Uninterruptible power supply back ups. APC Uninterruptible Power Supplies for Offices and Home Use

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APC is a world leader in the manufacture of uninterruptible power supplies for both personal computers and industrial equipment. Each new device from this company sets new standards in the field of protection against voltage surges, smoothing out various electrical network disturbances and increasing the battery life of the UPS. This article discusses the APC Back-UPS ES series UPS: Back-UPS ES 525, Back-UPS ES 550VA and Back-UPS ES 700VA. These models are intended for installation at home or in small offices to protect several personal computers and other devices from power surges and provide battery-powered operation when there is no voltage in the external network. It is worth noting that the software included with most UPSs significantly expands their functionality.

For Russian consumers of electricity, ensuring the continuity of its supply has always been important, since even a short-term power outage or voltage surge can lead to serious consequences for equipment such as computers, office equipment and devices with fine electronics. To provide backup power in homes and small offices, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are most suitable, which, in the event of a lack of electricity, power the equipment connected to them from the built-in battery, and in the event of an unexpected decrease or increase in the input voltage, they equalize it to normal. UPSs are divided into offline and online types. Offline UPSs come in two types: Standby and Line-Interactive.

Online uninterruptible power supplies are designed to protect delicate electronics and are rarely used at home. In such UPSs, all the alternating current coming from the mains (or part of it in a UPS with delta conversion) is first converted to direct current, and then the reverse conversion is performed to power the load. This ensures precise stabilization of the magnitude and shape of the output voltage and protection of the connected equipment from any interference occurring in the electrical network.

In Standby and Line-Interactive type sources, the load is powered mainly from the mains power supply, and only when the input voltage deviates very strongly from the nominal value, the source switches to battery power. When powered from the mains, the input voltage is filtered. Sources of the Line-Interactive type, as a rule, have higher-quality units for analyzing the state of the network, but their main feature is the presence of an automatic voltage regulation unit (Automatic Voltage Regulator, AVR), which stepwise changes the voltage at the UPS output in case of input voltage deviation, due to which to some extent stabilizes the output voltage.

Testing methodology

Considering the capabilities of our stand and the limited testing time, during which it is impossible to check indicators such as reliability and service life, we chose the following parameters for testing:

maximum battery life without recharging;
operation of the automatic voltage regulation system;
transition voltage to batteries and back to the network;
switching time to battery operation;
output voltage shape when operating on batteries;
nature of shutdown when batteries are low;
possibility of cold start;
automatic shutdown when power is turned off.

To record the shape of the output voltage under various operating modes of the UPS, we used a stand made up of a synchronization device and a computer with an installed BORDO B-211A hardware and software complex, consisting of a PCI card and a set of software and representing a general-purpose digital oscilloscope with a range of measured signals from 0 to 50 MHz.

The synchronization device ensured that the UPS was disconnected from the network when the peak of the positive half-cycle of the mains voltage was reached and the oscilloscope’s waiting sweep was started in a timely manner. The oscillogram of the transition to battery power was taken at nominal (220 V) and reduced (180 V) input voltage.

The operation of the automatic voltage control unit was checked using an autotransformer (LATR). At first, a voltage of 250 V was set at the UPS input, which gradually decreased until the UPS switched to powering the load from the batteries. At the same time, all response points of the automatic voltage regulator were recorded - based on sudden changes in voltage across the load. For each point, the input and output voltage indicators were recorded - both those that were established immediately after the switching, and those in effect just before the switching. Then the input voltage was increased to 250 V. The limiting value of the input voltage of 257-260 V was determined by the actual capabilities of our electrical network and autotransformer (higher voltage was not always obtained).

The UPS load was a computer with a Pentium 4 3.0 GHz processor and an LG FLATRON 795FT CRT monitor with a diagonal of 17 inches. All power management capabilities on the computer have been disabled. According to APC PowerChute Personal Professional 2.0 software, which was included with the tested UPS, the average load ranged from 63 to 89 W (for the APC Back-UPS ES525 model, the other two models do not support the load power detection function). Before testing each UPS, its battery was charged from the mains for at least 12 hours.

Test results

Most new UPS models for home and small offices are characterized by dividing the output sockets into two groups, one of which is designed only to protect against various interference in the electrical network and instantaneous power surges and serves as a network filter, and the second, along with filtering, provides backup power to the load when low voltage in the network or in the absence of it.

