ARS has long become almost a monopolist in the uninterruptible power supply market. Almost every user with a UPS uses the products of this particular company. This is an indicator that the company produces really high-quality equipment. Strictly speaking, APC is a subsidiary of the giant Shneider Electric. So it’s more correct to consider this office as a manufacturer.
As for APC products, they are traditionally high-quality and hardy. The company specializes in the production of uninterruptible power supplies, which means that the main criterion in evaluating products is battery life and surge protection. And with this, APC products are all right. Relatively recently, the company released the APC Back-UPS 650 UPS. We will talk about it.
A little bit about the device
The 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 that are 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 particularly needed, since the power supply is also expended on the screen. And in terms of battery life, this is not very good. Most UPSs are equipped with simple LED indicators that display the battery level and mode of operation.
There are several modifications to this product with the CS, RS, and Pro prefixes. They all differ from each other, but slightly. The difference is, as a rule, in some technical characteristics. It is worth noting that the same output voltage is the calling card of all APC Back-UPS 650, 230 V uninterruptible power supply units - this is the limit for them. Even externally, these devices are almost the same. But you need to disassemble them all to complete the picture.
CS version
The CS line turns out to be almost the cheapest among the APC 650 series devices. The battery is characterized by modest (relatively) characteristics and a standard appearance for devices of this class. Nothing extra. All strictly in order to ensure uninterrupted power supply of computer elements in the event of a power failure.
APC Back-UPS CS 650 is available in black only. 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 APC CS version is even good. Since such devices should work, and not attract attention with a bright appearance. Now let's see what this “uninterruptible” has, so to speak, under the hood.
CS Version Specifications
The main criteria by which it is customary to evaluate uninterruptible power supplies are the battery capacity and the presence of protection against power surges. Everything else fades into the background. Now let's see what the APC Back-UPS CS 650 can offer us. In principle, like all line-interactive uninterruptible power supplies, the products from APC have typical characteristics, and it’s not worth particularly delving into them. But there are still differences. Therefore, we cannot 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 enough for a mid-range PC. For a gaming machine, you have to look for something more powerful.
Battery capacity
This UPS has a 7.2 A / h battery with an operating voltage of 12 V. Is it long enough 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 your PC in the event of a failure. However, the average time for computers of moderate configuration (of which most) is 1-3 minutes. Depending on the load on the components of the computer. Not a bad result. The full charge of the battery (after the first power-up) is 22 hours. Too much, but what to do? We have to sacrifice something in the name of stability.
Surge Protection
This option is present in the APC Back-UPS 650 CS version. Moreover, this component copes with its work with a bang. Numerous tests show that an uninterruptible power supply can equalize the voltage and supply it to the computer. Thus, all components of your computer are reliably protected from power surges.
CS Connectors and Interfaces
The CS CS APS Back-UPS 650 has four Euro-style power plugs. Moreover, three of them are used to connect devices directly to the battery. They are needed primarily for devices that are critical to the availability of constant power (system unit, monitor). The fourth connector is for connecting a device that does not need constant power (printer, scanner). The latter is equipped only with a voltage stabilizer.
In addition, the UPS contains connectors for protecting the telephone line and another for connecting the uninterruptible power supply to the PC. Connectors for a telephone line are needed for those who want to protect their communication devices from power surges. Also, the UPS can be connected to a computer and set up the correct process for turning off the PC in case of power loss. For this, a CD with proprietary software APC Back-UPS CS 650 is included in the package of delivery. The instructions that are included in the package will help in performing this process. Despite the statements of some users that nothing is understood in the instruction manual, in our opinion, the instruction is very detailed. It very accurately describes the methods of working with the device and the features of the device itself. There is even a layout of components.
RS version
The 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 designed to work with computers of medium power, then RS will pull unless office PCs. For other tasks, power is not enough for him. But this does not mean that he is worse. It’s just not made for this. If you need a uninterruptible power supply more powerful, then it makes sense to pay attention to the Pro version (about it just below). It will turn out a good increase in power for almost the same money.
