CyberPower PR1500LCD 1500 VA 1050 Watts 8 Outlets UPS

Pros: Designed for a Server application - my last batteries that seemed to be the same as in this unit, lasted about five years, with no problems, specifically the Cyberpower OP1500 AVR (obsolete),

Cons: Shipping boxes NEEDS improvement (scraps of cardboard would be sufficient most probably) – on the bottom, between the two styrofoam edge/corner pieces. Basically, a person (like the UPS guy) who I watched carried it to my door with the box on his shoulder, there perhaps 2” of empty space, and only the 1/8" thick cardboard box to act as “support?” for 50+ Ibs. This is the second Cyber Power (mid size that has this problem). Same results probably if moving the box with a dolly. The bottom of the box had been re-taped, and a tear in the box itself of significance, styrofoam package material on the bottom had more five distinct breaks in them I really did not want to have inspect the batteries in the unit, prior to using it, and then charge it outside away from any structure.

If this UPS was to be used in a server environment, (i.e., in use 24 hr/day 365 days per year), I'd give it 5 stars, if it were not for the packaging.

Reason for 4 star rating

If this is for a small office environment, say used between 7 am and 6 pm daily, I would consider another CyberPower unit or buying this unit with a timer switch( two pole) The PR1500LCD (1050 Watts Maximum) typically draws between 45 Watts to 75 Watts, (new), with no load when the UPS turned off. My Cyberpower 1500AVR (700 Watt Maximum) , and PP1500 (900 Watt Maximum) draws just 10 Watts. Per CyberPower Technical Support 50 Watts is typically for the PR1500LCD. The average price of electricity is about $0.11 per KWHr ( in the USA ), basically if this Unit is turn off (unplugged from AC power – not just turn off) 12 hours per day, one would save enough on electricity to replace the of the batteries in less than two years, about $60.00 (w/o shipping cost), the nominal size of the batteries are (two) 7.13” length, 2.99” width, 6.54” height), 12 V, 20 AHr. - Same as the battery as far as I can tell is used in the Cyberpower OP1500 AVR (obsolete model) . The marking if any were not readable on the batteries, an adhesive was used to “hold them together”. Part number for the OP1500 AVR battery was EVP-20-12 another P/N FM12170, about 20+ different part numbers for this "style" of battery (sold individually with out the double side adhesive, I would assume) , there is a listing out there, one should never have a problem finding replacement batteries. Also, by not constantly charging the batteries this should prolong the batteries life and also by reducing the average temperature of the batteries and charging electronics – see Wiki Arrhenius Model. The batteries lasted five year or so on my OP1500 AVR – with light usage.

Thermal Design is for air flow is far superior than that of the OP1500 AVR (obsolete CyberPower model).

A light coating of anti-corrosion spray was not applied by the mfg on the terminal connectors of the batteries.

Pros: This unit is built like a tank, which is good because it needs to be sturdy to support the heavy battery inside. Detachable control panel is nice for testing, especially since nobody's going to put this beast of a unit on a table. Link software works well, but does not always send me an email like it's supposed to.

Sine wave output works correctly with ThermalTake Toughpower Grand PSUs (which means that newer PSU won't kill power during a transfer from AC to battery).

Cons: None so far.

Other Thoughts: This unit currently drives my CPU, network, a laptop, and a number of peripherals, while the old APC 1500 has been given monitor support duty. I'll admit that I was initially doubtful of any UPS that didn't come from APC, but after having this for a couple months, I can say that I would definitely buy another CyberPower.

Pros: Works like it supposed to. With the unpredictable Kansas weather outages are pretty common. Most are just a second or two but sometimes an hour or more. I tested this unit and it lasted over two hours. I have a 900 W Cyberpower for the 42" monitor that will also last two hours. I really like the detachable control panel. I put this under a shelf on the floor and it would be pretty awkward to see it if it didn't have this feature. Since I got these we have had one short outage and the computer performed like nothing happened. Both units barely even get warm in use.

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: No one should be without a UPS on their computer. Power glitches can both damage the hardware and corrupt files. I had a system crash that was unrecoverable due to this.