CyberPower Value Pro UPS/USV

CyberPower has a very wide range of products, all meant for different needs. The ValuePro VP1600ELCD 1600 VA UPS (or CP1500AVRLCD for the 120V markets) is an effort by CyberPower to provide a very cost-effective but powerful solution for homes and small businesses. In terms of quality, the CyberPower ValuePro VP1600ELCD 1600 VA is better than what we would expect from a product of this price range. The design is simplistic and greatly outdated, but the components used are of above-average quality, ensuring long-term reliability. However, its AC output while running on batteries is very poor and will greatly stress modern electronics, generating harmful harmonics in the process. Modern equipment has measures against this and will tolerate it for short periods of time but prolonged/frequent use would not be a good idea. One very important characteristic of this UPS is its cooling, or, to be percise, the lack of it. It is a very rare sight for a UPS with this kind of power output, even more so for models that feature an AVR. The side effect of this design choice is that CyberPower’s engineers, rightfully, had to broaden the limits where AVR kicks in by a lot. This it to prevent AVR from interfering unless it absolutely has to, otherwise the unit would overheat. It can handle the stock battery runtime but does heat up a lot if needed to run on batteries for more than a few minutes. This means that the UPS is essentially running at the upper limit of its design capabilities; building the unit with a higher capacity battery (or upgrading/expanding the stock battery) is all but impossible, as anything more would lead to the transformer heating up so much that it would literally melt through the plastic body. Otherwise, given the lack of a fan, the UPS will always be completely quiet while powered by an AC outlet, and only a subtle humming noise will be audible while it is running on battery power (aside from its alarm beeper of course if it is not disabled). The humming noise is due to the electromechanical vibrations of the transformer, which are caused by the very poor AC waveform generated by the inverter. If theoretically this unit could generate a true sinewave output, it would always be completely inaudible. On paper, everything about this UPS series seems positive. It has a peak power output of nearly 1000 Watts, it is completely silent, the AVR does not require switching to battery power, the battery runtime is fair, it comes from an established manufacturer, and retails for less than €199/$185. However, there are practical limitations. The power output, while it is running on batteries, is poor and definitely not good for sensitive electronics and devices. That, combined with the lack of any active cooling, immediately suggests that this UPS is meant to combat the occasional electrical fault and short brownouts. For home and office users in areas where the electrical grid is generally stable, it is an exceptionally cost-effective choice. Just keep in mind that it is not a product designed for areas where electrical faults are frequent and significant, or where very sensitive/critical equipment needs to be protected.