How do the power capacity, input/output flexibility, and outlet configurations compare?

The APC SRTL5KRM2UT-5KRMTF is rated at 4,900 VA / 4,900 W and accepts 208 V AC (with 240 V as an alternate) via a NEMA L6-30P plug, stepping down to 120 V AC output (with 240 V as an alternate). Its output receptacle complement is substantial for distributed branch circuits: 12 × NEMA 5-20R, 2 × NEMA L6-20R, and 2 × NEMA L6-30R. The integrated transformer makes this a single-SKU solution for facilities that have 208 V feeds but require 120 V device support.

The Vertiv GXT5-5000MVRT4UXLN is rated at 5,000 VA / 5,000 W — a marginal 100 VA / 100 W advantage over the APC. Its input voltage range is explicitly specified as 176–280 V AC (typical 208 V), and output is user-configurable between 208 V and 120 V. However, Vertiv specifies hardwired input and output with optional Power Output Distribution (POD) accessories required for receptacle-level connections; no discrete outlet counts are listed in the provided specs. Buyers who need plug-and-play receptacle distribution must factor in those additional POD costs.

What are the differences in battery technology, runtime characteristics, and operating efficiency?

The APC unit uses lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries with a rated battery voltage of 180 V, a typical recharge time of 1.5 hours, and a projected battery life of 8–10 years. Runtime is load-dependent: the spec sheet references runtime graphs rather than discrete minute values, citing 4,900 W at full load and 2,450 W at half load as the reference points. The surge energy rating is 1,260 J. Harmonic distortion is specified at less than 2%, and the output waveform is a true sine wave. Battery charging power is 600 W rated. An extendable runtime option is noted (value: 1), indicating external battery module compatibility, though no included battery modules or free slots are listed.

The Vertiv GXT5 does not specify battery chemistry, battery voltage, recharge time, or battery life in the provided specifications. Efficiency is stated as up to 98% in Active ECO Mode and up to 95% in online mode — concrete figures the APC spec sheet does not publish in comparable form (the APC lists only 'View Efficiency Graph'). No surge energy rating, harmonic distortion figure, or discrete runtime data are present in the Vertiv specs provided. Buyers requiring detailed runtime or battery longevity projections for the Vertiv unit will need to consult the referenced datasheet PDF.

How do the management interfaces, physical footprint, and environmental operating parameters differ?

The APC SRTL5KRM2UT-5KRMTF ships with a pre-installed APC Network Management Card 3 (NMC3) with environmental monitoring, plus USB and serial ports. Alarms are audible and visible, prioritized by severity. The unit occupies 4U of rack space, weighs 159.37 lb (72.29 kg), and dimensions are listed as 6.9 in height (176 mm). Operating altitude is 0–10,000 ft. Acoustic output is 55 dBA. Heat dissipation is rated at 1,047 Btu/h. Operating temperature range is not explicitly stated in the provided specs, though storage temperature is 5–113 °F (−15 to 45 °C). IP protection is IP20. Relative humidity tolerance is 0–95% non-condensing.

The Vertiv GXT5-5000MVRT4UXLN ships with a factory pre-installed Vertiv RDU101 SNMP/Web card and supports USB, RS485, RS232, a terminal block, and an external battery connector — a broader set of physical interface options than the APC. It features a full-color graphic LCD with gravity-sensing orientation for intuitive installation in either rack or tower position. The unit weighs 125.6 lb — approximately 34 lb lighter than the APC — and measures 6.8 in H × 16.9 in W × 25.6 in D. Operating temperature is explicitly stated as 32–104 °F (0–40 °C). Rack unit count, acoustic level, heat dissipation, and IP rating are not provided in the supplied Vertiv specs. Certifications include UL 1778, c-UL, RoHS2, REACH, and ENERGY STAR 2.0.

Which should you choose: the SRTL5KRM2UT-5KRMTF or the GXT5-5000MVRT4UXLN?

Our take: The SRTL5KRM2UT-5KRMTF is the stronger choice when a facility has an existing 208 V feed and needs plug-ready 120 V receptacle distribution, long battery life, and a fully integrated single-box solution without accessory purchases. Its 12 × NEMA 5-20R plus 4 mixed L6 receptacles eliminate the POD add-on cost Vertiv buyers must plan for, its Li-Ion battery carries an 8–10 year rated life versus no battery-life spec published for the GXT5, and its 1,260 J surge rating is a concrete protective specification absent from the Vertiv data. Conversely, the GXT5-5000MVRT4UXLN holds advantages in rated efficiency (up to 98% ECO / 95% online vs. no published figure for APC), a marginally higher power rating (5,000 VA/W vs. 4,900 VA/W), a 34 lb lighter chassis (125.6 lb vs. 159.37 lb), broader serial interface options (RS485, RS232, terminal block), a color LCD with gravity-sensing, and additional compliance listings (UL 1778, RoHS2, REACH). Choose the APC for integrated step-down transformer convenience and receptacle-rich 120 V distribution; choose the Vertiv where hardwired infrastructure already exists and peak efficiency or flexible rack/tower orientation is the priority.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

• APC by Schneider Electric SRTL5KRM2UT-5KRMTF product page — full specs and to add to a quote
• Vertiv GXT5-5000MVRT4UXLN product page — full specs and to add to a quote