APC by Schneider Electric BN1350M2-CA vs CyberPower CP1350PFCLCD: Specification Comparison
Both the APC BN1350M2-CA and CyberPower CP1350PFCLCD are 1350 VA line-interactive desktop UPS units designed for workstations, home offices, and small network equipment operating on 120 V North American circuits. They occupy the same VA class and device category, making them direct cross-shop candidates. The comparison focuses on the three dimensions that most influence a purchasing decision at this tier: power capacity and waveform quality, runtime and battery characteristics, and connectivity plus management features.
In This Guide
- Which UPS delivers more usable watts and a cleaner output waveform for sensitive loads?
- How does each unit compare on runtime, battery configuration, and recharge time?
- Which unit offers broader connectivity, data-line protection, and management software?
- Which should you choose: the BN1350M2-CA or the CP1350PFCLCD?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which UPS delivers more usable watts and a cleaner output waveform for sensitive loads?
The CyberPower CP1350PFCLCD is rated at 880 W versus the APC BN1350M2-CA at 810 W — a 70 W (roughly 8.6%) advantage at the same 1350 VA nameplate. This matters when powering equipment that draws near the unit's continuous-load ceiling.
The waveform difference is more significant for sensitive electronics. The CP1350PFCLCD produces a pure sine wave output, which is required by many active PFC power supplies found in modern workstations, servers, and medical-grade equipment. The BN1350M2-CA outputs a stepped approximation to a sine wave (simulated sine wave), which can cause instability or noise with active-PFC loads and is generally suited to less sensitive equipment.
Both units operate at 120 V input with transfer times under 10 ms (APC specifies 8 ms typical / 10 ms maximum; CyberPower specifies less than 10 ms), so neither has a meaningful edge on transfer speed. APC specifies an input range of 88–139 V; CyberPower specifies 88–144 V, giving the CP1350PFCLCD a marginally wider high-voltage tolerance.
How does each unit compare on runtime, battery configuration, and recharge time?
CyberPower publishes explicit runtime figures: 2 minutes at full load (880 W) and 8 minutes at half load (440 W). APC does not list runtime figures in the provided specifications for the BN1350M2-CA, so a direct numeric comparison at equivalent loads is not possible from the available data.
CyberPower discloses its battery configuration as two 12 V / 7 Ah sealed lead-acid batteries (total 168 Wh theoretical capacity). APC specifies only 'lead-acid battery' and a 10 W charger with a 16-hour recharge time; battery Ah capacity is not listed in the provided specifications. The 16-hour recharge time for the APC is notably long and relevant for environments where frequent outages are possible.
APC lists a battery life expectancy of 3–5 years. CyberPower does not provide an expected battery life figure in the provided specifications. Both use sealed lead-acid chemistry, which is industry standard at this price tier.
Which unit offers broader connectivity, data-line protection, and management software?
The CP1350PFCLCD includes a USB port, relay contacts, RJ45 network protection rated for 10/100/1000 Mbps, and a multifunction color LCD display. It also ships with PowerPanel Personal software supporting Windows, macOS, and Linux. The BN1350M2-CA offers USB charging ports (quantity not specified beyond 'two') and coaxial/CATV data-line protection; a management display is not listed in the provided specifications.
On outlets, the CP1350PFCLCD provides 12 total NEMA 5-15R outlets (6 battery-backed, 6 surge-only). The BN1350M2-CA provides 10 outlets (6 NEMA 5-15R battery-backed, 4 NEMA 5-15R surge-only). The APC unit's coaxial protection covers CATV/satellite/modem/audio-video lines, a feature not listed for the CyberPower.
APC lists a surge energy rating of 1080 J and full-time multi-pole noise filtering. CyberPower does not state a joule rating in the provided specifications. APC certifications include ENERGY STAR V2.0, NOM, and TUV C-US; CyberPower certifications include UL 1778, cUL 107.3, FCC Class B, RoHS, and ENERGY STAR — both carry North American safety marks, but the certification bodies differ.
Which should you choose: the BN1350M2-CA or the CP1350PFCLCD?
