Middle Atlantic UPX-RLNK-2000R-8 2000VA Line-Interactive UPS with RackLink Outlet Control
The Middle Atlantic UPX-RLNK-2000R-8 is a 2000VA / 1800W line-interactive UPS built for rack-mounted security and AV infrastructure — specifically the kind of multi-device rack where you need individual outlet-level power cycling without physically touching the gear. It draws on 120 VAC input via a NEMA 5-20P plug, delivers 8 individually controlled NEMA 5-20R receptacles, and ships with a network card already installed, so remote reboot capability is available from day one without an add-on purchase.
Overview
NEXSYS UPS topology from Middle Atlantic targets the AV and physical security rack market — integrators who specify this are typically protecting NVRs, PoE switches, access control panels, and video walls against utility fluctuations that would otherwise trigger false alarms, camera reboots, or corrupted recordings. The UPX-RLNK-2000R-8 sits in a 2 RU footprint at 19 in wide and 22 in deep, fitting standard EIA-310 racks with a minimum mounting depth of 28 in. At 63 lbs, plan your rack loading calculations accordingly before putting this in a wall-mount enclosure.
Key Features
- 2000VA / 1800W Capacity: 1800 true watts is the number that matters for load budgeting — 2000VA is the apparent power ceiling. For a typical security rack running a 16-channel NVR, a managed PoE switch, and an access control panel, you're realistically at 400–700W continuous, leaving meaningful headroom for transient inrush and future expansion without upsizing the UPS.
- Line-Interactive Topology: The line-interactive design regulates voltage sags and surges through an AVR stage before calling on battery — common utility fluctuations (brownouts, over-voltage) are corrected without discharging the battery at all. That extends battery service life compared to online/double-conversion units that cycle battery constantly, and it keeps connected gear on conditioned power during the 80–95% of events that never require full battery switchover.
- Individual Outlet Control via RackLink: Each of the 8 NEMA 5-20R outlets can be switched, sequenced, or rebooted independently through the RackLink network interface. For a rack UPS protecting a mixed security rack, this means you can remotely reboot a frozen NVR or cycle a locked-up PoE switch without taking the whole rack offline — or without rolling a truck to the site.
- Network Card Included: The included network card makes this a network-enabled UPS without an upcharge. SNMP and web-based management are accessible on day one for integration into NOC monitoring platforms, automated shutdown scripts, or building management systems. This is a meaningful differentiator versus base-model UPS units that ship without management capability.
- MOV Surge Protection: Metal oxide varistor surge protection is integrated on all outlets, providing a first line of defense against transient spikes that would otherwise reach connected NVR storage drives and camera processors. This is not a substitute for a whole-facility surge suppressor on the service entrance, but it handles the outlet-level events that slip through.
- 20A / 120 VAC Input Circuit: The NEMA 5-20P plug requires a 20A circuit — verify your rack's branch circuit breaker before deployment. On a shared 15A circuit this unit will not power up at rated load, which is the most common field install error with this class of UPS.
- 48 VDC Battery Bus: The 48 VDC internal battery configuration is a standard NEXSYS architecture. External battery modules in the NEXSYS family connect to this bus — confirm compatibility with Middle Atlantic's NEXSYS extended runtime packs if runtime beyond the internal battery is required for your site's outage profile.
- 2 RU / 22-Inch Depth Footprint: At 2 rack units tall and 22 in deep, this UPS fits in a standard open-frame or enclosed rack without a shelf. Minimum mounting depth is 28 in — shallow wall-mount enclosures under that spec won't accommodate it. The 4-point rack mounting provides stability for a 63 lb unit.
- Operating Temperature 32–104°F (0–40°C): Standard commercial operating range. Telecom closets and IT rooms within that band are fine; unheated outdoor enclosures in northern climates will need supplemental heating to stay in spec during winter months.
- RoHS / FCC / CSA Compliance: FCC and CSA marks confirm the unit meets North American safety and emissions standards. RoHS compliance is relevant for projects with environmental material requirements. TAA compliance is NOT indicated for this SKU — federal procurement officers should note this before specifying.
