Why I invested in a Battery Backup? Keeping the internet alive when the power goes out
My life, my money, my family & friends are all online. There are no more Yellow Pages, all information and news are online. Most people have a battery backup for their sensitive electronics (like a computer or server) to give a few minutes of power after a power outage. This allows for proper shutdown and saving of important work.
My needs were different. I wanted to maintain my internet, cordless phone base, and WiFi for a few hours (or longer) in case of a power outage. For that purpose, I have my internet modem and WiFi router hooked to CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD Battery Power Backup.
Pros of the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD Battery Power Backup:
- Front USB ports for charging your phone or tables portable devices without occupying outlets. (see image from my home)
- Front LCD display for various functions (most importantly, it how much time of continuous power the battery will give you in case of a power outage) (see image from my home)
- Recessed Power button that is hard to accidentally push (have to hold for 2 seconds.)
- Pure sine wave (means it is safe for sensitive electronics)
- Power outages here typically don’t last more than a couple of hours. As a result of the beefy CP1500PFCLCD unit running the home networking equipment, we’ve never lost WiFi or home phone throughout the house during a power outage for at least 3 years now.
- Once the battery is fully charged, this unit is completely silent and uses very little power.
Cons of the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD Battery Power Backup:
- This thing is HEAVY. You cannot put it on a flimsy shelf.
- The outlets on the back are a bit close together, so if you have a device with bulky plug, it may block two outlets. You may have to use a power strip (but make sure not to overload the unit).
- Cannot place it horizontally, only vertically.
- All battery backups (not specific to this system) have an average lifespan of 4-6 years, after that the battery (or the entire unit) needs to be replaced.
Additional features (which I have not used):
CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD Battery Power Backup comes with pretty nifty software that can be installed on a PC. The PC has to be connected to the unit. Since I do not have a computer connected to the unit, I have not used the software.
According to the manufacturer, the software can give you data and logs of electrical events. It can also (based on your selections) automatically shut down the connected PC in the event of a power failure when you are asleep or away. So the computer can go through an orderly shutdown rather than a sudden power failure (this feature is very important to many users of power backup systems.)
Care of the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD Battery Power Backup:
The instructions recommend charging the battery for 8 hours prior to powering up.
If you are handy, the battery is replaceable if it fails after the warranty.
What are some other benefits of a battery backup system?
Most people are only aware of power outages. But a good battery backup system can protect you from many other electrical problems. Here are a few examples:
A power surge where electric power spikes up (often during storms), can fry your equipment. All of the outlets on the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD Battery Power Backup offer surge protection.
Brownout (the opposite of a power surge or spike.) It is a drop in voltage that can also stress your electronics. In case of a brownout, the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD Battery Power Backup steps in to make up for the lost voltage.