APC by Schneider Electric SCL500RM1UC vs Middle Atlantic S500R: Specification Comparison
Both the APC SCL500RM1UC and the Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R are 1U rack-mount, 500VA uninterruptible power supplies targeting the same installation tier: small AV, security, and networking equipment in 19-inch racks. The comparison examines how each unit handles power conditioning and protection, physical footprint and installation characteristics, and the depth of published electrical specifications—critical factors when specifying a UPS for a rack-based surveillance or access-control deployment.
In This Guide
How does each unit protect connected equipment from power anomalies?
The APC SCL500RM1UC is specified as a Line-Interactive topology with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR), meaning it actively corrects input voltage sags and swells—down to 92 V and up to 139 V—without switching to battery. Its output is a sine waveform at 120 V ±5%, with a 6 ms transfer time to battery and a 680 J surge energy rating. The audible alarm activates on-battery transition.
The Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R is rated at 500 VA with 6 outlets and a 'Basic' surge protection classification. Its topology, waveform type, AVR capability, input voltage operating range, transfer time, and surge joule rating are not specified in the provided data. The FCC compliance notation is listed as 'UL Listed.' Without a published topology or AVR claim, the level of active power conditioning cannot be confirmed from these specs alone.
What are the physical installation requirements and form-factor differences?
The Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R provides the more complete physical installation profile in the supplied specs: dimensions are 19 in W × 1.73 in H × 9.06 in D (48.3 × 4.4 × 23 cm), with a 10 ft (3.1 m) power cord, 2 mounting points, a mounting depth range of 19–32 in (48.3–81.3 cm), and a shipping weight of 20.4 lbs (9.3 kg). It is confirmed 1 RU.
The APC SCL500RM1UC is also listed as 1U rack-mount, but chassis depth, unit weight, cord length, and mounting depth compatibility are not included in the provided specification data. Buyers with tight rack-depth constraints or specific cable-management needs should obtain APC's full datasheet to confirm fitment.
What load capacity and outlet configuration does each unit support?
The APC SCL500RM1UC is rated 500 VA / 400 W and specifies NEMA 5-15R outlet type; the count of outlets is not stated in the provided specs. Output frequency is 50/60 Hz, and the operating input frequency range is 47–63 Hz, indicating compatibility with both North American and some international grid conditions.
The Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R is rated 500 VA; watt rating is not specified. It provides 6 outlets (type not specified in the provided data) and a corded cable type. The absence of a published watt rating means the true VA-to-watt power factor cannot be confirmed from these specs. Both units share the same VA rating, but the SCL500RM1UC's 400 W figure allows direct real-power load planning, which the S500R spec set does not support.
Which should you choose: the SCL500RM1UC or the S500R?
Our take: The SCL500RM1UC is the stronger choice when active power conditioning and fully documented electrical performance are required. APC specifies a Line-Interactive topology with AVR (92–139 V operating window), a sine waveform output, a 6 ms transfer time, and a 680 J surge rating—none of which are confirmed in the Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R's provided spec set. The SCL500RM1UC also publishes a 400 W real-power rating versus the S500R's VA-only figure, enabling accurate load calculations. Conversely, the S500R provides a complete physical installation profile—19–32 in mounting depth range, 10 ft cord, 6 outlets, 20.4 lb shipping weight—that the SCL500RM1UC spec set omits. Specifiers deploying rack-mount security equipment requiring confirmed AVR and waveform quality should favor the SCL500RM1UC; buyers whose primary concern is rack fitment and outlet count may need the Middle Atlantic datasheet to evaluate that unit more fully.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric SCL500RM1UC | Middle Atlantic S500R |
|---|---|---|
| VA Rating | 500 VA | 500 VA |
| Watt Rating | 400 W | — |
| Topology | Line-Interactive | — |
| AVR | Yes | — |
| Waveform | Sine | — |
| Input Voltage Range | 92–139 V | — |
| Input Frequency Range | 47–63 Hz | — |
| Transfer Time | 6 ms | — |
| Surge Energy Rating | 680 J | — |
| Outlet Type | NEMA 5-15R | — |
| Outlet Count | — | 6 |
| Form Factor | 1U Rack | 1 RU Rack |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | — | 19 × 1.73 × 9.06 in (48.3 × 4.4 × 23 cm) |
| Mounting Depth Range | — | 19–32 in (48.3–81.3 cm) |
| Cord Length | — | 10 ft (3.1 m) |
| Shipping Weight | — | 20.4 lbs (9.3 kg) |
| Noise Level | 45 dB | — |
| TAA Compliant | — | No |
| Surge Protection Classification | — | Basic |
| Certifications | — | UL Listed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the SCL500RM1UC or the S500R?
The SCL500RM1UC is the stronger choice when active power conditioning and fully documented electrical performance are required. APC specifies a Line-Interactive topology with AVR (92–139 V operating window), a sine waveform output, a 6 ms transfer time, and a 680 J surge rating—none of which are confirmed in the Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R's provided spec set. The SCL500RM1UC also publishes a 400 W real-power rating versus the S500R's VA-only figure, enabling accurate load calculations. Conversely, the S500R provides a complete physical installation profile—19–32 in mounting depth range, 10 ft cord, 6 outlets, 20.4 lb shipping weight—that the SCL500RM1UC spec set omits. Specifiers deploying rack-mount security equipment requiring confirmed AVR and waveform quality should favor the SCL500RM1UC; buyers whose primary concern is rack fitment and outlet count may need the Middle Atlantic datasheet to evaluate that unit more fully.
Does either UPS actively regulate voltage, or do they only provide battery backup?
The APC SCL500RM1UC explicitly specifies Line-Interactive topology with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR), correcting input voltages from 92 V to 139 V without switching to battery. The Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R's topology and AVR capability are not stated in the provided specifications, so this cannot be confirmed for that unit.
Which unit gives me better rack installation information before I buy?
The Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R provides more complete physical data in the supplied specs: exact dimensions (19 × 1.73 × 9.06 in), mounting depth range (19–32 in), cord length (10 ft), and shipping weight (20.4 lbs). The APC SCL500RM1UC's spec set does not include chassis depth, weight, or cord length, so APC's full datasheet should be consulted for rack fitment verification.
How many outlets does each UPS provide?
The Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R specifies 6 outlets. The APC SCL500RM1UC lists NEMA 5-15R as the outlet type but does not state the outlet count in the provided specifications.
More UPS Comparisons
- Vertiv GXT5-500LVRT2UXL vs APC by Schneider Electric SUA500PDR-H
- Vertiv GXT5-500LVRT2UXL vs APC by Schneider Electric BE500G3
- Vertiv GXT5-500LVRT2UXL vs APC by Schneider Electric SCL500RM1UC
- Vertiv GXT5-500LVRT2UXL vs APC by Schneider Electric SCL500RMI1UC
- APC by Schneider Electric SUA500PDR-H vs Middle Atlantic S500R
- APC by Schneider Electric SUA500PDR-H vs APC by Schneider Electric BE500G3
UPS Buying Guides
Get a Second Opinion on Your Camera Choice
Share your site layout, coverage goals, and budget. Our team will validate the camera selection, flag anything we would change, and recommend products that match the use case.