Uninterruptible power supplies apc back ups. APC Uninterruptible Power Supplies for Office and Home Use Setting the Output Voltage Frequency

APC Back UPS is a series of devices designed specifically for use in a domestic environment. Such devices are in great demand today, which is explained by the affordable cost and sufficient (low and medium) level of performance. APC Back UPS versions are capable of operating during short power outages.

For what purposes are 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 kinds of interference for a while, while there is no connection to the mains. Back UPS is no exception, however, this group of devices was created for a certain category of consumers, due to the technical characteristics of the device.

So, the level of performance does not allow the use of this technique in harsh conditions. Recommended tasks for solving by means of this group of devices are home use. Moreover, these uninterruptible power supplies are able to 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 in the working group. Five years after founding, the company receives its first product award. Until 2004, the number of awards reaches 100.

Since 2007, the corporation becomes the property of Schneider Electric. But the Back UPS series has retained its name. Today there is a separate division, the main task of which is the development and production of equipment for the protection of power supply.

Model overview

Back UPS is available in several flavors. Each of them also has a certain number of performances:

HS series - floor standing single-phase devices rated for 500 VA;
APC devices Back UPS CS 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 installation on a table).

Devices from the latter group are very popular, which is primarily the result of a good balance of build quality, reliability of operation and acceptable cost of equipment.

Watching 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 larger the value of this parameter, the greater its performance. For example, the ES 525 variant 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 version protects the consumer from voltage fluctuations and filters noise in the network.

Depending on the load applied to the equipment of this model, the duration of autonomous operation will differ. So, APC Back UPS ES 525 at maximum load will work for about 4 minutes, and with an average performance level, the operating time increases almost four times. APC Back UPS ES 525 is equipped with 4 outlets, one of which has surge protection.

Another variant 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 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). APC Back UPS ES Model 700 provides consumer protection against high voltage surges, protection of telephone lines and local networks, and filtering of interference.

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

The color scheme of the case is light. The range of fluctuations of the input mains voltage is approximately the same as that of the previously considered versions: 160-282 V, while the APC Back UPS CS 500 provides even more reliable operation of the consumer, since when switching to autonomous power supply mode, the CS 500 model does not more than 3% of the voltage value error. The device goes into 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.

We are watching a video about the Back UPS ES 650 model:

Another popular version 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 analogs 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 650 VA.

However, a noticeable disadvantage of this option is the short-term operation when the network is disconnected. APC Back UPS CS 650 version at full load operates 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 the work processes on the computer.

Advantages and disadvantages of products of this brand

UPS 500 Series

Considering a number of advantages of this technique, it is quite understandable why it is so popular:

Long battery life;
The APC Back UPS Series offers improved reliability due to build quality;
Consumer protection from interference, network noise and high-voltage surges;
APC Back UPS series protects Ethernet and telephone lines of voltage surges;
High speed of transition to offline mode;
USB interface.

Of the shortcomings, only the cost can be distinguished, since the most modest performance characteristics 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 stand out in quality.

For example, the APC Back UPS CS 500 version is offered at a price of 5,500 rubles. Accordingly, more efficient equipment will cost more. But the APC 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 has received positive reviews almost everywhere. But there are also some remarks. For example, depending on the design, the device can make a noticeable noise. And the cost does not always satisfy buyers, someone even prefers to buy an analogue of another company at an affordable price. The rest of the APC Back UPS 500 devices and other models of different series of this brand have no complaints.

And in some cases, it is even possible to restore an old battery. Considering that many models use maintenance-free batteries, the ability to restore their functions by means of improvised means is very attractive. In addition, the APC Back UPS ES model 525 and other versions of this series fully meet the requirements of customers, and therefore this kind of equipment is very popular.

An uninterruptible power supply, or as in the common people it is called UPS (BACK UPS), is essentially a step-up converter and charger in one case. The device is very useful, especially for PC owners. The device can autonomously power the computer if, for some reason, the power 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 supplies use a closed helium or acid battery. The built-in battery is usually designed for a capacity of 7 to 8 Amperes / 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 by the filtered mains voltage. Filters are used to suppress electromagnetic and interference in the input circuits. If the input voltage falls below or above the set value or disappears altogether, the inverter turns on, which is normally off. By converting the DC voltage of the batteries into AC, the inverter supplies the load from the batteries. BACK UPS of the Off-line class operate uneconomically in power grids with frequent and significant voltage deviations from the nominal value, since frequent switching to battery operation reduces the service life of the latter. The power produced by the manufacturers of Back-UPS is in the range of 250-1200 VA. uninterruptible voltage BACK UPS is quite complicated. In the archive you can download a large collection of schematic diagrams, and below are several reduced 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 the mains voltage is absent and if the UPS is on, then it will work as a voltage converter. If the mains voltage reappears, the controller turns off the converter and the device turns into a charger. The capacity of the built-in battery can be enough for up to 10 - 30 minutes, if, of course, the device powers the computer. You can read more about the operation and purpose of UPS nodes in this book.

