APC by Schneider Electric SURT20KRMXLT-1TF10K 20kVA Rack-Mount UPS with Step-Down Transformer
Overview
The APC Smart-UPS RT SURT20KRMXLT-1TF10K is a 20kVA / 16kW rack-mountable uninterruptible power supply designed for data centers, server rooms, and critical infrastructure environments where both power protection and voltage conversion are required in a single chassis. It accepts 208V AC input and delivers both 120V AC and 208V AC output simultaneously — eliminating the need for a separate step-down transformer when your load mix includes legacy 120V equipment alongside 208V servers. If you're consolidating power infrastructure or building out a mixed-voltage rack environment, this unit is engineered for exactly that scenario. For broader APC by Schneider Electric power protection solutions, the full product family covers a wide range of capacities and form factors.
Key Features
- 20kVA / 16kW Dual-Voltage Output: Delivers 208V and 120V AC simultaneously from a single 208V feed. This matters in mixed racks where you're running both standard 120V PDUs and 208V server hardware — one unit covers both without additional conversion hardware.
- Pure Sine Wave Output: Produces a true sine wave under all conditions, including battery mode. Switched-mode power supplies in servers and storage arrays require sine wave input to operate correctly — square-wave or simulated sine UPS units can cause load failures or shorten PSU life.
- 105A Input Current Capacity: At 208V input with a 105A draw ceiling, this unit can support dense compute loads. Verify your upstream circuit breaker and PDU are rated appropriately — at full draw, you need a 125A or larger breaker per NEC 80% rule.
- 11 Output Outlets: Provides 11 protected outlets, giving you enough connections for a fully loaded rack without daisy-chaining PDUs unnecessarily.
- 4.9-Minute Full-Load / 15.3-Minute Half-Load Runtime: At 16kW full load, you get nearly 5 minutes to execute a controlled shutdown or transfer to generator. At half load (8kW), runtime extends to over 15 minutes — enough for most generator transfer sequences in well-designed facilities.
- 2.5-Hour Battery Recharge: Lead-acid chemistry with a 2.5-hour recharge cycle means batteries are back to full capacity well within a typical shift after a discharge event.
- SNMP Management: Built-in SNMP manageability integrates with standard NMS platforms for remote monitoring, alerting, and automated shutdown scripting — critical for unmanned or lights-out data center deployments. Pair this with a network management card if not already included in your configuration.
- 16U Rack Form Factor: At 16U, this is a significant rack commitment — plan your rack layout before ordering. At 766.61 lb, floor loading calculations and proper UPS installation planning are non-negotiable before deployment.
Integration and Compatibility
The SURT20KRMXLT-1TF10K is designed for integration into managed data center environments via SNMP. The unit's dual-voltage output makes it particularly well-suited for power distribution architectures in facilities transitioning from legacy 120V infrastructure to 208V without wanting to replace all existing 120V-rated equipment at once. The 208V input requirement means this UPS is not suitable for standard 120V utility feeds — confirm your facility's power infrastructure supports 208V three-phase or single-phase 208V circuits before specifying this unit. Output frequency is fixed at 60Hz, making it appropriate for North American deployments. Input frequency tolerance extends to 70Hz, providing margin for generator-sourced power which can drift above 60Hz under varying load.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What input voltage does the SURT20KRMXLT-1TF10K require?
A: The SURT20KRMXLT-1TF10K requires 208V AC input. It is not compatible with standard 120V utility circuits. Confirm your facility has 208V service before specifying this unit.
Q: Does this UPS output both 120V and 208V simultaneously?
A: Yes. The integrated step-down transformer allows the unit to deliver both 120V AC and 208V AC output from a single 208V input feed, supporting mixed-voltage rack environments without additional conversion hardware.
Q: What is the warranty on the SURT20KRMXLT-1TF10K?
A: APC provides a 2-year manufacturer warranty on the SURT20KRMXLT-1TF10K.
Q: How much floor space and rack space does this unit require?
A: The SURT20KRMXLT-1TF10K occupies 16U of rack space, measures 27.9" H x 17" W x 30.4" D, and weighs 766.61 lb. Floor loading and structural support must be evaluated before installation.
Q: What runtime can I expect at full load?
A: At full 16kW load, the SURT20KRMXLT-1TF10K provides approximately 4.9 minutes of runtime. At half load (8kW), runtime extends to approximately 15.3 minutes. Runtime is sufficient for controlled shutdowns and most generator transfer sequences.
Q: Is the SURT20KRMXLT-1TF10K SNMP manageable?
A: Yes. The unit supports SNMP management for integration with network management systems, enabling remote monitoring, alerting, and automated shutdown capabilities.
The SURT20KRMXLT-1TF10K is one of the few rack UPS units I'd recommend specifically for facilities running a mixed 120V/208V load profile — the integrated step-down transformer is the differentiator here. At 766.61 lb and 16U, this is not a unit you swap in without serious pre-planning, but for the right application it eliminates a full transformer cabinet and the associated wiring complexity.
Technical Highlights:
- Dual-Voltage Output: Simultaneous 120V and 208V AC from a single 208V feed — avoids the cost and rack space of a separate step-down transformer, which typically runs 4-8U on its own.
- Pure Sine Wave on Battery: Sine wave output maintained during battery operation ensures compatibility with sensitive server PSUs and storage controllers that will fault or sustain damage on modified sine wave input.
- 4.9-Minute Full-Load Runtime: At 16kW, you have roughly 5 minutes — enough for graceful OS shutdown sequences on most hypervisor clusters, but not a substitute for generator backup in extended outage scenarios.
Deployment Considerations:
- At 766.61 lb, this unit requires verified floor load capacity (typically 150-250 lb/sq ft for raised floor data centers) and a two-person minimum installation team with appropriate lifting equipment — do not attempt solo installation.
- The 105A input draw at full load means your upstream circuit must be rated for at least 125A per NEC 210.20 continuous load rules — confirm panel capacity and breaker sizing before commissioning.
This unit is best positioned in a colocation edge deployment or enterprise server room where 208V utility power is available, the load mix includes both legacy 120V equipment and modern 208V servers, and a controlled shutdown window of 5-15 minutes is sufficient to protect critical workloads pending generator transfer.