All tested APC UPSs have a cold start capability and, in situations requiring user attention, beep at a frequency and duration that varies by model and varies depending on the circumstances.

All uninterruptible power supplies have ports for connecting to a computer and allow you to automatically shut down the computer, closing applications and saving work files during a long power outage. The utilities included in the kit for monitoring the state of the electrical network and power supply of the load quite accurately show the voltage and very approximately the power of the load connected to the UPS (only for the APC Back-UPS ES 525 model).

All UPS models demonstrate good performance under standard loads, however, when purchasing these devices, it is necessary to take into account some of their features. In particular, the APC Back-UPS ES 550VA and APC Back-UPS ES 700VA do not have an automatic voltage regulation (AVR) function, so they are recommended for use only in areas where prolonged voltage drops do not occur in the electrical network.

It should be noted that there was a bug in the APC PowerChute Personal Professional 2.0 software, which appeared on all three tested devices. After the batteries are completely discharged due to powering the load, when power is restored from the external electrical network, the program shows the percentage of battery charge incorrectly, since over time the percentage of charge always decreases, not increases. This error can be avoided by reconnecting the UPS to the computer.

Test participants

The APC Back-UPS ES 550VA UPS is a Standby type with an output voltage of almost non-sinusoidal shape and has an output power of 550 VA (330 W).

The APC Back-UPS ES 550VA UPS is manufactured in a plastic case in a form unusual for uninterruptible power supplies. Outwardly, it resembles an ordinary extension cord - a thickened “pilot”. This model can either be installed on the floor or attached to the wall - for this purpose, special mounting holes are provided at the bottom. The top panel contains a power button, a multi-color LED indicator indicating the load's power source (mains or battery), and eight Schuko output sockets. The connection cord to the external network is located on the side of the device and has a non-removable design. The first four sockets provide protection against voltage drops up to its complete disappearance, and another four provide protection for electrical equipment only against voltage surges. The UPS sockets are divided into two segments, which are spaced in different directions. On the side of the UPS there is a special control connector for connecting the APC Back-UPS ES 550VA to a computer, which at the other end is connected to a USB port. Nearby there are two RJ-45 connectors (input and output) for connecting a telephone line or local network; they are also filtered against surges. The UPS uses a rechargeable maintenance-free sealed lead-acid battery with thickened electrolyte APC RBC2 with a voltage of 12 V, which the user can replace independently through the bottom panel, which is closed with latches. In order to increase safety, the UPS is transported with the battery disconnected (the “–” terminal is disconnected); therefore, it must be connected before use.

Using the software, the UPS is configured for the conditions of a specific electrical network, which makes it possible to reduce the number of switchings and thereby increase the duration of trouble-free operation. The moment of operation of the first stage of increasing and decreasing the input voltage can be selected from the ranges of 160-196 V and 256-276 V, respectively (in steps of up to 4 V).

Included in the package are a control cable (USB), telephone cable (RJ 11), user manual, and APC PowerChute Personal 2.0 software CD.

PowerChute Personal Edition software (Fig. 1) allows you to monitor operating parameters (input and output voltage, battery capacity, load level, etc.) and configure the UPS. The program can issue warnings to the user when power failures occur and correctly close the operating system in the event of power failures. In this case, you can manually specify the time after which you need to shut down the system when the external power is turned off (running on battery power) - by default, the program is set to 5 minutes before the end of battery power.

Rice. 1. PowerChute Personal Edition 2.0 Software

During testing, when the voltage dropped to 185 V, the UPS automatically switched to operating on battery power, and when the voltage in the external network increased to 190 V, it switched to operating from the external network. When the input voltage increased to 250 V, the output voltage also increased to 250 V; at 257 V, the protection mode was activated and the UPS switched to battery power, and when the external supply voltage decreased, the UPS switched to power supply mode from an external source. In battery mode, the output voltage was 185 V with load, and 215 V with no load.

Rice. 2. Switch to battery power

At the end of the battery charge, the parameters of the output signal remained practically unchanged (Fig. 3), the shutdown was performed without bursts, and the return from battery power to mains power occurred without delay.

Rice. 3. Battery power mode APC Back-UPS ES 550VA

The operating time until the battery is completely discharged under load with one computer and a 17-inch monitor is 27 minutes 21 seconds, which is quite enough for the system to shut down correctly.

