APC BACK-UPS RS BR1500LCD 1500VA/865W UPS System

by APC

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 17.5 x 9.5 x 12 inches ; 30.9 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 32 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000NDA5E0
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: BR1500LCD
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (117 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 26, 2008

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

APC's BR1500LCD offers high performance protection for your business and office computer systems. It provides abundant battery backup power, allowing you to work through medium and extended length power outages (3.1 minutes at full load, and 11.7 minutes at half). It also safeguards your equipment from damaging surges and spikes that travel along utility, phone and network lines. Automatic voltage regulation (AVR) instantly adjusts both low and high voltages to safe levels, so you can work indefinitely during brownouts and overvoltage situations, saving the battery for power outages when you need it most. Award-winning shutdown software automatically powers down your computer system in the event of an extended power outage. Additional features like audible alarms, LED status indicators, user replaceable battery, push-button circuit breakers and plentiful outlets (including transformer-block spaced outlets) make the Back-UPS RS the perfect unit to protect your business' productivity from the constant threat of power problems and lost data.

High-performance protection for your business and office computer systems. Click here for a larger image

Protect Your Equipment

The APC BR1500LCD boasts eight surge-protected power outlets total, with six offering battery backup. Backup runs for 3.1 minutes at full load (865W) and 11.7 minutes at half (432.5W), giving you plenty of time to close files and protect data during power outages.

Battery Failure Notification

Get early-warning fault analysis on batteries, so you can take action before it's too late.

Cold-Start Capable

Provides temporary battery power when the utility power is out.

Eight surge-protected power outlets total, with six offering battery backup.

Text and mimic diagrams that display modes of operation, system parameters and alarms.

APC's PowerChute software automatically saves open files and gracefully shuts down your computer during extended outages.

User-Replaceable Batteries

Perform upgrades and replace batteries yourself. Hot-swappable batteries ensure clean, uninterrupted power to protected equipment while you replace them. No tools necessary.

Disconnected Battery Notification

Get a warning when a battery is not available to provide backup power.

Dataline Surge Protection

Protect your connected equipment from power surges that may occur over data lines.

Boost Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR)

Preserves battery life and maximizes runtime by correcting low voltages without discharging the battery.

Automatic Self-Test

A periodic battery self-test ensures early detection of a battery that needs replacing--no need for you to check manually.

Adjustable Voltage-Transfer Points

Maximizes useful battery life by widening the input voltage window or tightening the output voltage regulation.

Adjustable Voltage Sensitivity

Provides the ability to adapt the UPS for optimal performance in specific power environments or generator applications.

Audible Alarms

Provides notification of changing utility power and UPS conditions.

USB Connectivity

Connect to your PC or Mac to manage your UPS using APC's PowerChute software.

Transformer-Block Spaced Outlets

Convenient spacing allows you to protect equipment with input transformer blocks (aka "wall warts") without blocking access to other receptacles.

Intelligent Battery Management

Maximize battery performance, life, and reliability thanks to intelligent, precision charging.

Safety-Agency Approved

Tested and approved to work safely with the connected service provider equipment and within the specified environment.

Lifetime Data Recovery Warranty

Get a little peace of mind with a warranty that includes professional data recovery services in the event data is lost due to the failure of the unit.

LCD Graphics Display

Text and mimic diagrams that display modes of operation, system parameters and alarms.

Product Description

APC BACK-UPS RS BR1500LCD 1500VA/865W UPS System

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

342 of 351 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Finally a real-time LCD display from APC, May 20, 2007

By 

R. Ocampo "Artisan" (North America) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: APC BACK-UPS RS BR1500LCD 1500VA/865W UPS System (Electronics)

UPDATE: APRIL 20, 2010

APC online customer service was very receptive of my issue. I described the problem in detail and a new battery was sent out to me in a week. The replacement battery solved the issue - no more flashing battery icon and no more hissing sound. The replacement battery is a different brand from what was originally installed - both slapped with an APC sticker. I don't know if this new battery brand will help lengthen the life beyond three years of the unit itself. I'm glad the issue was addressed under warranty in a very speedy manner.

Taking into consideration my experience with three APC Back-UPS in over a decade. I would advise buying with caution and consider that if the price is right - cost versus usable years - then that's the decision only you can make.

As for myself, having used APC products while living in three countries from Asia to North America. I've experienced 3 usable years of the product whether it's the battery breaking down or the unit itself.

In any case, I will update this review if and when the unit gives up it's life down the road.

UPDATE: APRIL 4, 2010 (almost three years later...)

