APC by Schneider Electric SRT2200RMXLA 2200VA 2U Rackmount Online UPS
Overview
The APC by Schneider Electric SRT2200RMXLA is a 2200VA / 1800W double-conversion online UPS in a 2U rackmount form factor — built for IT closets, network rooms, and security infrastructure where zero-transfer-time protection is non-negotiable. Unlike standby or line-interactive topologies, the SRT2200RMXLA regenerates a clean sine wave output continuously, meaning downstream equipment never sees raw utility power at all. That matters when you're protecting network video recorders, managed switches, or edge servers that react badly to sags and surges that a simpler UPS would pass straight through. For a deeper look at how to size UPS capacity across a surveillance or network rack, see our UPS and power protection category.
Key Features
- Double-Conversion Online Topology: Power flows through the inverter 100% of the time, so there is zero transfer time on utility failure. Security cameras, NVRs, and access control panels stay online without a blink — no missed frames, no door controller reboot. Standby and line-interactive designs have a 4–12ms transfer gap; the SRT2200RMXLA has none.
- 1800W / 2200VA Output at <2% THD: The 1800W real power ceiling with less than 2% total harmonic distortion means sensitive switching power supplies and active PFC loads get a stable, clean waveform. Crest factor support up to 3:1 handles the high-peak inrush of medical-grade and industrial equipment without clipping.
- Seven Output Receptacles (6x NEMA 5-20R + 1x NEMA L5-20R): The mixed outlet configuration covers standard 20A rack loads on the six 5-20R ports and provides a single twist-lock L5-20R for equipment that demands a secured connection. Input draws from a NEMA 5-20P plug on a 6 ft (1.83 m) cord — plan for a 20A dedicated circuit at the rack.
- Extendable Runtime via External Battery Modules: The included 72V / 306 VAh internal battery pack gives a baseline runtime, but the SRT series accepts external battery modules (SRT72RMBP). Stack up to 10 modules to push available capacity to 6,426 VAh — critical for facilities that need 30+ minutes of runtime to execute a controlled shutdown or sustain a generator startup sequence. APC replacement batteries APCRBC141 and SRT72RMBPUS are the field-replacement units.
- 3-Hour Recharge Time: After a full discharge, the 102W charger restores the 72V battery string in approximately 3 hours. For facilities with multiple daily outages (unstable utility areas), verify that the recharge window fits your shift pattern before specifying this unit.
- Built-In Bypass and Audible/Visual Alarms: The internal maintenance bypass lets you take the inverter offline for service without dropping the load — a real-world requirement in 24/7 security operations centers. Alarms are prioritized by severity so nuisance alerts don't drown out critical fault conditions.
- Optional Network Management Card (NMC Slot Available): The SRT2200RMXLA ships without a network card but includes a free management slot. Install an APC NMC2 or NMC3 with environmental monitoring to get SNMP/web-based monitoring, outlet-level control, and integration with data center infrastructure management (DCIM) platforms.
- 55 dBA Acoustic Output: At 55 dBA, this unit is audible in a quiet office but not disruptive in a standard server room or IDF closet. If the UPS lives in an open office area, factor that into placement decisions.
- IP20 Enclosure, 0–10,000 ft Operating Altitude: IP20 means the chassis is protected against fingers and objects larger than 12mm — fine for a locked rack in a controlled room but not suitable for dusty or wet environments. The 10,000 ft altitude ceiling covers most domestic installations; derate capacity above that elevation if deploying in mountain facilities.
- 2U Rack Footprint, 55 lb: Two rack units is the standard SRT density point. At 55 lb (24.95 kg), plan for two people or a rail kit during installation. The unit mounts horizontally on the front of the rack; APC recommends lower-rack placement to keep the center of gravity low.
