Overview

The Vertiv Liebert PST5-850MT120 UPS is a compact, reliable uninterruptible power supply designed to safeguard your devices from power outages and surges. This battery backup unit offers 850VA/500W of power, ensuring that your equipment remains operational during unexpected electrical disruptions. It includes 8 outlets, with 4 providing both battery backup and surge protection, and 4 offering surge-only protection. The space-saving design and the efficient use of outlets make it a solid choice for users with limited space. Overall, this UPS is built to offer straightforward protection for small home or office setups.

Features & Benefits

This UPS is equipped with several features that enhance both its functionality and energy efficiency. With Energy Star certification, it meets high standards for power consumption, helping you save on electricity costs. The unit also boasts a real-time LCD display that provides clear insights into battery health and power status. One standout feature is its ability to offer surge protection for data lines (RJ45/11), in addition to power. The compact design allows for easy integration into tight spaces, and the widely spaced outlets accommodate bulky plugs without issue.

Best For

The Vertiv power supply is ideal for home office setups or small workspaces where reliable power backup is essential. It’s particularly useful for small to medium-sized devices such as PCs, routers, and modems, providing uninterrupted power during short outages. Users looking for a no-fuss solution will appreciate the ease of setup and operation. With its combination of surge protection and efficient backup power, this UPS is a solid option for anyone seeking a simple, yet effective way to safeguard their electronics.

User Feedback

The feedback for this battery backup unit is generally positive, with many users highlighting its ease of use and reliability. The clear LCD display is frequently praised for offering real-time status updates on battery and power usage. However, some users have noted that the backup time at full load is somewhat limited, lasting only around 4 minutes. Despite this, it performs well under half-load conditions, with a backup time of up to 11 minutes. Additionally, users appreciate its quiet operation, which ensures minimal disruption in office environments.

Pros

  • Compact design saves space, ideal for small home office setups.
  • Energy Star certification improves energy efficiency, saving on electricity bills.
  • LCD screen provides real-time information on battery status and power usage.
  • Surge protection for data lines (RJ45/11) is a useful feature for protecting networking equipment.
  • Simple setup process makes it an excellent choice for users who need a plug-and-play solution.
  • Backup power for small to medium devices works well in everyday office use.

Cons

  • Limited backup time at full load (only 4 minutes) may not be sufficient for heavy-duty users.
  • The compact design means it may lack the capacity needed for larger setups or more power-hungry devices.
  • Some users have expressed concerns about the lack of advanced features like app control or remote monitoring.
  • At full load, the UPS may not provide enough runtime for users who need extended protection during outages.
  • While the surge protection is good, some users feel the unit could be better suited for larger devices requiring more outlets.
  • It’s not suitable for environments with frequent power outages or for systems that demand long backup times.

Ratings

The Vertiv Liebert PST5-850MT120 UPS has garnered overall positive feedback from verified users worldwide, across multiple platforms and languages. After filtering out irrelevant, incentivized, and duplicate reviews, the results highlight both the strengths and potential pain points of this unit. Users consistently praised its reliable performance and compact design, while some expressed concerns over the backup time under full load. The following ratings reflect a comprehensive analysis of authentic user reviews from diverse sources.

