APC by Schneider Electric SMT3000RMI2U vs Vertiv GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL: Specification Comparison
Both the APC SMT3000RMI2U and the Vertiv GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL are 3000VA / 2700W rackmount UPS units aimed at protecting servers, network equipment, and other critical IT loads. However, they serve meaningfully different market segments: the APC is a 230V line-interactive unit designed for international and European markets, while the Vertiv is a 120V online double-conversion unit targeting North American deployments. Despite the shared VA rating, buyers should confirm voltage compatibility with their infrastructure before cross-shopping these two models.
In This Guide
- Which UPS topology delivers cleaner power and faster protection for critical loads?
- How do runtime, battery serviceability, and scalability compare between these two units?
- Which unit offers more comprehensive remote management and compliance credentials?
- Which should you choose: the SMT3000RMI2U or the GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which UPS topology delivers cleaner power and faster protection for critical loads?
The APC SMT3000RMI2U uses a line-interactive topology with a sine wave output. Transfer time on utility failure is 4 ms typical, 8 ms maximum. This is within the tolerance of most server power supplies but is a measurable interruption. The unit operates at 230V AC (configurable for 220/230/240V nominal), with an input voltage range of 151–302V (adjustable) or 160–286V.
The Vertiv GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL uses online double-conversion topology, meaning the connected load runs continuously off the inverter. Transfer time is effectively zero — there is no switchover event on utility failure. Output voltage is user-configurable at 110/115/120/125V AC ±3%, with output frequency held to ±0.1 Hz in battery mode. The Vertiv also claims up to 94% efficiency in double-conversion mode and 98%+ in ECO mode, while the APC spec sheet does not publish a comparable double-conversion efficiency figure (it lists a runtime graph reference rather than a percentage). Note: these two units operate on different mains voltages (120V vs 230V) and are not interchangeable without transformer infrastructure.
How do runtime, battery serviceability, and scalability compare between these two units?
The APC SMT3000RMI2U ships with one internal lead-acid battery pack (replacement battery RBC43), rated for a 3–5 year service life. Typical recharge time is 3 hours. Runtime is not published as a fixed figure in the provided specs — the manufacturer references a runtime graph. The unit does not specify hot-swap capability or external battery cabinet (EBC) support in the provided data. Battery charging power is rated at 182W.
The Vertiv GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL specifies VRLA batteries that are hot-swappable, allowing battery replacement without powering down the connected load — a meaningful operational advantage in 24/7 environments. Runtime is listed as scalable via external battery cabinets (EBCs), providing a path to extended autonomy without replacing the base unit. Recharge time to 90% is listed as approximately 3 hours — identical to the APC. The Vertiv includes temperature-compensated charging and end-of-life battery detection. The APC spec does not mention hot-swap capability or EBC expansion support.
Which unit offers more comprehensive remote management and compliance credentials?
The APC SMT3000RMI2U provides a USB port, an RS-232 serial port, and one available expansion slot for additional management cards. The control panel uses an LED status display with indicators for on-line, on-battery, replace-battery, and overload states. Alarm behavior is configurable. Certifications include CEE, ACI, RAM, RCM, and VDE, with GS marking and compliance to EN/IEC 62040-1:2019/A11:2021 and EN/IEC 62040-2:2018. The unit carries a SCIP number and EU RoHS compliance. No SNMP card is included in the base configuration; the expansion slot supports optional cards, though specific card models are not listed in the provided specs.
The Vertiv GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL includes USB and RS-232 in the base unit, with optional Intellislot network management cards supporting SNMP, Modbus, and BACnet protocols. The front panel uses an LCD display with status and configuration access. The unit also includes an Emergency Power Off (EPO) input, internal automatic bypass, and an external maintenance bypass option — none of which are specified for the APC in the provided data. Certifications include TAA compliance, Energy Star 2.0, UL 1778, FCC Part 15 Class A, and CE. MTBF is stated as greater than 200,000 hours. Management software options include Vertiv Environet and compatibility with Network UPS Tools (NUT). The APC spec does not publish an MTBF figure.
Which should you choose: the SMT3000RMI2U or the GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL?
