Providing backup power and surge protection for structured wiring can get complicated with all the support equipment so tightly packed in an enclosed area. Modems, routers, switches, and RF distribution amplifiers all need power protection. The Tripp Lite AV550SC Backup Power Block design provides the highest level of protection for telephone, Internet and coax connections within structured wiring enclosure. In addition, the unit features a 550VA/300 watt inverter that provides reliable battery backup, surge protection and EMI/RFI line noise filtering for all powered components connected to the unit. In the event of a power failure, the AV550SC includes an auto-restart feature that eliminates the need to perform a manual on-site restart. However, when a modem or router freeze-up condition occurs, the user can take advantage of the AV550SC's one-touch, recycle/reset button with sequential outlet startup for proper modem and router rebooting. The router power outlet has a 60-Second Delay-On feature that allows the other connected devices to stabilize and establish a link prior to starting the router. This eliminates to need for the user to manually sequence the power to the devices. This solves a common problem for those who have experienced power outages in the past.

The front panel of the AV550SC has a green Power LED that indicates the unit is supplying power to the connected equipment either from the utility or internal battery source. The red Overload/Check Battery LED provides status of the self-test or if the UPS is overloaded. There are not other controls on the unit.

Installation
The AV550SC Backup Power Block is designed to fit in the bottom left corner of the structured wiring enclosure without the need for mounting screws or brackets. Relying on good old-fashioned gravity, the unit sits in place. However, mounting screw holes are included on the back of the unit for convenient board, wall or ceiling mounting if so desired. The AV550SC has a compact chassis design measuring only 8.35" x 6.78" x 2.97" and taking up little space for all the functionality it provides. The unit gets slightly warm when operating, but the heat easily dissipates in the metal enclosure. The AV550SC has 3 Widely-Spaced AC Outlets (2 Auxiliary, 1 Modem) and a 60-Second Delay-On AC Outlet (Router). The One-Touch Recycle/Reset Button is used to reset the connected equipment during system freeze-ups with sequential outlet startup. The power outlets are spaced somewhat close on the top left side that ends up covering one of the outlets when using some of the larger AC power adapters. Due to the tight space inside of the structured wiring box, these power adapters take up a significant amount of room. It is important to place the router power on the delayed output for maximum reboot performance.

The AV550SC also has a pair of 2.2GHz Coax Jacks that protect connected coax lines against surge damage and disruptive EMI/RFI line noise. In addition, a pair of Tel/Modem/DSL jacks protect connected telephone, modem or DSL lines against surge damage and disruptive EMI/RFI line noise. The AV550SC also has a connector that supplies regulated 12V DC (up to 1 amp) for other devices. Power into the unit is through an IEC connector and includes a 1.5-foot power cable. The short length accommodates the internal wiring inside of the structured wiring box. A resettable AC breaker is located on the side of the unit in the event an overload is encountered.

Conclusion
Tripp Lite's AV550SC UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) offers protection and backup power for structured wiring electronics. The 550VA/300W capacity provides adequate power for the electronics while maintaining a reasonable small and lightweight form-factor. The automatic rebooting capability and delayed power for the router is a clever idea that is often needed when restarting a networked system. With a street price of less than $200 and a full 2-year product warranty, the AV550SC is inexpensive and provides peace of mind to the system that you rely so much on.

- Kevin Nakano

Cable Modem : RCA/Thomson DCM425 (Time Warner) Cable Modem
Router: Linksys WRT54GL Wireless-G Broadband Router

Tripp Lite - AV550SC Backup Power Block

Features

• 3 widely-spaced AC outlets (2 Auxiliary, 1 Modem) power, reset or start up connected equipment during a blackout or system freeze-up (provide battery backup, surge protection and EMI/RFI filtering) - 4 outlets total
• 60-second delay-on AC outlet (router) powers and resets the router during a blackout or system freeze-up and delays router start-up for proper system rebooting (provides battery backup, surge protection and EMI/RFI filtering)
• 12V DC (1-Amp) output connector provides an additional output power source for 12V DC devices as well as battery backup protection for 4 devices
• Recycle/reset button resets connected equipment during system freeze-ups with sequential outlet startup
• HD-compatible 2.2GHz coax jacks protect connected coax lines against surge damage and filter disruptive EMI/RFI line noise.
• Tel/modem/DSL jacks protect connected telephone,modem or DSL lines against surge damage and filter disruptive EMI/RFI line noise
• IEC power input connector accepts included 6-inch power cord
• Diagnostic/Overload LEDs: Alert users to potential power problems before they affect connected equipment.
• Resettable circuit breaker prevents dangerous system overloads
• Auto-restart capability eliminates the need to perform an on-site restart
• 550VA/300 watts standby UPS system
• Convenient installation designed to fit in the bottom left corner of structured wiring enclosures without the need for mounting screws or brackets
• Mounting screw holes are included on the back of the unit for convenient board, wall or ceiling mounting (for projectors)
• Customizable labels for easier cord/cable indentification and maintenance
• 2 year warranty

Specifications

Package Contents

• AV550SC backup power block
• Detachable 6 in. C14 power cord
• Owner's manual with warranty information

Company Information
Tripp Lite World Headquarters
1111 W. 35th Street
Chicago, IL 60609 USA

Model Number: AV550SC
MSRP: $230, Street <$200

Phone: 773-869-1111
Fax: 773-869-1329
Ordering: 773-869-1797
Customer Support: 773-869-1234

URL: www.tripplite.com