Value for Money
91%
Many users find this UPS to offer excellent value, especially considering its energy-efficient features and compact design. The combination of surge protection, battery backup, and Energy Star certification makes it an appealing option for home office setups without a hefty price tag.
A few buyers mention that while the price is reasonable, the backup time at full load could be better. They feel that for slightly higher-end models, you might get a longer runtime for a similar price.
Ease of Use
88%
Users rave about how easy it is to set up and operate this UPS. The clear LCD screen provides all the necessary details about power and battery status, making it simple for anyone to monitor the system's performance without needing technical expertise.
However, some users find the lack of advanced customization options a downside. They would appreciate more control over settings like load management or battery-saving modes, which are available in higher-end models.
Battery Backup Time
74%
26%
While this UPS delivers adequate backup time under lighter loads, many appreciate the straightforward approach it offers for keeping devices running during short power interruptions, especially for home office gear like routers and computers.
Several users note that the backup time at full load is fairly short, with only around 4 minutes of runtime. This could be limiting for those who need longer protection during power cuts or for heavier electronics.
Compact Design
93%
The compact size of this unit is often highlighted by users with limited space. It fits easily in small home office setups without being intrusive, and the design is sleek yet functional, making it perfect for users looking for a space-saving solution.
Despite its small form factor, some users feel that the physical design might not be as robust as they would like. They mention concerns about long-term durability, especially when the unit is frequently moved or exposed to heavy wear.
Power Performance
82%
18%
Many customers appreciate the stable power delivery this UPS offers to small to medium-sized devices. Its reliable surge protection and consistent output give users peace of mind, especially in areas prone to voltage spikes.
On the downside, some buyers point out that it can struggle with high-power devices. Users with more demanding setups might find the 850VA power output a bit limiting when trying to protect devices with high power consumption.
Surge Protection
90%
The surge protection features, especially the added protection for data lines, are widely praised. Users who rely on network equipment appreciate the extra layer of defense against voltage spikes that could damage their sensitive devices.
Some buyers report that while the surge protection is effective, they would like to see more outlets dedicated to battery backup rather than surge-only, as this would provide even more flexibility during power interruptions.
Build Quality
85%
The build quality of this UPS is generally seen as solid. The unit feels well-constructed, and many users comment on the sturdiness of the casing, which gives confidence in its long-term durability under normal usage conditions.
However, a few users have expressed concerns about the plastic construction, which they feel could be more premium. Some even worry that it might not hold up well in more rugged or demanding environments, especially if the unit is subject to frequent movement.
Customer Support
80%
20%
Users generally report positive experiences with Vertiv's customer support. Many mention prompt and helpful responses, especially when they had questions about installation or needed troubleshooting assistance.
On the other hand, a handful of buyers had negative experiences with slow response times during product issues or warranty claims. They expected quicker solutions, particularly when facing urgent power-related problems.
LCD Display Clarity
89%
The clarity of the LCD display is frequently mentioned as one of the standout features. It provides real-time feedback about battery health and power status, which many users find invaluable for tracking the UPS's performance.
Some users have found that the display could be brighter in dimmer environments. While functional, they feel that the display’s visibility could be improved for users who need to monitor it in low-light conditions.
Setup and Installation
91%
Setting up this UPS is a breeze, with many users noting how quickly they were able to get everything running without much effort. The simple plug-and-play installation suits those who need a reliable solution without fussing with complicated configurations.
While setup is straightforward, some users note that the included instructions could be more detailed, especially for those who are less familiar with UPS systems. A more comprehensive guide could have helped avoid minor confusion during the initial setup.
Warranty and Coverage
84%
With a solid 3-year warranty, users are reassured about the long-term reliability of this UPS. Many find the warranty coverage generous, especially considering the competitive pricing for a product with such features.
A few buyers report challenges with the warranty process, such as delays in getting replacement units or difficulty reaching the right support teams. These minor issues lead to some frustration when users need to make warranty claims.
Energy Efficiency
95%
The Energy Star certification is widely appreciated by users looking to minimize their environmental impact and energy costs. The UPS provides peace of mind with its low power consumption, especially in home offices or environments where devices are running continuously.
While most are pleased with its energy efficiency, a small group of users mentioned that the initial setup process could have been more intuitive in explaining how the energy-saving features work, especially for users unfamiliar with power management.

Suitable for:

The Vertiv Liebert PST5-850MT120 UPS is ideal for home office users who need a reliable, space-saving power backup solution. It's perfect for those with small to medium-sized devices, such as PCs, routers, and modems, where surge protection and short backup times are sufficient. The easy setup and Energy Star certification make it particularly appealing to users seeking a simple, energy-efficient option for protecting their equipment without complex installation processes. Individuals working in areas with frequent short power outages will also appreciate the peace of mind this unit provides, especially when using less power-intensive devices.

