BACK UPS series UPS. APC uninterruptible power supplies for offices and home use

The UPS well-known APC firm is again tested in our laboratory. Products of this company we are already. The conclusions were ambiguous. Today we will conduct the next testing of the products of this famous brand.

Description

The UPS test belongs to the BACK-UPS ES series, according to the manufacturer, it is " Optimal for the price of battery reservation and power protection for home computers"And" l counting value for money for protecting computer systems at home ".

The manufacturer declares the following product characteristics:

Input voltage, frequency	Nominal 230 V, 50/60 Hz
Output (when working from batteries) Voltage, frequency	230 V / 50 Hz
Automatic voltage regulator	Not
output power	700 VA / 405 Watt
Output shape	step approximation of sinusoids
Battery battery pack 50% / 100% download	15.1 / 3.9 minutes
Equipment startup function without connecting to the power supply	there is
Type, Voltage and Battery Capacity	RBC17 - Unattended Sealed Lead Acid Battery with Tight Electrolyte
Battery charging time to a level of 90% after discharge to a load of the load under half load.	16 hours
Indicators	lED showing - ON LINE (Networking) - ON BATTERY (Batterywork) - REPLACE BATTERY (Battery Replacement)
Sound alarm	Transition signal to batteries mode, a special battery charge exhaustion signal, overload signal.
Self-Diagnosis	when enabling and controlling software
Protection against overload when working from the network	Permanent multi-voltage noise filter: residual voltage amplitude 0.5% according to IEEE standards: limiting voltage surge without a time delay: compliance with the requirements of UL 1449. Absorbed energy 310 Joule.
Data Transmission Lines Protection	Protection of telephony, RJ-11 socket. 10/100 protection Base-T Ethernet, RJ-45 socket.
Interface	USB
Monitoring	software Supports Windows 98 / ME / 2000 / XP Mac OS X 10.2 / 10.3
Sizes sh × d × in	230 × 285 × 86 mm
Weight	6.8 kg
Output connectors	4 × Schuko Cee7 (Battery Reserve) 4 × Schuko Cee7 (protection against voltage bursts)
The level of acoustic noise at a distance of 1 meter from the surface of the device	45 DBA.
Compliance with the requirements	CE, GOST, NEMKO
Working conditions	0-15000 meters 0-95% (without condensation) from 0 to + 40 ° C

The UPS comes in a colorfully decorated box with a size of 132 × 300 × 366 mm, the weight of the passing kit is 7.3 kg. For ease of transportation, the box is equipped with a plastic handle. Judging by the sticution on the box, the test of the UPS is produced in the Philippines.

Delivery set includes:

instructions for use in Russian and English
map of warranty registration with envelope for postal mail
3 sheets explaining conditions Lifetime Equipment Protection Programm *
safety Instructions in 18 languages, including Russian
quality Assurance Test
phones and addresses of APC representative offices in the world
interface Cable for PC (USB)
rJ-11 telephone cable (6p2c)
CD with POWERCHUTE Personal Edition ** software **

* — Lifetime Equipment Protection Program is lifelong insurance protected by APC equipment. In case of damage to the equipment through the power supply line, the APC undertakes to replace it or repair it. The amount of insurance compensation reaches $ 200,000 for Australia, and 100,000 euros - for a number of European countries. In the Russian market, insurance conditions do not apply.

The quality of the configuration can be estimated as satisfactory. The product has a standard warranty for three years from the UPS release date. The release date is determined by the serial number.

The EPS body is made entirely of plastic and consists of two halves - upper and lower. They are connected by the grooves and four screws. The quality of casting and plastic is very good, the rubber not detected. In the upper part of the UPS, there is a LED indicator, changing color depending on the mode of operation of the UPS - on Line (green), on Battery (flashing green), Replace Battery. To the right of the indicator is recessed to protect against accidental pressing POWER button. Also on the top panel there are two blocks of euro sockets for four pieces. One block is connected through the filter, and the second has a battery power. On the right, on the end of the UPS there are RJ-45 sockets, one to connect to the USB port of the PC, and the other two to protect the telephony and computer network. The center is the power cord 1.83 meters long and a reusable automatic fuse at 10 A.

At the bottom of the UPS there is a battery compartment cover. The rear panel contains slots for screws. Suspension is possible both vertically and horizontally.

Internal organization

The UPS installed a replaceable Battery cartridge manufactured by APC.

Its capacity is 9 Ah, the operating voltage of 12 V. The cartridge is a regular CP 1290 battery manufactured by the Chinese company Vision.

It should be noted that the CP series battery is calculated on the mode of 20 hours discharge. Upon hours of discharge, its capacity, according to the manufacturer, is only 5.8 Ah. A typical battery discharge time when working in the UPS is 10-30 minutes. In this mode, the container will be less than 4 Ah. Battery life of 200 cycles of 20 hour 100% discharge. With a more intense discharge, the resource may be less.

Battery replacement is possible by the user. The replacement procedure is described and shown in pictures in the instructions. No tools for this will not need, the battery cover is attached to the latch and easily shifts down.