RS specifications
The APC Back-Ups 650 RS version has its own technical characteristics, which, however, do not differ much from the CS version inherent in the devices. So it should be, because these devices are in the same price niche. Therefore, there can be no significant differences between them. Let's see what the RS version is.
Power
The RS version uninterruptible power supply has a total power of 650 VA, but it is short-lived. The constant is 390 watts. For office computers, this is enough. But no more than that. Yet this line-interactive UPS is capable of providing professional protection against power surges and sudden power outages.
Battery capacity
The battery 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 in order to turn off his PC as required. Perhaps this is due to the reduced power of the device. Be that as it may, but for office PCs this is enough.
Surge protection. Strictly speaking, this option is available in all uninterruptible power supplies from the APC. And it works as it should. For without it, an uninterrupted battery would have been just a battery. The RS version was no exception. Protection is present and works well. The voltage jumps are equalized, and a completely even pulse is sent to the PC.
Connectors and Interfaces RS Version
There are no differences at all. The same four Euro connectors with grounding, the same inputs to protect the telephone connection. The same classification is divided into important (with battery power) and not so (only with rectifier). The connector for connecting the UPS to the computer is also in place. And in the delivery set - traditionally a disc with proprietary software and an instruction manual. And in the latter there is an adequate Russian language. This is another plus in the piggy bank of the company ARS.
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 you turn on the uninterruptible power supply in 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 plugging in the uninterruptible power supply into the network, plug this plug into the connector located right there. After turning on the UPS, the battery charging process will begin.
Pro version
The APC Back-UPS 650 BX650CI Pro version is designed specifically for those who want their computer to run longer on battery power when the power is cut. Unlike the RS and CS versions, the battery life in the Pro version is 5.5 minutes. And this is in full load mode. And in partial UPS mode, it is able to provide PC power for 14-15 minutes. This is an absolute record among devices in 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 a battery from the same manufacturer, only of a larger capacity. It is clear that the UPS version of the Pro version will cost a little more, but the difference is not critical. Yes, and you can also connect it to a PC and synchronize. The APC Back-UPS Pro 650 is the ideal line-interactive uninterruptible power supply for the average user. Plus, there is a wonderful balance of price-quality.
Reviews of specialists
Since APC equipment is popular, it was not difficult to find the opinions of specialists about this uninterruptible power supply. Most of the reviews are positive. Of the minuses, most note only a stable failure of the device one year after the end of the warranty period. But there is nothing to blame the company for. After all, they honestly informed the user about the guaranteed terms of their product. Another thing is if the UPS "died" before the end of the warranty. That really would be a disgrace.
Some “specialists” were not satisfied with the package of delivery of the APC Back-UPS 650 UPS. The instruction, in their opinion, could be a little more detailed. Although in relation to reviews, it is rather difficult to say anything specific. How many people - so many opinions. Some, for example, complained of a barely audible high-frequency squeak during UPS operation. Others noted that no squeak was noticed. 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. It is really high quality.
The Pro version received the most positive reviews. In this model, all components are praised. And especially pleased with the battery life. In addition, almost all reviewers note the high-quality assembly of the device and the reliability of fastening the plugs in the connectors. This alone puts APC a notch above other manufacturers. And if you add a low price here, then the company will have no competitors at all.
Summary
Having examined APC's products from all sides, namely the APC Back-UPS 650 series of line-interactive uninterruptible power supplies , it is safe to say that these UPSs are perfect for providing continuous power supply to office computers. In addition, these uninterruptible power supplies have excellent protection against overload and voltage surges. Which is especially true for areas with unstable power supply.
And finally
The battery charge of any of these UPSs is quite enough so that you can save all the data and turn off the computer as it should. As for the price, the products from APC are the cheapest compared to products from other manufacturers. So every user who cares about the safety and good health of his “iron friend” should have this type of device.