The eight-take CyberPower SL700U has a problem: it’s not exactly fish or birds. This relatively compact, well-made unit can provide backup power of up to 370 watts / 700 volt-amps (VA), enough to provide standby power for about nine minutes to a modest computer, such as an iMac or Dell Inspiron tower. mid-range with an external monitor.
This UPS, however, offers power output from its battery that only simulates the smooth sine wave produced by the alternating current energy that comes from an electric utility. This simulation oscillates in stages instead of sliding smoothly between the positive and negative voltage, which is a problem for modern computer power supplies. This is not a problem with solid-state devices, such as Wi-Fi routers or broadband modems – these are the devices best suited for use with them.
This review is part of TechHive’s coverage of the best uninterruptible power supplies, where you’ll find reviews of competitor’s offerings, as well as a buyer’s guide to the features you should consider when purchasing this type of product.
Most modern computers have active power factor (PFC) correction. This allows the hardware power supply to more efficiently transform the incoming AC into DC power used in a computer. It can also operate on a variety of voltages and frequencies supplied by utilities worldwide. But when you combine a simulated sine wave with active PFC instead of a pure sine wave produced by more expensive UPSs, the power supply can produce a high-pitched sound whenever the power comes from the battery of the backup device. It is also possible that the power supply will suffer minor damage that will increase over time.
CyberPower SystemsThe CyberPower SL700 is best suited to provide backup power for network equipment, but you will only be able to install two oversized power adapters because their outlets are close together.
This UPS is also configured as a Standby model, in contrast to a more advanced model interactive line UPS. A standby UPS takes your battery out whenever the voltage drops or rises enough so that it is necessary to cut the devices from the mains connected to the battery outlets and supply electricity directly. An interactive line model passes all of its energy through a conditioner, which cleans up small eccentricities and keeps the backup battery for more extreme conditions or a totally connected power outage. This preserves battery life with an interactive line model in areas with routine power outages, surges, interruptions or other problems.
An interactive line UPS can also take action in about 4 milliseconds (ms) to supply power from its battery, as opposed to the 8 ms rated for the SL700U. This difference can sometimes be enough to crash a sensitive computer. With interactive line UPSs costing just a little more watt-per-watt as standby, I recommend that computer owners choose this style.
This UPS has a cost advantage for providing battery backup for less sensitive but potentially more critical network devices in your home – namely, a broadband modem, a Wi-Fi router or access points on a Wi-Fi network. -Fi mesh, as well as an Ethernet switch if you have a profusion of wired devices.
Glenn Fleishman / IDGCyberPower software allows you to configure a number of options for your UPS, even if the UPS is not permanently connected to your computer.
This type of equipment has low energy consumption, allowing a long run time in an accessible UPS like the SL700U. The nominal time for this model would allow to keep 100W of devices running for about 20 minutes and 50W for about an hour. With especially energy-efficient equipment, you can go up to two hours without a battery.
If you are in a location with relatively frequent interruptions, including those lasting 5 to 20 minutes, you can keep your network running on this UPS, while using mobile devices and laptops that do not require your own UPS. (Internet service providers often have generators and other backups that allow them to continue providing telephone, data and cable services, even when there is a localized or even regional power outage.)
The eight outlets on the SL700U are divided into three that are protected only against surges, as with any independent power strip, and five that are connected to the battery. The placement is a bit tight: the five exits have one placed 2.25 inches away from the next, while the other four are spaced just 1.125 inches apart. (The same is true for overvoltage-protected outlets, with one more spacing than the other two.) It also has two USB charging ports (5 V to 2.4 A), which is a nice extra.
CyberPower offers downloadable software for macOS and Windows that allows you to configure the UPS, even if it is not permanently connected to the computer. You can disable all audible alarms (a big bonus for some people) and configure the UPS to restart when power returns, among many other features. If you end up using the UPS with a computer that does not rely on active PFC, you can also use the PowerPanel software to schedule shutdowns and starts, or react automatically when there is a power failure. (I’m happy to report that an updated version of the Mac software released in August 2020 eliminates installation and usage problems that I experienced when reviewing another CyberPower device earlier in the year.)
The SL700 features a wiring fault light – on a short side, next to the USB connector for a computer connection – which you should check when connecting it for the first time. The LED lights red if there are any wiring problems, such as a lack of grounding, bad grounding, or inverted wiring. If you were to buy this unit and see a red light when you plug the UPS into power, disconnect it and call an electrician immediately.
CyberPower includes a useful and extensive manual in the box, as well as complete warranty information – unlike some other manufacturers. The company offers three years of protection against an unexpected UPS failure and $ 100,000 perpetual insurance against repairs or destruction of connected equipment. Warranties for UPS and connected equipment are only available to the original purchaser, who must report a failure within 10 days of the incident and provide the original purchase receipt with the date.
The final result
The computer world has largely surpassed standby UPS models, but they still have a place: the CyberPower SL700 is the right price for the stability and continuity of the home network.