It should be emphasized that this model has a low price and therefore is quite suitable for use at home as a UPS and in a small office. It is also necessary to note the excellent software supplied with the APC Smart-UPS ES 550VA, and in addition, the simplicity and convenience of changing the battery. Separating sockets for different types of protection also simplifies operation and, importantly, extends the life of the built-in battery, since more than four devices cannot be connected when powered by a battery. This solution can be a good choice for protecting desktop personal computers from power surges.

The APC Back-UPS ES 700VA uninterruptible power supply is a Standby type with an almost sinusoidal output voltage and an output power of 700 VA (405 W). This UPS is made in a plastic case of an original shape and looks like an extension cord. In general, this model is no different from the already reviewed Back-UPS ES 550VA. On the front panel there is a button to turn the UPS on and off and indicators indicating the load power source (mains or battery) and the need to replace the battery. Under the lid, secured with latches, at the bottom of the UPS there is a niche for the battery. During transportation, the positive terminal is disconnected from the battery and therefore must be connected before use. Compared to the Back-UPS ES 550VA, this model has a higher power output and comes with a different battery model, resulting in longer battery life.

On the front (top) of the UPS there are connectors for connecting the load - eight IEC sockets, which are divided into two segments, and a power on/off button. Four outlets provide surge filtering without the option of switching to battery power. The remaining four support switching to battery backup. This separation allows you to separate the most critical devices that need time to complete their work from those that only need protection from surges and surges.

The package includes a cable for connecting the APC Back-UPS ES 700VA to a computer via a USB port, a telephone cable with RJ-11 connectors, an instruction manual and a CD with an electronic version of the instruction manual, as well as APC Powerchute Personal 2.0 software . The delivery set does not differ from the set that comes with the junior model Back-UPS ES 550VA.

PowerChute Personal Edition 2.0 software (see Figure 1) allows you to monitor operating parameters (input and output voltage, battery capacity, load level, etc.) and configure the UPS. The program informs the user when power failures occur and correctly closes the operating system in the event of power failures. At the same time, it is possible to manually specify the time after which it is necessary to shut down the system in the absence of external power (when operating on battery power) - by default, 5 minutes before the end of operation on battery power.

During testing, when the voltage in the external network dropped to 183 V, the UPS automatically switched to battery operation, and if the voltage increased to 200 V, it began to operate from the external network. An increase in the input voltage to 250 V entailed an increase in the output voltage to 250 V; at a voltage of 266 V, the protection mode was triggered and the UPS switched to battery power, and when the voltage decreased, it began to operate from an external source. In battery mode with load, the output voltage was 176 V, and when it was turned off - 215 V.

Rice. 4. Switch to battery power

After the batteries were charged, the parameters of the output signal remained practically unchanged (Fig. 5); shutdown occurred without bursts; switching from battery power to mains power occurred without delay.

Rice. 5. Battery power mode APC Back-UPS ES 700VA

The operating time until the battery was completely discharged under a load with one computer and a 17-inch monitor was 41 minutes 22 seconds - this is more than enough to shut down the system correctly. Of the three models, the APC Back-UPS ES 700VA has the longest battery life, making it recommended for applications where external power is lost frequently and for extended periods of time.

This model costs a little more than the other two, but, nevertheless, can be recommended for use at home and in a small office. In addition, it should also be noted that the APC Back-UPS ES 700VA is equipped with excellent software, and that changing the battery is easy and simple. Separating sockets for different types of protection also facilitates operation and ensures longer operation of the built-in battery, since when powered by a battery it is impossible to connect more than four devices. Overall, this is an excellent solution for protecting several desktop personal computers from power surges.

The APC Back-UPS ES 525 model is a Line-Interactive UPS, has a non-sinusoidal output voltage and an output power of 525 VA (300 W). This model is made in a plastic case of an original shape and is somewhat different from the other two models. The top panel has an on/off button for the UPS, four EIC sockets for connecting the load, and an indicator light indicating the current status of the device. The four load sockets are divided into two parts: three of them allow you to protect the connected equipment from voltage surges and maintain its operation in the absence of external power from the battery built into the UPS, and the fourth serves only to protect against voltage surges in the external network. The battery is located in a special niche at the bottom of the UPS under a cover that is secured with latches and is no different in design from the design in the other two models. On the side of the UPS there are RJ-45 connectors (input and output) to protect against surges in the computer or telephone network. Next to them is another special connector (RJ-45 with ten pins), to which the UPS control cable is connected. The other end of the cable connects to the computer via a USB port.

