APC Back-UPS Pro BR1500GI UPS 1500 VA / 865 W, tower, 10 × IEC C13

In normal operation a line-interactive UPS passes mains power through to your devices and uses automatic voltage regulation (AVR) to correct voltage that is too low or too high without draining the battery. When the power fails, the UPS switches to battery and the computer keeps running, so no files are lost and you can shut the system down calmly.

The UPS has ten IEC C13 outlets — the same type as the device end of a PC or monitor power cord. Devices connect to the UPS with cables that have a C14 plug at one end. That lets you run a desktop PC, several monitors, a router, a switch and a NAS from one UPS at the same time.

1500 VA is the UPS's apparent power and 865 W its real power, the maximum combined draw of the connected devices. A typical office PC with two monitors and network gear usually stays within that limit. Having ten outlets does not mean all of them can be filled with power-hungry devices — what counts is the total draw.

The LCD display shows the status of the UPS and the mains without any software. The battery is user-replaceable: when it ages after a few years, you can swap in a new one yourself instead of sending the whole unit for service. Interfaces and battery runtime for this model are not in our data.

Offices and home offices where one desk holds a PC, several monitors and network equipment; small server or network corners that need many outlets from one source; and anyone who wants a UPS whose battery they can replace on their own later.