APC by Schneider Electric SRT96BP Extended Runtime Battery Pack for Smart-UPS SRT 3kVA
Overview
The SRT96BP is a 96V extended runtime battery pack designed to pair with APC Smart-UPS SRT 3kVA online double-conversion UPS systems where standard runtime simply isn't enough. When a power outage hits during a critical recording window, a server migration, or a network equipment refresh, the runtime you have on the base UPS unit is rarely sufficient — this pack exists to close that gap. Weighing in at 44.5 kg and built around sealed lead-acid chemistry, the APC by Schneider Electric battery pack lineup is engineered for deployments where uptime is non-negotiable and hot-swapping during live operation is a hard requirement.
This pack is purpose-built for integration with the Smart-UPS SRT 3kVA extended runtime models. If you're sizing a UPS and battery backup system for a server closet, edge compute node, or security infrastructure rack, this is the component that converts your baseline UPS into a longer-duration solution without replacing the inverter or charging circuitry.
Key Features
- 96V Battery String: The SRT96BP delivers a 96V nominal battery voltage matched specifically to the Smart-UPS SRT 3kVA extended runtime architecture. Voltage matching is not optional — pairing the wrong voltage battery pack with a UPS risks inverter faults and voided compatibility. This pack eliminates that risk for the 3kVA SRT extended runtime family.
- Hot-Swap Capable: Battery replacement without powering down the connected load is operationally significant. In 24/7 environments — think NVR arrays, access control servers, or network switches feeding surveillance infrastructure — even a planned maintenance window has a cost. Hot-swap capability means you can swap a degraded battery pack during business hours without scheduling downtime.
- Sealed Lead-Acid Chemistry: Lead-acid remains the workhouse technology for UPS battery applications because it delivers high surge current, tolerates float charging, and is widely serviceable. No exotic handling requirements, no specialized disposal chain beyond standard lead-acid recycling.
- 0–40°C Operating Range: The SRT96BP operates across 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F), which covers virtually every conditioned indoor space — server rooms, IDF closets, security control rooms. Push beyond 40°C and battery longevity degrades measurably; if your rack environment regularly exceeds this, address cooling first.
- -15°C to 45°C Storage Range: If you're holding this pack as a spare before deployment, it survives storage down to -15°C — relevant for warehouse environments or cold-climate staging areas where unconditioned storage is the norm.
- 0–95% Operating Humidity (Non-Condensing): The humidity envelope covers most commercial indoor environments. Note that this is non-condensing — condensation from rapid temperature transitions (e.g., moving the pack from a cold loading dock into a warm data room) should be avoided. Allow the unit to acclimate before installation.
- RoHS Compliance: Restriction of Hazardous Substances compliance is relevant for deployments in regulated environments, government facilities, and for organizations with environmental procurement standards. The SRT96BP carries RoHS certification.
- Compact 1U-Adjacent Form Factor: At 85mm wide × 432mm tall × 594mm deep, the pack is sized for rack or tower integration alongside the SRT 3kVA host unit. The narrow 85mm width is notable — verify your rack bay or enclosure clearance before ordering.
Integration and Compatibility
The SRT96BP is designed exclusively for APC Smart-UPS SRT extended runtime 3kVA models. It is not a universal battery replacement. Before ordering, confirm your base UPS is an SRT 3kVA extended runtime variant — the standard (non-XL/ERT) SRT 3kVA models use a different internal battery configuration and are not compatible with this external pack. Verify the model number on your UPS nameplate against APC's published compatibility matrix before deploying.
For security and surveillance infrastructure, the SRT96BP paired with a compatible SRT 3kVA UPS is a proven pairing for protecting network video recorders, PoE switches, and edge servers where an uncontrolled shutdown would mean lost footage or a gap in access control coverage. The extended runtime this pack provides is the deciding factor in whether your cameras stay online through a 20-minute grid outage or go dark at minute four.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the SRT96BP compatible with all APC Smart-UPS models?
A: No. The SRT96BP is designed specifically for APC Smart-UPS SRT 3kVA extended runtime models. It is not compatible with standard (non-extended-runtime) SRT units or with other Smart-UPS families. Confirm your UPS model against APC's compatibility documentation before ordering.
Q: Can the SRT96BP be replaced while the UPS is running under load?
A: Yes. The SRT96BP supports hot-swap replacement, meaning you can install or replace this battery pack without shutting down the connected UPS or powering off the load. This is a key feature for 24/7 environments where downtime is not acceptable.
Q: What battery technology does the SRT96BP use?
A: The SRT96BP uses sealed lead-acid (SLA) battery technology. This is standard for UPS applications — it tolerates float charging, delivers high surge current, and follows established disposal and recycling procedures.
Q: What are the environmental operating limits for the SRT96BP?
A: The SRT96BP operates between 0°C and 40°C (32°F to 104°F) with relative humidity of 0–95% non-condensing. Storage is rated for -15°C to 45°C. Operating outside these ranges will reduce battery service life.
Q: Is the SRT96BP RoHS compliant?
A: Yes. The SRT96BP carries RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliance certification, making it suitable for regulated environments and organizations with environmental procurement requirements.
Q: How heavy is the SRT96BP, and do I need special mounting hardware?
A: The packaged weight of the SRT96BP is 44.5 kg (approximately 98 lbs). This is a substantial unit — plan for two-person installation and verify that your rack or mounting surface is rated for the combined weight of the UPS and this battery pack.
The SRT96BP is a 96V external battery pack — that 96V rating is the detail that determines compatibility, and it's the first thing I check before recommending this unit. It's purpose-matched to the Smart-UPS SRT 3kVA extended runtime family, and if your base UPS isn't that specific variant, this pack simply won't work. Used correctly, it's the right way to extend runtime on that platform without replacing inverter hardware.
Technical Highlights:
- 96V Nominal Voltage: Matched to the SRT 3kVA ERT bus — deviations in voltage compatibility cause inverter faults; this pack eliminates the guesswork for the supported platform.
- Hot-Swap Support: Live battery replacement without load shutdown is operationally valuable in 24/7 deployments; a degraded pack can be swapped during a shift change rather than a maintenance window.
- 0–40°C Operating Envelope: Covers conditioned data rooms and IDF closets; anything warmer shortens lead-acid service life meaningfully — thermal management in the rack should be confirmed before deployment.
Deployment Considerations:
- At 44.5 kg packaged, two-person installation is not optional — confirm rack weight ratings before mounting alongside a fully loaded SRT 3kVA unit.
- The 85mm width is narrower than it looks on spec sheets — measure your rack bay clearance carefully; a tight fit can impede proper seating of the battery connector.
The SRT96BP is the right call for a security operations center or edge server room where the base SRT 3kVA UPS runtime isn't enough to survive a 15–30 minute grid outage — specifically when NVR arrays or access control servers need to stay live through the event without a planned shutdown.