The entire main electronics is located on one bilateral printed circuit board located at the top of the UPS hull. The battery compartment is separated from electronics by partition. The board itself and the installation of elements on it, at first glance, was performed qualitatively, the correspondence of the elements of the concept is signed. Planar components are widely used. Installation of unilateral elements.

The filter from the interference is made on a simplified scheme, two varistors and a condenser. Ferrite rings are attached to the network wires.

RJ-45 protection is full, for all four pairs of computer network and telephony.

Switching provides a relay, the maximum switching current is 12 A at a voltage of 250 V, which in this case allows you to connect the load with a maximum peak power up to 3000 VA.

The inverter on two transistors manufactured by the company forms a two-step approximation of sinus. The inverter is made on the usual, low-frequency scheme, with a transformer. What is strange, a high-frequency scheme is applied in a similar in the form and content of products. UPS power consumed, when working on batteries without a load was 7 W. Each transistor has a power of 330 W and operating temperature range up to 175 ° Celsius. Transistors are located on two massive radiators with an area of \u200b\u200b40 square meters. everyone. The view and quality of the generated signal at different loads are clearly visible on the oscillogram.

And again we observe pulses on the fronts of the signal. A completely different inverter, with an invariably unsatisfactory result. On the following oscillogram, a signal fragment is shown at 50% load.

This disadvantage of circuitry leads to increased power consumption, reduction in efficiency and the appearance of electromagnetic interference at the output of the UPS in the range of 15-17 kHz.

Testing

The test UPS is not equipped with a voltage autotransformer regulator. However, we give a graph of the dependency of the output voltage from the input. The hysteresis during switching is 5 V in the field of high voltage, and 10 V - under reduced voltage.

In the UPS APC Back-UPS ES 700, through the supplied PowerChute software, there is an opportunity to set the range of output voltages, from 188-208 and up to 252-272 V in increments of 1 V. The above schedule reflects the work of the UPS with the settings 208-244. Even in this, the minimum range of the UPS works unsatisfactory, issuing voltage to the output exceeding the nominal value by 14%, and reduced by 11% relative to the nominal. This may lead to the failure of the connected equipment and does not provide its uninterrupted operation.

When the voltage output in the supply network for the set range, the UPS goes to battery powers, notifying the user by the audio signal. When switching on the battery, the UPS gives a short signal with a periodicity of 40 seconds. The work of the UPS with a battery, discharged to a critical level, accompanies a signal from a periodicity of 0.6 seconds.

The battery transition time was determined by an oscillogram at a rated load of 405 W. The transition time for battery powered was 5 MC.

The UPS was tested during battery life at different levels of load. Synthetic tests were carried out on a load from resistors in 40%, 50%, 60%, 80% and 100% of the IPS nominal. The output voltage was measured by a digital multimeter. While working without load, it was 229 V.

Interest		50%	60%	80%	100%
160 W.	200 W.	240 W.	320 W.	400 W.

As you can see, in the entire range of loads, the UPS is stacked in GOST-13109-97 And it gives an average of 227 V. only at full load there was some decrease in voltage, not beyond the boundaries of the norm. Recommended by test results The power of the UPS is not more than 400 watts.

For tests on the real load, the following configuration test computer was used:

The total test computer configuration options were collected:

INTEGRATED SIS MIRAGE, BP 400 W with passive PFC: DivX-Sis
ATI X700, BP 400 W with passive PFC: DivX-ATI
ATI X700, BP 400 W with Passive PFC: 3DM5-ATI
ATI X700, BP 550 W with active PFC and bus sales: 3DM5-ATI-PFC

On the diagram from left to right:

DivX-SIS. - Configuration with video adapter built into the motherboard. Playback from the hard disk HD film Shrek (1280 × 720 × 24 × 1700 KBPs Bitrate video, AC3 track 384 kbps). CPU load 17-25%.

DivX-ATI. - Play from the hard disk HD film Shrek (1280 × 720 × 24 × 1700 Kbps Video Bitrate, AC3 Track 384 Kbps). CPU load 17-25%.

3DM5-ATI. - 3DMark05 test package was performed v1.1.0, 1024 × 768 in GT1 mode, which should mimic the work of a modern toy.

3DM5-ATI-PFC - Configuration with a capacity of 550 W, Active PFC, Avtovolthod 127-230 V. The test package 3DMark05 v1.1.0 was performed, 1024? 768 in GT1 mode, which should mimic the work of a modern toy.

The battery charging parameters are one of the most important factors affecting the battery life, and, consequently, the UPS itself. For the CP 1290 batteries used in the CP 1290 cartridge, the maximum charging current of 2.8 A. Given the importance of the battery charging mode, two tests were made. In the first (yellow line), the UPS was discharged for a load of 100% (400 W) to autotrunction, in the second (red line) after discharge to a load of 50% (300 W), the UPS was consistently discharged to a smaller load until a full battery discharge.

Charge recovery after a deep discharge took 19 hours. Full battery charging demanded more than 30 hours, charge current at the beginning was 370 MA. For 19 hours, the charge current was an average of 350 mA. Another 10 hours was required to achieve charging currents in 50 Ma and voltage of 13.6 V. Recovery after intensive discharge occupied 9 hours. According to the measurement results, the work of the charging scheme is recognized as satisfactory. The disadvantages include a small charging current, to advantages - its stability at low power supply voltage.