Well, as luck would have it and as I have expected from an APC product the replace battery icon has lately been flashing and there is a faint hissing sound. This means it's telling me that the rechargeable battery is reaching the end of it's life which has been one month shy of three years. The manual states the battery may last from 3-6 years. While the product information on the battery itself from the same manufacturer website says the replacement battery will last from 3-5 years.

Living in a major urban downtown city, I haven't experienced any major power outage or incident that could cause the battery life to fall short shy of three years (the minimum life of the battery). I have contacted APC support and will update status if this is covered at all under their warranty.

ORIGINAL POSTED REVIEW: MAY 20, 2007

First a review on pricing...

There are two models - BR1500LCD (Back UPS RS 1500) and BX1500LCD (Back UPS XS 1500). The difference:

1. RS model has additional phone/fax/model/10/100base-T ethernet protection. The XS only has phone/fax/modem protection.
2. Auto Voltage Regulation is capable of BOOST (due from low voltage) and TRIM (from over voltage). Again, the XS model only has BOOST, and no TRIM feature.

The price difference between the two is USD50.00. So depending on whether you need the extra feature as well as the area on where you live to depend on the TRIM function, the better equipped model may be for you. Aside from the above they are the same in the rest of the features, battery and physical dimension.

In any case, if you plan to purchase the more expensive RS model, then Amazon is your best option - lowest price with free shipping and zero tax.

So on to the product review...

I actually owned the white APC Back-UPS XS 1500 in 2002. It was doing it's job for a good 4 years. I purchased it because it was offered on sale by a retail store. Four years later it suddenly gave up just like that. I thought the battery was dead so I ordered new batteries. In less than a day the unit went dead again. I then sent it in to a recognized APC repair shop with the new batteries I purchased and they diagnosed that the circuit board is busted. That's the reason why it was shutting down. It wasn't able to charge the battery. So it wasn't the battery that was the problem in the first place, but the circuitry of the unit itself. I threw a perfectly good battery and spent on a new one I didn't need. They said it was beyond repair as APC was not supplying those boards anymore and suggested I purchase a new unit.

In the meantime, APC's trade-up program is a joke. You are supposed to get a discount for turning in your old UPS and buying a new one from them. But the truth is they sell their units at full retail price in the first place so any discount they give you negates it and even turns out more expensive than buying online or at retail stores.

I swore off purchasing APC UPS after incurring so much expense and ending up with a note that there was no hope for a repair support for it after the warranty. This is the problem with APC and one which I told them numerous times that they offer too many product variations for the same line. New products are introduced in a year that they stop support for replacement parts on the old products.

I saw this new BLACK XS1500 with an LCD display at a brick and mortar store initially for USD199.99. For USD20.00, you're better off at Amazon for the better RS model.

Then just before the Memorial Day weekend they put it on sale at USD144.99. That's a no-brainer USD55.00 in savings for the low end model. On top of that, I would have to spend even more to get the RS model. I couldn't resist and purchased two of the XS models that day.

(NOTE: May 27 - The price is now back up to USD199.99 so it's not worth purchasing the XS model. Amazon's RS model is your best option at this point.)

The manual suggests charging the unit for 16 hours straight prior to use. It comes with the connectors disabled so the batteries remain fresh when purchased. Unlike the white version, this product is more compact due to it's smaller height being 6 inches less. Although it is 1.85 inches wider. It is also 5lbs heavier perhaps due to the new battery model.

Specs:

1. 865 Watts / 1500 VA (same as white)
2. 6 battery back up outlets and 2 surge outlets (same as white)
3. Surge energy rating is 340 Joules (white version is 420 Joules)

*The above specs I got directly from APC website.

The white version only needs 8 hours recharge time versus the black's 16 hours. However, unlike the white version, this black version comes with an LCD which makes it very convenient and informative. How?

1. It will tell you input voltage of the outlet. Now you'll know if there's something wrong with the supplied current.
2. It will tell you the output voltage it is giving to your equipment.
3. You are given the actual load in Watts as well as percentage and a bar graph to help you determine how much more you can connect. No more guessing how much your computer is taxing the UPS.
4. The most convenient of all features is the bar graph showing how much battery life is left. Manual states you can expect to replace battery within 3-6 years. Umm, okay. This time it will tell you how much battery life is left. A real life saver to help you determine if the battery is being charged properly and when it's time to start saving for that ubber expensive APC battery replacement part.