Our take: The CP1350PFCLCD is the stronger choice when the connected load includes active-PFC power supplies or any equipment requiring a pure sine wave. Its 880 W capacity (vs. 810 W), pure sine wave output, 12-outlet count (vs. 10), Gigabit RJ45 network-port protection, color LCD display, and cross-platform PowerPanel software represent measurable advantages for workstation or small-network deployments where waveform quality and management visibility matter. The BN1350M2-CA's notable advantages are its coaxial/CATV data-line protection, a stated 1080 J surge rating, a 3-year repair-or-replace warranty with explicit terms, and TUV C-US certification — relevant for AV setups or buyers requiring that specific certification body. APC's recharge time of 16 hours is a practical disadvantage in outage-prone environments. CyberPower does not disclose battery expected life; APC specifies 3–5 years. Choose the BN1350M2-CA for AV/cable-connected equipment on a Canadian-NOM-required deployment; choose the CP1350PFCLCD for active-PFC workstation or network-rack loads where waveform purity is required.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric BN1350M2-CA | CyberPower CP1350PFCLCD |
|---|---|---|
| VA Rating | 1350 VA | 1350 VA |
| Watt Rating | 810 W | 880 W |
| Topology | Line Interactive | Line Interactive |
| Output Waveform | Stepped sine wave (simulated) | Pure sine wave |
| Input Voltage Range | 88–139 V | 88–144 V |
| Transfer Time | 8 ms typical / 10 ms max | <10 ms |
| Total Outlets | 10 (6 battery + 4 surge) | 12 (6 battery + 6 surge) |
| Runtime at Full Load | — | 2 min at 880 W |
| Runtime at Half Load | — | 8 min at 440 W |
| Battery Configuration | Lead-acid (Ah not specified) | 2 × 12 V / 7 Ah sealed lead-acid |
| Battery Recharge Time | 16 hours | — |
| Battery Life Expectancy | 3–5 years | — |
| Surge Energy Rating | 1080 J | — |
| Data Line Protection | Coaxial (CATV/modem/AV) | RJ45 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Display | — | Multifunction color LCD |
| Management Software | — | PowerPanel Personal (Win/macOS/Linux) |
| USB Ports | 2 USB charging ports | 1 USB (monitoring/management) |
| Certifications | ENERGY STAR V2.0, NOM, TUV C-US | UL 1778, cUL 107.3, FCC Class B, RoHS, ENERGY STAR |
| Warranty | 3 years repair or replace | Manufacturer warranty (duration not specified in provided specs) |
| Weight | 10.4 kg (22.9 lb) | 22.7 lb (10.3 kg) |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 10 × 26 × 36.8 cm | 3.9 × 11.0 × 14.0 in |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the BN1350M2-CA or the CP1350PFCLCD?
The CP1350PFCLCD is the stronger choice when the connected load includes active-PFC power supplies or any equipment requiring a pure sine wave. Its 880 W capacity (vs. 810 W), pure sine wave output, 12-outlet count (vs. 10), Gigabit RJ45 network-port protection, color LCD display, and cross-platform PowerPanel software represent measurable advantages for workstation or small-network deployments where waveform quality and management visibility matter. The BN1350M2-CA's notable advantages are its coaxial/CATV data-line protection, a stated 1080 J surge rating, a 3-year repair-or-replace warranty with explicit terms, and TUV C-US certification — relevant for AV setups or buyers requiring that specific certification body. APC's recharge time of 16 hours is a practical disadvantage in outage-prone environments. CyberPower does not disclose battery expected life; APC specifies 3–5 years. Choose the BN1350M2-CA for AV/cable-connected equipment on a Canadian-NOM-required deployment; choose the CP1350PFCLCD for active-PFC workstation or network-rack loads where waveform purity is required.
Can I use either UPS with a modern gaming PC or workstation that has an active-PFC power supply?
The CP1350PFCLCD is the appropriate choice for active-PFC power supplies because it outputs a pure sine wave. The BN1350M2-CA produces a stepped approximation to a sine wave, which can cause issues — including shutdowns or PSU damage — with active-PFC loads. If your workstation PSU requires a true sine wave input, select the CP1350PFCLCD.
Which UPS gives me more outlets and better network protection?
The CP1350PFCLCD provides 12 NEMA 5-15R outlets (6 battery-backed, 6 surge-only) and includes RJ45 protection rated for 10/100/1000 Mbps. The BN1350M2-CA provides 10 outlets (6 battery-backed, 4 surge-only) and includes coaxial/CATV data-line protection instead of Ethernet protection. If you need to protect a network switch or router's Ethernet port, the CyberPower unit is the better fit; if you need to protect a cable modem or AV coaxial connection, the APC unit covers that line type.
How do the warranties compare between the APC BN1350M2-CA and the CyberPower CP1350PFCLCD?
APC specifies a 3-year repair-or-replace warranty with explicit terms. CyberPower lists only 'Manufacturer Warranty' in the provided specifications, with no duration or coverage terms stated. Buyers requiring a defined warranty period and coverage commitment should verify CyberPower's current warranty terms directly with the manufacturer before purchasing.
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