Middle Atlantic Forward UPS CBS 2150VA/1650W BGR 38 D - FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38

Middle Atlantic FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38 BGR Forward UPS Caster Base System, 2000VA/1650W, 38-Inch Depth

Overview

The Middle Atlantic FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38 is a 2000VA/1650W line-interactive UPS designed to drop directly into BGR-series 38-inch deep racks — eliminating the usual multi-step UPS installation and keeping your physical security or AV infrastructure protected without a separate build-out. At 2 rack units tall and 23 inches wide, it fits the BGR footprint exactly, so there's no guesswork on fitment and no wasted U-space above a caster base. If you're commissioning a BGR 38D rack and need integrated battery backup, this is the unit built for that configuration.

Line-interactive topology keeps the output voltage regulated through minor input fluctuations without switching to battery — a meaningful advantage in commercial environments where brown-outs and sags are common but full outages are not. MOV-based surge protection handles transient spikes before they reach connected equipment. The 48 VDC battery bus and bank-level outlet control give you enough granularity to sequence load shedding during an extended outage, prioritizing the equipment that matters most.

Key Features

• 2000VA / 1650W Line-Interactive Topology: Line-interactive regulation handles input sag and surge without burning battery runtime on routine voltage fluctuations — battery is reserved for actual outages. At 1650W real power, this unit can carry a fully loaded BGR rack of NVR, PoE switches, and access control hardware through a brief power interruption without shutting down mid-incident.
• Designed for BGR 38-Inch Deep Racks: The 38-inch depth (96.5 cm) and 23-inch width match the BGR 38D rack interior dimension exactly. Mounting hardware is included, so the UPS installs in the caster base position without adapter plates or custom brackets — a real time saver on a multi-rack deployment.
• 2 RU Profile: Two rack units of vertical space is the entire footprint. In a rack already carrying NVR storage, a managed PoE switch, and patch panels, giving up only 2U to battery backup is a reasonable tradeoff — you don't sacrifice equipment slots for runtime.
• 120 VAC / 20A Input (NEMA 5-20P): The 20-amp plug and circuit requirement means this unit needs a dedicated 20A branch circuit — plan that into the electrical rough-in. The 110–127 VAC output range accommodates standard North American equipment without step-down concerns.
• 48 VDC Battery Bus: The 48 VDC DC output provides the internal battery voltage reference. For integrators managing battery replacement schedules, this spec confirms the internal battery string configuration and simplifies sourcing compatible replacement batteries.
• Bank-Level Outlet Control: Outlet control at the bank level lets you cut power to non-critical loads — monitors, workstations, secondary switches — while keeping NVRs and access control panels alive during a battery event. That kind of load management can double or triple effective runtime on the equipment that actually needs to stay up.
• MOV Surge Protection: Metal oxide varistor surge suppression protects downstream equipment from transient voltage spikes. MOV is a proven, serviceable technology — appropriate for the commercial rack environment this unit is designed for.
• Network Management Ready (with UPX-RLNK-CARD): Out of the box, this UPS is not network-managed. Add the UPX-RLNK-CARD accessory to get remote monitoring, outlet-level control, and graceful shutdown integration. Budget for that card if remote management is a project requirement — it doesn't ship included.
• 1100 lb Weight Capacity: The caster base structure is rated for 1100 pounds (499 kg) of rack load. A fully populated BGR 38D rack with servers, UPS, patch panels, and cable management rarely exceeds that, but it's worth verifying your loaded rack weight against this figure before specifying.
• 162 lb Unit Weight: At 162 pounds, the FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38 is a two-person lift minimum. Plan accordingly for site delivery and installation — standard dock-to-rack logistics apply.

Integration and Compatibility

The FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38 (often searched as FWD CBS 2KVA BGR38) is purpose-built for Middle Atlantic BGR-series 38-inch deep racks. It mounts at the caster base position, integrating structurally rather than sitting on a shelf inside the rack. For power and UPS solutions in other rack depths or series, verify the depth match before ordering — this unit is specific to the 38-inch BGR configuration and will not fit shallower or differently dimensioned enclosures without modification.