To check the "Cold Start" system, the UPS was connected to the load without connecting to the network. The UPS turned on with a complete nominal load. To check compatibility with power supplies with an active PFC and a wide range of input voltages, the UPS was connected to a computer with an FSP550-60PLN power supply, equipped with an active PFC and having an input voltage range of 100-240 V. Problems when working together. Determined the Battery UPS:

Thanks to the support of the Smart Battery, the basic power management functions are available in the operating system built-in.

The icon appears in the tray to all owners of laptops.

The kit comes the Power Ground Personal Edition 1.5 proprietary software. It provides wider power management and UPS settings.

Its installation occurred automatically and did not cause problems. More detailed this program is reviewed in a separate article.

Output

The UPS tested is a typical device for home use. The most, in our opinion, a significant disadvantage, from the point of view of ergonomics, is the use of the RJ-45 connector to communicate with the PC via the USB interface. And if in the UPS, allowing installation in the rack, it is still justified (you can start in the patch panel), then in the "home" UPS, this is unacceptable. The voltage adjustment, upon reaching which the UPS goes to battery power, is not sufficient to match the output voltage of GOST.

Dignity

The stability of the output voltage when working from the battery
Ability to mount on the wall
Euro sockets provide convenience
Full Protection of Telephony and Local Network
SMART Battery Standard Support
Quality software included

disadvantages

Simplified network filter
Pulses on the fronts of the signal when working from the battery
RJ-45 USB connector.
Output voltage when operating from the network exceeds ± 10%

ARS has long become almost a monopolist in the source market, almost every user who has UPS uses products of this company. This is an indication 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 the manufacturer exactly this office.

As for the Production of ARS, it is traditionally high-quality and hardy. The company specializes in the production of uninterruptible food sources, and therefore, the main criterion in the product evaluation is the battery life and protection against voltage bursts. And with this product ARS is all right. Relatively recently, the company has released the UPS APC Back-UPS 650. It will be discussed.

A little about the device

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

There are several modifications of this product with CS, RS and Pro prefixes. They all differ from each other, but slightly. The difference consists, as a rule, in some technical specifications. It is worth noting that the same output voltage is a business card of all uninterruptible power supply devices APC Back-UPS 650, 230 V is the limit for them. Even outwardly, these devices are almost the same. But you need to disassemble them all for completeness of the picture.

Version CS.

The CS rule is obtained almost the cheapest among the ARS 650-series devices. The battery is characterized by modest (relative) characteristics and standard for devices of this class by appearance. Nothing extra. All strictly in order to ensure uninterrupted nutrition of computer elements in case of stress disappearances.

APC Back-UPS CS 650 is available only in black. It is even good because black is universal color. It is in no way able to spoil the appearance of the workplace. Asceticism UPS ARS CS version is even good. Since such devices should work, and not attract attention to a bright appearance. Now let's see that this "uninterrupted", so to speak, under the hood.

Specifications CS version

The main criteria for which it is customary to evaluate uninterruptible power sources are the battery capacity and the presence of protection against voltage jumps. Everything else is moving into the background. Now let's see what can offer us an APC Back-UPS CS 650. In principle, like all linear interactive uninterrupted power sources, the products from ARS have typical characteristics, and it is not particularly deepened in them. But there are still differences. Therefore, we can not evange from the analysis of these very differences. So let's go.

Power UPS

This parameter is responsible for the stable power to the computer components. If there is not enough tsiferok, the computer simply will not work. The power of this UPS is 650 VA. This is quite enough for the PC of the middle configuration. For the gaming car will have to look for something more powerful.

Battery capacity

In this UPS, the battery is installed with a capacity of 7.2 A / h with an operating voltage of 12 V.. It is enough for it to strictly speaking, it all depends on the configuration of the computer. The more powerful your car, the less time you have in order to turn off the PC correctly in case of a failure. However, the average time for computers of moderate configuration (koi most) is 1-3 minutes. Depending on the load on the computer components. Good result. The time of the full charge of the battery (after the first inclusion) is 22 hours. Multimito, but what to do? I have to sacrifice something in the name of stability.

Protection against voltage drops

This option is present in the UPS APC Back-UPS 650 version CS. And this component is coping with his own work. Numerous tests show that the uninterruptible power supply is able to level the voltage and serve it on the computer. Thus, all components of your computer turn out to be securely protected from voltage jumps.

CS connectors and interfaces

APS Back-UPS 650 versions CS has four connectors for the supply of the standard "Euro". Moreover, three of them serve to connect devices directly to the battery. They are needed primarily for devices that are critical for permanent power (system unit, monitor). Fourth connector - to connect a device that does not need constant diet (printer, scanner). The latter is equipped only with voltage stabilizer.

In addition, the UPS contains connectors to protect the telephone line and one more to connect the uninterruptible to the PC. The telephone line connectors are needed to those who want to protect their communication devices from voltage drops. Also, the UPS can be connected to a computer and configure the correct PC shutdown process when the power loss. To do this, the package includes a disk with the APC BACK-UPS CS 650 software software. The instruction that comes in the kit will help in performing this process. Despite the statements of some users about the fact that in our operating manual, nothing is clear, in our opinion, the instruction is very detailed. It very accurately describes techniques for working with the device and the features of the work of the device itself. There is even a scheme for the location of the components.

