APC by Schneider Electric SRT8KRMXLT-A 8kVA/8kW 6U Rackmount Double-Conversion UPS 208V
Overview
The APC by Schneider Electric SRT8KRMXLT-A is an 8kVA/8kW double-conversion online UPS designed for 208V rackmount deployments where true zero-transfer-time power protection is non-negotiable. At 6U, it fits standard 19-inch racks without sacrificing headroom for other gear, and its embedded network management card means remote monitoring is available out of the box — no separate card to order or budget for. This is the UPS for server rooms, data closets, and enterprise security infrastructure where a brownout, voltage spike, or outage cannot be allowed to corrupt data or drop critical systems.
Key Features
- Double-Conversion Online Topology: Unlike standby or line-interactive UPS designs, double-conversion continuously regenerates output power from the inverter — meaning there is literally zero transfer time to battery. Your connected equipment never sees raw utility power; it sees clean, regulated 208V at all times. For servers, NVRs, and access control servers running 24/7, this is the only topology worth deploying.
- 8kVA / 8kW Capacity: True unity power factor (kVA = kW at 1.0) means the 8kW real power rating isn't derated by a 0.8 or 0.9 PF penalty. You can load this unit to its nameplate rating without worrying about apparent vs. real power math — a meaningful advantage when sizing for dense server or UPS systems deployments.
- 6U Rackmount Form Factor: Mounts in a standard 19-inch rack. At 246 lbs, shelf and rail load ratings are a real planning consideration — verify your rack's weight spec before installation. This is not a unit you'll be repositioning after the fact.
- Output Connections — 4x NEMA L6-20R + 2x NEMA L6-30R: Six total battery-backed outlets across three switched outlet groups. The L6-20R sockets handle most 208V server and networking loads; the L6-30R pair accommodates higher-draw equipment. Three switched outlet groups let you sequence load shedding or reboot individual circuit segments remotely — critical for staged recovery procedures.
- 14-Minute Runtime at Half Load: At 4kW (50% load), you get approximately 14 minutes of runtime on the internal batteries. For most server room deployments that's enough time to execute a clean shutdown via PowerChute or NMC-triggered scripts. If your environment requires longer ride-through, the SRT8KRMXLT-A supports up to 10 external battery modules (EBMs) — runtime scales accordingly.
- Up to 10 External Battery Modules: The ability to chain external battery packs makes this unit scalable for environments where extended runtime matters — colocation suites, 24/7 operations centers, or sites with historically unreliable utility power. You're not locked into the runtime you buy on day one.
- Embedded Network Management Card (NMC): Remote monitoring, alerting, and outlet control are built in — no SmartSlot card required. The NMC lets you integrate with SNMP-based monitoring platforms, configure email alerts on battery events, and execute remote outlet cycling. One SmartSlot interface remains available for an additional card (environmental sensor, second NMC for redundancy, etc.).
- High-Resolution Graphical LCD Display: Local status — load percentage, battery runtime, input/output voltage, fault conditions — is readable at a glance on the front panel. For techs working in a noisy equipment room, this matters more than a small LED bar.
- 3 Switched Outlet Groups: Segment your connected loads and control each group independently. This enables load-shedding scripts that drop non-critical equipment first (monitors, secondary storage) while keeping servers and network infrastructure alive longest — standard practice in well-architected shutdown procedures.
- Hard Wire 3-Wire Input (2PH + G): Input is hardwired, not a plug-and-socket connection. This is an electrician-installed unit — plan for a licensed install and verify your panel has a dedicated 208V circuit with appropriate breaker sizing before the unit arrives.