Network management requires the separately sold UPX-RLNK-CARD. Without that card, local monitoring and control only. If your deployment includes a BMS or data center infrastructure management (DCIM) platform expecting SNMP or Modbus from every PDU and UPS in the room, factor the card into the BOM from the start. For guidance on pairing UPS units with the right rack infrastructure, the Middle Atlantic rack systems catalog covers compatible BGR enclosures and accessories.

The NEMA 5-20P plug requires a 20-amp circuit. In retrofit deployments where existing circuits are 15-amp, a panel upgrade or new circuit run is not optional — this is a hard electrical requirement, not a preference. TAA compliance is not applicable to this SKU; if your project requires TAA-compliant equipment across the board, this unit does not qualify.

For broader uninterruptible power supply options across different VA ratings and form factors, compare this unit against other line-interactive rack UPS options in the same power class. Integrators building out full rack infrastructure should also review rack enclosure options and power distribution units for branch circuit management within the rack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38 include network management capability out of the box?

A: No. Network management requires the separately purchased UPX-RLNK-CARD accessory. Without it, the unit provides local monitoring and control only. Plan the card into your BOM if remote SNMP or outlet-level management is required.

Q: What rack is the FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38 designed to fit?

A: It is designed specifically for Middle Atlantic BGR-series 38-inch deep racks. The 38-inch depth (96.5 cm) and 23-inch width match the BGR 38D interior. It installs at the caster base position with included mounting hardware.

Q: What circuit is required for the FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38?

A: A dedicated 20-amp, 120 VAC branch circuit with a NEMA 5-20 outlet is required. Standard 15-amp circuits are not compatible. Confirm the electrical rough-in before deploying this unit in a retrofit environment.

Q: Is the FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38 TAA compliant?

A: No. Per the manufacturer's specifications, this SKU is not TAA compliant. If your project requires TAA-compliant equipment, this unit does not meet that requirement.

Q: What is the UPS topology — online double-conversion or line-interactive?

A: Line-interactive. This topology regulates output voltage through common input fluctuations (sags, swells) without switching to battery, preserving battery runtime for actual outages. It is appropriate for commercial rack environments with stable but imperfect utility power.

Q: What is the weight and weight capacity of the FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38?

A: The unit itself weighs 162 lbs (73.5 kg) — plan for a two-person lift. The caster base structure supports up to 1,100 lbs (499 kg) of total rack load.

Marty Allison

The FWD-CBS-2KVA-BGR38 solves a problem that comes up constantly on BGR 38D deployments: where does the UPS go, and how do you integrate it without burning U-space or fighting fitment issues? Middle Atlantic answered that by building the UPS into the caster base position — 2RU, matched to the 38-inch depth and 23-inch width of the BGR enclosure, mounting hardware included. That's not a minor convenience; on a tight rack BOM, keeping the UPS out of the equipment bay is a meaningful win.

Technical Highlights:

• Line-Interactive at 2000VA/1650W: Line-interactive means the unit is actively conditioning voltage through minor input swings without touching the battery. For a rack carrying NVRs and PoE switches on continuous duty, that translates directly to longer battery life over the system's installed lifespan — you're not cycling the battery on every voltage fluctuation.
• Bank-Level Outlet Control: The bank-level outlet switching is where you actually manage a power event. Cut the workstations and secondary displays first, keep the NVR and access control panel alive. That prioritization can meaningfully extend runtime on the loads that matter without requiring additional battery capacity.
• 20A / NEMA 5-20P Input: The 20-amp input requirement is the spec that most often catches integrators off-guard on a retrofit. This is not a 15-amp device. If the electrical rough-in isn't already spec'd for 20A, that's a change order before this unit can go live — verify the panel and circuit capacity early in the project.

Deployment Considerations:

• Network management is not included — it requires the UPX-RLNK-CARD. If the building management system or monitoring platform expects SNMP from every UPS in the building, that card needs to be on the original purchase order, not added as a field afterthought.
• At 162 lbs, this is not a solo install. Budget for a two-person crew on delivery and rack positioning. The caster base design helps with positioning once it's on the floor, but getting it off the pallet and into place still requires coordinated handling.

This unit is the right call for a physical security rack deployment — command center, head-end closet, or ops room — where you're building on BGR 38D enclosures and need battery backup integrated into the rack structure rather than bolted on as an afterthought. The 1100 lb weight capacity and 2RU profile make it a clean fit for fully loaded surveillance racks without structural or space compromises.