You have a choice of having the display shut off for stealth mode. In fact it comes with this feature enabled from the factory. I changed the setting to show me the real-time display of my computer load so I know how hard my processor is working.

By the way, I'm using an Apple Power Mac G5 2.0 DP (with a massive nVidia Geforce 6800 Ultra DDL graphics card, 4 internal - 3x250GB, 1x160GB SATA hard disks, an SATA PCI-X and FireWire 800 PCI-X controller. There is also a 23" monitor and HP scanner. All are idling at an averaging 215 Watts. That's only 24% of the capacity of the unit and a good 22 minutes of runtime. With five (5) more free outlets, it enables me to work the computer under heavy load, add more external peripheral and still get respectable runtime left.

The Cons...

1. APC makes too many models every year. Apart from that, they make sub-models and confusing branding within a model as you have seen in this case - RS is also known as the BR1500, XS is also known the BX1500. I've lost support for replacement parts on the white version by the time the unit gave in. I was hoping to be able to simply replace batteries and keep adding more UPS units. In my case, I needed to throw the old one with no hope for repair.

2. APC makes expensive products. There are a handful of other manufacturers that make similar LCD units for way less. I would have gone that route, but the current sale they are offering this brings the price at par with the less known brands.

3. APC battery prices are crazy expensive. They last around 3-6 years. You would need to replace them for continued functionality. Sadly my old APC UPS gave up first than the battery. Being out of warranty, my only choice was to buy a new unit.

If you actually dissect the APC battery, you'll know it's manufactured by some other company. If you're resourceful enough you can grab the very same model for way less. But make sure it's the same brand and model because there are a lot of cheaper battery replacements out there that don't last as long.

4. I wanted to state that APC is expensive because of reliability so that should offset the pricing. Well, in my case I get less than satisfactory product life.

5. Software version is very old. There are no 2007 updates especially for a Mac. In fact the CD that came with this NEW product is older than what is available at the APC website.

My suggestion - just like the LCD read out, they need to make this data possible to display on your computer screen so you don't have bend down and check runtime and load levels, if and when needed.

6. Furthermore, one more convenient LCD readout should report UPS temperature. I believe this may help reduce failure of units especially when heavily loaded.

Verdict...

Amazon's RS offering at less than retail is a great... Read more ›

100 of 105 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Overall nice, but with a few caveats, April 25, 2007

By 

Tarrant "Neocount of Merentha" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: APC BACK-UPS RS BR1500LCD 1500VA/865W UPS System (Electronics)

There are several nice features in this unit, including (1) 1500VA, 875W battery backup, (2) front LCD display, (3) 6x battery backup outlets, (4) 2x surge-only outlets, (5) Phone jack, coax cable, and user-replaceable battery. The front LCD is slick, and displays in/out voltage/freq, current load (in watts and percent of max), and estimated battery backup time left.

Beware the tech specs listed: (1)the surge suppression energy rating is only 340 joules! This is almost 1/3rd less than other brands at this VA rating. Second, and the biggest con, is that this unit only provides AVR boost and not trim/buck. Which means that during overvoltages, this unit will go to battery mode to provide safe output. If you live in an area with frequent overvoltages, go with a different unit that has true AVR in both directions, so that the battery isn't depleted during Trim/Buck modes. While other non-LCD RS series units from APC have true Trim, the LCD units do not. I confirmed this with an APC tech.

Watch out for the BX versions that are frequently sold in brick-and-mortar stores. Though they look like their BR counterparts, there are differences. Check APC's knowledgebase for details.

Finally, on a system equipped with a 17" LCD monitor, QX6700 CPU, 680i motherboard, 2x SATA drives, and a 8800GTX with 850W power supply, the system draws 280W idle, and 360W in intensive games. Even with a 1500VA UPS, this means that average runtimes will be 17 min (idle) and ~7 min (gaming).

45 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great quality.. super expensive batteries, June 13, 2007

By 

Nima S. Panahi (Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: APC BACK-UPS RS BR1500LCD 1500VA/865W UPS System (Electronics)

APC makes good quality products but as many have noted there are two basic problems. First, they keep changing their line-up of products so that if you product dies when out of warrenty you probably have to buy a whole new UPS unit since APC would have dropped support for your model by then and even a simple and cheap replacment part would not be available. Second, their charge an arm and a leg for replacement batteries! It is insane.. but if you do your search online and do a careful study you can probably get the same type of battery (but different brand name on it) for a lot less.
Also, I never buy the BX/XS models as they rely on the battery for some voltage regulations and that dies out the battery faster. the RS models are worth the extra bucks I think.