Integration & Compatibility
The SRT8KRMXLT-A (often searched as SRT8KRMXLT A) integrates with APC's EcoStruxure IT and PowerChute software ecosystem for automated graceful shutdown, power event logging, and capacity planning. The embedded NMC supports SNMP, Modbus, and web-based management — compatible with most enterprise monitoring stacks. The single available SmartSlot can accept an additional UPS accessory card such as an environmental monitoring unit. For large deployments, up to 10 APC external battery modules extend runtime beyond what any internal battery can provide — a key differentiator for power protection planning in critical infrastructure environments. Because input is hardwired 208V, this unit is not a drop-in for standard NEMA outlet circuits; it belongs in a rack environment with a dedicated electrical feed from a 208V panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the input connection type for the SRT8KRMXLT-A?
A: The SRT8KRMXLT-A uses a hardwired 3-wire input (2PH + G) at 208V. There is no input plug — installation requires a licensed electrician and a dedicated 208V circuit. This is not a plug-in unit.
Q: How many external battery modules does the SRT8KRMXLT-A support?
A: Up to 10 APC external battery modules (EBMs) can be connected to extend runtime beyond the built-in 14 minutes at half load. The exact extended runtime depends on the number of EBMs added and the actual load.
Q: Does the SRT8KRMXLT-A include a network management card?
A: Yes. The SRT8KRMXLT-A ships with an embedded NMC — remote monitoring, SNMP integration, outlet control, and alerting are available without purchasing a separate card. One SmartSlot interface is also available for an additional optional card.
Q: What outlet types are included on the SRT8KRMXLT-A?
A: The unit provides 4 NEMA L6-20R outlets and 2 NEMA L6-30R outlets — all battery-backed and distributed across 3 switched outlet groups for independent load control and sequencing.
Q: What does the double-conversion topology mean for my equipment?
A: Double-conversion online means your equipment is always powered from the UPS inverter — never directly from utility. Transfer time to battery is zero. Voltage spikes, sags, and frequency irregularities from the utility are fully isolated from your connected load at all times.
Q: How much does the SRT8KRMXLT-A weigh, and are there rack mounting considerations?
A: The unit weighs approximately 246 lbs (111.6 kg). Before installing, verify that your rack's weight capacity and rail load ratings can support this weight at the target position. This is a permanent installation — repositioning after the fact requires significant effort and appropriate lifting equipment.
When I spec the SRT8KRMXLT-A for a project, the first thing I point out is the unity power factor — 8kVA equals 8kW here, which is not always the case with rackmount UPS units in this class. That matters when you're loading this unit with modern servers and switching gear that present near-unity PF loads themselves. No derating math, no surprise headroom shortfall.
Technical Highlights:
- Double-Conversion at 8kW: Zero transfer time to battery at full 8kW capacity. For NVR infrastructure, access control servers, or any system where even a 20ms power gap causes a watchdog reset or recording gap, this topology is the correct call — not a line-interactive unit with a 4–8ms transfer window.
- Embedded NMC: Built-in network management means SNMP traps, email alerts on battery events, and remote outlet cycling are operational without a separate card order or additional lead time. This shortens commissioning in environments where the UPS needs to integrate with an existing monitoring stack on day one.
- Up to 10 EBMs: Runtime scalability post-install is a real operational advantage. A site that starts with 14 minutes at half load can extend to 30, 45, or 60+ minutes by adding external battery modules — no UPS replacement required as business continuity requirements evolve.
Deployment Considerations:
- The hardwired 208V input (2PH + G) means this unit requires a licensed electrician for installation — confirm a dedicated 208V circuit is available and properly sized before scheduling delivery. Lead time on electrical work can be longer than lead time on the hardware.
- At 246 lbs, rack placement is a one-time decision in most environments. Verify the rack's rated weight capacity and rail load spec at the chosen U-position before installation — bottom-of-rack placement is preferred for center-of-gravity stability on open-frame racks.
The SRT8KRMXLT-A is the correct unit for a 208V server room or security operations infrastructure rack where double-conversion protection, embedded remote management, and scalable runtime are all required from a single 6U platform — particularly in deployments where future runtime expansion via external battery modules needs to remain on the table.
