APC by Schneider Electric SMX3000LVUS vs APC by Schneider Electric SMT3000RMT2U: Specification Comparison
Both the SMX3000LVUS and SMT3000RMT2U are APC Smart-UPS line-interactive sine-wave units rated at 3 kVA / 2700 W, positioned for rack or tower installations protecting servers, networking gear, and edge compute loads. The comparison turns on a fundamental electrical divide: the SMX3000LVUS operates on 100–127 V (North American single-phase), while the SMT3000RMT2U operates on 208 V (typical in dedicated IT power circuits and data-center PDU environments). Buyers must match their facility's branch-circuit voltage before evaluating any other feature.
In This Guide
- Which unit matches your facility's branch-circuit voltage and outlet requirements?
- What do the specs say about battery runtime, recharge time, and battery serviceability?
- How do the two units compare on physical footprint, weight, and environmental ratings?
- Which should you choose: the SMX3000LVUS or the SMT3000RMT2U?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which unit matches your facility's branch-circuit voltage and outlet requirements?
The SMX3000LVUS accepts 100–127 V input via a NEMA L5-30P plug and delivers output across 10 outlets spanning three NEMA types: NEMA 5-15R (standard 15 A), NEMA L5-20R (locking 20 A), and NEMA L5-30R (locking 30 A). This breadth of outlet types makes it flexible for mixed loads — workstations, switches, and higher-draw servers — all on a single standard North American 120 V circuit.
The SMT3000RMT2U operates at 208 V input and output, using a NEMA L6-20P plug with only two NEMA L6-20R output receptacles. The 208 V design is standard for dual-leg IT branch circuits and dedicated rack PDUs in data centers, but the two-outlet count is strikingly limited; additional downstream PDUs or strips would be required to protect multiple devices. The input connection type (L6-20P) and output receptacle count (2) are the only outlet data provided for the SMT3000RMT2U; no additional outlet types are specified.
What do the specs say about battery runtime, recharge time, and battery serviceability?
The SMT3000RMT2U provides more battery detail in its spec sheet. It specifies a lead-acid battery with a 3–5 year rated life, a typical recharge time of 3 hours, and a replacement battery identifier of RBC43. Battery charge power is rated at 188 W. The 'Extendable Run Time' field is listed as 0, indicating no external battery pack expansion is specified for this model.
The SMX3000LVUS spec sheet does not include battery chemistry, recharge time, battery life, replacement battery part number, or runtime extension data. Buyers who need to plan battery replacement cycles, maintenance windows, or extended runtime via add-on packs should note that this data is absent from the provided SMX3000LVUS specifications and would need to be sourced from APC's full datasheet.
How do the two units compare on physical footprint, weight, and environmental ratings?
The SMX3000LVUS is specified as a 4U rack/tower convertible form factor. No weight, dimensions, heat dissipation, operating altitude, humidity range, or storage temperature data are included in the provided specifications.
The SMT3000RMT2U is a 2U rack-mount unit, occupying half the rack space of the SMX3000LVUS's 4U. Its weight is specified at 97.62 lb (44.28 kg), with a height dimension of 3.39 in (8.6 cm). Environmental ratings are detailed: operating altitude 0–10,000 ft; storage altitude 0–50,000 ft; relative humidity 0–95% (operating and storage); storage temperature 5–113 °F (−15–45 °C); heat dissipation 348 Btu/h. Transfer time is specified at 4 ms typical / 8 ms maximum. The SMT3000RMT2U also includes a multi-function LCD status and control console; no equivalent control panel is specified for the SMX3000LVUS.
Which should you choose: the SMX3000LVUS or the SMT3000RMT2U?
