APC Back-UPS Pro BR1500G 1500VA UPS: features, specs and who it suits

The APC BR1500G is a battery backup, also called an uninterruptible power supply or UPS, with a 1500VA / 865W capacity. It sits between the wall outlet and your equipment, keeping a computer, router or external drive running for a short time when the power drops out. It also helps shield that equipment from surges and voltage swings.

What 1500VA and 865W actually mean

A UPS has two capacity numbers. VA (volt-amperes) is the apparent power; watts is the real power the unit can deliver. APC lists this model at 1500VA and 865W. The watt figure is the one to compare with your equipment, because the total draw of everything plugged into the battery-backed outlets must stay below it.

Runtime depends on load. A small load such as a router and a modem will typically run far longer than a desktop PC with a graphics card. The aim of a UPS in a home or small office is usually not to keep working for hours but to give you time to save files and shut down cleanly.

Ten outlets, split into two groups

The unit has ten NEMA 5-15R outlets, the standard North American three-prong type. Five of them have both surge protection and battery backup. The other five have surge protection only.

This split is useful. Put the computer, monitor, modem and router on the battery-backed outlets. Put things that don't need to stay on in an outage, such as a printer or a phone charger, on the surge-only outlets, so they don't drain the battery.

Automatic voltage regulation

The listing highlights automatic voltage regulation (AVR). When the mains voltage runs a little low or high, AVR corrects it without switching to the battery. APC says this works without discharging the battery, so brief brownouts and swells don't use up battery life. The unit is also listed as compatible with active PFC power supplies, a type found in many modern desktop computers.

Replaceable battery and optional extras

The battery is user-replaceable. APC lists the replacement as model APCRBC124, sold separately. UPS batteries wear out over a few years, so being able to swap the battery rather than the whole unit matters. A supplemental external battery pack, model BR24BPG, is also available separately for longer runtime during outages.

Software and setup

APC says the unit comes with a 6-foot power cord and a right-angle plug, which sits flatter against the wall. Windows users get power-management software for monitoring and automatic shutdown. On Mac, the unit uses the built-in Energy Saver settings instead. The unit measures about 15.0 x 4.4 x 11.9 inches (38 x 11 x 30 cm) and weighs 26.7 lb (about 12 kg), mostly battery, so plan a spot on the floor or a sturdy shelf.

Who it suits

It suits a home office, a desktop PC, a network cabinet or a small home server where an unplanned power loss could corrupt data. It's less suited to heavy loads such as large workstations with several monitors, where a higher-wattage unit may be needed.

What to check before you buy

• Your total load: add up the wattage of everything you'll plug into the battery-backed outlets and keep it below 865W, with some margin.
• Runtime: decide how many minutes you need, and whether the optional battery pack would help.
• Outlet count and spacing: check that bulky power adapters fit without blocking neighbouring outlets.
• Space and weight: the unit is heavy and about 12 inches tall.
• Battery upkeep: the battery will need replacing eventually; check the replacement model number.
• Local codes and the manual: follow the manual and local electrical codes for connection and use, and don't plug in high-draw appliances such as heaters.

The short version

• A 1500VA / 865W battery backup with automatic voltage regulation.
• Ten outlets: five with battery backup and surge protection, five with surge protection only.
• User-replaceable battery (APCRBC124) and an optional external battery pack (BR24BPG), both sold separately.
• Windows power-management software included; Macs use their built-in Energy Saver settings.
• About 26.7 lb (12 kg), so best placed on the floor.

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