APC Smart-ups 3000VA LCD 120V with Smartconnect Taa-compliant - SMT3000CUS

APC by Schneider Electric SMT3000CUS Smart-UPS 3000VA LCD 120V TAA-Compliant

The SMT3000CUS is APC's 3000VA Smart-UPS tower unit built for environments where power continuity is non-negotiable — data closets, access control headends, network edge deployments, and security server rooms running on 120V infrastructure. With a NEMA L5-30P input, ten battery-backed output receptacles, an integrated LCD interface, and TAA compliance for government and federally funded projects, it covers the core requirements of a commercial-grade UPS without overcomplicating the installation.

If you're sizing UPS capacity for uninterruptible power supplies across a security or IT deployment, the 3000VA rating gives meaningful headroom above the typical 1500–2200VA workloads found in mid-size data closets. Browse the full APC by Schneider Electric catalog for the broader Smart-UPS family if you need rack-mount, higher VA, or different voltage configurations.

Key Features

• 3000VA / 120V Tower Form Factor: Sized for mid-density deployments — enough capacity to carry a populated network rack through a brief outage or support a safe, ordered shutdown. Tower footprint works in server rooms and data closets without consuming rack units.
• 10-Outlet Output Configuration — 8x NEMA 5-15R + 2x NEMA 5-20R: The two 5-20R outlets handle higher-draw devices (servers, PoE switches, NVRs) without adapters, while the eight 5-15R outlets cover standard equipment. That split matters when you're powering mixed loads from a single UPS.
• NEMA L5-30P Input Connection: The twist-lock L5-30P input requires a dedicated 30A circuit — plan this into your electrical rough-in. It's the right connector for a 3000VA load, but it means this unit doesn't plug into a standard 15A or 20A wall outlet. Verify your panel has the circuit available before ordering.
• 17-Minute Runtime at Half Load: At 50% of rated load, you get approximately 17 minutes of battery runtime — enough for an orderly shutdown of connected systems or to bridge a typical utility blip. Full-load runtime will be shorter; factor your actual connected load when sizing.
• 1 Switched Outlet Group: The single switched outlet group allows load shedding — you can remotely cycle or cut power to a defined subset of connected devices without affecting the rest. Useful for rebooting a hung switch or NVR without a physical site visit, when paired with a network management card.
• Integrated LCD Interface: The front-panel LCD gives you real-time status — load percentage, battery charge, estimated runtime, and input/output voltage — without needing software or a network connection. Useful during initial commissioning and for quick on-site checks.
• SmartConnect: SmartConnect enables cloud-based monitoring and management when a network management card is installed. Remote visibility into UPS status, alerts, and runtime estimates without requiring on-premises SNMP infrastructure — relevant for distributed deployments where a technician isn't on-site daily.
• TAA Compliance: The SMT3000CUS meets Trade Agreements Act requirements, making it eligible for U.S. federal, state, and education procurement vehicles where TAA compliance is mandated. If your project is government-funded or subject to FAR clauses, this is the variant to specify.

Integration and Compatibility

The SMT3000CUS integrates with APC's PowerChute software ecosystem for automated graceful shutdown of connected servers and workstations during extended outages — reducing the risk of data corruption on systems that can't sustain a manual shutdown window. For larger deployments, pair with a network management card to enable SNMP monitoring, email alerting, and remote outlet switching within your existing NMS or DCIM platform.

For security-specific deployments, this UPS pairs naturally with rack-mounted network video recorders and PoE switch stacks. A 3000VA unit running a mid-size NVR plus a managed PoE switch at combined 60–70% load leaves adequate headroom and delivers the 17-minute runtime needed to outlast most utility interruptions or initiate a clean shutdown. Review your UPS sizing and selection guide to confirm load calculations before committing to this VA class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the SMT3000CUS TAA-compliant for government procurement?

A: Yes. The SMT3000CUS is TAA-compliant, making it eligible for federal, state, and education contracts where Trade Agreements Act compliance is required.

Q: What input connection does the SMT3000CUS require?

A: The SMT3000CUS uses a NEMA L5-30P twist-lock input, which requires a dedicated 30A 120V circuit. It does not connect to a standard 15A or 20A wall outlet — verify your electrical infrastructure before ordering.

Q: How many outlets does the SMT3000CUS provide, and are they all battery-backed?

A: The unit provides 10 output receptacles: 8x NEMA 5-15R and 2x NEMA 5-20R. Consult the APC product documentation to confirm which outlets are battery-backed versus surge-only for this specific configuration.

Q: What is the runtime of the SMT3000CUS at half load?

A: At 50% of rated load, the SMT3000CUS delivers approximately 17 minutes of battery runtime. Runtime decreases as connected load increases toward the 3000VA maximum.

Q: Does the SMT3000CUS support remote monitoring?

A: The SMT3000CUS includes SmartConnect capability. With a compatible APC network management card installed, you can monitor UPS status, receive alerts, and manage outlet groups remotely via cloud or SNMP, depending on card selection.

Q: Can the SMT3000CUS be rack-mounted?

A: The SMT3000CUS is a tower-form-factor unit. APC offers rack-mount variants in the Smart-UPS family — if rack installation is required, verify the specific rack-mount SKU before purchasing.

Marty Allison

The SMT3000CUS is a sensible spec for mid-size commercial security deployments — the 3000VA rating with a NEMA L5-30P input tells me this unit is intended for a dedicated circuit in a data closet or server room, not an afterthought plug-in. The TAA compliance designation is genuinely useful if you're quoting into government, education, or any federally funded project where procurement rules apply.

Technical Highlights:

• 3000VA Tower at 120V: Sized for a loaded data closet — running an NVR stack, managed PoE switch, and firewall simultaneously at 60–70% load still leaves headroom and hits the 17-minute half-load runtime spec.
• NEMA L5-30P Input: The twist-lock 30A input is the right connector for this load class, but it's a hard electrical prerequisite. If the closet only has 15A or 20A circuits available, this unit cannot be installed without an electrician first.
• SmartConnect + Switched Outlet Group: The single switched group enables remote load shedding — power-cycling a hung NVR or switch without a truck roll when paired with a network management card. That's a real operational benefit on distributed sites with limited on-site staffing.

Deployment Considerations:

• Confirm your actual connected load before ordering — 3000VA sounds like headroom until you total up an NVR with spinning drives, a 24-port PoE switch at full budget, and a firewall. Run the load calculation; don't eyeball it.
• SmartConnect remote management requires a separately purchased APC network management card — it's not included in the base unit. Budget for that accessory if remote monitoring is part of your scope.

The SMT3000CUS is the right call for TAA-mandated government security deployments running mid-density NVR and network switching infrastructure on a dedicated 30A circuit — it checks the compliance box without giving up the LCD visibility and outlet flexibility the Smart-UPS line is known for.