How do the power architecture and electrical specifications differ between the E3SUPS15KFBS and the GXT5-15KMVRT11UXLN?

Both units deliver 15 kVA / 15 kW via online double-conversion topology and carry the same rated output power, but their phase architectures diverge significantly. The APC E3SUPS15KFBS is a true three-phase (3:3) unit accepting 380 / 400 / 415 V AC three-phase input with a maximum input current of 28 A, an input harmonic distortion of less than 3% at full load, and a power factor of 0.99. Its output is 208 V AC with a voltage tolerance of ±1.5% and output harmonic distortion under 3% on linear loads. The maximum short-circuit current rating is 10 kA. Battery voltage is 240 V DC with three empty internal battery slots and zero included battery modules.

The Vertiv GXT5-15KMVRT11UXLN is a single-phase unit with a typical input of 208 V AC and a wide input range of 176–280 V AC. Its output is user-configurable at 208/120 V AC. Input phase count, input harmonic distortion, output voltage tolerance, short-circuit current rating, battery voltage, and battery slot count are not specified in the provided data. The APC unit's three-phase input architecture makes it suitable for facilities with three-phase distribution panels, while the Vertiv unit targets single-phase 208 V feeds common in standard North American rack environments.

Which unit offers better efficiency, and how do their environmental and physical specifications compare?

Efficiency is a critical differentiator. The Vertiv GXT5-15KMVRT11UXLN specifies up to 98% efficiency in Active ECO Mode and up to 95% in standard on-line double-conversion mode. The APC E3SUPS15KFBS does not list a percentage efficiency figure in the provided specifications; the field labeled 'Efficiency At Full Load' contains the value '304...477 V,' which appears to be a data entry error rather than an efficiency rating. Buyers requiring a verified efficiency number from the APC unit should consult the manufacturer datasheet directly.

Both units share an identical operating temperature range of 0–40 °C (32–104 °F). The APC unit specifies storage temperature down to -15 °C, a maximum operating altitude of 4,921 ft (3,333 ft per another listed field — a discrepancy in the provided data), and a maximum storage altitude of 15,240 m. The Vertiv unit does not specify storage temperature, storage altitude, or operating altitude in the provided data. The APC unit's heat dissipation is rated at 852 W and its acoustic level is 60 dBA; these figures are not provided for the Vertiv unit. The APC unit weighs 112 kg (packaged: 145 kg); the Vertiv unit weighs 396.6 lbs (approximately 179.9 kg), making it substantially heavier. The Vertiv unit provides explicit rack dimensions (19.0 in H × 16.9 in W × 26.7 in D); the APC unit lists only a 140 cm height dimension with no width or depth provided. Both carry IP20 protection — specified for APC; not specified for Vertiv. Certifications differ: APC holds CE, EAC, and RCM; Vertiv holds ENERGY STAR 2.0, UL1778, c-UL, RoHS2, and REACH.

How do the connectivity, management interface, and protocol support compare between the two units?

The Vertiv GXT5-15KMVRT11UXLN ships with a factory pre-installed Liebert IntelliSlot RDU120 SNMP/web card, providing out-of-the-box SNMP and web management, plus USB, RS-485, RS-232, terminal block, and an external battery connector. Its control panel is a full-color graphic LCD with gravity-sensing orientation for use in both rack and tower positions. SNMP and web protocols are enabled immediately without additional purchases.

The APC E3SUPS15KFBS lists connectivity as 'Optional network management card 3,' meaning SNMP or network management requires a separately purchased accessory — it is not included. No LCD panel specification is provided for the APC unit. For installations where remote monitoring, SNMP integration with a NMS, or immediate out-of-band management via serial connection is required on day one, the Vertiv unit's factory-included card eliminates an additional procurement step and cost. The APC unit's management options depend on which optional NMC3 card is selected and purchased separately.

Which should you choose: the E3SUPS15KFBS or the GXT5-15KMVRT11UXLN?

Our take: The GXT5-15KMVRT11UXLN is the stronger choice when the installation is single-phase 208 V, demands verified efficiency figures, and requires built-in network management on day one. First, the Vertiv unit specifies up to 95% on-line efficiency and up to 98% in ECO mode; the APC unit provides no valid efficiency percentage in its supplied specs. Second, the Vertiv ships with a factory-installed IntelliSlot RDU120 SNMP/web card plus USB, RS-485, and RS-232 interfaces, while the APC requires a separately purchased optional NMC3 card. Third, Vertiv holds ENERGY STAR 2.0 and UL1778 listings; APC carries CE, EAC, and RCM — relevant when North American UL listing or ENERGY STAR compliance is a procurement requirement. Conversely, the APC E3SUPS15KFBS is the correct choice for three-phase (3:3) distribution environments requiring 380–415 V AC three-phase input, a 10 kA short-circuit rating, and a 0.99 power factor — specifications the Vertiv unit does not address.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

• APC by Schneider Electric E3SUPS15KFBS product page — full specs and to add to a quote
• Vertiv GXT5-15KMVRT11UXLN product page — full specs and to add to a quote