Integration and Compatibility
The UPX-RLNK-2000R-8 is designed to integrate with rack power management workflows using the included RackLink network card. SNMP-capable monitoring platforms can poll UPS status — load percentage, battery charge, input voltage — for centralized visibility across multiple rack locations. For security integrators using VMS platforms like Milestone or Genetec, the UPS can be monitored via a separate SNMP trap receiver or building management integration, triggering graceful NVR shutdown on extended outages before battery depletion. The NEMA 5-20R outlets are compatible with standard IEC C19/C20 adapters and direct NEMA 5-20P cords used by most commercial NVRs, switches, and rack-mount servers. Review the UPS selection guide to match VA/watt ratings to your specific rack load before finalizing this specification. Complement this UPS with a Middle Atlantic rack enclosure sized for the 28-inch minimum mounting depth requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the true watt rating of the UPX-RLNK-2000R-8, and how does that differ from the VA rating?
A: The UPX-RLNK-2000R-8 is rated at 1800W (true watts) and 2000VA. The watt figure is the real power available to connected loads — use 1800W for load budgeting, not 2000VA. The VA rating accounts for power factor and is always higher than the watt rating.
Q: Does the UPX-RLNK-2000R-8 include a network management card, or is that an add-on?
A: The network card is included in the box. The unit ships network-enabled with RackLink individual outlet control accessible via the included card — no separate purchase required for SNMP or web-based management.
Q: What circuit type does the UPX-RLNK-2000R-8 require?
A: It requires a dedicated 20-amp, 120 VAC branch circuit. The plug is a NEMA 5-20P. A standard 15A outlet will not support this unit at rated load.
Q: Is the UPX-RLNK-2000R-8 TAA compliant for federal procurement?
A: No. TAA compliance is not indicated for this SKU. It should not be specified on federal contracts or projects requiring TAA-compliant power equipment.
Q: What is the minimum rack depth required to mount the UPX-RLNK-2000R-8?
A: The minimum mounting depth is 28 inches (the unit itself is 22 in deep). Racks or enclosures with less than 28 in of usable depth will not accommodate this unit.
Q: What is the warranty on the UPX-RLNK-2000R-8?
A: The evidence indicates a 2-year product warranty and a 3-year battery warranty. Confirm current terms with the manufacturer at time of purchase.
The spec that gets overlooked on the UPX-RLNK-2000R-8 is the 1800W true watt rating relative to the 2000VA nameplate — most integrators budget against VA and end up underestimating headroom. On a real security rack, 1800W gives you significant margin over a typical NVR-plus-switch-plus-access-control load, and the line-interactive topology means that margin stays available because the battery is only called on for genuine outages, not routine voltage sags.
Technical Highlights:
- Individual RackLink Outlet Control: Each of the 8 NEMA 5-20R outlets is independently switchable via the included network card — critical for remote reboot of a frozen NVR or switch without taking the full rack down or dispatching a technician.
- Network Card Included: SNMP and web management are available out of the box. No add-on card purchase, no waiting on a separate SKU — day-one integration into NOC monitoring or automated graceful-shutdown scripts is straightforward.
- 48 VDC Battery Architecture: The NEXSYS 48 VDC battery bus is the connection point for extended runtime battery modules in the Middle Atlantic family — important to confirm if your site's outage profile exceeds the internal battery's runtime at your actual load.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify a dedicated 20A branch circuit (NEMA 5-20P) is present before delivery — the most common field issue with this unit class is arriving at a rack wired for 15A. The UPX-RLNK-2000R-8 will not reach rated capacity on a 15A circuit.
- At 63 lbs and 2 RU, rack loading and minimum 28-inch mounting depth are non-negotiable checks. A shallow wall-mount enclosure specified without confirming the 28-inch minimum will create a costly re-specification on site.
This UPS is a strong fit for mid-size commercial security rack deployments — retail loss-prevention rooms, corporate lobby AV/security racks, or branch office IT closets — where remote outlet-level reboot capability eliminates truck rolls for frozen devices and the 1800W capacity comfortably handles a full NVR-plus-switching stack with room to grow.