Not suitable for:

However, this UPS is not the best choice for users who need long backup times under full load. Those with power-hungry devices or critical systems that require extended protection may find the 4-minute runtime at full load limiting. Additionally, users looking for advanced configuration options or more customization in their UPS settings may feel restricted by the straightforward design. Finally, in environments with frequent heavy power disruptions or where longer runtimes are needed, this unit may fall short of expectations, making it unsuitable for demanding business or gaming setups.

Specifications

  • Power Capacity: Provides 850VA/500W power output for backup during short power interruptions.
  • Outlets: Includes 8 outlets, with 4 battery-backed and 4 surge-only.
  • Battery Type: Uses a lead acid battery for providing backup power.
  • Backup Time (Full Load): Offers a backup time of approximately 4 minutes at full load (500W).
  • Backup Time (Half Load): Provides up to 11 minutes of backup power at half load (250W).
  • Surge Protection: Features surge protection for both power and data lines (RJ45/11).
  • Energy Star Certified: Certified for energy efficiency, reducing power consumption and saving costs.
  • LCD Screen: Equipped with an LCD screen to display real-time battery and power status.
  • Dimensions: Compact design with unit dimensions of 12 x 6.24 x 3.82 inches.
  • Weight: The unit weighs 6.6 lbs, making it relatively lightweight for its capacity.
  • Warranty: Comes with a 3-year full unit warranty for peace of mind.
  • Form Factor: Designed as a compact and space-saving unit, suitable for home office setups.
  • Power Input: Operates on standard AC input with a voltage range of 120V.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with small to medium-sized devices such as PCs, routers, and modems.
  • Load Capacity: Supports devices up to 500W, ideal for home offices and light electronics.
  • Data Line Protection: Offers additional protection for networking equipment through RJ45/11 surge protection.
  • Lead Time: The UPS provides instant power backup without noticeable delay when switching to battery mode.
  • Cooling: The unit operates with passive cooling and does not require active fans for heat dissipation.

FAQ

Setting up this UPS is easy. Simply connect the unit to a power source, plug in your devices to the battery-backed outlets, and switch it on. The LCD screen will display real-time information on battery status and power usage.

At full load (500W), the backup time is approximately 4 minutes, and at half load (250W), it can last up to 11 minutes. This is sufficient for short power interruptions but may not support long-term outages.

This UPS is designed for small to medium-sized devices, such as PCs, routers, and modems. It may not provide sufficient backup for high-power devices like large servers or high-end gaming PCs, especially at full load.

This UPS offers surge protection not only for power outlets but also for data lines through its RJ45 and RJ11 ports. This is ideal for protecting your networking equipment, such as routers and modems, from power surges or spikes.

Yes, the Vertiv Liebert PST5-850MT120 UPS is Energy Star certified, ensuring it meets energy efficiency standards. This helps reduce energy consumption, saving you money on electricity bills while providing reliable backup power.

Users have reported that this UPS operates quietly under normal conditions. It is designed to be unobtrusive, making it suitable for home office environments where noise levels are important.

The battery in this UPS is a lead-acid type. While it is not as easily replaceable as some other types, it is possible to replace the battery by contacting Vertiv support or a certified technician when needed.

The Vertiv Liebert PST5-850MT120 UPS comes with a 3-year full unit warranty. This covers any defects in materials or workmanship during the warranty period, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.

The LCD screen displays real-time information on battery health, power usage, and load status. This allows users to monitor their system and make adjustments as necessary to optimize performance and avoid overloads.

If the backup time is too short for your needs, consider reducing the number of devices connected to the UPS or upgrading to a higher-capacity model. The 850VA rating may not be enough for larger setups or extended power outages.