APC by Schneider Electric SMX2000LV 2000VA Rack/Tower Line-Interactive UPS

Overview

The APC SMX2000LV is a 2000VA/1800W line-interactive uninterruptible power supply built for rack or tower deployment where runtime flexibility, load visibility, and reliable power conditioning are non-negotiable. Configurable as a 4U rackmount or freestanding tower, it delivers a true sine wave output, a SmartSlot for optional network management, and an expandable battery architecture that lets you dial in exactly how much runtime your infrastructure actually needs. If you're protecting a network closet, a mid-size NVR stack, or a server rack in a branch office, the SMX2000LV is sized to cover the load without overprovisioning.

The unit ships ready for 120V environments with a NEMA 5-20P input plug and an 8 ft cord. Output receptacles total nine — six NEMA 5-15R, three NEMA 5-20R, and one NEMA L5-20R — giving you enough outlets to cover a mixed load of servers, switches, and storage without a separate PDU in most deployments.

Key Features

• 1800W / 1920VA True Sine Wave Output: Line-interactive topology with a pure sine wave keeps sensitive electronics and active PFC power supplies stable. Many competing units at this price point output a stepped approximation — the SMX2000LV does not. If you're running modern servers or VoIP infrastructure, that distinction matters.
• 2–4 ms Transfer Time (4 ms Typical, 8 ms Maximum): Fast enough that connected equipment never notices the switch to battery. Most equipment tolerates up to 20 ms; staying under 8 ms at worst case gives you real headroom even on sensitive loads.
• Expandable Battery Runtime via SMX120BP Modules: The internal 690 VAh battery is a starting point, not a ceiling. You can attach up to 10 SMX120BP external battery modules, pushing total runtime capacity to 14,490 VAh — practical for environments requiring 30–60+ minutes at partial load. Replacement battery is the APCRBC143; expected life is 3–5 years under normal conditions.
• SmartSlot Network Management: One open SmartSlot accepts optional APC network management cards, enabling SNMP/web monitoring, remote shutdown, and event logging without pulling a second RS-232 cable. If your NOC needs visibility into UPS status without walking the floor, this is the integration path.
• USB (HID-Compliant) + RS-232 Serial Interface: HID-compliant USB means the UPS registers as a native power device on Windows, Linux, and macOS — no driver to manage. The DB9 RS-232 port pairs with APC PowerChute Network Shutdown for scripted graceful shutdown sequences, a requirement for VMware and Hyper-V environments where dirty shutoffs corrupt datastores.
• Multi-Function LCD Front Panel: Displays input/output voltage, load percentage, battery charge level, and active alarms in real time. LED status indicators (online, on battery, replace battery, overload, fault) give you a quick visual health check from across the room. The front panel also handles configuration and self-test without needing a laptop or management card.
• EPO (Emergency Power Off) Contact Closure: Supports a hardwired EPO input — a code requirement in many data center and commercial buildouts. If your facility has an EPO panel or requires one per NEC 645.11, the SMX2000LV has the contact built in.
• 55 dBA Acoustic Level: Audible under load, which is expected for a unit this size. Not suited for open office or quiet server rooms without a closed rack. In a dedicated IDF closet or mechanical space it's a non-issue.
• 3-Hour Typical Recharge Time: After a full discharge, the internal battery returns to full charge in roughly three hours — reasonable for environments that experience occasional outages rather than frequent cycling.
• 85 lb Installed Weight: At 85.0 lbs, two-person installation is the right call. Plan for that in your rack deployment workflow, especially in high-density racks where slide rails and cable management are already in play.

Integration & Compatibility

The SMX2000LV integrates with APC by Schneider Electric's broader UPS and power protection lineup via PowerChute Network Shutdown software, which handles graceful multi-server shutdown, runtime scheduling, and event logging. With a network management card installed in the SmartSlot, it participates in SNMP-based monitoring environments and is compatible with standard network management platforms that support APC's MIB. For teams planning around extended outages, the SMX120BP external battery module family provides a clear capacity scaling path — no UPS replacement required as runtime demands grow. The USB HID interface supports native OS-level UPS detection on current Windows Server, Linux, and macOS releases without additional drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the SMX2000LV be used as both a rackmount and a tower unit?

A: Yes. The SMX2000LV ships in a form factor that supports both 4U rack installation and freestanding tower orientation, making it adaptable to your physical infrastructure without requiring a separate model.

Q: What external battery modules are compatible with the SMX2000LV?

A: The SMX120BP external battery module is compatible. You can attach between 1 and 10 SMX120BP units, scaling total runtime capacity from 2,070 VAh (1 module) up to 14,490 VAh (10 modules) above the internal 690 VAh baseline.

Q: Does the SMX2000LV require a dedicated 20-amp circuit?

A: The SMX2000LV uses a NEMA 5-20P input plug, which requires a NEMA 5-20R receptacle — a standard 20-amp, 120V outlet. A dedicated 20A circuit is strongly recommended to avoid tripping breakers under heavy load.

Q: What software is included for graceful server shutdown?

A: The SMX2000LV is compatible with APC PowerChute Network Shutdown software, which supports scripted graceful shutdown for servers and virtual machines. A network management card (installed in the SmartSlot) is required for full network-integrated shutdown functionality.

Q: What is the transfer time to battery during a power outage?

A: Transfer time is 2–4 ms, with 4 ms typical and 8 ms maximum. This is well within the tolerance range of virtually all commercial servers, network switches, and storage equipment.

Q: What is the replacement battery for the SMX2000LV?

A: The replacement battery cartridge is the APCRBC143. Expected battery life under normal operating conditions is 3–5 years.