RS version

APC Back-UPS RS 650 is an almost complete clone version of CS. A minor difference is observed only in the specifications of both devices. In appearance, these two devices are indistinguishable as native brothers. 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 well performs its work. And with this, the uninterruptible power supply version of the RS version copes no worse than his "twin brother."

If the CS version is designed to work with medium power computers, the RS pulls out that office PCs. For other power tasks, he is not enough. But this does not mean that he is worse. Just he is not done for this. If you need an uninterruptible power supply more powerful, that is, it makes sense to pay attention to the Pro version (about it just below). It turns out a good increase in power in almost the same money.

Specifications RS.

APC Back-UPS 650 version of RS has its own technical characteristics that, however, are not very different from the Version of the CS version inherent. So it should be, since these devices are in the same price niche. Therefore, there can be no significant differences between them. Let's see what the RS version represents.

Power

The uninterruptible power supply version of the RS version has a full power of 650 VA, but it is short-term. The permanent is equal to 390 W. For office computers this is enough. But no more. And yet the UPS is able to provide professional protection against voltage jumps and sudden power outages.

Battery capacity

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

Protection against voltage drops. Strictly speaking, this option is in all uninterruptible power sources from ARS. And it works as needed. For without her, the uninterruptible would be just a battery. RS version has not exceeded. Protection is present and works well. Racing the tension is aligned, and a completely even momentum is sent to the PC.

RS version connectors and interfaces

There are no differences here. The same four EURO connectors with grounding, the same inputs to protect the telephone connection. The same classification with a division into important (with nutrition from the battery) and "not very" (only with the rectifier). The connector for connecting the UPS to the computer is also in place. And in the set of delivery - traditionally disk with branded software and instruction manual. And in the latter there is an adequate Russian language. This is another plus at the ARS piggy bank.

Battery key

In all versions of devices from ARS, 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 when the uninterruptible power supply is turned on to the network. When buying a UPS, it is removed. This is done in order to prevent the battery discharge cycle. So he will last longer. To activate the device, before turning on the uninterruptible power supply to the network, stick this plug into the connector there is immediately. After turning on the UPS, the battery charging process will begin.

Pro version

APC Back-UPS 650 BX650CI Pro version is designed specifically for those who want its computer longer to work from the battery when the electricity is stopped. Unlike the versions of RS and CS, autonomous power supply in the Pro version is 5.5 minutes. And it is in full load mode. And in partial UPS mode, it is capable of providing PC power for 14-15 minutes. This is an absolute record among the devices of this price category.

Differences Pro from CS and RS

PRO version is identical to RS and CS. The same number of connectors and functions. The same stress rectifiers. Even the battery from the same manufacturer, only greater tank. It is clear that the UPS Pro version will cost somewhat more expensive, but the difference is not critical. Yes, and it can also be connected to the PC and perform synchronization. APC Back-UPS Pro 650 is an ideal linear interactive uninterruptible power supply for an average user. Plus, there is a wonderful price-quality balance.

APC Back UPS - a series of devices designed specifically for operating conditions. Such devices today are very in demand, which is explained by the available cost and sufficient (low and medium) level of performance. APC Back UPS performances are able to operate when the electricity is turned off a short time.

For what purposes are used

Whatever the source of uninterrupted nutrition, its main task is to always provide a consumer with high-quality electricity, with a minimum level of noise and different kind of noise for a while there is no connection to the power supply. Back UPS is no exception, however, this group of devices is created for a specific category of consumers, which is due to the technical characteristics of the device.

So, the level of performance does not allow this technique in harsh conditions. Recommended tasks for solving through this group of devices - use at home. Moreover, these unwinders can protect the equipment from jumps passing on telephone, electrical and coaxial lines.

Information about the manufacturer

Sources of uninterrupted power supply of this type are the result of the activities of the 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 the founding, the company receives the first reward for its products. And until 2004, the number of awards reaches 100.

Since 2007, the Corporation is becoming owned by Schneider Electric. But a series of devices BACK UPS has retained its name. To date, there is a separate division, the main task of which is to develop and produce equipment for the protection of power supply.

Review models

Back UPS exists in several options. Each of them also has a certain number of performances:

HS Series - Outdoor single-phase devices designed for 500 VA power;
APC BACK UPS CS devices with 350 to 650 VA (desktop equipment);
RS Series - Floor-performance devices with a capacity of 500 to 1500 VA;
APC BACK UPS ES 400-700 VA devices (for installation on table).

The devices from the last group are widely popular, which is primarily the result of a successful assembly quality ratio, and the acceptable cost of equipment.

We watch the video about the ES 525 model:

The APC of the BACK UPS devices of this series are presented by executions, 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 vibrations in the range from 160 to 280 V, the switching to the battery occurs in 5 ms. Execution APC Back UPS ES 525 protects the consumer from voltage fluctuations and filters noise in the network.

Depending on how the load is applied to the equipment of this model, the duration of operation offline will differ. Thus, the APC Back UPS ES 525 will work for about 4 minutes at maximum load, and with an average performance level, the functioning time increases almost four times. APC Machine BACK UPS ES Performance 525 is equipped with 4 sockets, one of which has protection against voltage bursts.

