APC by Schneider Electric SMT3000RMT2U vs Vertiv GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL: Specification Comparison
Both the APC SMT3000RMT2U and the Vertiv GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL are 3kVA, 208V, 2U rackmount UPS units targeting data center edge racks, IDF closets, and server rooms where protected 208V power is required. The comparison spans UPS topology, output capacity and wiring, battery and runtime characteristics, management interfaces, and certifications — the core decision axes for an installer or IT buyer selecting a rack power protection device in this class.
In This Guide
- Which topology and efficiency profile better fits your load criticality requirements?
- Do the output receptacles, wattage rating, and wiring options match your equipment's requirements?
- Which unit offers broader management options, runtime extensibility, and compliance certifications?
- Which should you choose: the SMT3000RMT2U or the GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which topology and efficiency profile better fits your load criticality requirements?
The SMT3000RMT2U uses a Line Interactive topology with a sine-wave output and a transfer time of 4 ms typical / 8 ms maximum. Line Interactive units correct voltage sags and swells without switching to battery, but the load is not continuously isolated from utility power. No efficiency figure is provided in the supplied specs.
The GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL uses an On-line Double Conversion topology, meaning the load runs from the inverter 100% of the time and is fully isolated from utility disturbances with zero transfer time. Vertiv specifies up to 98% efficiency in Active ECO Mode and up to 95% in on-line mode. On-line double conversion is the preferred topology for sensitive electronics, virtualized hosts, and environments with poor power quality.
For loads tolerant of a sub-8 ms transfer gap and where utility power quality is generally acceptable, Line Interactive is a proven and simpler approach. For mission-critical or sensitive loads that cannot tolerate any utility noise or transfer gap, double conversion is the architecturally superior choice.
Do the output receptacles, wattage rating, and wiring options match your equipment's requirements?
The SMT3000RMT2U is rated at 3,000 VA / 2,700 W and provides two NEMA L6-20R receptacles on a single L6-20P input cord (8 ft / 2.44 m). The output receptacle count is limited to two, which constrains the number of directly plugged loads. Harmonic distortion is specified at less than 5%. Output frequency synchronizes to mains at 50/60 Hz ±3 Hz.
The GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL is rated at 3,000 VA / 3,000 W — 300 W higher than the APC — and provides four output receptacles: two NEMA L6-15R and two NEMA L6-20R. The mixed receptacle set adds flexibility for equipment with L6-15P plugs without requiring adapters. The input connection is also L6-20P.
Buyers powering more than two devices or mixing 15A and 20A 208V equipment will find the Vertiv's four-outlet, mixed-standard output more accommodating. The Vertiv also delivers its full 3,000 W nameplate; the APC derate to 2,700 W should be accounted for in load calculations.
Which unit offers broader management options, runtime extensibility, and compliance certifications?
The SMT3000RMT2U provides a multi-function LCD panel, audible alarms (on-battery, low-battery, configurable delays), one free expansion slot, and a replacement battery specification of RBC43 with a 3–5 year battery life and 3-hour recharge time. Extendable runtime, included battery modules, and empty battery slots are all listed as 0, indicating no external battery pack support per the supplied specs. Operating range is 0–10,000 ft altitude.
The GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL features a full-color gravity-sensing LCD, USB, RS485, RS232, terminal block, and an external battery connector. An optional Vertiv RDU101 SNMP/Webcard enables full SNMP and web management. The unit carries ENERGY STAR 2.0 certification, UL1778, c-UL listing, RoHS2, and REACH. Battery life, recharge time, and replacement battery part number are not provided in the supplied specs. Operating temperature extends to 122 °F (50 °C) versus the APC's implied lower ceiling (storage max 113 °F / 45 °C for the APC; operating ceiling not separately stated in supplied specs).
The Vertiv's external battery connector enables runtime extension via compatible battery cabinets, a significant advantage for applications needing extended hold times. Its SNMP/web management path (with optional card) and broader interface set suit IT-managed environments. The APC's management ecosystem is not detailed in the supplied specs beyond the LCD and alarm outputs.
Which should you choose: the SMT3000RMT2U or the GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL?