In addition to the Back-UPS ES 525, the delivery package of the device includes a cable for connecting to a computer, a telephone cable (RJ-11), an instruction manual, and a CD with software.

APC PowerChute Personal 2.0 software allows you to monitor operating parameters (input and output voltage, battery capacity (percentage), load level, etc.) and configure the UPS. Note that the Back-UPS ES 525 model, unlike the other two tested UPSs, supports a mode for monitoring the power of the connected load (Fig. 6). In addition, it supports a self-diagnosis function (testing the internal circuits of the UPS) and allows you to change the AVR (automatic voltage regulation) parameters. If desired, the user can set the rated output voltage when operating on batteries, as well as the operating mode of the AVR, selecting the moments when the voltage increase and decrease modes are turned on (step - 4 V). Changing these parameters makes it possible to configure the UPS to work with the power supply, which reduces the number of switchings and extends the life of both the UPS itself and the batteries. The remaining parameters do not differ in their settings from other tested models.

Rice. 6. Monitoring the power consumed by the load

During testing, the voltage boost stages of the AVR unit turned on when the input voltage dropped to 200 and 185 V, the output voltage was 230 V. When the input voltage increased to 250 V, the output voltage also increased to 250 V; at 255 V, the AVR worked, and the voltage dropped to 225 V. Switching to battery power mode occurred when the input voltage decreased to 165 V. In battery mode, with a load, the output voltage was 176 V, and in its absence - 220 V. Mode The battery supply was turned off when the input voltage increased to 190 V. It should be noted that the presence of an automatic voltage regulation unit AVR is very useful in Russian power grids, where the voltage can very often “sag” or, conversely, be very high compared to the nominal value. By the way, this model has a higher output voltage than the other two UPSs tested.

Switching to battery power was performed quickly (less than 6 ms) - fig. 7.

Rice. 7. Switch to power
from the APC Back-UPS ES 525 battery

At the end of the battery charge, the parameters of the output signal practically did not change (Fig. 8), the shutdown was performed without bursts, and the return to mains power occurred without delay.

Rice. 8. Battery power mode APC Back-UPS ES 525

The operating time until the battery was completely discharged under a load with one computer and a 17-inch monitor was 27 minutes 36 seconds, which is quite enough for the system to shut down correctly.

This model has a low price and therefore is quite suitable for use at home UPS and in a small office. Unlike the other two models reviewed, it is equipped with a built-in AVR unit, which has a positive effect on operation in Russian power grids and gives it an advantage over other models. The APC Back-UPS ES 525 has excellent software and advanced configuration options, plus battery changes are simple and convenient. Separating sockets for different types of protection also simplifies operation and extends the service life of the built-in battery.

The APC Back-UPS ES 525 UPS is awarded the “Editorial Recommend” mark for its wide functionality, stability in all modes and long-term battery operation in the absence of power.

Instead of a conclusion

Having considered three models from APC, we can say with confidence that these UPSs will be in demand in the market. Convenience and ease of use, high reliability and pleasant appearance - all this should appeal to end users. Of the three models aimed at the end consumer, it is worth paying attention to the APC Back-UPS ES 525 model, which has a built-in automatic output voltage regulation (AVR) unit, which is very important for Russian power grids, where the voltage can either “sag” or and suddenly jump above acceptable limits.

The editors express their gratitude to APC for providing the APC Back-UPS ES 550VA, APC Back-UPS ES 700VA and APC Back-UPS ES 525 uninterruptible power supplies for testing.

APC Back UPS is a series of devices designed specifically for use in domestic conditions. Such devices are in great demand today, due to their affordable cost and sufficient (low and medium) level of performance. APC Back UPS versions are capable of operating during a power outage for a short period of time.

For what purposes are they used?

Whatever the uninterruptible power supply, its main task is always to provide the consumer with high-quality electricity, with a minimum level of noise and various types of interference for the time when there is no connection to the power grid. Back UPS is no exception, however, this group of devices was created for a certain category of consumers, which is due to the technical characteristics of the device.