Another version of the same group is an APC Back UPS ES 700. Its complete output power is 700 VA, the active component is 400 W. When switching to power from the battery, a rather high level of output voltage stability is observed - up to 5% of oscillations.

eS 700 Series

APC Back UPS ES 700 operates on autonomous mode almost the same time duration (3.9 min. At full load, 15 min. - With partial load). APC device BACK UPS ES model 700 provides consumer protection from high-voltage pulses, protection of telephone lines and local networks, as well as interference filtering.

If you consider another group of devices, you can select the design of the APC Back UPS CS 500. One-phase device designed to 500 VA.

Color gamut case - light. The range of fluctuations of the input voltage of the network is approximately the same as the previously reviewed 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 submits to the output More than 3% of the error of the voltage value. The device switches to battery power on an average of 10 ms. There is a possibility of replacing the battery, and for the convenience of APC users, the BACK UPS CS device in version 500 provides for light indication.

Watch video about the model Back UPS ES 650:

Another popular version of the same group that has a fairly high level of performance - APC Back UPS CS 650. This version of the main technical characteristics is identically higher than the considered analogs (the range of input voltage and frequency, the gene is single-phase). APC Back UPS CS 650, as can be seen from the designation, works with a power of 650 VA.

However, a noticeable disadvantage of this option lies in short work when the network is disconnected. APC Machine BACK UPS CS Performance 650 Uploaded with no more than 2.4 min. But we must not forget that the main area of \u200b\u200bapplication of such equipment is homemade PCs, then the features of the BACK UPS CS models in version 650 are quite enough to have time to complete the workflows on the computer.

Advantages and disadvantages of this brand

UPS 500 series

If we consider a number of advantages of this technique, it is quite explained why it is so popular:

Long service life of the battery;
The BACK UPS series APC has a high level of reliability, which is explained by the assembly quality;
Protection of the consumer from interference, noise in the network and high-voltage jumps;
APC series back UPS protects local networks and voltage drop lines;
High speed of transition to autonomous mode;
USB interface.

From the disadvantages, it is possible to distinguish only the cost, since the BACK UPS series is the most modest according to the performance characteristics of the BACK UPS series, which is somewhat higher than that of similar devices of other brands. But even the most affordable devices are characterized by quality.

For example, APC apparatus BACK UPS CS performed 500 is offered at a price of 5,500 rubles. Accordingly, more productive technique 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 somewhat higher than the previously considered execution.

How to evaluate buyers products

APC series APC series Back UPS is almost everywhere receiving positive feedback. But there are some comments. For example, depending on the execution, the device may noticeably noise. And the cost does not always satisfy buyers, someone even prefers to acquire an analogue of another company at an affordable price. The rest of the APC device 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 the battery spent its time. If you consider that in many models it uses non-listed batteries, then the ability to restore their functions by means of the girlfriend is very attractive. In addition to this APC apparatus BACK UPS ES model 525 and other execution of this series fully satisfies customer requirements, therefore also uses the technique of this kind of great popularity.

APC Back-Ups 700 - one of the most popular models Source of uninterrupted food for domestic use among Russian consumers. The device has a convenient form factor, has 8 outlets (4 - backup power, 4 more - protection against electric power supply), there is stabilization of voltage (step sinusoid). What are the technical parameters of the battery installed in it? What non-original batteries can be installed in it? Consider this in detail in our article.

In APC Back-UPS ES 700, type batteries are installed RBC17.. Voltage - 12 V, size - 65x94x151 millimeters, fastening (terminals) - type 6.35 mm.

Theoretically, any lead batteries with a voltage of 12 V are suitable for this UPS, since the built-in charge controller is optimized to work with such batteries.

What is installed?

The manufacturer in the APC Back-UPS 700 is installed RBC17 battery, responding to the following characteristics:

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

Block parameters

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

Permissible working conditions under which the claimed characteristics of batteries are preserved, from 0 to 40 degrees Celsius.

Problems

The average operating period of the built-in battery in APC Back-UPS 700 is 3-5 years old (no more than 40 charge / discharge cycles during the year). After that, it loses its initial capacity and when switching UPS to backup power mode, simply turns off the device (if the output voltage drops below 190 V, the circuit is automatically separated to protect the device supply).

Possible breakdowns

The most common breakage of the batteries installed is a decrease in voltage on terminals, indicating that some of the batteries sections failed.

APC is a global leader in the production of uninterruptible food sources for both personal computers and manufacturing equipment. Each new device from this company establishes new standards for protection against voltage surge, smoothing various interference of the electrical network and an increase in the work time of the UPS from batteries. This article discusses the UPS of APC Series BACK-UPS ES: Back-UPS ES 525, Back-Ups ES 550VA and Back-Ups ES 700VA. These models are focused on installing a house or in small offices to protect several personal computers and other devices from voltage bursts in the electrical network and provide autonomous battery life in the absence of voltage in the external network. It is worth noting that the software included in the package of most UPS significantly expands their functionality.

