APC by Schneider Electric SCL500RM1UNC vs Middle Atlantic S500R: Specification Comparison
Both the APC SCL500RM1UNC and the Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R are 500VA, 1U rack-mount uninterruptible power supplies targeting small AV, security, and IT rack deployments at 120V AC. A buyer considering either product is likely sizing a UPS for a single rack shelf of network switches, NVRs, or access control panels. The comparison covers form factor and installation footprint, power and protection specifications, and feature set differences—particularly battery chemistry, included accessories, and compliance attributes—where the two units diverge despite sharing the same VA class.
In This Guide
- How do the two units compare in physical footprint and rack-installation requirements?
- What are the key power protection and output specifications for each unit?
- How do battery chemistry, included accessories, and compliance certifications differ?
- Which should you choose: the SCL500RM1UNC or the S500R?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
How do the two units compare in physical footprint and rack-installation requirements?
Both units occupy 1U of rack space. The APC SCL500RM1UNC specifies a width dimension of 17 in (the spec entry reads '17 in' under Dimensions, separate from the cm breakdown of 4.4 H × 43.2 W × 23.2 D cm—note the 43.2 cm width converts to approximately 17 in, consistent with a tool-less rail-mount form factor). Depth is listed as 23.2 cm (approximately 9.1 in). The Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R lists width at 19 in (48.3 cm), height at 1.73 in (4.4 cm), and depth at 9.06 in (23 cm).
The UPS-S500R specifies a minimum mounting depth of 19 in and a maximum of 32 in (81.3 cm), giving installers a defined compatibility window for shallow and mid-depth racks. The SCL500RM1UNC includes rack mounting support rails in the box. The UPS-S500R lists 2 mounting points. Shipping weight is only stated for the UPS-S500R at 20.4 lbs (9.3 kg); the SCL500RM1UNC does not provide a shipping weight in the supplied specs.
What are the key power protection and output specifications for each unit?
Both units are rated at 500VA and operate on 120V input/output. The APC SCL500RM1UNC is explicitly classified as a Line Interactive UPS, providing automatic voltage regulation (AVR) to correct under- and over-voltage conditions without switching to battery—a meaningful protection tier above basic standby designs. The Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R does not state its topology (line interactive, standby, or online double-conversion) in the provided specifications.
The UPS-S500R lists 6 output outlets and identifies its surge protection type as 'Basic.' The SCL500RM1UNC does not specify outlet count or surge protection tier in the provided specs. Neither unit lists wattage (W) capacity, runtime curves, transfer time, or output waveform (pure sine vs. simulated sine) in the supplied data—all of which are critical for loads with active PFC power supplies.
How do battery chemistry, included accessories, and compliance certifications differ?
The APC SCL500RM1UNC uses Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery chemistry. Li-Ion batteries typically offer longer service life, lower weight, and faster recharge compared to the sealed lead-acid (VRLA) batteries found in most UPS units. The Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R does not specify battery chemistry in the provided specs.
The SCL500RM1UNC includes a CD with software, documentation CD, rack mounting support rails, and a USB cable—indicating onboard USB management connectivity. The UPS-S500R does not list included accessories or management interface options in the supplied specs. On compliance, the UPS-S500R is noted as TAA Non-Compliant and carries a UL Listed / FCC marking, and includes a 10 ft (3.1 m) input cord. The SCL500RM1UNC does not state TAA status or cord length in the provided specs.
Which should you choose: the SCL500RM1UNC or the S500R?
Our take: The SCL500RM1UNC is the stronger choice when battery longevity, active voltage regulation, and UPS management connectivity are priorities. Its Li-Ion chemistry and line-interactive topology are documented in the specs; the UPS-S500R lists neither battery type nor UPS topology, making it impossible to confirm equivalent protection from the supplied data. The SCL500RM1UNC also ships with a USB cable for software monitoring, whereas no management interface is listed for the UPS-S500R. Conversely, the UPS-S500R specifies 6 output outlets and a 10 ft input cord—neither figure appears in the SCL500RM1UNC specs—and its 19–32 in mounting-depth range is explicitly documented for rack compatibility planning. Buyers in government or federally funded projects should note the UPS-S500R is TAA Non-Compliant; TAA status is unstated for the SCL500RM1UNC. For AV or security racks where runtime and outlet count drive the decision, confirm wattage rating and runtime curves directly with each manufacturer before purchase.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric SCL500RM1UNC | Middle Atlantic S500R |
|---|---|---|
| VA Rating | 500VA | 500VA |
| UPS Topology | Line Interactive | — |
| Battery Chemistry | Li-Ion (Lithium-Ion) | — |
| Input Voltage | 120V | 120V |
| Output Voltage | 120V | 120V |
| Rack Units | 1U | 1 RU |
| Height | 4.4 cm (1.73 in) | 1.73 in (4.4 cm) |
| Width | 43.2 cm (~17 in) | 19 in (48.3 cm) |
| Depth | 23.2 cm (~9.1 in) | 9.06 in (23 cm) |
| Mounting Depth Range | — | 19 in min – 32 in max |
| Outlet Count | — | 6 |
| Surge Protection Type | — | Basic |
| Input Cord Length | — | 10 ft (3.1 m) |
| Management Interface | USB (cable included) | — |
| TAA Compliant | — | No |
| Shipping Weight | — | 20.4 lbs (9.3 kg) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the SCL500RM1UNC or the S500R?
The SCL500RM1UNC is the stronger choice when battery longevity, active voltage regulation, and UPS management connectivity are priorities. Its Li-Ion chemistry and line-interactive topology are documented in the specs; the UPS-S500R lists neither battery type nor UPS topology, making it impossible to confirm equivalent protection from the supplied data. The SCL500RM1UNC also ships with a USB cable for software monitoring, whereas no management interface is listed for the UPS-S500R. Conversely, the UPS-S500R specifies 6 output outlets and a 10 ft input cord—neither figure appears in the SCL500RM1UNC specs—and its 19–32 in mounting-depth range is explicitly documented for rack compatibility planning. Buyers in government or federally funded projects should note the UPS-S500R is TAA Non-Compliant; TAA status is unstated for the SCL500RM1UNC. For AV or security racks where runtime and outlet count drive the decision, confirm wattage rating and runtime curves directly with each manufacturer before purchase.
Does either UPS use a lithium-ion battery, and why does that matter?
Yes—the APC SCL500RM1UNC is specified with a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery. Li-Ion batteries generally offer a longer service life and faster recharge than traditional sealed lead-acid (VRLA) batteries and can reduce overall weight. The Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R does not state its battery chemistry in the provided specifications, so that comparison cannot be confirmed from the supplied data alone.
Which unit is better suited for government or TAA-regulated projects?
The Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R is explicitly marked TAA Non-Compliant in its specifications. The APC SCL500RM1UNC does not state a TAA compliance status in the provided specs. Neither unit can be confirmed TAA-compliant from the supplied data; buyers with federal procurement requirements should verify TAA status directly with the manufacturer or distributor before purchasing either model.
Can I monitor and manage these UPS units remotely or via software?
The APC SCL500RM1UNC includes a USB cable and a CD with software in the box, indicating at minimum local USB-based management capability. No management interface, network card slot, or software accessory is listed for the Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R in the provided specifications. If UPS monitoring integration with a BMS or DCIM platform is required, the SCL500RM1UNC's documented USB port gives it a verifiable advantage based on the supplied specs.
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.