APC Standby UPS

About APC Standby UPS

What is an APC standby UPS?

Standby (offline) UPS topology runs the load directly from utility power and switches to battery only during an outage or out-of-tolerance event. Transfer time typically 6–10 ms. Simplest topology, lowest cost, right fit for desktop, point-of-sale, small networking, security DVR, modem and router, and home-office equipment with switching power supplies that tolerate brief transfer.

APC's standby tier is the Back-UPS line — BE for the smallest entry units, BX for mid-tier consumer and SOHO, and the Canada-specific BVN. UPSPLUSBATTERY.CA stocks the line with matching APC Back-UPS replacement batteries. For server and pure-sine requirements, step up to APC line-interactive UPS (Smart-UPS SMT/SMC/SMX or Back-UPS Pro BR/BX). Full APC catalog at APC UPS.

APC standby families

All ship 120 V NEMA 5-15P input, USB shutdown port, simulated sine wave output on battery. Outlets are typically split between battery-backed and surge-only. UL listed, RoHS compliant. APC's $25,000 Equipment Protection Policy ships with the unit on registration.

How to choose

Standby vs line-interactive

Standby is fine when utility is reasonably clean and load tolerates 6–10 ms transfer. Line-interactive (Back-UPS Pro BR/BX, Smart-UPS C/SMT/SMX) adds AVR — boosts low voltage and bucks high voltage without going to battery, extending battery life and protecting against brownouts. If the site sees frequent voltage sag or brownout, jump to APC line-interactive. Read line-interactive vs online UPS.

Sizing

Add nameplate watts of every load on the UPS, multiply by 1.25 buffer, pick UPS whose watt rating exceeds. Modem + router + small NAS ~50 W → BE600M1 (600 VA / 330 W) with headroom. Workstation + 24" monitor ~120 W → BE850 (850 VA) or BX1500. Workstation + dual monitor + dock ~250 W → BX1500 or BX2000. Read UPS sizing guide.

Standby fit check

Back-UPS standby produces simulated (stepped-square) sine wave on battery. Acceptable for switching power supplies on desktops, monitors, modems, routers, switches, NVRs, and most consumer electronics. Not appropriate for active-PFC server PSUs, lab instrumentation, medical equipment, or motors with high inrush. For those loads — Smart-UPS C/SMT/SMX line-interactive minimum, or SRT online.

Spec reference

USB cable included for shutdown integration with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Front-panel LED indicators on most BE / BVN; LCD on BX1500M and above.

Replacement batteries

Back-UPS family uses APCRBC2, APCRBC17, APCRBC110, APCRBC114, APCRBC115, and APCRBC124 cartridges. Cartridge spec is on the unit label and listed in the user manual. We stock both genuine APC cartridges and compatible aftermarket equivalents — built to identical V, Ah, terminal, and connector spec as factory cells. 1-year UPSPLUSBATTERY warranty on aftermarket. Browse APC Back-UPS replacement batteries.

Installation and warranty

All Back-UPS plug-and-play on standard NEMA 5-15P. Manufacturer warranty (USA and Canada) typically 3 years on Back-UPS BE / BX / BVN, with $25,000 Equipment Protection Policy on registration. Coordinated through our Canadian team. Shipped from our Canadian warehouse — see shipping policy for rates and timing. Replies within 1 business day.

FAQ

Will a Back-UPS protect a server?

Generally no. Back-UPS standby produces simulated sine on battery and has 6–10 ms transfer. Modern active-PFC server PSUs and many NAS devices reject simulated-sine input. For any server, networking, or storage device, use Smart-UPS C, SMT, SMX, or SRT — pure sine, line-interactive or online topology.

What's the runtime on a Back-UPS?

Stock Back-UPS battery runs 5–15 minutes at half load depending on model. Long enough for a graceful OS shutdown via USB. Back-UPS does not accept external battery packs — for extended runtime, step up to Smart-UPS X (SMX) line-interactive.

Can I replace the battery cartridge myself?

Yes. Tool-less front-access cartridge on most Back-UPS BX and BVN; bottom-access on smaller BE units. Use the APCRBC part number listed on the unit label. How to install UPS battery.

USB shutdown software?

Yes — Back-UPS ships with USB cable. Compatible with PowerChute Personal Edition (free download from APC) for Windows, Linux, macOS. Integrates with NUT (Network UPS Tools) on Linux for centralized monitoring.

What's covered by the $25,000 Equipment Protection Policy?

APC's Equipment Protection Policy reimburses connected equipment damaged by surge or other power events while protected by the registered UPS. Specific terms and exclusions in APC's policy document at registration. Available on most current Back-UPS models.

Surge-only outlets?

Most Back-UPS include 2–3 surge-only outlets in addition to battery-backed outlets. Use for printers and devices that don't need ride-through but benefit from surge protection.

Canadian warranty?

Yes — Back-UPS factory warranty terms explicitly cover USA and Canada. RMA does not require cross-border shipping. Shipped from our Canadian warehouse.