Our take: The GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL is the stronger choice when zero-transfer-time power protection, hot-swappable batteries, and scalable runtime via external battery cabinets are required — particularly for North American 120V rack environments. Its online double-conversion topology eliminates the 4–8 ms transfer window present in the SMT3000RMI2U, its VRLA batteries are hot-swappable versus the APC's non-specified serviceability, and its MTBF is stated at over 200,000 hours while the APC publishes no MTBF figure. The SMT3000RMI2U is the appropriate selection for 230V environments (European/international infrastructure), where line-interactive efficiency at lighter loads is acceptable and the CEE/VDE/RCM certification stack is required. Buyers must resolve the voltage mismatch — 120V versus 230V mains — before any other comparison criteria apply, as these units are not interchangeable on the same power infrastructure.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric SMT3000RMI2U | Vertiv GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL |
|---|---|---|
| Topology | Line-Interactive | Online Double-Conversion |
| Capacity (VA / W) | 3000 VA / 2700 W | 3000 VA / 2700 W |
| Input Voltage | 230V AC (220/240V configurable) | 120V AC (range 60–150V) |
| Input Connection | BS1363A / IEC 320 C20 / Schuko CEE 7 | NEMA L5-30P |
| Output Voltage | 230V AC (220/240V configurable) | 110/115/120/125V AC ±3% (user-configurable) |
| Transfer Time | 4 ms typical / 8 ms maximum | Zero (online) |
| Output Waveform | Sine Wave | Pure Sine Wave |
| Output Connections | 8× IEC 320 C13, 3× IEC jumpers, 1× IEC 320 C19 | 1× NEMA L5-30R, 6× NEMA 5-20R (programmable) |
| Battery Type | Lead-Acid (RBC43) | VRLA, hot-swappable |
| Battery Runtime Scalability | Not specified in provided specs | Scalable via External Battery Cabinets (EBCs) |
| Recharge Time | 3 hours (rated) | ~3 hours to 90% |
| Efficiency | Not published as percentage in provided specs | Up to 94% (double-conversion) / 98%+ (ECO mode) |
| Connectivity | USB, RS-232, 1 expansion slot | USB, RS-232, optional Intellislot (SNMP/Modbus/BACnet) |
| Display | LED status indicators | Front-panel LCD with status and configuration |
| Form Factor / Rack Height | 2U rack-mounted | 2U rack/tower convertible |
| Weight | 44.28 kg | 30 kg (66 lbs) |
| Audible Noise | 55 dBA | <45 dBA at 1 meter |
| MTBF | — | >200,000 hours |
| Warranty | — | 3-year advanced replacement |
| Key Certifications | CEE, ACI, RAM, RCM, VDE, GS Mark, EN/IEC 62040-1/62040-2 | TAA, Energy Star 2.0, UL 1778, FCC Part 15 Class A, CE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the SMT3000RMI2U or the GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL?
The GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL is the stronger choice when zero-transfer-time power protection, hot-swappable batteries, and scalable runtime via external battery cabinets are required — particularly for North American 120V rack environments. Its online double-conversion topology eliminates the 4–8 ms transfer window present in the SMT3000RMI2U, its VRLA batteries are hot-swappable versus the APC's non-specified serviceability, and its MTBF is stated at over 200,000 hours while the APC publishes no MTBF figure. The SMT3000RMI2U is the appropriate selection for 230V environments (European/international infrastructure), where line-interactive efficiency at lighter loads is acceptable and the CEE/VDE/RCM certification stack is required. Buyers must resolve the voltage mismatch — 120V versus 230V mains — before any other comparison criteria apply, as these units are not interchangeable on the same power infrastructure.
Can I use the SMT3000RMI2U or the GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL on a standard North American 120V outlet?
Only the Vertiv GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL is rated for 120V AC input (range 60–150V) with a NEMA L5-30P input connection, making it compatible with standard North American branch circuits. The APC SMT3000RMI2U is rated for 230V AC input with British BS1363A, IEC 320 C20, or Schuko connectors and is not specified for 120V operation. Installers must match the unit to the available mains voltage before evaluating any other feature.
Is the SMT3000RMI2U or GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL better for mission-critical servers that cannot tolerate any power interruption?
The Vertiv GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL is the specified choice for zero-tolerance applications. Its online double-conversion topology means the load runs off the inverter at all times, so there is no transfer event on utility failure — transfer time is zero. The APC SMT3000RMI2U is line-interactive with a published transfer time of 4 ms typical and 8 ms maximum, which is within most server PSU hold-up specifications but is a measurable interruption that double-conversion eliminates.
Which UPS allows battery replacement without shutting down the connected equipment?
The Vertiv GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL specifies VRLA batteries that are hot-swappable, meaning batteries can be replaced while the unit remains online and the load stays powered. The APC SMT3000RMI2U spec does not indicate hot-swap battery capability in the provided specifications. For environments where maintenance downtime is not acceptable, the Vertiv's documented hot-swap support is a concrete differentiator.
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