APC BR1600SI by Schneider Electric UPS Review

Our first ever UPS review featuring the just released APC BR1600SI/BR1200SI for the Philippine market. Coming in both 1600VA and 1200VA capacities, this model features true sinewave output, which is great for devices that sensitive to approximate sinewave output coming from entry-level UPS.
Other than that, this model has a great feature set. Price is a bit premium and we talk about that more in our review article over here at this link:
www.back2gamin...
APC BR1600SI UPS Review

[@brianhoward9217]

Thank you! Great vid. I'm about to buy one of these BR1600Si units and I was finding it impossible to get the sine wave info and the meaning of TRUE and SIMULATED. This video was a GREAT help - only one of its type on the BR1600SI and sine waves on KZbin. WELL DONE - Much appreciated - cheers from Australia!

[@splashier01]

so proud to be part of this company ❤️life is ON

[@droknron]

I really appreciate you guys showing the pure Sinewave with the oscilloscope.

[@cyberwasp461]

Nice video, really liked that you hooked it to an oscilloscope and showed the output. I have a different APC 1500 with true sine. wouldn't have it any other way!!!

[@kinirogue]

Nice video! A UPS is one of those underrated devices you could have for your PC. Probably you could do a primer on UPS? What type you should need, topology, sizing, power, what's the implication of a quasi-sine wave vs a true sine wave, etc. What you have here is a step in the right direction. Personally I would look for one implementing line interactive of at least 1500 KVA. My PSU is 860, that's 1.6 x 860W which would yield 1376 KVA, - it's not exactly available in the market, therefore I should look for one at least close to that amount. Your reviewed device appears to fit the bill.

[@u.s.adowning595]

Thanks so much great job so much good information

[@VladK-1]

Thank you for a great video. Recently I've purchased SMT1000i (a server-grade APC UPS) which is also manufactured in the Philippines (BTW, I've lived here for a year, great people and beautiful nature!). Sadly, it produces unacceptable noise every 20 seconds while in the Green mode which cannot be disabled without an expensive network card. But even if it's not in the Green mode (such as for about two hours after I turn it on) there was sharp AVR hum noise around every 20-30 minutes (extremely loud to hear even while I'm wearing the headphones!). I'm sadly disappointed as I've really enjoyed all its featured and long battery runtime, and the deal was incredible (price cheaper than BR1600SI!) but I had to return the unit. Now I'm considering BR1600SI. Is it actually dead-silent while in passive mode? I mean, does it make any electrical hum, buzz, or similar noises when 100% charged and not using its batteries and AVR (as it gets good voltage on the mains)?

[@Back2gaming]

Hmmmm not typical but definitely not impossible but I can comment that the BR1600SI or any APC UPS for consumers I've used have all been very quiet since there's no moving parts and they do have tight QA. But again, the hum may develop afterwards. From my experience, I've never seen hum or coil whine leading to a problem but its very disturbing for home customers.

[@VladK-1]

@@Back2gaming thank you for the fast response! I've returned noisy SMT1000i and purchased BR1600SI. I'm very happy with it so far! While using it for the last few days I have not heard any noises (even when my wife is using a hairdryer). Wow, even when running on battery power it's surprisingly quiet! I guess that's just it-the professional UPS series is good for server rooms and offices, but for home usage, it's best to get a Back-UPS Pro (with the perfect sinewave). There is only one minor drawback with BR1600SI-a relatively slow recharge speed. Otherwise, a very solid product. I'm twice as happy knowing that it was manufactured in the Philippines so some dollar ends up in the salary of Sir Oli (assuming he's still working here) and his colleagues! Cheers!

