APC by Schneider Electric SMT500J vs Middle Atlantic S500R: Specification Comparison
Both the APC SMT500J and the Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R are 500VA uninterruptible power supplies aimed at protecting AV, security, and IT equipment. The SMT500J is a desktop/tower unit targeting Japan's 100V market, while the UPS-S500R is a 1RU rack-mount unit designed for standard 19-inch North American enclosures. A buyer choosing between them is typically weighing tower convenience versus rack integration at the same VA class.
In This Guide
Which unit fits your installation — tower desktop or 1RU rack?
The SMT500J is explicitly specified as not rack-mountable. Its dimensions list only one axis (6.57 in / 16.7 cm), suggesting a compact tower or desktop footprint. It weighs 27.8 lb (12.6 kg). No rack-unit height or width is provided in the supplied specs.
The UPS-S500R is a dedicated 1RU rack unit: 19 in (48.3 cm) wide, 1.73 in (4.4 cm) tall, 9.06 in (23 cm) deep, with two mounting points and a maximum rack mounting depth of 32 in (81.3 cm) and a minimum of 19 in. Its shipping weight is 20.4 lb (9.3 kg). Installers working with Middle Atlantic or other standard 19-inch racks will find the S500R a direct slide-in fit; those needing a freestanding unit beside a desktop or on a shelf will find the SMT500J the only option here.
What voltage, outlet count, and cord length does each unit deliver?
The SMT500J is rated for 100V input and 100V output, making it specific to Japan's single-phase 100V utility standard. No outlet count, wattage rating, or outlet type is listed in the provided specs. Cord length is 6 ft (1.8 m).
The UPS-S500R is rated at 500VA with 6 outlets and a 10 ft (3.1 m) cord. Input and output voltage are not stated in the supplied specs, but its UL Listed / FCC compliance and North American form factor imply 120V operation. Its surge protection is characterized as 'Basic' in the specs. No wattage (watts) figure is provided for either unit in the supplied data.
What certifications and management features are documented for each unit?
The SMT500J carries the 'Smart-UPS' designation and an LCD panel is called out in its product name, implying a local display interface, but no certification marks, communication ports, or software compatibility are listed in the provided specs.
The UPS-S500R is UL Listed and FCC-marked per the supplied specs. TAA compliance is explicitly listed as No. No LCD, network management card slot, USB/serial port, or software bundle is referenced in the provided specs. The datasheet is available at /content/product-datasheets/UPS-S500R.pdf for further detail.
Which should you choose: the SMT500J or the S500R?
Our take: The UPS-S500R is the stronger choice when the installation lives inside a 19-inch rack enclosure, while the SMT500J is the only option here for a freestanding 100V Japanese-market deployment. Key spec deltas: (1) form factor — the S500R occupies exactly 1RU at 19 × 1.73 × 9.06 in versus the SMT500J's non-rack-mountable tower; (2) outlet count — the S500R provides 6 documented outlets versus none stated for the SMT500J; (3) cord reach — the S500R's 10 ft cord extends 4 ft further than the SMT500J's 6 ft. However, the SMT500J's 100V input/output rating makes it the sole viable unit for Japan-voltage infrastructure. Buyers in North American rack environments should evaluate the S500R; buyers deploying in 100V regions or requiring a desktop form factor should evaluate the SMT500J. Neither unit's wattage capacity or battery runtime is documented in the supplied specs, so those figures must be verified before final selection.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric SMT500J | Middle Atlantic S500R |
|---|---|---|
| VA Rating | 500VA (implied by product class) | 500VA |
| Input Voltage | 100V | — |
| Output Voltage | 100V | — |
| Mounting Mode | Not rack-mountable | Rack (1RU) |
| Rack Units | — | 1 RU |
| Width | — | 19 in (48.3 cm) |
| Height | — | 1.73 in (4.4 cm) |
| Depth | 6.57 in (16.7 cm) [one axis only] | 9.06 in (23 cm) |
| Weight | 27.8 lb (12.6 kg) | 20.4 lb (9.3 kg) [shipping] |
| Cord Length | 6 ft (1.8 m) | 10 ft (3.1 m) |
| Outlet Count | — | 6 |
| Surge Protection | — | Basic |
| Color | Black | — |
| TAA Compliant | — | No |
| Certifications | — | UL Listed, FCC |
| Mounting Points | — | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the SMT500J or the S500R?
The UPS-S500R is the stronger choice when the installation lives inside a 19-inch rack enclosure, while the SMT500J is the only option here for a freestanding 100V Japanese-market deployment. Key spec deltas: (1) form factor — the S500R occupies exactly 1RU at 19 × 1.73 × 9.06 in versus the SMT500J's non-rack-mountable tower; (2) outlet count — the S500R provides 6 documented outlets versus none stated for the SMT500J; (3) cord reach — the S500R's 10 ft cord extends 4 ft further than the SMT500J's 6 ft. However, the SMT500J's 100V input/output rating makes it the sole viable unit for Japan-voltage infrastructure. Buyers in North American rack environments should evaluate the S500R; buyers deploying in 100V regions or requiring a desktop form factor should evaluate the SMT500J. Neither unit's wattage capacity or battery runtime is documented in the supplied specs, so those figures must be verified before final selection.
Can I mount the APC SMT500J in a standard 19-inch rack alongside my NVR?
No. The SMT500J is specified as not rack-mountable in the provided specs. If rack integration is required, the UPS-S500R is the rack-mount option at 1RU.
How many devices can I plug into the Middle Atlantic UPS-S500R?
The UPS-S500R provides 6 outlets per the supplied specs. The APC SMT500J's outlet count is not listed in the provided specs.
Are either of these units TAA-compliant for government or federal procurement?
The UPS-S500R is explicitly listed as TAA Compliant: No in its specs. TAA compliance status is not stated for the SMT500J in the provided specs.
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