Can I use a BE350R UPS in a 220v country with a step-down transformer?

[Anonymous user]

I have a BE350R UPS that I purchased in the US.  I brought it with me to a country that uses 220v electricity.  I am wondering if I can use this UPS here as long as I use a step-down transformer to convert the input voltage to 110v.  The specifications for the UPS say that it the input frequency can be 50/60Hz.

[BillP]

I suppose it would work though you would have to find a transformer that supports 220 in/ 110(120) out.  We don't carry step down transformers like that unfortunately but as long as the UPS sees the proper voltage/frequency, it will probably work just fine.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks for this feedback.  However, I did a little more looking around on the APC website, and I found the following information in the FAQ ".... APC does not recommend the use of domestic models overseas due to the potential risk of damage to either the ups or the load, even with a transformer....."  The link to this FAQ is Can I use a domestic model UPS in a foreign country? | FAQs | Schneider Electric US

I'm not sure what is behind this statement.  Is it out of an over abundance of caution?  Or, is there a real chance of damage?  I have already brought my UPS overseas.  So, if I can't use it, then it is just a huge paper weight.  If the potential risk is damage to the UPS, then I don't mind that risk.  I have nothing to lose.  I just wonder how likely it is that the equipment in my 'load' could be damaged.

[BillP]

I think that article is focused on Symmetra UPSs by the way it is written. That UPS is larger and more complicated than a Back UPS.

The fact is that some users may worry about what voltage they feed the UPS and not necessary the frequency. It also makes a difference if you have a UPS that has bypass functionality where in bypass, the load might be fed with different voltage and frequency if a transformer is bypassed.

In my opinion, if you can get a transformer to feed this UPS both voltage and frequency within the acceptable range listed in the manual for BE350R (http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/ASTE-6Z7VAQ/ASTE-6Z7VAQ_R3_EN.pdf) with a transformer, there should be no problem since the UPS won't know whether it is a transformer or not.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Thanks for the responses.  This gives me helpful information to go on.