BACK UPS can be used as a backup power source; in general, it is recommended that every home has an uninterruptible power supply. If the uninterruptible power supply is intended for household 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 reminder with a squeak every 5 seconds, and this is boring. The output of the converter is pure 210-240 volts 50 hertz, but as for the pulse shape, there is clearly not a pure sine. BACK UPS can power any household appliances, including active ones, of course, if the power of the device allows it.

The ARS company has become almost a monopoly on the source market for a long time. Almost every user with a UPS uses the products of this particular company. This is an indicator that the company produces really high quality equipment. Strictly speaking, ARS is a subsidiary of the giant Shneider Electric. So it is more correct to consider this office as a manufacturer.

As for the APC products, they are traditionally of high quality and hardy. 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, the products of ARS are all right. Relatively recently, the company released the APC Back-UPS 650 UPS. We will talk about it.

A little about the device

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

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 is, as a rule, in some technical characteristics. It is worth noting that the same output voltage is the hallmark of all APC Back-UPS 650 uninterruptible power supplies, 230 V is the limit for them. Even outwardly, these devices are almost identical. But you need to disassemble them all 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 of the computer elements in the event of a power failure.

APC Back-UPS CS 650 is available in black only. This is even good, since black is a versatile color. It is in no way capable of spoiling the appearance of the workplace. The austerity of the 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.

CS version specifications

The main criteria by which it is customary to evaluate uninterruptible power supplies are battery capacity and the availability of protection against power surges. Everything else fades into the background. Now let's see what APC Back-UPS CS 650 can offer us. In principle, like all line-interactive uninterruptible power supplies, APC products have typical characteristics, and you shouldn't go into them too much. But there are still differences. Therefore, we cannot evade an analysis of these very differences. So let's go.

UPS power

This parameter is responsible for stable power supply to all components of the computer. 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 a PC with an average configuration. For a gaming machine, you will have to look for something more powerful.

Battery capacity

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

Overvoltage protection

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

CS version connectors and interfaces

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

In addition, the UPS has connectors for protecting the telephone line and one more for connecting the uninterruptible power supply to a PC. Connectors for a telephone line are needed for those who want to protect their communication devices from voltage surges. Also, the UPS can be connected to a computer and set up the correct process for shutting down the PC when power is lost. To do this, the package contains a disc with proprietary software APC Back-UPS CS 650. The instructions included in the package will help you to complete this process. Despite the statements of some users that nothing is clear in the operating manual, in our opinion, the instructions are very detailed. She very accurately describes the techniques for working with the device and the features of the device itself. There is even a component layout.

RS version

The 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 apparatus 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. For other tasks, its power is not enough. But this does not mean that it is worse. It's just not made for that. If you need a more powerful uninterruptible power supply, then it makes sense to pay attention to the Pro version (more about it below). A good increase in power will turn out for almost the same money.

Specifications RS

APC Back-Ups 650 RS version has its own technical characteristics, which, however, do not differ much from those inherent in CS version devices. This is as it should be, since these devices are in the same price range. Therefore, there can be no significant differences between them. Let's see what the RS version is.

Power

The Uninterruptible Power Supply of the RS version has a total capacity of 650 VA, but it is short-lived. The constant is 390 watts. This is enough for office computers. But nothing more. And yet the UPS is capable of providing professional protection against power surges and sudden power outages.

