I have had UPS backup power for my computer since the early 2000s. Each one has provided some improvements and this is no different.
As with all UPSs, this unit is heavy because it contains lead acid batteries. These are a good choice of battery compared with something like Li-ion because they don't mind being on charge all the time, and unlike a car battery, these ones are made for deep discharge so they withstand being depleted when the power fails.
This UPS produces a true sine wave, which is required for good quality modern computer power supplies because they use Active Power Factor Correction. Good power supplies do this to achieve the 80 Plus (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) certification. If in doubt, check if your computer power supply uses Active Power Factor Correction (APFC), or assume it does if it has an 80 Plus certification (sticker). Many lower cost UPSs do not produce a sine wave that can be used with APFC.
This UPS has plenty of outlets on the back, both UPS and just surge protected. I only use the UPS for these so I don't use the USB A and USB C jacks or the network protection. I do connect the UPS to my computer via the USB cable and use the Cyber PowerPanel Business App that I downloaded from the Cyberpower website.
The CyberPower PowerPanel Business app is a web app that requires logging in to an account. My previous UPSs had apps that were local and did not require a login. I like that I can see at a glance the things like the line voltage; the UPS output voltage, current, frequency and load; and the battery condition. While I can see some of these on the UPS display, my UPS is not located in a convenient location to check the display when I am at my computer (its behind the computer on the floor. I also like that the app displays a log of events so I can see things like when there was a power interruption and how long it lasted. The app also lets me control the UPS behaviour. For example, I can set it to shutdown instantly, never, or after a delay of 5, 10, 15 seconds ... to 60 minutes after an event is detected such as battery test incomplete, UPS fatal internal abnormality, available runtime is insufficient, Remaining runtime will be exhausted. I have set the UPS so that my computer connected by USB cable is shutdown by the UPS. I can choose shutdown or hibernate. I can tell the UPS how long to leave for the shutdown process to complete before the ups can shutdown. I can choose which notifications to display on my computer. The app logs operating stats so I can look at load, input/output voltage/freq and battery capacity logged periodically throughout the day. The app lets me run some tests (battery, indicator, alarm), and check the battery condition by discharging it for a while to see how quickly it depletes in order to estimate the run time.
I don't mind the fan noise because it is only during a power outage and I usually don't leave the system operating on battery for more than about 15 minutes before deciding to shutdown.
I would have preferred a removable line cable so I could disconnect it while moving this heavy unit, but its not worth quibbling about.
I like that the power button is a press and hold for a few seconds to turn it on or off. My previous UPSs went off with just a press and when I was working in the area I accidentally powered my old UPS off while the computer was running.
My past UPS units each had a long life. This is my second CyberPower and I expect it to last. Eventually the batteries need replacement but that happens with all UPSs and the batteries are fairly standard and easy to replace.
I recommend this unit and would buy another. I have had this in operation for almost 3 months. Batteries normally last for years so I don't expect to be posting an update on longevity.
| Brand | CyberPower |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cyberpower |
| Place of Business | SHAKOPEE, MN, 55379 US |
| Model | CP1500PFCLCD |
| Model Name | CP1500PFCLCD |
| Model year | 2010 |
| Part Number | CP1500PFCLCD |
| Processor model number | CP1500PFCLCD |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Display type | LCD |
| Speakers maximum output power | 1000 Watts |
| Output Wattage | 1000 Watts |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Wattage | 1000 watts |
| Batteries included | No |
| Batteries Required | No |
| Battery Cell Composition | Sealed Lead Acid |
| Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Total USB Ports | 2 |
| Material Type | Plastic |
| Form Factor | Tower |
| Does it contain liquid? | No |
| Includes rechargable battery | No |
| Manufacturer | Cyberpower |
| Language | English |
| Item model number | CP1500PFCLCD |
| Product Dimensions | 35.56 x 9.91 x 27.94 cm; 11.29 kg |
| ASIN | B00429N19W |