Thus, the level of performance does not allow the use of this technology in harsh conditions. Recommended tasks to be solved using this group of devices are for use at home. Moreover, these uninterruptible power supplies can protect equipment from surges passing through telephone, electrical and coaxial lines.

Manufacturer information

Uninterruptible power supplies of this type are the result of the activities of the entire American Power Conversion corporation, which was registered in 1981. At the initial stage, only three engineers worked as part of the working group. Five years after its founding, the company receives its first award for its products. And until 2004, the number of awards reaches 100.

Since 2007, the corporation has become the property of Schneider Electric. But the Back UPS series of devices retained their name. Today there is a separate division, the main task of which is the development and production of equipment for protecting energy supplies.

Model overview

Back UPS comes in several variants. Each of them also has a certain number of executions:

HS series – floor-standing single-phase devices designed for a power of 500 VA;
APC Back UPS CS devices with power from 350 to 650 VA (desktop equipment);
RS series – floor-standing devices with power from 500 to 1500 VA;
APC devices Back UPS ES 400-700 VA (for desktop installation).

Devices from the latter group are widely popular, which is primarily the result of a good balance of build quality, operational reliability and reasonable cost of the equipment.

Watch a video about the ES 525 model:

APC Back UPS devices of this series are presented in versions, each of which differs in power: 400, 525, 550, 700 VA. The higher the value of this parameter, the greater its performance. For example, the ES 525 version allows input voltage fluctuations in the range from 160 to 280 V, switching to battery occurs in 5 ms. The APC Back UPS ES 525 design protects the consumer from voltage fluctuations and filters noise in the network.

Depending on the load supplied to the equipment of this model, the duration of operation in offline mode will differ. Thus, the APC Back UPS ES 525 will operate for about 4 minutes at maximum load, and at an average performance level the operating time increases almost four times. The APC Back UPS ES 525 version is equipped with 4 outlets, one of which has surge protection.

Another option of the same group is APC Back UPS ES 700. Its total output power is 700 VA, the active component is 400 W. When switching to battery power mode, a fairly high level of stability of the output voltage is observed - up to 5% fluctuations.

ES 700 series

APC Back UPS ES 700 operates in autonomous mode for almost the same length of time (3.9 minutes at full load, 15 minutes at partial load). The APC Back UPS ES model 700 provides consumer protection from high-voltage surges, protection of telephone lines and local networks, as well as interference filtering.

If we consider another group of devices, we can highlight the APC Back UPS CS 500 version. A single-phase device designed for power up to 500 VA.

The color scheme of the case is light. The range of fluctuations in the input network voltage is approximately the same as that of the previously considered versions: 160-282 V, while the APC Back UPS CS 500 ensures even more reliable operation of the consumer, since when switching to the autonomous power supply mode, the CS 500 model supplies no more than 3% error in voltage value. The device switches to battery mode in an average of 10 ms. It is possible to replace the battery, and for the convenience of APC users, the Back UPS CS 500 version provides a light indication.

Watch a video about the Back UPS ES 650 model:

Another popular option of the same group, which has a fairly high level of performance, is the APC Back UPS CS 650. This design is identical in a number of basic technical characteristics to the analogues discussed above (input voltage and frequency range, type of current - single-phase). APC Back UPS CS 650, as can be seen from the designation, operates at a power of 650 VA.

However, a noticeable disadvantage of this option is the short-term operation when the network is disconnected. APC device Back UPS CS in version 650 at full load operates for no more than 2.4 minutes. But we must not forget that the main area of application of such equipment is home PCs, then the capabilities of the Back UPS CS 650 models are quite enough to complete work processes on the computer.

Advantages and disadvantages of products of this brand

UPS 500 Series

If you consider a number of advantages of this technique, it is understandable why it is so popular:

Long battery life;
The APC Back UPS series has an increased level of reliability, which is explained by the build quality;
Consumer protection from interference, network noise and high-voltage surges;
APC Back Series UPS protects local networks and telephone lines due to power surges;
High speed of transition to offline mode;
USB interface.

The only disadvantage we can highlight is the cost, since the most modest performance versions of the APC Back UPS series are offered at a price that is slightly higher than that of similar devices from other brands. But even the most affordable devices are distinguished by their quality.