[@Back2gaming]

@@VladK-1 Happy to hear about your experience. I have used large 10kva server UPSe but I have rarely had that experience but am fully aware it can happen as my other high-current appliances do tend to whine. But yes, I can confirm this one does charge very slowly but a full charge is more than enough to go through several successive outages on a reasonable system. Also pleased when I found out that APC and their mother company Scheider Elec. provides plenty of work for the people of Cavite as well. There are some clips in here we're not allowed to show like the assembly line for bespoke solutions but they are generally very accommodating and are exceedingly more advanced than what they're UPS products tend to let on. They have very advanced equipment intelligence which is really impressive and would really want to see on consumer products.

[@orange8172]

Many inverter no ruler al be amplass semua nomer partnya. Apakah yang terjadi ngak. Lakuin lagi kapok semuaaa😮😮😮

[@GiorgioGrande]

which cable i need? i have 1 monitor (lg uk850), 1 corsair AX 760 and edifier s880. help me. thanks :D

[@DriantX]

Does it have fans? How silent does it run?

[@Back2gaming]

I don't think it has fans so its quite dead silent.

[@DriantX]

@@Back2gaming Cool, thanks!

[@DriantX]

@@Back2gaming ​ Just got myself the same 1600 model, it's really silent as you said. Thanks for the reply!

[@Back2gaming]

@@DriantX Glad to hear. Happy to help. Take note of your warranty and coverage. In some area, if anything connected to the device gets damage during an outage, you can get insurance for those. Check your documentation to see if you get perks.

[@DriantX]

@@Back2gaming Thank you for the advice! It seems they cover damages up to 150,000 Euros, which is way over my net worth :)

[@jelome1989]

Hello! Interested ako sa BR1200SI. Namention niyo sa description yung BR1200SI... pero nung nagsearch po ako ay wala akong makitang reseller. Any suggestions po?

[@tgkhfgkr9729]

Does this UPS make any noise when running normally, i.e. not charging and not running from the battery?

[@Back2gaming]

I've seen people complain of a whine over time but out of box it should be dead-quiet on AC power.

[@ajkun5587]

Can you please compare this to the BX1600MI-MS ? whats the difference?

[@Back2gaming]

The primary difference would be the sinewave output. Only xxxxSI models are true sinewave which is great for sensitive equipment or if you just want good power conditions. There are very specific use-case where its imperative but for most PC users, a standard approximate sinewave is ok. MI models are approximate sinewave, just like 90% of all UPS out there.

[@trainer911]

Very good video! Does the UPS come with the C13 to C14 plugs?

[@Back2gaming]

I think they do but since this was an open box demo unit, I only got one, but it should be more but from what I know, it should come with those corresponding to the amount of plugs on the UPS.

[@trainer911]

@@Back2gaming Oh nice! I just ordered mine yesterday and was worried that it wouldn't come with the cords and won't be able to use it immediately.

[@OHYEEAH12]

did the test system have 1200w psu?

[@Back2gaming]

No. At 1200w, this UPS will only operate for 1 or so minute. Our test system is 300w loaded as we showed hence the time displayed by the UPS.

[@OHYEEAH12]

What ups do you recommend for my gaming setup sir? corsair hx1200i psu, ryzen 9 3900x, 64gb 3600mhz ram, rtx 2070 super.

[@Back2gaming]

@@OHYEEAH12 Is your PC used for work or gaming? If for gaming any 1000va UPS will do, sinewave models are better. If for work, I highly suggest this model, the BR1200 or 1600SI. Your system should be using up around 500w on full load gaming and 300w on work, 1000va should give you around 5 minutes to power down your PC when gaming. On CPU load, it should be around 300-400w.

[@OHYEEAH12]

Its sole purpose is for gaming, my only concern is protecting the components in my rig. Thank you for you advice sir!

[@reagentoo87]

Why should I prefer BR1600SI instead of BR1600MI for a gaming PC?

[@Back2gaming]

SI models are true sinewave which are beneficial if not almost necessity. in gaming PCs its not really a must but if the price diff is negligible, id get the SI

[@reagentoo87]

​@@Back2gaming Are you sure BR1600MI doesn't have a "true sinewave"?

