APC Back-UPS 650: overview of line-interactive UPS. Photos and reviews of specialists

ARS company has long been almost a monopolist in the market of uninterruptible power supplies. Almost every user who has 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's more correct to consider this office as the manufacturer.

As for ARS products, it is traditionally high-quality and enduring. The company specializes in the release of uninterruptible power supplies, which means that the main criterion in product evaluation is battery life and surge protection. And with this, ARS products are in order. Relatively recently, the company released UPS APC Back-UPS 650. About it and will be discussed.

About the device

APS Back-UPS 650 is the logical continuation of a series of line-interactive uninterruptible power supplies. The device has all the necessary characteristics, while it lacks options, completely unnecessary for such a device. Some top models are also equipped with a miniature LCD screen, but for such a device it is not really needed, because the energy supply is also consumed on the screen. And in terms of the duration of battery life is not very good. Most UPSs are provided with simple LED indicators that show the battery level and operating mode.

There are several modifications of this product with the prefixes CS, RS and Pro. All of them differ from each other, but insignificantly. The difference is, as a rule, in some technical characteristics. It should be noted that the same output voltage - the business card of all UPSs APC Back-UPS 650, 230 V - is the limit for them. Even outwardly, these devices are almost identical. But you need to make them out for the sake of completeness.

CS version

The CS line is almost the cheapest among the APC 650 series devices. The battery differs modest (relatively) characteristics and standard for devices of this class appearance. Nothing extra. Everything is strictly to ensure uninterrupted power to the computer components in the event of a voltage failure.

APC Back-UPS CS 650 is available only in black. This is even good, since black is a universal color. He is in no way able to spoil the appearance of the workplace. The asceticism of the UPS ARS CS-version is even good. Because such devices should work, rather than attract attention with a bright appearance. Now let's see what this "uninterrupted", so to speak, under the hood.

CS version specifications

The main criteria for evaluating uninterruptible power supplies are the battery capacity and the presence of surge protection. Everything else goes into the background. Now let's see what APC Back-UPS CS 650 can offer us. In principle, like all linear-interactive uninterruptible power supplies, ARS products have typical characteristics, and they should not be deepened. But there are differences. Therefore, we can not avoid analyzing these very differences. So let's go.

UPS power

This parameter is responsible for the stable power supply of all computer components. If there are not enough digits, then the computer simply will not work. The power of this UPS is 650 VA. This is quite enough for a medium-sized PC. For the gaming machine will have to look for something more powerful.

Battery capacity

This UPS has a battery with a capacity of 7.2 A / h with a working voltage of 12 V. How long will it last for a power outage? Strictly speaking, it all depends on the configuration of the computer. The more powerful your machine, the less time you have to properly turn off the PC in case of failure. However, the average time for computers with a moderate configuration (most of them) is 1-3 minutes. Depending on the load on the components of the computer. Not a bad result. The time of the full charge of the battery (after the first switch-on) is 22 hours. Much too much, but what can you do? It is necessary to sacrifice something for the sake of stability.

Protection against voltage drops

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

Connectors and interfaces of the CS version

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

In addition, the UPS contains connectors to protect the telephone line and another one to connect the UPS to the PC. Connectors for the telephone line are needed for those who want to secure their communication devices from voltage drops. Also, the UPS can be connected to the computer and set up the correct process of shutting down the PC when the power is lost. To do this, the package contains a disk with the firmware APC Back-UPS CS 650. The instruction in the kit will help in this process. Despite the statements of some users that the manual does not understand anything, in our opinion, the instruction is very detailed. She describes very precisely the methods of working with the device and the features of the device itself. There is even a layout of components.

RS Version

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 device does its job well. And with this, the uninterruptible power supply of the RS version copes no worse than its "twin brother".

If the CS version was intended for work with medium-power computers, then RS will pull up only office PCs. For other problems of power, it is not enough. But this does not mean that it is worse. It's just not done for this. If you need an uninterruptible power supply more powerful, then it makes sense to pay attention to the version of Pro (about it just below). You will get a good increase in power for practically the same money.

