The APC Power-Saving Back-UPS Pro 1500, 230V (BR1500GI) is a high-performance uninterruptible power supply (UPS) designed by Schneider Electric to provide reliable power protection for home offices, small businesses, and high-end electronics. Known for its energy-saving features, robust design, and advanced functionality, this line-interactive UPS is ideal for safeguarding computers, networking equipment, gaming consoles, and other critical devices against power outages, surges, and voltage fluctuations. In this blog, we’ll explore its specifications, features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right UPS for your needs.
Overview
The APC Power-Saving Back-UPS Pro 1500, 230V is engineered to deliver premium power protection with a capacity of 865W/1500VA. It is particularly suited for regions with 230V power standards, offering a combination of battery backup, surge protection, and energy-efficient features. Its sleek design, intuitive LCD display, and compatibility with management software make it a versatile choice for both professional and personal use, ensuring uninterrupted operation during power disruptions.
Key Specifications
Here are the core specifications of the APC Power-Saving Back-UPS Pro 1500, 230V (BR1500GI):
- Output Power Capacity: 865 Watts / 1.5kVA
- Nominal Output Voltage: 230V
- Nominal Input Voltage: 230V
- Input Voltage Range: 170–294V (adjustable)
- Input Connection: IEC 320 C14
- Output Connections:
- 5 IEC 320 C13 outlets with battery backup and surge protection
- 5 IEC 320 C13 surge-only outlets
- 2 IEC jumpers
- Waveform Type: Stepped approximation to a sine wave
- Transfer Time: 8–10 ms typical (13 ms maximum)
- Input Frequency: 50/60 Hz ± 3 Hz (auto-sensing)
- Battery Type: Maintenance-free sealed lead-acid battery with suspended electrolyte
- Typical Recharge Time: 8 hours
- Battery Life: 3–5 years
- Dimensions: 30.1 cm (H) x 11.2 cm (W) x 38 cm (D)
- Weight: 12.7 kg
- Warranty: 1-year warranty (2 years in some regions)
- Includes: Telephone cable, USB cable, user manual, warranty card, PowerChute Personal Edition software CD
Design and Build
The APC Back-UPS Pro 1500 features a sleek, tower-style design with a two-tone finish, combining a textured bottom and smooth top for a modern aesthetic. Its compact footprint (30.1 x 11.2 x 38 cm) makes it suitable for placement under desks or in tight spaces. The LCD status and control console on the front provides real-time information on input/output voltage, load capacity, battery status, and event notifications, making it easy to monitor without additional software.
The UPS includes 10 IEC 320 C13 outlets (5 with battery backup and surge protection, 5 with surge protection only), offering ample connectivity for multiple devices. It also features USB, RJ-11, and RJ-45 connectors for data line protection and management, ensuring comprehensive safeguarding of connected equipment. The hot-swappable, user-replaceable battery simplifies maintenance, and the rugged construction ensures durability for long-term use.
Performance
The Back-UPS Pro 1500 operates with a line-interactive topology, utilizing Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) to correct voltage fluctuations (170–294V) without draining the battery, thus extending battery life and ensuring stable power output. Its stepped approximation to a sine wave output is suitable for most consumer electronics, though it may not be ideal for highly sensitive active PFC power supplies compared to pure sine wave UPS models.
At full load (865W), the UPS provides approximately 3 minutes and 39 seconds of runtime, sufficient for safe shutdowns during brief outages. At lower loads (e.g., 100W), runtime can extend to 20–40 minutes, depending on connected devices. The cold-start capability allows the UPS to power devices during complete power failures, and its 8-hour recharge time ensures readiness for subsequent outages.
The transfer time of 8–10 ms is adequate for most applications, though slightly slower than pure sine wave models (2–6 ms). The UPS is generator-compatible, making it suitable for environments with backup generators or unstable power grids.
Key Features
1. Power-Saving Green Mode
The patented Green Mode bypasses unused electrical components during stable power conditions, achieving high operating efficiency without compromising protection. This reduces electricity consumption, lowering energy costs and environmental impact.
2. Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR)
AVR corrects low and high voltages to safe levels, preserving battery life and ensuring consistent power delivery. Users can adjust voltage sensitivity and transfer points to optimize performance for specific power environments.
3. LCD Status Display
The intuitive LCD display provides key UPS status at a glance, including load and battery bar graphs, input/output voltage, and event notifications, simplifying monitoring and management.
4. PowerChute Personal Edition Software
The included PowerChute software enables safe system shutdowns during extended outages, preventing data corruption. It also offers energy monitoring, CO2 tracking, and customizable settings for tailored power management.
5. Data Line Surge Protection
The UPS protects against surges on telephone (RJ-11) and network (RJ-45) lines, safeguarding modems, routers, and other connected devices from power spikes.
6. Hot-Swappable and User-Replaceable Batteries
The battery can be replaced without tools, reducing Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and increasing UPS availability. Periodic automatic self-tests and battery failure notifications ensure timely maintenance.
7. Audible Alarms and Building Wiring Fault Indicator
Audible alarms notify users of power events, low battery, or overloads, while the Building Wiring Fault Indicator alerts to potential wiring issues in the wall circuit, enhancing safety.
8. Generator Compatibility
The UPS adapts to generator power, making it ideal for regions with frequent outages or off-grid setups.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Energy-Efficient: Green Mode reduces power consumption, saving on electricity costs.
- Comprehensive Protection: AVR, surge protection, and data line protection safeguard a wide range of devices.
- User-Friendly: LCD display and PowerChute software simplify monitoring and management.
- Versatile Connectivity: 10 outlets (5 with battery backup) and universal IEC connectors support multiple devices.
- Reliable: Backed by APC’s reputation and a 1–2-year warranty.
- Generator Compatible: Suitable for unstable power environments.
Cons
- Stepped Sine Wave: May not be ideal for sensitive active PFC power supplies compared to pure sine wave UPS models.
- Weight: At 12.7 kg, it’s heavier than some compact UPS models, limiting portability.
- Limited Runtime at Full Load: 3–4 minutes at maximum capacity may not suffice for extended outages without a generator.
- Recharge Time: 8 hours is slower than some competitors with 4–6 hour recharge times.
User Feedback
User feedback for the APC Power-Saving Back-UPS Pro 1500 is overwhelmingly positive. Customers praise its reliability, ease of setup, and energy-saving features. One user highlighted excellent service from APC, with a battery replacement completed in 15 minutes, emphasizing the brand’s responsive support. Another user noted smooth performance with a high-end gaming PC (750W PSU), reporting no overloads and decent backup time for safe shutdowns. However, some users mention the need for a 16A power plug, which may require an appropriate outlet, and limited runtime for high-power setups without additional battery packs.
Who Should Buy It?
The APC Power-Saving Back-UPS Pro 1500, 230V is ideal for:
- Home Office Users: To protect PCs, routers, and external drives during outages or surges.
- Small Businesses: For safeguarding networking equipment, POS systems, or small servers.
- Gamers and AV Enthusiasts: To ensure uninterrupted operation of gaming PCs or home theater systems.
- Regions with Unstable Power: Its AVR and generator compatibility make it suitable for areas with frequent voltage fluctuations.
- Eco-Conscious Users: The Green Mode reduces energy consumption, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.
If you need pure sine wave output for sensitive electronics or longer runtime, consider the APC Easy UPS SMV series or models with external battery pack support.
Conclusion
The APC Power-Saving Back-UPS Pro 1500, 230V (BR1500GI) is a versatile and reliable UPS that offers premium power protection with energy-saving features. Its line-interactive topology, AVR, intuitive LCD display, and PowerChute software make it an excellent choice for home offices, small businesses, and regions with unstable power. While its stepped sine wave output may not suit highly sensitive devices, its robust feature set, ample outlets, and eco-friendly design make it a standout in its price range (typically $200–$300).
For the latest pricing and availability, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES. Always verify compatibility with your devices, use PowerChute software for optimal management, and perform regular maintenance to ensure long-term reliability.