APCExternal Battery Backup Pack for Model BR1500G (BR24BPG)

I don’t know which category this review will be labeled as, but this is a long term review of the “BR1500G + BR24BPG” combo.I just replaced all the original batteries (in both units) after a significant power “event” (lost one phase of my power) revealed a major loss of runtime; they lasted 4 years, 10 months.Before replacement I was able to determine that the original RBC124 in the BR1500G had failed, but that wasn’t revealed until I disconnected the BR24BPG and did a battery test on just the 1500G. I also tested the OG batteries from the 24BPG after they were removed. All tested good (but still glad I replaced them.)Once I replaced the bad RBC124, the UPS said the new one was bad! That status was OLD, for the bad battery just removed. The new battery must test OK to reset the status. It probably won’t test OK immediately. Give it an hour or so to settle in, then it will test OK and clear the bad battery warning. If it keeps testing bad, then worry!I’ve been through this a couple of times now on 2 similar units. The old adage “time heals all wounds” seems to apply in this case!If you decide to replace the batteries in the BR24BPG yourself, they are RBC17’s (12v, 9Ah); there are four of them. Not hard to do, but some experience recommended.There are cheaper “equivalent” replacement options available, but keep in mind that this is a bit of a project. For me, the fewer times I have to go through it the better!Getting into the BR24BPG case is a little tricky. There are videos available, but a couple of additional useful notes will help.Pry the front cover off from the bottom (there’s a square hole), a straight blade screwdriver will work. It will seem like you’re going to break it. That feeling won’t be alleviated until you get it completely off and find that nothing broke! Still, work carefully, using just enough force to get the job done. Next, the trick to “opening” the case (after removing all the screws, and back cover) is to SLIDE the “top” side back from the front, then lift it up and off. The “top” side is the one that’s “up” when you remove the 3 front screws. There will be resistance when trying to slide it, but keep working it until it finally does. Same precautions as before, but no screwdriver required.Overall, this is a great combo. It supplies tons of runtime with a fairly small footprint. My internet gateway and separate Wi-Fi (OG Orbi) run for 5-6 hours on battery. If my computer is on, that drops to about 3 hours. Impressive!

Nice addition to my BR1500G, all kinds of back up power.

I've been using the APC BX1300G for my home network equipment for nearly a decade, having to replace the battery only one time. However, my runtime was hovering around 120 minutes, and the APC CP12142LI UPS connected to the fiber ONT in my garage was outpacing it. I decided to upgrade to the BR1500G with the BR24BPG External Battery Pack. I have the following devices connected to the battery backup ports: NETGEAR R8500 router, NETGEAR GS305 5-port switch, Raspberry Pi 4, and a Philips Hue bridge, drawing a total of about 30W. With the new UPS upgrade, my runtime is now 500+ minutes- a full 8-hour workday! I also tested without the External Battery Pack, and the runtime was showing around the same as my BX1300G unit (~120 minutes). The External Battery Pack GREATLY extends runtime.I'm glad I picked these up when I did, because APC's website indicates that this model (BR1500G) was discontinued on April 19, 2023 (although spare parts will available until its EOL). The QA tags on the devices I received were dated Nov. 2022, so both had relatively fresh batteries installed. The true test will come when the power goes out...

Good addition, increased capacity for my base UPS

Been buying APC for years - after trying other brands, I keep coming back to them for the quality and reliability of their UPS products