same.