For Russian electricity consumers, it has always been relevant to ensure the continuity of its filing, since even a short-term power off or a voltage surge can lead to serious consequences of such equipment as computers, office equipment and devices with thin electronics. To ensure the backup power supply in homes and small offices, the sources of uninterrupted power supply (UPS) are most suitable, which in the absence of electricity supply the equipment connected to them from the built-in battery, and with an unexpected drop or increasing the input voltage, align it to normal. The UPS is divided into OFFLINE and ONLINE types. UPS type offline are two types: standby and line-interactive.

Online uninterruptible power supplies are designed to protect thin electronics and rarely apply at home. In such UPS, the entire alternating current from the power supply (or its part in the UPS C Delta conversion) is first converted to a permanent, and then the reverse conversion is performed for power supply. Thus, accurate stabilization of the magnitude and shape of the output voltage and the protection of the connected equipment from any interference occurring in the power grid is provided.

In sources of type STANDBY and LINE-INTERACTIVE, the load is mainly due to the power supply network, and only with a very strong deviation of the input voltage from the nominal source turns to power from batteries. During nutrition from the network, the input voltage is filtered. Sources like Line-Interactive, as a rule, have better network analysis blocks, but their main feature is the presence of an automatic voltage control unit (Automatic Voltage Regulator, AVR), which stepped up the voltage at the output of the UPS in case of the input voltage deviation, due to What to some extent the output voltage is stabilized.

Testing technique

Given the possibilities of our stand and limited testing time, during which it is impossible to check such indicators such as reliability and resource, we have chosen the following parameters for testing:

maximum battery life without recharging;
operation of the automatic voltage control system;
voltage transition to batteries and back to the network;
switching time to work from batteries;
output voltage form when working from batteries;
the nature of the disconnection during the discharge of the batteries;
the possibility of a cold start;
automatic shutdown when the power is turned off.

To register the output voltage form at various modes of operation of the UPS, a stand was used to be made from the synchronization and computer device with a Bordo B-211A installed hardware complex, consisting of a PCI card and a set of software and a general-purpose digital oscilloscope with a range of measured signals from 0 to 50 MHz.

The synchronization device ensured the disconnection of the UPS from the network during the achievement of the top of the positive semiprition of the network voltage and the timely launch of the waiting sweep of the oscilloscope. The transition oscillogram from batteries was removed at the nominal (220 V) and lowered (180 V) input voltage.

Checking the operation of the automatic voltage control unit was carried out using the autotransformer (LATER). First, at the input of the UPS, a voltage of 250 V was installed, which smoothly decreased prior to the power of the UPS to power the load from the batteries. At the same time, all the response points of the automatic voltage regulator were recorded - by jumping voltage change in the load. For each point, the input and output voltage indicators were recorded - both installed immediately after switching and acting in front of the switch. Then an increase in the input voltage was carried out to 250 V. The limit value of the input voltage in 257-260 V was determined by the actual possibility of our power grid and the autotransformer (a higher voltage was not always possible).

A computer with a Pentium 4 3.0 GHz processor and an ELT monitor LG Flatron 795FT with a diagonal of 17 inches were used as a load of the UPS. All power management capabilities on the computer were disabled. According to the APC Power Grove Personal Professional 2.0 software, which was included in the UPS tested, the average load was from 63 to 89 W (for the APC Back-UPS model ES525, the remaining two models do not support the function of determining the load power). Before the start of testing of each UPS, it was charging its battery from the network for at least 12 hours.

Test results

For most new UPS models for the home and small office, the division of output sockets into two groups is characterized only to protect against various interference in the power grid and instantaneous voltage jumps and performs the functions of the network filter, and the second with filtration provides backup power supply at Low voltage on the network or in case of its absence.

All APC's UPS tested with the possibility of a cold start, and in situations requiring the user's attention, sound signals, the frequency and the duration of which depends on the model and varies depending on the circumstances.

All uninterruptible power sources have ports to connect to a computer and allow you to automatically complete the computer with the closing of applications and save the working files with long-term power off. Inbox of the control utility for monitoring the state of the power grid and power supply is quite accurately shown by voltage and is quite approximately the power connected to the UPS load (only for the APC Back-Ups ES 525 model).

All UPS models under standard load demonstrate a good job, however, when you purchase 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 automatic voltage adjustment functions (AVR), so they are recommended to be used only in places where long-term voltage reductions in the power supply.

An error in the APC Power Grinding Personal Professional 2.0 software, which manifested itself on all three tested devices should be noted. After a complete discharge of the batteries due to the power supply during the resumption of nutrition from the external electrical network, the program shows the percentage ratio of the battery incorrectly, since over time the charge percentage always decreases, and does not increase. This error can be avoided by reconnecting the UPS to the computer.

Test participants

UPS APC Back-UPS ES 550VA refers to the STANDBY type with an output voltage of almost non-sinusoidal shape and has an output power of 550 V · A (330 W).