Battery capacity

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

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

Connectors and interfaces RS version

There are no differences at all. The same four earthed Euro sockets, the same inputs to protect the telephone connection. The same classification with a division into important (with battery power) and "not very" (only with a rectifier). The connector for connecting the UPS to the computer is also in place. And in the delivery set - traditionally a disc with proprietary software and operating instructions. Moreover, the latter has an 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 flat plug. It is needed in order to activate the battery and start charging it when the uninterruptible power supply is connected to the network. When purchasing a UPS, it is removed. This is done in order to prevent the battery discharge cycle. This way it will last longer. To activate the device, you should plug this plug into the socket located right there before connecting the uninterruptible power supply to the network. 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 run longer on battery power during a power outage. Unlike the RS and CS versions, the battery life in the Pro version is 5.5 minutes. And this is at full load. And in partial UPS mode, it is able to provide a PC with power 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. The same number of connectors and functions. The same voltage rectifiers. Even a battery from the same manufacturer, only with a higher capacity. It is clear that the Pro version UPS will cost a little more, but the difference is not critical. Yes, and it can also be connected to a PC and synchronized. APC Back-UPS Pro 650 is the ideal line-interactive uninterruptible power supply for the average user. Plus, there is a wonderful balance of "price-quality".

APC is the world leader in uninterruptible power supplies for both personal computers and industrial equipment. Each new device from this company sets new standards in the field of surge protection, smoothing out various disturbances in the electrical network and increasing the life of the UPS on battery. 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 designed for installation at home or in small offices to protect several personal computers and other devices from power surges in the electrical network and provide autonomous operation from a battery in the absence of 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, it has always been relevant to ensure the continuity of its supply, since even a short-term power outage or a 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 power outage, power the equipment connected to them from the built-in battery, and in case of an unexpected decrease or increase in the input voltage, equalize it to normal. UPSs are classified into offline and online types. There are two types of offline UPSs: Standby and Line-Interactive.

Online uninterruptible power supplies are designed to protect thin electronics and are rarely used in the home. In these UPSs, all of the AC input from the utility grid (or a portion of it in a delta-conversion UPS) is first converted to DC and then back-converted to supply the load. Thus, accurate stabilization of the magnitude and shape of the output voltage and protection of the connected equipment from any interference occurring in the mains are provided.

In Standby and Line-Interactive sources, the load is mainly powered from the power supply network, and only if the input voltage deviates 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 better units for analyzing the state of the network, but their main feature is the presence of an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR), which stepwise changes the voltage at the UPS output in the event of a deviation of the input voltage, due to which to some extent stabilizes the output voltage.

Testing technique

Taking into account the capabilities of our stand and the limited testing time, during which it is impossible to check such indicators as reliability and resource, we chose the following parameters for testing:

maximum battery life without recharging;
operation of the automatic voltage regulation system;
transfer voltage to batteries and back to the network;
switching time to battery operation;
the shape of the output voltage when operating on battery power;
the nature of the shutdown when the batteries are discharged;
cold start capability;
auto shutdown when power off.

To register the shape of the output voltage at various operating modes of the UPS, a stand was used, composed of a synchronization device and a computer with installed software and hardware complex BORDO B-211A, consisting of a PCI card and a software set 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 mains during reaching the peak of the positive half-cycle of the mains voltage and the timely start of the waiting oscilloscope sweep. The oscillogram of the transition to battery power was recorded 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, the input voltage of the UPS was set to 250 V, which gradually decreased until the UPS switched over to power the load from the batteries. In this case, all the points of operation of the automatic voltage regulator were recorded - according to an abrupt change in voltage across the load. For each point, the input and output voltages were recorded - both established immediately after the switch, and acting just before the switch. 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 capability of our power grid and autotransformer (it was not always possible to obtain a higher voltage).

A computer with a Pentium 4 3.0 GHz processor and a 17-inch LG FLATRON 795FT CRT monitor was used as the UPS load. 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 function of determining the power consumption of the load). 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 office are characterized by the division of output outlets into two groups, one of which is designed only to protect against various interference in the mains and instantaneous voltage surges and acts as a surge protector, and the second, along with filtering, provides backup power to the load when low voltage in the network or in its absence.

All APC UPSs tested are cold-start capable and will emit audible alarms for situations requiring user attention, the frequency and duration of which varies by model and depending on the circumstances.

All uninterruptible power supplies have ports for connecting to a computer and allow you to automatically shut down your computer, close applications and save work files during an extended power outage. The included utility for monitoring the status of the mains and power supply to the load fairly accurately shows 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 perform well under standard load, however, when purchasing these devices, some of their features must be taken into account. In particular, APC Back-UPS ES 550VA and APC Back-UPS ES 700VA do not have an automatic voltage regulation (AVR) function, therefore they are recommended to be used only in those places where prolonged voltage drops in the mains do not occur.

