Which unit delivers more usable wattage and handles wider input voltage swings?

The BE700G3 offers 420 W of output power versus the SL700U's 370 W — a 50 W (roughly 13.5 %) advantage at identical 700 VA capacity, meaning APC's unit can sustain a heavier continuous load before hitting its limit.

On the input side, however, the SL700U accepts a range of 96 V–140 V, giving it a 44 V window that allows it to ride through browndowns and mild overvoltages without switching to battery. The BE700G3 specifies a fixed 120 V input (min and max both listed as 120 V), meaning its input tolerance window is not documented in the provided specs. The SL700U additionally specifies Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR), which actively corrects input voltage before it reaches connected equipment. AVR is not listed for the BE700G3.

For installations in areas with unstable utility voltage — common in older buildings or behind long wire runs — the SL700U's wider input window and confirmed AVR capability are directly relevant. For stable, well-regulated utility environments, the BE700G3's higher watt rating provides more headroom for power-hungry loads.

How do the two units compare on surge energy absorption and switchover speed?

The SL700U carries an 890 J surge energy rating — 81.6 % higher than the BE700G3's 490 J. Higher joule ratings indicate the surge suppressor can absorb more cumulative energy from transients before degrading, which matters in environments with frequent or severe lightning events or utility switching surges.

On transfer time, the SL700U switches from line to battery in 8 ms versus the BE700G3's 10 ms. Both figures are within the tolerance of most active PFC power supplies (typically ≤ 20 ms), so in practice neither difference is likely to cause a connected device to reboot. However, the SL700U's 8 ms figure provides a slightly larger safety margin for power supplies with tighter hold-up times.

The SL700U also explicitly lists EMI/RFI noise filtering in its spec sheet; this feature is not listed for the BE700G3. EMI/RFI filtering can reduce line noise reaching sensitive analog or audio equipment, though it has negligible impact on modern switching power supplies.

Does waveform type or published environmental data affect equipment compatibility?

The SL700U produces a sine waveform on battery, while the BE700G3 produces a pseudo-sine (stepped approximation) waveform. This distinction is meaningful for a specific class of loads: active PFC power supplies (found in many modern workstations, NAS devices, and some medical equipment) are certified to operate with true sine wave UPS output. Running an active PFC supply on a pseudo-sine UPS can cause audible buzz, reduced efficiency, or, in some cases, erratic behavior. Passive PFC and non-PFC loads are generally unaffected by waveform shape.

The BE700G3 provides two environmental data points absent from the SL700U spec sheet: a heat dissipation figure of 19.249 BTU/h and an audible noise level of 45 dB. These are useful for data-closet airflow budgeting and noise-sensitive environments respectively; equivalent figures for the SL700U are not provided in the supplied specs.

The BE700G3 also lists specific outlet type (NEMA 5-15R) and plug type (NEMA 5-15P), confirming North American compatibility. The SL700U lists output voltage as 120 V and a 15 A maximum current, but outlet and plug types are not listed in the provided specs.

Which should you choose: the SL700U or the BE700G3?

Our take: The SL700U is the stronger choice when waveform compatibility, input voltage tolerance, or surge absorption are the primary concerns. Its true sine wave output makes it safe for active PFC power supplies — a category the BE700G3's pseudo-sine waveform may stress. Its 890 J surge rating is 81.6 % higher than the BE700G3's 490 J, its 8 ms transfer time beats the BE700G3's 10 ms, and its documented 96–140 V input range with AVR provides meaningful protection in unstable utility environments where the BE700G3's input tolerance is unspecified. Conversely, the BE700G3 delivers 420 W versus the SL700U's 370 W — a 50 W advantage that matters when the connected load approaches the unit's watt ceiling. Choose the SL700U for active PFC equipment, surge-prone sites, or questionable utility quality; choose the BE700G3 when raw watt capacity is the binding constraint and utility power is stable.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

• CyberPower SL700U product page — full specs and to add to a quote
• APC by Schneider Electric BE700G3 product page — full specs and to add to a quote