UPS APC Back-UPS ES 550VA is made in a plastic case unusual for uninterruptible power supplies. Outwardly, he resembles an ordinary extension cord - thickened "pilot". This model can either be installed on the floor, or attached to the wall - for this, there are special fastening holes below. On the top panel there are a power button, a multicolor LED indicator indicating the load power supply (network or battery), and eight Schuko outlet sockets. 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 the voltage drop down to its complete disappearance, and four more - the protection of electrical equipment only from voltage jumps. UPS sockets are divided into two segments that are separated in different directions. On the side of the UPS there is a special control connector for connecting APC Back-UPS ES 550VA to a computer that connects to the USB port to another end. Nearby there are two RJ-45 connections (input and output) to connect a telephone line or a local network, and filtering from jumps is also performed. The UPS uses the rechargeable non-listed hermetic lead-acid battery with a thickened electrolyte APC RBC2 with a voltage of 12 V, the replacement of which the user can produce independently through the bottom panel, which closes on the latch. In order to improve the security of the UPS, it is transported to the disabled battery (the terminal "-" is disabled), respectively, before starting the operation, it must be connected.

With the help of the software, the UPS is configured under the specific electrical outlet, which makes it possible to reduce the number of switching and thereby increase the duration of trouble-free operation. The moment of operation of the first step of increasing and lowering the input voltage can be selected from the ranges 160-196 V and 256-276 in respectively (in step up to 4 V).

The delivery kit includes a control cable (USB), a telephone cable (RJ 11), a user manual and a software CD with APC Powerchute Personal 2.0.

Powerchute Personal Edition software (Fig. 1) allows you to control the operating parameters (input and output voltage, battery capacity, load level, etc.) and configure the UPS. The program can issue a warning user when the power failure occurs and correctly close the operating system in the event of power interruption. It is possible to manually specify the time through which you need to complete the operation of the system when the external power is turned off (using the battery), the default in the program is set to 5 minutes until the end of operation from the battery.

Fig. 1. Powerchute Personal Edition 2.0 Software

During testing, when the voltage drops to 185 in the UPS, it was automatically switched to work from the battery, and with an increase in voltage in the external network until 190 V - into operation mode from the external network. With an increase in the input voltage to 250 to the output voltage, it also rose to 250 V; At 257 V, the protection mode and the UPS moved to power from the battery, and when the external power supply voltage decreases, the UPS moved to the power mode from an external source. In the battery mode during load, the output voltage was 185 V, and in the absence of load - 215 V.

Fig. 2. Switching to battery powered

At the end of the battery charge, the output parameters practically did not change (Fig. 3), the shutdown was performed without bursts, and the return from the battery from the battery from the network occurred without delays.

Fig. 3. Power Mode from APC BACK-UPS ES 550VA

Opening hours until the battery is fully discharged when you load with one computer and a 17-inch monitor - 27 min 21 s, which is quite enough for the correct completion 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 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. The separation of sockets for various types of protection also simplifies operation and, which is important, extends the life to the built-in battery, since more than four devices when powering from the battery cannot be connected. This decision can be a good choice to protect desktop personal computers from splash electrical network.

The uninterruptible power supply APC Back-UPS ES 700VA belongs to the STANDBY type with an output voltage of almost sinusoidal shape and has an output power of 700 V · A (405 W). This UPS is made in the plastic case of the original form and is similar to the extension. In general, this model is no different from the previous Back-UPS ES 550VA. On the front panel there are the on and off button and the indicators indicating the power supply source (network or battery) and the need to replace the battery. Under the lid fixed on the latches, the bottom of the UPS is a niche for a battery. When transporting the plus terminal is disabled from the battery, and therefore, it must be connected before use. Compared to Back-UPS ES 550VA, this model has a higher output power and equipped with another battery model, due to which the battery life increases.

On the front part (top) of the UPS there are connectors for connecting the load - eight IEC sockets, which are divided into two segments, and the power on / off button. Four sockets provide filtering of voltage jumps without the possibility of transition to power from the battery. The remaining four support the transition to backup power from the battery. Such a division allows you to separate the most important devices that need time to complete the work, from those that need only protection against jumps and voltage drops.

The package includes a cable for connecting APC Back-UPS ES 700VA to a computer via a USB port, a telephone cable with RJ-11 connectors, an electronic version of the operating manual, as well as APC Powerchute Personal 2.0 Software . The package is not different from the kit, which goes with the younger BACK-UPS model ES 550VA.

POWERCHUTE PERSONAL EDITION 2.0 software (see Fig. 1) Allows you to control the operating parameters (input and output voltage, battery capacity, load level, etc.) and adjust the UPS. The program informs the user when the power failures occurs and correctly closes the operating system during power interruptions. At the same time, it is possible to manually specify the time through which it is necessary to complete the operation of the system in the absence of external power supply (when working from the battery), - by default, 5 minutes before the operation from the battery.

During testing, with a decrease in voltage in the external network until 183, the UPS automatically moved to work from the battery, and in case of increasing voltage up to 200, it started working on an external network. Increased input voltage up to 250 V led growth over the output voltage to 250 V, at a voltage of 266 V, the protection mode and the UPS moved to power from the battery, and when the voltage decreases, it began to work from an external source. In the battery mode during load, the output voltage was 176 V, and when it was turned off - 215 V.

Fig. 4. Switching to battery powered

At the end of the battery charge, the output parameters practically did not change (Fig. 5); Disconnection occurred without bursts; Returning from nutrition from the battery from the network has occurred without delays.