For example, the APC Back UPS CS device in version 500 is offered at a price of 5,500 rubles. Accordingly, more productive equipment will cost more. But the APC device Back UPS ES model 525 is offered at a noticeably lower price - 4,400 rubles, despite the fact that its power is slightly higher than the previously reviewed version.

How do buyers evaluate products?

The APC Back UPS series equipment receives positive reviews almost universally. But there are also some comments. For example, depending on the design, the device may make noticeable noise. And the price does not always satisfy buyers; some even prefer to purchase an analogue from another company at an affordable price. Otherwise, APC devices Back UPS 500 and other models of different series of this brand have no complaints.

And in some cases, it is even possible to restore a battery that has expired. Considering that many models use maintenance-free batteries, the opportunity to restore their functions using improvised means is very attractive. In addition, the APC Back UPS ES model 525 and other versions of this series fully satisfy the requirements of customers, which is why this type of equipment is very popular.

The APC company has long become almost a monopolist in the power supply market. Almost every user who has a UPS uses the products of this particular company. This is an indicator that the company produces truly high-quality equipment. Strictly speaking, APC is a subsidiary of the giant Shneider Electric. So it is more correct to consider this company as the manufacturer.

As for APC products, they are traditionally of high quality and durable. The company specializes in the production of uninterruptible power supplies, which means that the main criterion in evaluating products is battery life and protection against voltage surges. And with this, APC products are all right. Relatively recently, the company released the APC Back-UPS 650 UPS. This is what we will talk about.

A little about the device

APS Back-UPS 650 is a logical continuation of the series of line-interactive uninterruptible power supplies. The device has all the necessary characteristics, but it is devoid of options that are completely unnecessary for such a device. Some top models are also equipped with a miniature LCD screen, but for such a device it is not particularly needed, since powering the screen also consumes energy. And in terms of battery life, this is not very good. Most UPSs come with simple LED indicators that indicate battery charge level and operating mode.

There are several modifications of this product with the prefixes CS, RS and Pro. They all differ from each other, but only slightly. The difference usually lies in some technical characteristics. It is worth noting that the same output voltage - the hallmark of all APC Back-UPS 650, 230 V uninterruptible power devices - is the limit for them. Even externally, these devices are almost identical. But we need to sort them all out to complete the picture.

CS version

The CS line turns out to be almost the cheapest among the APC 650 series devices. The battery has modest (relatively) characteristics and a standard appearance for devices of this class. Nothing extra. Everything is strictly in order to ensure uninterrupted power supply to computer elements in the event of a power failure.

The APC Back-UPS CS 650 is only available in black. This is a good thing, since black is a universal color. It is in no way capable of spoiling the appearance of the workplace. The asceticism of the UPS APC CS version is even good. Because such devices should work, and not attract attention with a bright appearance. Now let’s see what this “uninterruptible power supply” has, so to speak, under the hood.

Technical characteristics of the CS version

The main criteria by which it is customary to evaluate uninterruptible power supplies are battery capacity and the presence of protection against power surges. Everything else fades into the background. Now let's see what the APC Back-UPS CS 650 can offer us. In principle, like all linear-interactive uninterruptible power supplies, products from APC have standard characteristics, and there is no need to go into them too deeply. But there are still differences. Therefore, we cannot avoid analyzing these very differences. So let's go.

UPS power

This parameter is responsible for stable power supply to all computer components. If there are not enough numbers, then the computer simply will not work. The power of this UPS is 650 VA. This is quite enough for an average PC configuration. For a gaming machine you will have to look for something more powerful.

Battery capacity

This UPS contains a 7.2 A/h battery with an operating voltage of 12 V. How long will it last? Strictly speaking, it all depends on the computer configuration. The more powerful your machine, the less time you have to properly shut down your PC in the event of a crash. However, the average time for moderately configured computers (which is the majority) is 1-3 minutes. Depending on the load on the computer components. Not a bad result. The battery's full charge time (after first switching on) is 22 hours. A bit much, but what can you do? We have to sacrifice something in the name of stability.

Surge protection

This option is present in the APC Back-UPS 650 CS version. Moreover, this component copes with its job with a bang. Numerous tests show that the uninterruptible power supply can equalize the voltage and supply it to the computer. Thus, all components of your computer are reliably protected from power surges.

