The Back-UPS Pro 900 Line-Interactive 900VA 540W with 5 Schuko Sockets from APC is a Tower UPS. It features 5 Schuko type sockets as well as an input and output for an ethernet cable, protecting the devices connected to it, e.g., router (provided their power supply is also connected to a UPS or a surge protector). Its operation is (VI) Line-Interactive, which continuously adjusts the output voltage through an automatic voltage regulator, protecting against voltage fluctuations and power outages. Its battery can last 27 minutes at half load or 9 minutes at full load (when the connected devices draw half or the maximum current that the UPS can provide, respectively).
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Like all the APC UPS units I have purchased in the past, it works perfectly. The connection to the computer via the included software is equally flawless. It shuts down your computer when the power goes out and after the preset time.
It made an annoying sound every 4 seconds and because I had it in a room it was very annoying, I tried to connect it to other sockets in the house and it did the same thing again....
In the end, a refund was made.
I have had it for a year and a half and it has saved my PC three times, I easily managed to shut it down after a power outage. APC is the best for protection!
It was purchased a few days ago. At first, I noticed a linear buzzing sound that would intermittently occur every 4 seconds. Although it wasn't unbearable, I decided to contact APC. Excellent customer service! The representative for Greece called me IMMEDIATELY and asked for complete details for replacement. However, by changing the outlet (I had temporarily placed it in a power strip only for charging its batteries), the problem disappeared completely and I cancelled the replacement.
POSITIVES: Its batteries (2 pieces connected to a carrier) are replaced by you with a single movement (you took out - you put in). Quiet and sturdy with a clear screen that shows the load the machine is receiving at any given moment.
NEGATIVES: None
Highly recommended ALSO due to the incredible after-sales service!
APC Model: BR900G-GR, APC Serial: 3B1314X09449, Date Purchased: 27/08/2013. Replacement of the 2 batteries (according to the manual, it is expected to be replaced every 2-5 years, with a maximum of 6) and YES.. (maybe I got lucky, but it worked)... it was done in 2019 and I didn't buy the battery pack (set) (APC Replacement Battery Cartridge 123), due to the high cost (around €80), but I bought individually from a Greek store for €2x19, exactly the same type and brand (CSB GP1272 12v 7.2Ah F2 Lead Acid Battery), which is what it had from the original purchase.
Its strong points are:
1. Software upgrade, control and customization of the output operation of the available outlets (5 Schuko CEE 7/7P), with initial output-connection setting (2 as surge protection and 3 as battery backup). The initial operation is one (1) outlet as "master" (for devices in permanent operation and in case of power outage, they operate on battery power) and four (4) outlets as "control by master", which if connected devices are in standby mode, where the power consumption is low, these specific outlets also go into standby, cutting off the power output and only resuming operation when we activate a device (in this setting, they do not operate on battery power in case of power outage). There is the possibility of manually setting 2 out of the three "control by master" outlets to "master" and together with the initial one (1) outlet as "master", they become 3 (in case of power outage, they operate on battery power).
2. Automatic voltage regulation (AVR) & (Boost and Trim), automatically increasing low voltage and decreasing high voltage within a range of 176 - 294V (or manually from 156 - 300V), to levels suitable for the equipment, correcting low and high voltage conditions without using the battery.
3. Notification for power changes and UPS power conditions, both audibly and with a symbol on the LCD screen, when the battery is not available for backup power supply, with periodic self-diagnostic battery checks (automatically or manually), ensuring timely detection of a battery that needs to be replaced (this is how I understood and replaced the battery), in overload (continuous tone), power outage or fluctuations (intermittent tone).
4. Additional protection and energy management capabilities of the UPS, through USB port, multiple status indicators with load graphs and battery bar on the LCD screen.
5. Ability to backup and protect hardware and data during power outages or power surges, as well as protection of connected equipment from power surges on data lines (Dataline) (I have also connected the router as it has a telephone line input and output port as well as an Ethernet input-output port).
6. Power plan settings with operating modes and real-time updates of current power status, both manually by executing commands and with indications of daily consumption cost in Kw/h, power usage-duration rate, CO emissions, power outage and voltage malfunction history (up to 24 weeks), etc.
Overall impressions from then until now... honestly, it hurt initially when I bought it (around €210, which was a significant amount for me), but unfortunately, it's true what they say.. "you get what you pay for!".
Just now I opened it and I have it in my office, I will do a more serious evaluation in due time, just to note that because I have it on my desk, it makes a noise constantly, probably the fan, as annoying as possible when you don't wear headphones for example... if it was a meter away from the desk, or below the desk, I wouldn't have any issues I think, I will write again within the week.
The sound comes from the front, if you put it high or low, a meter is fine, almost silent.
Doing a stress test on the computer recently, I noticed that the watts it can provide until the battery starts to drain is 540, then it starts to consume battery until it shuts down. I consider 540 watts quite enough for the average user, with a monitor, a mid-range computer, and a small speaker system. In my case, I exceeded that because I used both the processor and the graphics card at 100% for a long time with fans at maximum (3x120mm and 2x140mm). Under normal conditions, I don't even reach 300 watts.
Very good UPS, reliable, with a display that shows the load of the UPS and how long it can hold. Additionally, it comes with an excellent and user-friendly PC application.
I have had this particular UPS for over four years. I use a much older model in the office where we have frequent voltage drops or power outages.
Simply put, the word UPS is synonymous with APC in everything: Money, noise, reliability, functionality, service, etc.
Until I bought this specific UPS, I was prohibited from using them since I have gone through four other companies and none of them managed to meet my needs. I returned the last one on time and luckily got my money back. Finally, two months ago, I bought this UPS and I really relaxed. I have loaded it with a TV, computer, powered speakers, receiver, two routers, TV box, IP camera, and it hasn't even reached half of its power. In addition to the LCD screen it has, where you can have a lot of information about its operation, it also has a very good and user-friendly program where you can make various settings. In the two months that I have had it, I needed it at least ten times and it supported all my devices perfectly. I give it a ten with emphasis.
After a year and a half of continuous operation, one pixel of the screen burned out. I called APC and after three or four days, they sent me a new UPS. Of course, I returned the old one. It is not a coincidence that APC is at the top. Thank you...
I use it on a Mac Pro. In standby mode, it is completely silent. In battery mode, you can hear the fan, which activates immediately after a power outage if there is a load on the UPS. Also, when it operates on its batteries, the output does not have a clean sine wave (the waveform is simply squared), causing the power supply of the Mac Pro to make a buzzing noise (this sound creates insecurity that something is not right with the input voltage to the computer, even though it is 230 volts), so you have to turn it off immediately to avoid any damage.
I don't have this buzzing noise in other devices' power supplies.
On the positive side, it has a display with full indication of operating status (input voltage, output voltage, frequency, battery level, remaining time, etc.).
Also, in the computer settings, I have full control of the UPS without having to install any software or drivers. And all this is simply done with the USB cable provided by the company with the purchase of the UPS.
I have had it for 2 years. I had no issues at all. It made me realize how unstable the electricity is in the house. It goes out 2-3 times a week and almost always when it rains. I haven't had to change the battery yet based on the test the company's software does.
Update after 4 years (17/04/2021):
I have changed the battery once after 3 years. Everything is fine, no issues. Anyway, it says that the battery needs to be changed every 2-3 years, but 55€ every 2-3 years is nothing compared to the cost of your equipment breaking down.
Excellent UPS with APC warranty. It lasts for a sufficient amount of time for the load I have given it (monitor, computer, NAS, IP phone, router, switch). Its batteries are also easily replaceable.