Fig. 5. Power supply from the APC BACK-UPS ES 700VA battery

The time of work until the battery is complete when you load with one computer and a 17-inch monitor amounted to 41 minutes 22 C - this is more than enough to complete the system to complete the system. Of all three APC Back-UPS models, ES 700VA has the longest battery life, so it can be recommended for use in places where external power is disconnected often and for a long time.

This model is a bit more expensive than the other two, but, nevertheless, it can be recommended for use at home and in a small office. In addition, it is also necessary to note that the UPS APC Back-UPS ES 700VA is equipped with excellent software, as well as the fact that the battery change easily and simply. The separation of sockets for various types of protection also facilitates operation and provides a longer operation of the built-in battery, since there is no connection to the battery with more than four devices. In general, this is an excellent solution to protect multiple desktop personal computers from voltage bursts in the electrical network.

The APC Back-UPS ES 525 model refers to the Line-Interactive UPS, has an output voltage of a non-sinusoidal shape and has an output power of 525 V · A (300 W). This model is made in the plastic case of the original form and is somewhat different from the other two models. The top panel has a UPS on / off button, four EIC sockets for connecting the load, as well as a light indicator signaling about the status of the device at the moment. Four load outlets are divided into two parts: three of them allow you to protect the connected equipment from voltage bursts and maintain its operation in the absence of external nutrition from the battery built into the UPS, and the fourth serves only to protect against voltage drops on the external network. The battery is located in a special niche at the bottom of the UPS under the lid, which is attached to the latches and does not differ from the design from the design in two other models. On the side of the UPS, the RJ-45 connectors (input and output) are located to protect against bursts in a computer or telephone network. Next to them is another special connector (RJ-45 with ten contacts) to which the UPS control cable is connected. The other end of the cable connects to the computer via the USB port.

The device is supplied, in addition to the Back-UPS ES 525, enter a cable for connecting to a computer, a telephone cable (RJ-11), an instruction manual, as well as a CD-disk with software.

APC Powerchute Personal 2.0 software allows you to control the operating parameters (input and output voltage, the battery capacity (in percentage ratio), the level of load, etc.) and set up the UPS. Note that the BACK-UPS model ES 525, in contrast to the other two UPS tested, supports the mode of monitoring the power of the connected load (Fig. 6). In addition, it supports the self-diagnosis function (the test of the internal circuits of the UPS) and allows you to change the AVR parameters (automatic voltage adjustment). Optionally, the user can set the nominal output voltage when working on batteries, as well as AVR operation mode, by selecting the time of inclusion of the increase and lower voltage modes (step - 4 V). Changing these parameters makes it possible to adjust the UPS to work with the power supply network, which reduces the number of switching and extends the service life of both the UPS itself and the batteries. The remaining parameters do not differ in their settings from other tested models.

Fig. 6. Monitoring power load

In the process of testing the stage of increasing the voltage of the AVR block, it was turned on by lowering the input voltage to 200 and 185 V, the output voltage was 230 V. With an increase in the input voltage to 250 V output voltage, also grown to 250 V; At 255 V worked AVR, and the voltage dropped to 225 V. Switching to the power supply mode from the battery occurred by reducing the input voltage to 165 V. In the battery mode during the load, the output voltage was 176 V, and in its absence - 220 V. mode Power from the battery was disconnected by increasing the input voltage to 190 V. It should be noted that the presence of an automatic voltage control unit AVR is very useful in the conditions of Russian power grids, where the voltage can very often "live" or, on the contrary, be very high compared to the face value. By the way, this model has output voltage higher than that of two other tested UPSs.

Switching to battery powered quickly (less than 6 ms) - Fig. 7.

Fig. 7. Switching to nutrition
from the rechargeable battery APC Back-Ups ES 525

At the end of the battery charge, the output parameters practically did not change (Fig. 8), the shutdown was performed without bursts, the return to the power from the network occurred without delays.

Fig. 8. Power Mode from APC BACK-UPS ES 525 Rechargeable Battery

The time of work until the battery is completely discharged when the load with one computer and the 17-inch monitor was 27 minutes 36 s, which is quite enough for the correct completion of the system.

This model has a low price and is therefore quite suitable for use at home UPS and in a small office. Unlike two other models considered, 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 compared to other models. The APC Back-UPS ES 525 has excellent software and a number of additional setup features, and in addition, the battery change simply and conveniently. The separation of sockets for various types of protection also simplifies operation and lengthens the service life of the built-in battery.

The UPS APC Back-UPS ES 525 is marked by the "Editors recommends" a sign for its wide functionality, the stability of work in all modes and long-term battery work in the absence of nutrition.

Instead of imprisonment

Having considered the three models from the company APC, it is safe to say that these UPSs will be in demand in the market. Convenience and ease of operation, high reliability and pleasant appearance - all this should like to end users. Of the three models focused on the end user, it is worth paying attention to the APC BACK-UPS ES 525 model, which has a built-in output voltage automatic regulation unit (AVR), which is very relevant for Russian power grids, where the voltage can see how much "Like", so And suddenly jump above acceptable norms.

The editors are appreciated by APC for providing uninterruptible power sources APC Back-UPS ES 550VA, APC Back-UPS ES 700VA and APC Back-UPS ES 525.