Our take: The GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL is the stronger choice when load isolation, extended runtime potential, and richer management interfaces are the priorities. It delivers on-line double conversion with zero transfer time versus the SMT3000RMT2U's 4–8 ms Line Interactive transfer, produces 3,000 W versus the APC's 2,700 W derate, and includes an external battery connector for runtime extension that the APC's supplied specs do not offer. The Vertiv also ships with four mixed-standard output receptacles (two L6-15R and two L6-20R) versus the APC's two L6-20R, and carries ENERGY STAR 2.0, UL1778, RoHS2, and REACH certifications not referenced in the APC's supplied specs. The SMT3000RMT2U is a viable, lower-complexity option for non-critical 208V loads in environments with stable utility power, where Line Interactive protection is acceptable and two output receptacles are sufficient.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric SMT3000RMT2U | Vertiv GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Topology | Line Interactive | On-line Double Conversion |
| Power Rating (VA) | 3,000 VA | 3,000 VA |
| Power Rating (W) | 2,700 W | 3,000 W |
| Input Voltage | 208V | 208 VAC nominal |
| Input Connection | NEMA L6-20P | NEMA L6-20P |
| Output Voltage | 208V | 208 VAC |
| Output Receptacles | 2x NEMA L6-20R | 2x L6-15R + 2x L6-20R |
| Transfer Time | 4 ms typical / 8 ms maximum | Zero (on-line) |
| Waveform | Sine wave | — |
| Efficiency | — | Up to 98% ECO / 95% on-line |
| Form Factor | 2U Rackmount | 2U Rack/Tower |
| Weight | 97.62 lb (44.28 kg) | 65.1 lb |
| External Battery Support | Not supported (per specs) | Yes (external battery connector) |
| Management Interfaces | LCD, audible alarms | LCD, USB, RS485, RS232, terminal block; optional SNMP/web card |
| Battery Recharge Time | 3 hours | — |
| Certifications | — | ENERGY STAR 2.0, UL1778, c-UL, RoHS2, REACH |
| Operating Temperature | — | +32 to +122 °F (0 to 50 °C) |
| Acoustic Level | 55 dBA | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the SMT3000RMT2U or the GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL?
The GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL is the stronger choice when load isolation, extended runtime potential, and richer management interfaces are the priorities. It delivers on-line double conversion with zero transfer time versus the SMT3000RMT2U's 4–8 ms Line Interactive transfer, produces 3,000 W versus the APC's 2,700 W derate, and includes an external battery connector for runtime extension that the APC's supplied specs do not offer. The Vertiv also ships with four mixed-standard output receptacles (two L6-15R and two L6-20R) versus the APC's two L6-20R, and carries ENERGY STAR 2.0, UL1778, RoHS2, and REACH certifications not referenced in the APC's supplied specs. The SMT3000RMT2U is a viable, lower-complexity option for non-critical 208V loads in environments with stable utility power, where Line Interactive protection is acceptable and two output receptacles are sufficient.
Can either UPS support extended runtime with external battery packs?
Based on the supplied specifications, the GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL includes an external battery connector, which enables runtime extension via compatible external battery cabinets. The SMT3000RMT2U lists Extendable Run Time as 0 and shows 0 included battery modules and 0 empty battery slots, indicating no external battery pack support per its supplied specs.
Does the Vertiv GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL or the APC SMT3000RMT2U offer better protection for sensitive servers?
The GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL uses on-line double conversion topology, which continuously runs the load from the inverter and provides zero transfer time and complete isolation from utility noise and disturbances. The SMT3000RMT2U uses Line Interactive topology with a 4 ms typical / 8 ms maximum transfer time to battery. For sensitive servers and virtualized hosts, double conversion is the more protective topology.
Which unit is easier to monitor and manage remotely in an IT-managed environment?
The GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL provides USB, RS485, RS232, a terminal block, and supports full SNMP and web management via the optional Vertiv RDU101 communications card. The SMT3000RMT2U's supplied specifications describe an LCD panel and audible alarms but do not detail network management or SNMP interfaces. Buyers requiring remote monitoring and NMS integration should note the Vertiv's broader interface set, with the understanding that SNMP capability on the Vertiv requires the separately purchased optional card.
More UPS Comparisons
- APC by Schneider Electric SMT3000RMT2U vs Panduit U03S12L
- APC by Schneider Electric SMT3000RMT2U vs Vertiv GXT5-3KL630RT2UXL
- APC by Schneider Electric SMT3000RMT2U vs Panduit U03N11V
- APC by Schneider Electric SMT3000RMT2U vs APC by Schneider Electric SMTL3000RM2UCNC
- APC by Schneider Electric SMT3000RMT2U vs APC by Schneider Electric SMX3000HV
- Panduit U03S12L vs APC by Schneider Electric SMX3000HV
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.