Connectors and interfaces of the CS version

APS Back-UPS 650 CS version has four connectors for Euro standard power plugs. Moreover, three of them are used to connect devices directly to the battery. They are needed primarily for devices for which constant power supply is critical (system unit, monitor). The fourth connector is for connecting a device that does not require constant power (printer, scanner). The latter is equipped only with a voltage stabilizer.

In addition, the UPS has connectors for protecting the telephone line and another one for connecting an uninterruptible power supply to a PC. Telephone line connectors are needed by those who want to protect their communication devices from voltage surges. You can also connect the UPS to a computer and configure the correct process for shutting down the PC when power is lost. To do this, the package includes a disk with proprietary APC Back-UPS CS 650 software. The instructions included in the package will help you complete this process. Despite statements from some users that nothing in the instruction manual is clear, in our opinion, the instructions are very detailed. It very accurately describes how to work with the device and the operating features of the device itself. There is even a component layout diagram.

RS version

APC Back-UPS RS 650 is an almost complete clone of the CS version. A slight difference is observed only in the technical characteristics of both devices. In appearance, these two devices are indistinguishable, like siblings. Why is that? Apparently, the company decided to save on design. In principle, it is not important for such a device. The main thing is that the device does its job well. And the uninterruptible power supply of the RS version copes with this no worse than its “twin brother”.

If the CS version was intended to work with medium-power computers, then the RS will only handle office PCs. It doesn't have enough power for other tasks. But that doesn't mean he's worse. That's just not what it was made for. If you need a more powerful uninterruptible power supply, then it makes sense to pay attention to the Pro version (more about it below). You will get a good increase in power for almost the same money.

RS Specifications

The APC Back-Ups 650 RS version has its own technical characteristics, which, however, are not very different from those inherent in the devices of the CS version. This is as it should be, since these devices are in the same price niche. Therefore, there cannot be significant differences between them. Let's see what the RS version is like.

Power

The RS version of the uninterruptible power supply has a total power of 650 VA, but it is short-term. The constant is 390 W. This is enough for office computers. But nothing more. And yet the UPS is able to provide professional protection against power surges and sudden power outages.

Battery capacity

The battery installed here is exactly the same as in the CS version. But for some reason the battery life has decreased significantly. Now the user has only 1-1.5 minutes to turn off his PC as required. This may be due to the reduced power of the device. Be that as it may, this is enough for office PCs.

Protection against voltage surges. Strictly speaking, this option is available in all uninterruptible power supplies from APC. And it works as it should. Because without it, the uninterruptible power supply would be just a battery. The RS version was no exception. The protection is present and works well. The voltage surges are leveled out, and a completely even impulse is sent to the PC.

RS version connectors and interfaces

There are no differences here at all. The same four Euro standard connectors with grounding, the same inputs to protect the telephone connection. The same classification, divided into important (battery-powered) and “not so important” (only with a rectifier). The connector for connecting the UPS to the computer is also in place. And the delivery set traditionally includes a disk with proprietary software and an instruction manual. Moreover, the latter contains adequate Russian language. This is another plus for the ARS company.

Battery key

In all versions of APC devices there is also a so-called battery key. It is a plug with flat contacts. It is needed in order to activate the battery and start charging it when the uninterruptible power supply is turned on. When purchasing the UPS it is removed. This is done in order to prevent a battery discharge cycle. This way it will last longer. To activate the device, before turning on the uninterruptible power supply to the network, plug this plug into the connector located right there. After turning on the UPS, the battery charging process will begin.

Pro version

The APC Back-UPS 650 BX650CI Pro version is designed specifically for those who want their computer to last longer on battery power during a power outage. Unlike the RS and CS versions, the Pro version has a battery life of 5.5 minutes. And this is at full load. And in partial mode, the UPS is capable of providing power to the PC for 14-15 minutes. This is an absolute record among devices in this price category.

Differences between Pro and CS and RS

The Pro version is identical to the RS and CS. Same number of connectors and functions. The same voltage rectifiers. Even the battery is from the same manufacturer, only with a larger capacity. It is clear that the Pro version of the UPS will cost a little more, but the difference is not critical. Yes, and it can also be connected to a PC and synchronized. The APC Back-UPS Pro 650 is the ideal line-interactive uninterruptible power supply for the average user. Plus, there is a wonderful price-quality balance.