Our take: The SMX3000LVUS is the stronger choice when the installation runs on a standard North American 120 V branch circuit and requires flexible outlet variety for mixed loads. Its 10 outlets across three NEMA types (5-15R, L5-20R, L5-30R) far exceed the SMT3000RMT2U's 2 NEMA L6-20R receptacles, and its 98% efficiency figure is provided — no efficiency spec is listed for the SMT3000RMT2U. Conversely, the SMT3000RMT2U is the correct unit for 208 V IT environments: its L6-20P/L6-20R pairing matches standard data-center branch circuits, its 2U footprint saves two rack units versus the SMX3000LVUS's 4U, and it provides validated environmental ratings (altitude, humidity, heat dissipation of 348 Btu/h) and a 4 ms typical transfer time that the SMX3000LVUS specs do not supply. Select the SMX3000LVUS for 120 V edge or wiring-closet deployments; select the SMT3000RMT2U for 208 V data-center rack environments where space and environmental compliance are documented requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric SMX3000LVUS | APC by Schneider Electric SMT3000RMT2U |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Topology | Line-Interactive | Line-Interactive |
| Output Capacity (VA) | 3000 VA | 3000 VA |
| Output Power (W) | 2700 W | 2700 W |
| Waveform | Sine | Sine wave |
| Input Voltage | 100–127 V | 208 V |
| Output Voltage | 100–127 V | 208 V |
| Input Plug | NEMA L5-30P | NEMA L6-20P |
| Output Receptacles | 10 (NEMA 5-15R, L5-20R, L5-30R) | 2 (NEMA L6-20R) |
| Input/Output Frequency | 50/60 Hz | 50/60 Hz ±3 Hz sync to mains |
| Form Factor | 4U Rack/Tower | 2U Rack-mount |
| Transfer Time | — | 4 ms typical / 8 ms max |
| Efficiency | 98% | — |
| Noise Level | 55 dB | 55 dBA |
| Surge Energy Rating | 540 J | — |
| Battery Recharge Time | — | 3 h |
| Replacement Battery | — | RBC43 |
| Battery Life | — | 3–5 years |
| Heat Dissipation | — | 348 Btu/h |
| Operating Altitude | — | 0–10,000 ft |
| Weight | — | 97.62 lb (44.28 kg) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the SMX3000LVUS or the SMT3000RMT2U?
The SMX3000LVUS is the stronger choice when the installation runs on a standard North American 120 V branch circuit and requires flexible outlet variety for mixed loads. Its 10 outlets across three NEMA types (5-15R, L5-20R, L5-30R) far exceed the SMT3000RMT2U's 2 NEMA L6-20R receptacles, and its 98% efficiency figure is provided — no efficiency spec is listed for the SMT3000RMT2U. Conversely, the SMT3000RMT2U is the correct unit for 208 V IT environments: its L6-20P/L6-20R pairing matches standard data-center branch circuits, its 2U footprint saves two rack units versus the SMX3000LVUS's 4U, and it provides validated environmental ratings (altitude, humidity, heat dissipation of 348 Btu/h) and a 4 ms typical transfer time that the SMX3000LVUS specs do not supply. Select the SMX3000LVUS for 120 V edge or wiring-closet deployments; select the SMT3000RMT2U for 208 V data-center rack environments where space and environmental compliance are documented requirements.
Can I use either the SMX3000LVUS or SMT3000RMT2U on a standard 120 V wall outlet?
Only the SMX3000LVUS is rated for 100–127 V input. Its NEMA L5-30P plug connects to a standard North American 120 V locking circuit. The SMT3000RMT2U requires 208 V input via a NEMA L6-20P plug, which is incompatible with standard 120 V branch circuits. Connecting the SMT3000RMT2U to a 120 V source is not supported by the provided specifications.
Which unit takes up less rack space — the SMX3000LVUS or the SMT3000RMT2U?
The SMT3000RMT2U occupies 2U of rack space. The SMX3000LVUS is specified at 4U. If rack space is constrained, the SMT3000RMT2U consumes half the vertical rack real estate, provided your facility supplies 208 V power.
Does either UPS support extended runtime with external battery packs?
The SMT3000RMT2U spec sheet lists 'Extendable Run Time' as 0, indicating no external battery expansion is specified for this model. The SMX3000LVUS provided specifications contain no data on runtime extension or external battery pack compatibility. Buyers requiring confirmed extended runtime capability should consult APC's full product documentation for both models before purchasing.
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