APC Symmetra PX - UPS ( External ) - AC 208 V - 30 KW - UPS Battery Lead Acid - - SY20K40F

APC by Schneider Electric SY20K40F Symmetra PX 20kW Modular 3-Phase UPS

Overview

The APC SY20K40F is a 20kW/20kVA three-phase modular UPS built for data centers, enterprise server rooms, and mission-critical infrastructure where power continuity is non-negotiable. Configured as an extended-run system, it ships with two SYPM10KF power modules and four SYBT4 battery modules — giving you 13.5 minutes of runtime at full 20kW load and 33.9 minutes at half load. That runtime buffer is long enough for most planned generator transfer sequences and short outage events without requiring operator intervention. Unlike single-module monolithic UPS units, the Symmetra PX architecture lets you service or replace individual power and battery modules without shutting down the load — a meaningful operational advantage in 24/7 environments. The SY20K40F is housed in a roller chassis with panels, making positioning inside a data center or equipment room straightforward without rigging equipment.

Key Features

• 20kW/20kVA Power Capacity: Unity power factor means the kW and kVA ratings are identical — no derating for reactive loads. You get the full 20,000 watts available for actual IT equipment, not wasted on power factor correction overhead.
• Dual SYPM10KF Power Modules: Two hot-swappable 10kW modules sum to the rated 20kW output. If one module requires replacement, the other continues carrying the load during the swap — zero planned downtime for module-level maintenance.
• Four SYBT4 Battery Modules (16 SYBTU1-PLP Units): Runtime scales with the battery module count. At full 20kW load, expect 13.5 minutes; at half load (10kW), runtime extends to 33.9 minutes. Battery modules are individually replaceable, so you can refresh aging cells in stages rather than scheduling a full system battery replacement.
• Hard-Wire 5-Wire Input (3PH + N + G): Accepts 120/208V and 120/240V three-phase input, hardwired directly into your facility distribution. No plug dependency means the connection is permanent and rated for continuous full-load current — appropriate for the power levels this system operates at.
• Output Flexibility with Optional PDU Backplates: The single hard-wire 5-wire output (3PH + N + G) supports optional PDU backplate configurations for both 120/208V and 120/240V — letting you distribute protected power to multiple circuit breakers or PDU strips downstream without a separate distribution panel.
• Dual Smart-Slot Interfaces: Two Smart-Slot expansion bays accept APC network management cards (NMC), environmental sensors, or relay interfaces. Dual slots allow simultaneous network monitoring and, for example, a relay card for dry-contact generator signaling — without sacrificing one for the other.
• Dual SYMIM4 Intelligence Modules: Two intelligence modules provide redundant system control logic. If one module fails, the other maintains UPS operation and communication — eliminating the intelligence layer as a single point of failure.
• Symmetra PX Extended Run Chassis (SYCF8BF-8 Platform): The roller chassis design with integrated panels allows the system to be rolled into position and locked in place. At 81.5" H × 23.6" W × 35.5" L, plan for adequate floor space and door clearance during installation — this is a floor-standing cabinet, not a rack-mount unit.

Integration & Compatibility

The SY20K40F is built on the Symmetra PX platform, which means power modules, battery modules, and intelligence modules are field-interchangeable within the Symmetra PX family. The dual Smart-Slot bays are compatible with the full range of APC Smart-Slot cards, including AP9630/AP9631 network management cards for SNMP/web-based monitoring, AP9922 battery management systems, and relay I/O cards for generator integration. For downstream distribution, optional PDU backplates allow direct branch-circuit distribution at both 120/208V and 120/240V — eliminating the need for a separate PDU cabinet in some configurations. Review the power supplies and UPS category for compatible distribution and management accessories. If you are sizing runtime requirements for a larger load bank, the APC by Schneider Electric product line includes extended battery cabinets and higher-capacity Symmetra PX configurations. For related power protection planning, see the network infrastructure category for PoE switches and distribution that this UPS may protect downstream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the runtime of the SY20K40F at full load?

A: At full load (20kW), the SY20K40F provides approximately 13.5 minutes of runtime. At half load (10kW), runtime extends to approximately 33.9 minutes. Actual runtime may vary based on battery age and condition.

Q: What input voltage does the SY20K40F require?

A: The SY20K40F accepts 120/208V and 120/240V three-phase input via a hard-wire 5-wire connection (3PH + N + G). It requires a permanent hardwired installation — there is no plug connection option at this power level.

Q: Can battery modules be replaced without shutting down the load?

A: Yes. The Symmetra PX modular architecture supports hot-swap replacement of individual SYBT4 battery modules while the system continues supplying power to the connected load. This allows staged battery refresh without planned downtime.

Q: How many Smart-Slot expansion bays does the SY20K40F include?

A: The SY20K40F includes two Smart-Slot expansion bays. These accept APC network management cards, environmental sensors, relay cards, and other Smart-Slot accessories simultaneously.

Q: What chassis type does the SY20K40F use?

A: The SY20K40F uses the Symmetra PX Extended Run Battery Cabinet chassis (APC SYCF8BF-8) with a roller chassis and integrated panels. Dimensions are 81.5" H × 23.6" W × 35.5" L — this is a floor-standing unit that rolls into position.

Q: What power modules and battery modules are included with the SY20K40F?

A: The SY20K40F ships with two SYPM10KF power modules, four SYBT4 battery modules (consisting of 16 SYBTU1-PLP units), and two SYMIM4 intelligence modules.

Marty Allison

The SY20K40F is the configuration I recommend when a facility needs 20kW of protected three-phase power with field-serviceable components and enough runtime to execute a controlled generator transfer or graceful shutdown sequence. The 13.5-minute full-load and 33.9-minute half-load runtimes are spec-verified — not marketing estimates — and the dual SYMIM4 intelligence modules mean you are not betting system control on a single logic board.

Technical Highlights:

• Unity Power Factor (20kW = 20kVA): No derating gap between kW and kVA means the entire rated capacity is usable for real IT load — you are not buying 20kVA and delivering 16kW to equipment.
• Dual Smart-Slot Bays: Two expansion slots let you run a network management card and a relay/generator interface card simultaneously — critical for data centers that need both remote SNMP monitoring and physical generator handshake signaling in the same chassis.
• Four SYBT4 Battery Modules: Battery runtime is field-scalable by module count, and individual modules can be hot-swapped. A phased battery refresh strategy — replacing one or two modules per maintenance window — keeps the system at full health without a single extended outage.

Deployment Considerations:

• The hard-wire 5-wire input (3PH + N + G) requires a licensed electrician for termination and a dedicated three-phase circuit at 120/208V or 120/240V. Verify your facility distribution panel has capacity before ordering.
• At 81.5" H × 23.6" W × 35.5" L, confirm door clearance and floor load ratings before delivery. The roller chassis simplifies positioning but this is not a light unit — coordinate building access and floor reinforcement if your facility requires it.

The SY20K40F is the right fit for a mid-tier data center row or a dedicated server room supporting 15–20kW of IT load, where hot-swap serviceability and dual-redundant intelligence are required without scaling to a full-frame Symmetra PX tower configuration.