APC Back-UPS 700 – one of the most popular models uninterruptible power supply for domestic use among Russian consumers. The device has a convenient form factor, has 8 outlets (4 for backup power, another 4 for protection against power surges), and has voltage stabilization (stepped sine wave). What are the technical parameters of the battery installed in it? What non-original batteries can be installed in it? Let's look at this in detail in our article.

The APC Back-UPS ES 700 uses batteries of the type RBC17. Voltage - 12 V, size - 65x94x151 millimeters, fastening (terminals) - type 6.35 mm.

Theoretically, any 12 V lead-acid battery is suitable for this UPS, since the built-in charge controller is optimized for working with such batteries.

Which one is installed?

The manufacturer installs an RBC17 battery in the APC Back-UPS 700, meeting the following characteristics:

type – lead-acid battery, maintenance-free;
voltage – 12 V;
capacity – 9 Ah (48 V*Ah);
technology – GEL (gel-like impregnation is used inside as an electrolyte);
dimensions - 65x94x151 mm;
terminals - 4.75/6.35 mm;
weight – 2.59 kg.

Block parameters

The permissible charging current of the original battery is 3.6 A, output power: 405 W - peak, 200 W - standard operation. In the first mode, the UPS will operate for 3.9 minutes, at half load (200 W) - about 15 minutes.

Acceptable operating conditions under which the declared characteristics of the batteries are maintained are from 0 to 40 degrees Celsius.

Problems

Average lifespan of the built-in battery in the APC Back-UPS 700 is 3-5 years(no more than 40 charge/discharge cycles during the year). After this, it loses its initial capacity and when the UPS switches to backup power mode, it simply turns off the device (if the output voltage drops below 190 V, the circuit is automatically disconnected to protect the supplied device).

Possible breakdowns

The most common failure of installed batteries is a decrease in voltage at the terminals, indicating that some of the battery sections have failed.

An uninterruptible power supply, or as the common people call it UPS (BACK UPS), is essentially a boost converter and charger in one package. The device is very useful, especially for PC owners. The device can autonomously power the computer if for some reason the electricity is suddenly turned off. Unfortunately, the built-in battery does not allow powering the computer for a long time, since its capacity is limited to 7 amperes (in some powerful models the battery costs up to 15-20A). Let's move on to the battery itself.

Uninterruptible voltage sources use a closed gel or acid battery. The built-in battery is usually designed for a capacity of 7 to 8 Ampere/hour, voltage - 12 volts. The battery is completely sealed, which allows you to use the device in any condition. In addition to the battery, inside you can see a huge transformer, in this case 400-500 watts. The transformer operates in two modes -

1) as a step-up transformer for a voltage converter.

2) as a step-down mains transformer for charging the built-in battery.

During normal operation, the load is supplied with filtered mains voltage. Filters are used to suppress electromagnetic and interference in input circuits. If the input voltage becomes lower or higher than the set value or disappears altogether, the inverter is turned on, which is normally in the off state. By converting the DC voltage of the batteries into alternating voltage, the inverter powers the load from the batteries. BACK UPS of the Off-line class operate uneconomically in electrical networks with frequent and significant voltage deviations from the nominal value, since frequent switching to battery operation reduces the battery life. The power of Back-UPS produced by manufacturers is in the range of 250-1200 VA. uninterruptible voltage BACK UPS is quite complex. In the archive you can download a large collection of circuit diagrams, and below are several small copies - click to enlarge.

Here you can find a special controller that is responsible for the correct operation of the device. The controller activates the relay when there is no mains voltage and if the uninterruptible power supply is turned on, it will work as a voltage converter. If the mains voltage appears again, the controller turns off the converter and the device turns into a charger. The capacity of the built-in battery can last up to 10 - 30 minutes, if, of course, the device powers the computer. You can read more about the operation and purpose of uninterruptible power supply units in this book.

BACK UPS can be used as a backup power source; in general, it is recommended that each home have an uninterruptible power supply. If the uninterruptible power supply is intended for domestic needs, then it is advisable to remove the signaling device from the board; it reminds that the device works as a converter; it makes a squeak reminder every 5 seconds, and this is annoying. The output of the converter is pure 210-240 volts 50 hertz, but as for the shape of the pulses, it is clearly not a pure sine wave. BACK UPS can power any household appliance, including active ones, of course, if the power of the device allows it.