APC by Schneider Electric SMX2KR2UNCX145 2000VA Line-Interactive Rack/Tower UPS
Overview
The APC Smart-UPS X SMX2KR2UNCX145 is a 2000VA line-interactive uninterruptible power supply built for IT closets, network equipment rooms, and security infrastructure deployments where reliable conditioned power is non-negotiable. Rated for 100V–127V input and 120V output, it ships in a 2U rack-mountable chassis that also converts to tower orientation — useful when you need flexibility across different installation environments without buying separate hardware. For a broader look at UPS and battery backup solutions, the APC line covers a wide range of load requirements.
Key Features
- 2000VA Line-Interactive Topology: Line-interactive designs regulate voltage fluctuations (sags and surges) through automatic voltage regulation without switching to battery — your connected equipment stays on clean power during minor utility events, and battery runtime is preserved for actual outages. This matters in environments with noisy utility feeds.
- 2U Rack/Tower Convertible Form Factor: The SMX2KR2UNCX145 installs in a standard 19-inch rack at 2U height or stands upright as a tower — a practical option for server rooms that mix rackmount and freestanding equipment. You get one SKU that adapts to your physical environment rather than two separate product lines.
- 120V Input and Output (100V–127V Input Range): Designed for North American power infrastructure. The 100V–127V input acceptance range handles the voltage variance common in commercial buildings without forcing a battery transfer, which extends battery life over time.
- Lead-Acid Battery Chemistry: Sealed valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries are the proven choice for UPS applications — low self-discharge, no maintenance, and field-replaceable when runtime degrades. Battery replacement does not require powering down connected equipment on Smart-UPS X models.
- 10-Foot Input Cord: The 10-foot cord length gives you genuine routing flexibility in rack installations — long enough to reach a PDU or wall outlet without a cord extension, which can introduce additional failure points in critical power paths.
- Rack-Mount Form Factor (17-inch / 2U): At 17 inches wide and 2U rack height, the SMX2KR2UNCX145 fits standard 19-inch rack enclosures and integrates cleanly alongside network switches, NVRs, and access control servers in a consolidated security equipment rack.
Integration and Compatibility
The Smart-UPS X product family is designed to integrate with APC's network management card ecosystem, enabling SNMP-based monitoring, remote shutdown scripting, and integration with data center infrastructure management (DCIM) platforms. If your deployment includes a network video recorder or access control server on a managed rack, pairing it with a network-card-equipped UPS gives you remote visibility into battery health and load levels without a physical site visit. The line-interactive topology also makes the SMX2KR2UNCX145 compatible with generator-backed power systems — it conditions the generator's unclean output before it reaches sensitive electronics.
For environments running PoE switches and IP cameras on the same circuit, review your total connected load against the unit's VA and watt ratings before deployment. The Smart-UPS X series supports this kind of mixed security/IT load, but load planning against the rated capacity is required to hit published runtime figures. See our UPS selection guide for load calculation guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the SMX2KR2UNCX145 rack-mountable?
A: Yes. The SMX2KR2UNCX145 is a 2U rack/tower convertible unit that installs in a standard 19-inch rack or stands as a tower, depending on your installation environment.
Q: What input voltage does the SMX2KR2UNCX145 require?
A: The unit accepts 100V–127V input, making it suited for standard North American 120V power infrastructure. Output is 120V.
Q: What type of battery does the SMX2KR2UNCX145 use?
A: It uses a sealed lead-acid battery. These are maintenance-free and field-replaceable without shutting down connected equipment on Smart-UPS X models.
Q: What is the cord length on the SMX2KR2UNCX145?
A: The input power cord is 10 feet long, providing sufficient length for most rack and equipment room installations.
Q: Can the SMX2KR2UNCX145 be used with a network management card?
A: The Smart-UPS X series is designed to accommodate APC network management cards for SNMP monitoring and remote management. Verify the specific slot configuration for this model with current APC documentation before ordering a management card.
The SMX2KR2UNCX145 sits in a practical middle ground for security system integrators: 2000VA is enough headroom for a mid-density rack running an NVR, a PoE switch, and access control hardware without being oversized for the application. The rack/tower convertible chassis is genuinely useful — I've deployed these in equipment closets that started as tower installations and later got migrated into proper racks without swapping the UPS.
Technical Highlights:
- Line-Interactive Topology: Voltage regulation happens continuously without a battery transfer event — connected equipment sees clean 120V output even during sags and surges common on commercial building circuits. Battery is reserved for actual outages, which extends cycle life.
- 100V–127V Input Range: Wider than a fixed 120V input — this matters in older buildings where utility voltage drifts low, and in generator-backed installations where output voltage varies during generator ramp-up.
- 2U Rack Height: Fits a standard 19-inch rack without consuming excessive rack units. In a 12U wall-mount enclosure housing a security head-end, 2U for the UPS leaves room for the rest of the stack.
Deployment Considerations:
- Confirm your total connected load (in watts, not just VA) against the unit's rated watt output before finalizing the deployment — VA ratings are not interchangeable with watts, and running at high power factor loads reduces effective runtime.
- The lead-acid battery has a finite replacement cycle. In security applications where the UPS is always online, plan for battery replacement at the manufacturer's recommended interval — typically every 3–5 years depending on environment temperature — or runtime will degrade before the unit shows a fault.
For a security head-end rack in a commercial building — NVR, managed PoE switch, access control server — the SMX2KR2UNCX145 is a well-matched power protection layer that handles the mixed load without requiring a larger, more expensive 3000VA unit.
