Middle Atlantic FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR32 vs Middle Atlantic FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38: Specification Comparison
The Middle Atlantic FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR32 and FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38 are both 2RU rack-mount, line-interactive UPS units in the Forward CBS series, rated 2150VA/1650W and designed for BGR rack enclosures. Both share identical electrical architecture, input/output voltage, surge protection type, and weight capacity. The sole differentiator between the two SKUs is rack depth: the BGR32 targets 32-inch-deep enclosures while the BGR38 is sized for 38-inch-deep enclosures. Buyers are choosing strictly on which chassis depth matches their installed BGR rack.
In This Guide
- Which unit fits your BGR rack depth and how do the physical dimensions and weight compare?
- Are the UPS power ratings, electrical specs, and protection topology identical across both models?
- Do operating environment ratings and rack-platform compatibility differ between the two models?
- Which should you choose: the FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR32 or the FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which unit fits your BGR rack depth and how do the physical dimensions and weight compare?
Depth is the defining dimension separating these two units. The FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR32 measures 32 in (81.3 cm) deep, while the FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38 measures 38 in (96.5 cm) deep — a 6-inch (15.2 cm) difference. Both units share an identical height of 7.42 in (18.9 cm) and width of 23 in, and both occupy 2 rack units. The BGR32 weighs 155 lbs (70.3 kg) versus the BGR38 at 162 lbs (73.5 kg), a 7 lb (3.2 kg) delta attributable to the longer chassis and battery complement. Both models ship at their listed product weight and carry an identical 1,100 lb (499 kg) rack weight capacity. Mounting hardware is included with both. Width is not specified beyond 23 in for either model.
Are the UPS power ratings, electrical specs, and protection topology identical across both models?
Yes — every published electrical specification is identical between the two models. Both are rated 2000VA / 1650W (per VA Rating field; the product name states 2150VA — the specs list 2000VA, and no wattage discrepancy is resolved in the provided data). Input is 120 VAC at 20 Amps via a NEMA 5-20P plug on a 6 ft (1.8 m) cord. AC output is 110–127 VAC; DC output is 48 VDC. Both use a Line Interactive topology with MOV-based surge protection. Network management is available on both via the optional UPX-RLNK-CARD add-on card; neither unit includes it by default per the specs. Neither model is TAA Compliant per the provided specifications. Outlet count is listed as 'Bank' in both specs, but no discrete outlet quantity is enumerated in the provided data.
Do operating environment ratings and rack-platform compatibility differ between the two models?
Operating environment specifications are identical: both units are rated for 32°F–104°F (0°C–40°C) and share the same 6 ft input cord length. Both are explicitly designated for the BGR Base Series rack platform and include mounting hardware, making rack-platform compatibility a non-differentiator. The selection criterion is purely the depth of the BGR enclosure installed at the site: the BGR32 designation aligns with 32-inch BGR racks and the BGR38 with 38-inch BGR racks. No humidity, altitude, or MTBF specifications are provided for either model in the supplied data. Both carry the same UPC family prefix (65674738490x), confirming they are variants within the same product line rather than separate product families.
Which should you choose: the FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR32 or the FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38?
Our take: The FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR32 is the stronger choice when your BGR rack enclosure has a 32-inch depth, and the FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38 is the correct selection when your enclosure measures 38 inches deep — depth compatibility is the only meaningful differentiator between these two units. Concretely: the BGR32 is 32 in (81.3 cm) deep versus the BGR38 at 38 in (96.5 cm) deep, a 6-inch delta; the BGR32 weighs 155 lbs versus 162 lbs for the BGR38, a 7 lb difference; all electrical specs — 2000VA, 120 VAC input, 48 VDC output, Line Interactive topology, MOV surge protection, and 20A NEMA 5-20P input — are identical. Installers should verify the interior usable depth of their BGR rack before ordering; installing the wrong depth variant will result in either a unit that does not seat fully or one that leaves unused rail depth. No other decision variable distinguishes these SKUs.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Middle Atlantic FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR32 | Middle Atlantic FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38 |
|---|---|---|
| SKU | FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR32 | FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38 |
| Base Series | BGR | BGR |
| VA Rating | 2000VA | 2000VA |
| Wattage (per product name) | 1650W | 1650W |
| Topology | Line Interactive | Line Interactive |
| Input Voltage | 120 VAC | 120 VAC |
| AC Output Voltage | 110–127 VAC | 110–127 VAC |
| DC Output Voltage | 48 VDC | 48 VDC |
| Input Amperage | 20 Amp | 20 Amp |
| Receptacle Type | NEMA 5-20R | NEMA 5-20R |
| Input Plug | NEMA 5-20P | NEMA 5-20P |
| Surge Protection | MOV | MOV |
| Depth | 32 in (81.3 cm) | 38 in (96.5 cm) |
| Height | 7.42 in (18.9 cm) | 7.42 in (18.9 cm) |
| Width | 23 in | 23 in |
| Rack Units | 2 RU | 2 RU |
| Weight | 155 lbs (70.3 kg) | 162 lbs (73.5 kg) |
| Weight Capacity | 1100 lbs (499 kg) | 1100 lbs (499 kg) |
| Cord Length | 6 ft (1.8 m) | 6 ft (1.8 m) |
| Operating Temp | 32°–104°F (0°–40°C) | 32°–104°F (0°–40°C) |
| Network Management | Optional (UPX-RLNK-CARD) | Optional (UPX-RLNK-CARD) |
| Mounting Hardware Included | Yes | Yes |
| Mount Type | Rack | Rack |
| TAA Compliant | No | No |
| UPC | 656747384905 | 656747384912 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR32 or the FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38?
The FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR32 is the stronger choice when your BGR rack enclosure has a 32-inch depth, and the FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38 is the correct selection when your enclosure measures 38 inches deep — depth compatibility is the only meaningful differentiator between these two units. Concretely: the BGR32 is 32 in (81.3 cm) deep versus the BGR38 at 38 in (96.5 cm) deep, a 6-inch delta; the BGR32 weighs 155 lbs versus 162 lbs for the BGR38, a 7 lb difference; all electrical specs — 2000VA, 120 VAC input, 48 VDC output, Line Interactive topology, MOV surge protection, and 20A NEMA 5-20P input — are identical. Installers should verify the interior usable depth of their BGR rack before ordering; installing the wrong depth variant will result in either a unit that does not seat fully or one that leaves unused rail depth. No other decision variable distinguishes these SKUs.
Is the FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR32 or FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38 better for larger deployments?
Neither model offers an electrical advantage over the other for larger deployments — both are rated identically at 2000VA, 1650W, 120 VAC input, and 20A. The selection is determined entirely by the depth of the BGR rack enclosure at each deployment site. For sites standardized on 38-inch BGR racks, the BGR38 is the correct unit; for 32-inch BGR racks, choose the BGR32.
Can I add network monitoring to either of these UPS units?
Yes — both the FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR32 and FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38 support network management through the optional UPX-RLNK-CARD accessory card. Per the provided specifications, neither unit includes this card by default; it must be purchased and installed separately. This capability is identical across both models.
Are these UPS units TAA compliant for government or federal procurement?
No — both the FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR32 and FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38 are listed as TAA Compliant: No in the provided specifications. Buyers with federal procurement requirements under the Trade Agreements Act should confirm with Middle Atlantic before specifying either unit, as no compliant variant is identified in the supplied spec data.
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