APC by Schneider Electric BE500G3 vs Middle Atlantic S500R: Specification Comparison
Both the APC BE500G3 and the Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R are 500VA uninterruptible power supplies designed to protect equipment from power outages and surges. The core difference in this comparison is form factor: the BE500G3 is a desktop/tower unit targeting workstations or small deployments, while the UPS-S500R is a 1RU rackmount unit targeting installed rack systems — a distinction that typically drives the purchase decision before any other spec is evaluated.
In This Guide
- How do the two units compare on power capacity and protection architecture?
- Which unit fits rack infrastructure, and what are the physical trade-offs?
- What do the specs reveal about battery characteristics, connectivity, and regulatory compliance?
- Which should you choose: the BE500G3 or the S500R?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
How do the two units compare on power capacity and protection architecture?
Both units are rated at 500VA. The APC BE500G3 specifies a maximum output of 300W alongside its 500VA load capacity, giving buyers a concrete wattage ceiling. The Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R lists only a 500VA rating; no wattage figure is provided in the supplied specifications, so buyers must consult the product datasheet to determine real watt capacity before sizing connected loads.
On outlet configuration, both units provide 6x NEMA 5-15R receptacles. The BE500G3 explicitly segments these: 4 outlets deliver battery backup plus surge protection, while the remaining 2 provide surge protection only. The UPS-S500R lists 6 outlets and a surge protection type of 'Basic,' but the specs do not break down how many outlets are battery-backed versus surge-only — a meaningful gap for installers who need to prioritize protected ports.
The BE500G3 publishes a transfer time of less than 6 ms, a key figure for sensitive electronics. No transfer time is listed for the UPS-S500R in the provided specifications.
Which unit fits rack infrastructure, and what are the physical trade-offs?
Form factor is the sharpest differentiator between these products. The Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R is a purpose-built 1RU rackmount unit — 19 in wide, 1.73 in tall, 9.06 in deep — with 2 mounting points and a maximum supported rack mounting depth of 32 in. It ships with a 10 ft cord and is explicitly rated for rack installation. This makes it the clear choice for any installation that includes a rack enclosure.
The APC BE500G3 is a freestanding desktop/tower unit measuring 9.65 x 3.54 x 6.57 in and weighing approximately 7.2 lb packaged. It carries no rack-mount specification and is not designed for 1RU installation. For installations without a rack, this compact footprint is a practical advantage.
Shipping weight also diverges significantly: the UPS-S500R ships at 20.4 lbs versus the BE500G3 at 7.185 lbs packaged — a relevant consideration for shipping cost and on-site handling, and a partial indicator of internal battery capacity differences.
What do the specs reveal about battery characteristics, connectivity, and regulatory compliance?
The APC BE500G3 specifies a Lead-Acid battery chemistry, a 10-hour recharge time, and a nominal battery voltage of 115V. None of these battery details — chemistry, recharge time, or runtime curves — are present in the UPS-S500R's provided specifications.
For connectivity, the BE500G3 includes a USB-B communications port for UPS management software integration and a USB-A charging port (5 VDC, 3A, 15W). The UPS-S500R lists no communications I/O or USB ports in the supplied specifications.
On certifications and compliance, the BE500G3 carries CEC, ENERGY STAR, and FCC certifications. The UPS-S500R lists UL Listed status under its FCC field and explicitly states TAA Non-Compliant. The BE500G3 provides no TAA compliance statement in the supplied specifications. For government or TAA-mandated deployments, buyers must verify BE500G3 TAA status independently.
Which should you choose: the BE500G3 or the S500R?
Our take: The UPS-S500R is the stronger choice when the installation includes a rack enclosure and a clean 1RU slot is available, because its rackmount form factor, 19-in width, and 32-in maximum mounting depth are prerequisites that the BE500G3 — a desktop unit — cannot satisfy regardless of other specs. Conversely, the BE500G3 delivers more documented protection detail: it publishes a 300W output ceiling (no wattage figure is given for the UPS-S500R), a sub-6ms transfer time (not specified for the S500R), a clear 4-battery-backed / 2-surge-only outlet split (the S500R lists only 'Basic' surge with no outlet segmentation), a 10-hour recharge time, and USB-B management connectivity. Buyers deploying into a rack AV or security system cabinet should specify the UPS-S500R; buyers protecting a standalone workstation or small equipment cluster without rack infrastructure will find the BE500G3's published spec set more complete and verifiable.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric BE500G3 | Middle Atlantic S500R |
|---|---|---|
| VA Rating | 500 VA | 500 VA |
| Maximum Output Wattage | 300 W | — |
| Form Factor | Desktop / Tower | 1RU Rackmount |
| Rack Units | — | 1 RU |
| Unit Width | 9.65 in (24.51 cm) | 19 in (48.3 cm) |
| Unit Height | 3.54 in (8.99 cm) | 1.73 in (4.4 cm) |
| Unit Depth | 6.57 in (16.69 cm) | 9.06 in (23 cm) |
| Shipping Weight | 7.185 lb | 20.4 lb (9.3 kg) |
| Total Outlets | 6x NEMA 5-15R | 6x NEMA 5-15R |
| Battery-Backed Outlets | 4x NEMA 5-15R | — |
| Surge-Only Outlets | 2x NEMA 5-15R | — |
| Transfer Time | < 6 ms | — |
| Battery Chemistry | Lead-Acid | — |
| Recharge Time | 10 hours | — |
| Communications I/O | USB-B | — |
| Certifications / Listings | CEC, ENERGY STAR, FCC | UL Listed |
| TAA Compliant | — | No |
| Cord Length | — | 10 ft (3.1 m) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the BE500G3 or the S500R?
The UPS-S500R is the stronger choice when the installation includes a rack enclosure and a clean 1RU slot is available, because its rackmount form factor, 19-in width, and 32-in maximum mounting depth are prerequisites that the BE500G3 — a desktop unit — cannot satisfy regardless of other specs. Conversely, the BE500G3 delivers more documented protection detail: it publishes a 300W output ceiling (no wattage figure is given for the UPS-S500R), a sub-6ms transfer time (not specified for the S500R), a clear 4-battery-backed / 2-surge-only outlet split (the S500R lists only 'Basic' surge with no outlet segmentation), a 10-hour recharge time, and USB-B management connectivity. Buyers deploying into a rack AV or security system cabinet should specify the UPS-S500R; buyers protecting a standalone workstation or small equipment cluster without rack infrastructure will find the BE500G3's published spec set more complete and verifiable.
Can either of these UPS units be mounted in a standard equipment rack?
Only the Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R is designed for rack mounting. It is a 1RU unit (1.73 in tall, 19 in wide) with two mounting points and supports rack depths up to 32 in. The APC BE500G3 is a freestanding desktop/tower unit with no rack-mount specification in the provided data.
Which unit tells me more about how long my equipment will run during an outage?
Neither product provides a runtime table in the supplied specifications. However, the BE500G3 does publish a maximum output wattage of 300W and a 10-hour recharge time, giving installers at least a power-ceiling reference for runtime estimation tools. The UPS-S500R does not list output wattage, battery chemistry, or recharge time in the provided specs — buyers should consult the Middle Atlantic datasheet (referenced as UPS-S500R.pdf) for that information.
Does either UPS support software monitoring or UPS management integration?
The APC BE500G3 includes a USB-B communications port, which is the standard interface for APC PowerChute and compatible UPS management software. The UPS-S500R lists no communications I/O in the provided specifications, so software monitoring capability cannot be confirmed from the supplied data alone.
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