Note also a bug in the APC PowerChute Personal Professional 2.0 software that showed up on all three tested devices. After the batteries are completely discharged due to the power supply to the load, when the power is restored from the external electrical network, the program shows the percentage of the battery charge is incorrect, since over time the percentage of charge always decreases, and does not increase. This error can be avoided by reconnecting the UPS to your computer.

Test participants

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

UPS APC Back-UPS ES 550VA is made in a plastic case, which is 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 mounted to the wall - for this, special fastening holes are provided for this from below. The top panel houses a power button, a multi-color LED indicator that indicates the power source of the load (mains or battery), and eight Schuko output sockets. The external power cord is located on the side of the device and has a non-removable design. The first four sockets provide protection against voltage drops until it disappears completely, and four more - protect electrical equipment only from voltage surges. The UPS outlets are divided into two segments that are spaced apart. On the side of the UPS there is a special control connector for connecting the APC Back-UPS ES 550VA to a computer, which is connected to the other end of the USB port. Nearby there are two RJ-45 connectors (input and output) for connecting a telephone line or a local network; they are also filtered from surges. The UPS uses an APC RBC2 battery maintenance-free sealed lead-acid battery with suspended electrolyte with a voltage of 12 V, which can be replaced by the user through the bottom panel, which is latched. In order to increase safety, the UPS is transported with the battery disconnected (the “-” terminal is disconnected), therefore, it must be connected before using it.

With the help of software, the UPS is configured for the conditions of a specific power supply, which makes it possible to reduce the number of transfers and thereby increase the uptime. The moment of operation of the first step of increasing and decreasing the input voltage can be selected from the ranges 160-196 V and 256-276 V, respectively (in steps of up to 4 V).

Includes a control cable (USB), telephone cable (RJ 11), user manual, and APC PowerChute Personal 2.0 software CD.

PowerChute Personal Edition software (Figure 1) allows you to monitor operating parameters (input and output voltage, battery capacity, load level, etc.) and configure the UPS. The program can warn the user when a power failure occurs and correctly shut down the operating system in the event of a power failure. In this case, you can manually specify the time after which it is necessary to shut down the system when the external power is disconnected (battery operation) - by default, the program is set to 5 minutes before the end of the battery operation.

Rice. 1. Software PowerChute Personal Edition 2.0

During testing, when the voltage drops to 185 V, the UPS automatically switches to battery operation, and when the voltage in the external network rises to 190 V, it switches to operation from the external network. When the input voltage rises to 250 V, the output voltage also rises to 250 V; at 257 V, the protection mode was triggered and the UPS switched to battery power, and when the external power supply voltage decreased, the UPS switched to external power supply mode. In battery mode, the output voltage was 185 V under load and 215 V when not loaded.

Rice. 2. Switching 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 the battery power to the mains power occurred without delay.

Rice. 3. Power mode from APC Back-UPS ES 550VA battery

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 a correct shutdown of the system.

It should be emphasized that this model has a low price and therefore is quite suitable for use at home UPS and in a small office. It should also be noted the excellent software provided with the APC Smart-UPS ES 550VA, as well as the simplicity and convenience of changing the battery. Separation of sockets for different types of protection also simplifies operation and, importantly, prolongs the life of the built-in battery, since more than four devices cannot be connected when powered from 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 belongs to the Standby type with an almost sinusoidal output voltage and has an output power of 700 VA (405 W). This UPS is manufactured in a plastic case of the original shape and looks like an extension cord. In general, this model is no different from the already reviewed Back-UPS ES 550VA. The front panel contains a button to turn the UPS on and off and indicators that indicate the source of power to the load (mains or battery) and when the battery needs to be replaced. Under the snap-on cover on the bottom of the UPS, there is a recess for the battery. During transportation, the positive terminal is disconnected from the battery, and therefore, it must be connected before use. Compared to the Back-UPS ES 550VA, this model has a higher power output and is equipped with a different battery model, which increases the battery life.

On the front (top) of the UPS are load connections - eight IEC sockets, which are divided into two segments, and a power on / off button. Four outlets provide surge filtering without the possibility of transferring to battery power. The other four support the transition to battery backup. This separation allows you to separate the most important devices that need time to complete work, and 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 Back-UPS ES 550VA model.

PowerChute Personal Edition 2.0 software (see Figure 1) allows you to monitor operating parameters (input and output voltages, battery capacity, load level, etc.) and configure the UPS. The program informs the user when a power failure occurs and correctly closes the operating system in the event of a power failure. 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 supply (when operating on battery power) - by default, 5 minutes before the end of the battery operation.

