APC by Schneider Electric SMX3000LVUS vs Vertiv GXT5-3KL630RT2UXL: Specification Comparison
The APC SMX3000LVUS and Vertiv GXT5-3KL630RT2UXL are both 3 kVA rack/tower UPS units targeting small-to-midsize IT closets, server rooms, and edge deployments. Despite sharing the same kVA class, they differ fundamentally in topology, input voltage, outlet configuration, and certifications — making this a comparison of a Line-Interactive unit built for 120 V North American circuits against an Online Double-Conversion unit designed for 208 V infrastructure. Buyers weighing power continuity quality against circuit compatibility will find meaningful tradeoffs between these two.
In This Guide
- How does each unit handle power conditioning and what real output can it deliver?
- Are these units electrically compatible with your existing circuits and load devices?
- What remote management, protocol support, and compliance certifications does each unit carry?
- Which should you choose: the SMX3000LVUS or the GXT5-3KL630RT2UXL?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
How does each unit handle power conditioning and what real output can it deliver?
The APC SMX3000LVUS uses Line-Interactive topology, which corrects voltage sags and swells without switching to battery but does not regenerate a clean sine wave during normal operation. It delivers 2,700 W (90% power factor) from a 3 kVA capacity, with a sine-wave output and a 540 J surge energy rating. Efficiency is rated at 98%.
The Vertiv GXT5-3KL630RT2UXL uses Online Double-Conversion topology, which continuously regenerates output power through an inverter regardless of input quality — providing true galvanic isolation and zero transfer time. It delivers 3,000 W from 3,000 VA (unity power factor), and efficiency is rated up to 98% in Active ECO Mode or up to 95% in full on-line double-conversion mode. No surge energy rating in joules is specified for the GXT5.
Buyers protecting sensitive equipment requiring zero transfer time and continuous sine-wave regeneration should weight the GXT5's double-conversion topology heavily. The SMX3000LVUS's 90% power factor (2,700 W) vs. the GXT5's unity power factor (3,000 W) is a meaningful real-watt delta at the same kVA rating.
Are these units electrically compatible with your existing circuits and load devices?
The APC SMX3000LVUS is designed for 100–127 V input (North American single-phase 120 V circuits), with a NEMA L5-30P input plug. It provides 10 AC outlets across three outlet types: NEMA 5-15R, NEMA L5-20R, and NEMA L5-30R. Output voltage range is 100–127 V at 50/60 Hz.
The Vertiv GXT5-3KL630RT2UXL is designed for 208 V input (North American single-phase 208 V or two-leg circuits), with an L6-30P input plug. It provides 4 outlets: 2× L6-15R and 2× L6-30R. Output is 208 VAC.
These two units are NOT cross-circuit-compatible — they require entirely different electrical infrastructure. The SMX3000LVUS requires a 120 V/L5-30 circuit; the GXT5 requires a 208 V/L6-30 circuit. Deploying the wrong unit on the wrong circuit will result in equipment failure or safety hazard. Outlet count also differs significantly: 10 outlets on the APC vs. 4 on the Vertiv, which matters for dense edge deployments without a PDU.
What remote management, protocol support, and compliance certifications does each unit carry?
The APC SMX3000LVUS spec sheet does not list network management interfaces, communications protocols, or third-party certifications. Audible alarms (on-battery and low-battery) are confirmed. Noise level is specified at 55 dB.
The Vertiv GXT5-3KL630RT2UXL provides USB, RS485, RS232, and terminal block interfaces as standard, plus an optional Vertiv RDU101 SNMP/Webcard for SNMP and web-based remote management. It features a full-color graphic LCD with gravity-sensing orientation. Certifications include ENERGY STAR 2.0, UL1778, c-UL, RoHS2, and REACH. Noise level is not specified.
The GXT5 offers a substantially richer management and compliance posture. SNMP/web management (via optional card), multiple serial interfaces, and ENERGY STAR 2.0 certification are relevant to enterprise IT buyers, regulated environments, and facilities with green-procurement requirements. The APC unit's management capabilities and certifications are not documented in the provided specs, so no direct comparison can be made on those axes.
Which should you choose: the SMX3000LVUS or the GXT5-3KL630RT2UXL?