[@Back2gaming]

I have not used a MI product but this is what they say in their product guide: MI = approximate sinewave SI = true sinewave Refer to this: assets.serverroomenvironments.co.uk/assets/files/64/42/81/apc-back-ups-pro-br650mi-1600si-ups-datasheet.pdf

[@reagentoo87]

​@@Back2gaming Thank you for answer, but I still don't understand, why I sinewave is better for gaming PC. Modern power supplies in computers with a "bronze" certificate and above can work with a ladder sine without any problems. For which devices this sine wave is needed, can you clarify? And I don't understand why this model have an USB type-c 5 volts. Why it was impossible to embed a quick charging (25-100watt)? I don't see any detailed review of this UPS. There is no any photo or diagram of its UPS inside. I still can't choose between MI and SI series. Information about them is extremely scarce.

[@Back2gaming]

​@@reagentoo87 in most cases, it just creates a perfect replica of the power created by the AC outlet we all use. For gaming PCs, in most situations with modern power supplies really don't need it but there are a handful of power supplies (hopefully not mainstream) that do shutdown when you introduce an approximate sinewave power source which includes a UPS. Audio and medical equipment are, from what I know, are influenced with clean power and are therefore affected in some form by approximate sinewave or the quality of the power being delivered. I have no info regarding their design choices on the USB though. I do agree that this could've been a PD port and realizing now that these PSUs may not arrive with the cables you need to operate your devices.

[@migueluy6847]

i got this one just today did u get a power cord in the box? the one that connects to wall outlet.

[@Back2gaming]

Mine was a demo unit so I'm not sure if it came with everything. It should come with one though, should be written in the "contents of box" section in the manual or the box itself. That thing varies by region so its best to check

[@migueluy6847]

@@Back2gaming i see i checked the manual as well i dont think mine came with a power cord only got 2 c13>c14 cords

[@migueluy6847]

btw do you know of a way to connect a router to this ups

[@Back2gaming]

@@migueluy6847 you should be able to find a power cord from a used PC or online store somewhere. As for the router, you're going to have to be creative or you can find a C13 outlet

[@joshuaa4444]

Did you always plugged it even you're done using ups? I have apc ups bv650i and i always plugged it but its off in my walloutlet because some other people tell me always plugged it even im done using it and i noticed its getting heat even its off but plugged. My question it recommend to plugged it always? And its normal for getting heat even its switch off but plugged. Sorry for my grammar

[@Back2gaming]

The best practice is keeping it plugged in at all times. But if you're not going to be using it for a long time like a month or so, you should definitely pull it out in the meantime. Still, if its just overnight, just keep it plugged in. The device has a battery and heat lingers for a while since its an operational device so its fine unless its like very hot coffee and that could be a sign of a problem. Have it checked if its very hot and unplugged.

[@asherninal753]

Hm for this model??

[@Back2gaming]

Depends on your area. It should be around $500 now

[@chudyf]

what is the power consumption full charged without load?

[@Back2gaming]

You mean just for the UPS alone without load? I really didn't test but I do remember it having a passive 5W draw from the socket when fully charged but no drain.

[@croixsux]

ano napo update neto?

[@Back2gaming]

Update po?

[@AmCanTech]

I have a 750w psu and my hardware is here docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19rvxCDuHPuQU2LcLBp1nhoTycvvYPGNfn99I27fkUww/edit?usp=drivesdk Would the 1600 version be enough. I need purse sine wave because my psu uses active pfc.

[@Back2gaming]

Yup, no problem with that rig. Should give you some good up time even on load.

[@orange8172]

😂😂😂 makanya banyak yang ngak mau perbaiki UPS lhoo😮😮😮 kenapa susahnya dimana sihh😮😮😮. Rupanya ada yang di setiap nomernya yang aneh aneh lah pokokoke habis waktu kata Teknisi buang ajaaa😮😮😮