During testing, when the voltage in the external network dropped to 183 V, the UPS automatically switched to operation on battery power, and in the case of an increase in voltage to 200 V, it began to work from the external network. An increase in the input voltage to 250 V led to 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 dropped, it began to work from an external source. In battery operation under load, the output voltage was 176 V, and when it was disconnected, it was 215 V.

Rice. 4. Switching to battery power

At the end of the battery charging, the parameters of the output signal remained practically unchanged (Fig. 5); shutdown occurred without bursts; return from battery power to utility power occurred without delay.

Rice. 5. Battery Power Mode APC Back-UPS ES 700VA

The operating time until the battery was completely discharged under load with one computer and a 17-inch monitor was 41 minutes 22 seconds - more than enough to shut down the system correctly. Of all three models, APC Back-UPS ES 700VA has the longest battery life, so it can be recommended for use in those places where external power is disconnected frequently and for a long time.

This model costs a little more than the other two, but, nevertheless, it 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 UPS is equipped with excellent software, as well as the fact that changing the battery is easy and simple. Separation of sockets for different types of protection also facilitates operation and ensures a longer operation of the built-in battery, since it is impossible to connect more than four devices with battery power. Overall, it is a great solution for protecting multiple desktop personal computers from power surges.

The APC Back-UPS ES 525 model belongs to the Line-Interactive UPS, has a non-sinusoidal output voltage and has an output power of 525 VA (300 W). This model is made in a plastic case of the 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 that indicates the status of the device at the moment. The four load outlets are divided into two parts: three of them protect the connected equipment from voltage surges and keep it operating 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 the cover, which is fastened with latches and does not differ in its structure 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 dedicated connector (RJ-45 with ten pins) that connects to the UPS control cable. The other end of the cable connects to your computer via a USB port.

The package of the device, in addition to Back-UPS ES 525, includes a cable for connecting to a computer, a telephone cable (RJ-11), an operation 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 the mode of monitoring the power of the connected load (Fig. 6). In addition, it supports a self-diagnosis function (test of the UPS internal circuits) and allows you to change the AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulation) parameters. If desired, the user can set the nominal output voltage when operating on battery power, as well as the AVR operating mode, by selecting the moments of switching on the voltage increase and decrease modes (step - 4 V). Changing these parameters allows the UPS to be configured to operate on utility power, which reduces the number of transfers and extends the life of both the UPS and the batteries. The rest of the parameters do not differ in their settings from other tested models.

Rice. 6. Monitoring the power consumption of the load

In the process of testing, the voltage increase steps of the AVR unit turned on when the input voltage dropped to 200 and 185 V, while the output voltage was 230 V. When the input voltage was 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 dropped to 165 V. In battery mode under load, the output voltage was 176 V, and in its absence - 220 V. Mode The battery power was cut off when the input voltage increased to 190 V. It should be noted that the AVR automatic voltage regulation unit is very useful in the conditions of Russian power grids, where the voltage can very often "sag" or, conversely, be very overestimated compared to the nominal value. By the way, this model has a higher output voltage than the other two tested UPS.

Switching to battery power was fast (less than 6 ms) - Fig. 7.

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

At the end of the battery charge, the parameters of the output signal remained practically unchanged (Fig. 8), the shutdown was performed without bursts, and the return to the mains power supply occurred without delays.

Rice. 8. Battery Power Mode APC Back-UPS ES 525

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

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 reviewed models, it is equipped with a built-in AVR unit, which has a positive effect on work in Russian power grids and gives it an advantage over other models. The APC Back-UPS ES 525 has excellent software and a number of additional configuration options, and in addition, battery change is simple and convenient. Separating outlets for different types of protection also simplifies operation and lengthens the life of the built-in battery.

APC Back-UPS ES 525 is marked with the "Edition Recommends" mark for its extensive functionality, stability in all modes, and long-term battery life when there is no power.

Instead of a conclusion

Having looked at three models from APC, it's safe to say that these UPSs will be in demand in the market. Convenience and ease of use, high reliability and pleasant appearance - all this should please the end users. Of the three models aimed at the end user, it is worth paying attention to the APC Back-UPS ES 525 model, which has a built-in unit for automatic output voltage regulation (AVR), which is very important for Russian power grids, where the voltage can both "sag" and and suddenly jump above acceptable levels.

The editors are grateful to APC for providing APC Back-UPS ES 550VA, APC Back-UPS ES 700VA and APC Back-UPS ES 525 uninterruptible power supplies for testing.