RS specifications

APC Back-Ups 650 version RS has its technical characteristics, which, however, do not differ much from the inherent versions of the CS version. It should be so, because these devices are in the same price niche. Therefore, there can not be any significant differences between them. Let's see what the RS version is.

Power

The uninterruptible power supply of the RS version has a total power of 650 VA, but it is short-lived. The constant is equal to 390 Watts. This is enough for office computers. But nothing more. And yet this line-interactive UPS can provide professional protection against power surges and sudden power outages.

Battery capacity

The battery here is installed 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 to turn off his PC as required. Perhaps this is due to the reduced power of the device. Whatever it was, but for office PCs and that's enough.

Protection against voltage drops. Strictly speaking, this option is available in all uninterruptible power supplies from APC. And it works as it should. For without it an uninterruptible device would simply be a battery. The RS version was no exception. The protection is present and works well. The jumps of the voltage are equalized, and a perfectly even impulse is sent to the PC.

RS Connectors and Interfaces

There are no differences at all. The same four connectors of the "euro" standard with grounding, the same inputs to protect the telephone connection. The same classification with separation into important (battery-powered) and "not very" (only with rectifier). The connector for connecting the UPS to the computer is also in place. And in the delivery set - traditionally a disk with firmware and instruction manual. And in the latter there is an adequate Russian language. This is another plus to the ARS company.

Battery key

In all versions of devices from APC 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 it when the uninterruptible power supply is turned on. When the UPS is purchased, it is removed. This is done in order to prevent the battery discharge cycle. So he will last longer. To activate the device, insert this plug into the socket immediately before turning on the uninterruptible power supply. After the UPS is turned on, the battery will start charging.

Version Pro

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

Differences Pro from CS and RS

The Pro version is identical to RS and CS. The same number of connectors and functions. The same voltage rectifiers. Even the battery from the same manufacturer, only more capacity. It is clear that the UPS Pro version 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 an ideal line-interactive uninterruptible power supply for the average user. Plus, there is a remarkable balance of "price-quality".

Expert Reviews

Since the APC technique is popular, it has not been difficult to find experts' opinions on this uninterruptible power supply. Most of the reviews are positive. Of the minuses, most note only a stable failure of the device a year after the end of the warranty period. But there's nothing to blame here for the company. After all, they honestly informed the user about the guaranteed lifespan of their product. It's another matter if the UPS were "dying" before the end of the warranty. That would really be disgraceful.

Some "specialists" did not arrange a package of UPS APC Back-UPS 650. The instruction, in their opinion, could be a bit more detailed. Although with regard to feedback, something definite is difficult to say. How many people - so many opinions. Some, for example, complained of a barely audible high-frequency squeak during the operation of the UPS. Others noted that no squeak was seen. Probably, this depends on the specific model. However, in one, all people who tested this device are unanimous. The APC Back-UPS 650 battery is its main advantage. He really is a quality one.

Version Pro received the most positive reviews. In this model, all components have been praised. And especially pleased with the battery life. In addition, almost all the authors of the reviews note the qualitative assembly of the device and the reliability of attaching the plugs to the connectors. This alone puts the ARS on a higher level than other producers. And if you add a low price here, then the company will not have any competitors at all.

Summary

Having looked at APC Back-UPS 650 line-interactive UPS products from all directions, it is safe to say that these UPSs are perfect for providing continuous power supply to office-type computers. In addition, these uninterruptible power supplies have excellent protection against overload and voltage drops. What is especially important for areas with unstable power supply.

And finally

The battery charge of any of these UPSs is enough to ensure that you can save all the data and turn off the computer as expected. And as for the price, the products from ARS are the cheapest in comparison with the products of other manufacturers. So a device of this type should be for every user who cares about the safety and health of his "iron friend."