Overview
The APC BE500U Back-UPS ES 500VA is a compact, affordable uninterruptible power supply designed to protect computer systems and peripherals from power outages and electrical surges. This APC BE500U unit combines standby UPS functionality with high-performance surge suppression, making it ideal for home offices, small businesses, and light commercial environments where brief power continuity is critical.
Key Features
- 500VA / 300W capacity — sufficient for most desktop configurations and networked systems
- Six power outlets — three with battery backup, three with surge protection only
- Automatic switchover — seamless transition to battery power during outages
- Modem/fax/DSL dataline protection — RJ-11 protected port prevents signal-line damage
- User-replaceable battery — RBC2 cartridge for easy maintenance
- USB connectivity — monitor power status and schedule graceful shutdowns via software
- Hot-swap capability — replace battery without powering down protected equipment
- LED status indicators — visual feedback for power, battery, and fault conditions
- Audible alarms — alerts for power events and battery low conditions
- Resettable circuit breaker — manual overcurrent protection
Technical Specifications
- Input Voltage: 120V AC, 60 Hz ±1 Hz
- Input Voltage Range (normal operation): 96–136V
- Input Connection: NEMA 5-15P (standard wall plug)
- Cord Length: 6 feet (1.83 meters)
- Output Capacity: 500VA / 300W (sine-wave)
- Output Outlets: 3× NEMA 5-15R (battery backup), 3× NEMA 5-15R (surge protection)
- Battery Type: Maintenance-free sealed lead-acid with suspended electrolyte
- Typical Recharge Time: 24 hours (from full discharge)
- Runtime at Half Load (150W): 11.4 minutes
- Runtime at Full Load (300W): 1.4 minutes
- Surge Energy Rating: 365 joules
- Dataline Protection: RJ-11 modem/fax/DSL (two-wire, single-line)
- Includes: USB cable, installation software (PowerChute), user manual, wall-mounting template, cord management straps
Typical Applications
The BE500U is commonly deployed to protect:
- Desktop computers and all-in-one systems
- Network routers, modems, and switches
- Home office workstations
- Small business servers (non-critical)
- Printers and peripherals requiring clean shutdown
- Audio/visual systems and home theater equipment
- Networked security cameras and surveillance systems
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10+ operating systems
- Mac OS systems (USB connectivity supported)
- Standard 120V AC wall outlets (NEMA 5-15 receptacles)
- PowerChute software (monitoring and graceful shutdown)
- RJ-11 dataline devices (modem, fax, DSL connections)
- USB Type-B connectivity to host systems
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
The APC BE500U directly replaces earlier Back-UPS ES 500 models and is compatible with legacy installations requiring 500VA standby protection. For specific cross-reference information, consult the original equipment documentation or contact APC support.
Works With
- PowerChute Personal Edition — monitoring, status notifications, and automated shutdown
- USB monitoring software — real-time power event tracking
- Standard AC power distribution — no special circuit requirements
- RJ-11 DSL/modem protection — single dataline safeguarding