Integration and Compatibility
The SRT2200RMXLA integrates with APC by Schneider Electric's broader Smart-UPS SRT ecosystem — external battery modules, SmartConnect remote monitoring, and the NMC accessory slot all use the same platform. The 120V / NEMA 5-20P input is compatible with standard North American 20A branch circuits. For deployments pairing this UPS with network switches or NVR stacks, verify total connected load in watts (not VA) against the 1800W ceiling. The unit's 50/60 Hz auto-sensing output (±3 Hz sync to mains) accommodates mixed utility environments. If your site runs on a generator that drifts outside that sync window, the inverter will operate in standalone mode — confirm generator frequency tolerance before finalizing the design. Pair with a rack PDU if you need additional outlet capacity beyond the seven onboard receptacles. For guidance on calculating battery runtime and load sizing, consult the UPS selection guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the transfer time to battery on a utility outage?
A: Zero milliseconds. The SRT2200RMXLA uses double-conversion online topology, meaning the load runs from the inverter continuously. There is no transfer switching on utility failure — connected equipment experiences no interruption.
Q: Can I extend the runtime beyond the internal battery?
A: Yes. The SRT series supports external battery modules (SRT72RMBP). Adding one module brings available capacity to approximately 916 VAh; you can stack up to 10 modules for 6,426 VAh of extended runtime. Runtime at your specific load depends on connected watts — use APC's runtime calculator with your actual load for accurate estimates.
Q: What replacement batteries does the SRT2200RMXLA use?
A: The internal battery is replaced with APCRBC141 or SRT72RMBPUS. APC rates the battery life at 3–5 years under normal operating conditions.
Q: Does the SRT2200RMXLA include a network management card?
A: No — the network management card is optional. The unit ships with an open NMC slot that accepts APC NMC2 or NMC3 cards (sold separately), enabling SNMP monitoring, environmental sensor support, and outlet-level control via web interface.
Q: What circuit does the SRT2200RMXLA require?
A: The unit ships with a NEMA 5-20P input plug on a 6 ft cord. You will need a dedicated 20A, 120V branch circuit. Do not share this circuit with other high-draw equipment.
Q: Is the SRT2200RMXLA suitable for outdoor or dusty environments?
A: No. The IP20 enclosure rating protects against direct contact but offers no protection against dust ingress or moisture. Install in a clean, climate-controlled, indoor rack environment only.
When I specify a UPS for a security rack — NVRs, managed PoE switches, access control servers — the SRT2200RMXLA is one of the few 2U options I trust for zero-transfer-time protection without jumping to a much larger 3U footprint. The double-conversion topology is the core reason: at 1800W real power output with less than 2% THD, the SRT2200RMXLA delivers a cleaner waveform than the utility itself, which matters when your NVR's power supply is sensitive to sags below 105V.
Technical Highlights:
- Double-Conversion with 0ms Transfer: No transfer relay, no 8ms gap — the inverter is always in the load path. For a 64-channel NVR mid-write, that gap difference is the difference between clean shutdown and filesystem corruption.
- Expandable to 6,426 VAh: Ten SRT72RMBP external modules can push total battery capacity to 6,426 VAh. Size this carefully — at a typical 900W security rack load, that's substantial runtime for generator bridging or extended controlled shutdown sequences.
- Mixed 20A Outlet Bank: Six NEMA 5-20R plus one NEMA L5-20R gives you seven protected circuits. The twist-lock L5-20R is worth using for the primary NVR or server — accidental disconnect risk drops to near zero compared to a straight blade connection.
Deployment Considerations:
- At 55 lb (24.95 kg) and 2U, this unit needs a proper rail kit and a second set of hands. Don't try a single-person install in a narrow IDF — the front-mount, lower-rack preference exists for a reason, and bottom-heavy racks are safer racks.
- The NMC slot is empty from the factory. If your deployment requires SNMP monitoring or integration with a DCIM platform, budget for an NMC2 or NMC3 card separately — without it, you have local LCD only, no remote visibility into battery health or load percentage.
The SRT2200RMXLA is the right call for a dedicated security IDF or small network operations room running 24/7 where a brief power event cannot be allowed to interrupt recording continuity or access control decisions. If you're protecting a larger mixed IT/AV rack above 1800W actual draw, look at the SRT3000 platform in the same family.