Our take: The GXT5-3KL630RT2UXL is the stronger choice when the installation circuit is 208 V, load criticality demands zero-transfer-time double-conversion power, and remote SNMP management or ENERGY STAR compliance is required. The GXT5 delivers 3,000 W at unity power factor versus the SMX3000LVUS's 2,700 W at 90% — a 300 W real-power advantage at identical kVA. Its online double-conversion topology continuously regenerates output, unlike the SMX3000LVUS's line-interactive design that only corrects during transients. The GXT5 also carries UL1778, ENERGY STAR 2.0, RoHS2, and REACH listings; the SMX3000LVUS lists none in the provided spec data. Conversely, the SMX3000LVUS is the correct choice for 120 V circuits — the GXT5 cannot operate on them — and it provides 10 outlets versus the GXT5's 4, suiting dense edge racks without a separate PDU. Confirm your circuit voltage before selecting either unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric SMX3000LVUS | Vertiv GXT5-3KL630RT2UXL |
|---|---|---|
| Topology | Line-Interactive | Online Double-Conversion |
| Power Rating | 3 kVA / 2,700 W | 3,000 VA / 3,000 W |
| Power Factor | 0.90 | 1.00 (unity) |
| Input Voltage | 100–127 VAC | 208 VAC nominal |
| Input Plug | NEMA L5-30P | L6-30P |
| Output Voltage | 100–127 VAC | 208 VAC |
| Output Outlets | 10 (NEMA 5-15R, L5-20R, L5-30R) | 4 (2× L6-15R, 2× L6-30R) |
| Input Frequency | 50/60 Hz | — |
| Waveform | Sine | — |
| Surge Energy Rating | 540 J | — |
| Peak Efficiency | 98% | Up to 98% (ECO Mode) / 95% (on-line) |
| Noise Level | 55 dB | — |
| Audible Alarms | Yes (on-battery, low-battery) | — |
| Management Interfaces | — | USB, RS485, RS232, terminal block; optional SNMP/Webcard |
| Display | — | Full-color graphic LCD (gravity-sensing) |
| Certifications | — | ENERGY STAR 2.0, UL1778, c-UL, RoHS2, REACH |
| Operating Temperature | — | +32 to +122 °F (0 to 50 °C) |
| Weight | — | 65.1 lb |
| Form Factor | Rack/Tower 4U | Rack/Tower 2U |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the SMX3000LVUS or the GXT5-3KL630RT2UXL?
The GXT5-3KL630RT2UXL is the stronger choice when the installation circuit is 208 V, load criticality demands zero-transfer-time double-conversion power, and remote SNMP management or ENERGY STAR compliance is required. The GXT5 delivers 3,000 W at unity power factor versus the SMX3000LVUS's 2,700 W at 90% — a 300 W real-power advantage at identical kVA. Its online double-conversion topology continuously regenerates output, unlike the SMX3000LVUS's line-interactive design that only corrects during transients. The GXT5 also carries UL1778, ENERGY STAR 2.0, RoHS2, and REACH listings; the SMX3000LVUS lists none in the provided spec data. Conversely, the SMX3000LVUS is the correct choice for 120 V circuits — the GXT5 cannot operate on them — and it provides 10 outlets versus the GXT5's 4, suiting dense edge racks without a separate PDU. Confirm your circuit voltage before selecting either unit.
Can I use the SMX3000LVUS or the GXT5-3KL630RT2UXL on a standard 120 V wall outlet?
Only the APC SMX3000LVUS is rated for 100–127 V input with a NEMA L5-30P plug, making it compatible with North American 120 V circuits. The Vertiv GXT5-3KL630RT2UXL requires 208 VAC input with an L6-30P plug and cannot be used on a 120 V circuit. Verify your facility's circuit voltage and available plug type before purchasing either unit.
Which UPS provides better protection for sensitive servers or medical-grade equipment?
The Vertiv GXT5-3KL630RT2UXL uses online double-conversion topology, which continuously regenerates output power through an inverter with zero transfer time to battery — providing the highest level of power conditioning and isolation from input disturbances. The APC SMX3000LVUS uses line-interactive topology, which corrects voltage variations but switches to battery only when the input goes out of range. For the most sensitive loads, double-conversion (GXT5) is the appropriate choice, assuming a 208 V circuit is available.
Does either UPS support remote monitoring over the network?
The Vertiv GXT5-3KL630RT2UXL supports SNMP and web management via an optional Vertiv RDU101 communications card, and includes USB, RS485, RS232, and terminal block interfaces as standard. The APC SMX3000LVUS's spec sheet as provided does not list any network management interfaces or communication protocols. Buyers requiring remote SNMP monitoring should evaluate the GXT5 with the optional communications card, or confirm the SMX3000LVUS's management capabilities with APC directly before purchasing.
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