BR1500LCD vs BR1500 vx SUA1500

[Anonymous user]

My new Vista 64 computer does not have an rs232 jack so I am unable to connect my Back-Ups Pro 1000 or my Smart-Ups 1000 to it. I looked at the usb to serial adapters but I'm not crazy about that workaround. Additionally I believe that I should be protecting my computer from surges through the coaxial cable connection which neither of my current UPS's have.

My new computer has a 650 watt power supply (extreme power supply calculator calculated 470 watts) plus a 17" LCD monitor, 24" LCD monitor, and a powered sound system. It seems as though the SUA1000 could handle these loads, but without much to spare for future power needs. As important as my tiny business is to me I don't need significant run time in the event of a power outage, just enough time to safely shut the computer down. Therefore I think the 1500 capacities are adequate and more appropriate.

So...
The SUA1500 does not seem to have either the RJ45 or the Coaxial protection, but it has the pure sine wave.
The BR1500 seems to have the RJ45 but no Coaxial or pure sine wave.
The BR1500LCD seems to have both the RJ45 and Coaxial, but it doesn't have the pure sine wave.

Any insight would be appreciated.

[Erasmus_apc]

If your computer power supply is Active Power Factor Correction (you will need to check with the mfg.), then you will need an SUA unit, and the SUA1500 is a fine choice if it meets your needs. This requirement is due to the fact that Active PFC supplies have trouble with step approximated sine waves; sometimes this can cause the system to shut down or reboot. If your computer power supply is passive PFC, the BR units will be fine if you are looking to save some cash. Your choice will then depend on what RJ45/coax protection you want. As a side note, you could remove your powered speakers/accessories from the UPS (or use the surge outlets on the BR units) and put them on a separate surge protector to save some runtime.

[Anonymous user]

Thank you for the reply.

I would have never known to check my power supply which does have active power factor correction. I have e-mailed the manufacturer's tech support to see if in their opinion this power supply is compatible with step approximated sine waves.

Your comments regarding the RJ-45/coaxial protection is somewhat puzzling. Don't I have to protect all inputs to my computer in order to protect the computer?

If my power supply forces me to the SUA 1500 how-to I surge protect my RJ-45 and coaxial connections?

[Techie_apc]

Craig,

APC Protectnet devices are available in order to protect the equipment from data lines such RJ45 and Coaxial lines. APC Protectnet devices are used in conjunction with APC Smart UPSs. Click on the below link to view the Protectnet devices which meet your requirement.
http://www.apc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=145&ISOCountryCode=US

I hope that this helps.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks for the info and the link.

The need for the supplemental surge protection products brings up an interesting dilemma. Cyberpower systems has the PR1500LCDRT2U model with pure sine waves, LCD graphical interface, and RJ-45 and coaxial surge protection all-in-one unit! And they cost a bit less than the SUA1500 + Protectnet devices.

Also, why does APC's UPS selector ignore the active PFC issue when it recommends a unit among 4 new lines of UPSs, none of which have pure sine waves? If I hadn't have posted in this forum I would've made the expensive and possibly damaging mistake of buying one of their new UPSs.

Why is APC testing my loyalty?

[Anonymous user]

Quite many PSUs now come with APFC so I think APC should start thinking about releasing cheaper pure sinewave units with more interesting features like the LCD! I think the smart-UPS series is made for the professional market I mean, for servers and the like, not for the avarage user, even the shape of the unit is kinda ugly, in my opinion! Many other brands has cheaper pure sinewave UPSes. Here in my country, Brazil, one APC Smart-UPS costs twice the price of a good national brand. No one buys one Smart-UPS for using at home...

At least many APFC power supplies can take the pseudo-sinewave, a 460W Zalman.

[Techie_apc]

Thank you rau for your constructive input.

In my opinion, not all the PFC supplies require Pure Sine wave input. Click on the below link to download the doc which provides guidance for selecting and properly sizing models that are more suitable for the demands of PFC loads.
http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/RMUZ-7DTKRC_R1_EN.pdf

I hope that this helps.

[Anonymous user]

Techie,

Thanks for the document!

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Good info. Thanks for the bulletin.

Antec tech support has now stated that the EA650 with Acitve PFC requires a pure sine wave.

So there we are.