APC by Schneider Electric SUA3000RMXLI3U vs APC by Schneider Electric SMT3000RMI2U: Specification Comparison
Both the SUA3000RMXLI3U and SMT3000RMI2U are APC Smart-UPS rack-mount line-interactive uninterruptible power supplies rated at 3000VA / 2700W for 230V AC environments. They target the same load class — servers, network switches, routers, and point-of-sale systems — and are direct cross-shop candidates. The primary differentiators are rack height (3U vs 2U), output connector layout, surge energy rating, acoustic output, and the breadth of compliance certifications, all of which carry real weight in rack-dense or regulated deployments.
In This Guide
- How do runtime, recharge, and output protection compare between the two units?
- Which unit offers more rack efficiency and output connector flexibility?
- How do the two units differ in certifications, environmental ratings, and management compliance requirements?
- Which should you choose: the SUA3000RMXLI3U or the SMT3000RMI2U?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
How do runtime, recharge, and output protection compare between the two units?
Both units deliver 3000VA / 2700W at 230V AC with a sine-wave output waveform and line-interactive topology, so the fundamental load-handling capability is identical. The SUA3000RMXLI3U specifies a full-load runtime of 5.4 minutes; the SMT3000RMI2U does not publish a discrete full-load runtime figure in the provided specs (it references a runtime graph). Both units list a 3-hour typical recharge time from the provided specifications.
Where they diverge is surge protection: the SUA3000RMXLI3U is rated at 480 joules, while the SMT3000RMI2U is rated at 320 joules — a 50% advantage to the SUA model for transient suppression. The SMT3000RMI2U specifies transfer time explicitly (4ms typical, 8ms maximum); the SUA3000RMXLI3U does not provide a transfer-time figure in the supplied specs. The SMT3000RMI2U also publishes battery charging power (182W rated) and a battery life estimate of 3–5 years; neither figure is provided for the SUA3000RMXLI3U.
Which unit offers more rack efficiency and output connector flexibility?
The SUA3000RMXLI3U occupies 3U of rack space; the SMT3000RMI2U requires only 2U. In a densely populated rack, the SMT saves one rack unit, which can be significant in 1U/2U server environments. Both ship with a rack mounting kit included.
On the output side, the SUA3000RMXLI3U provides 1× IEC 60320 C19 and 8× IEC 60320 C13 outlets (9 total). The SMT3000RMI2U provides 1× IEC 320 C19, 8× IEC 320 C13, and additionally 3× IEC jumper outlets — giving it a slightly more flexible outlet mix for daisy-chaining or PDU connection. Both units include RS-232 and USB management connectivity, one free SmartSlot/expansion slot, and ship with a serial cable and USB cable. The SMT3000RMI2U spec also lists a temperature probe in the provided equipment, which the SUA3000RMXLI3U does not mention.
How do the two units differ in certifications, environmental ratings, and management compliance requirements?
The SUA3000RMXLI3U lists certifications of C-Tick, GOST, UL 1449, VDE, EN 50091-2, and EN 50091-1. The SMT3000RMI2U is certified to CEE, ACI, RAM, RCM, VDE with a GS Mark, and is compliant with EN/IEC 62040-1:2019/A11:2021, EN/IEC 62040-2:2006/AC:2006, and EN/IEC 62040-2:2018 — the current harmonized IEC standards for UPS equipment. Buyers in jurisdictions requiring current IEC 62040-series compliance should note that the SUA references older EN 50091 standards, which have been superseded.
Both units share a 0–95% relative humidity operating range. The SUA3000RMXLI3U specifies a maximum operating temperature of 104°F (40°C); the SMT3000RMI2U does not provide an explicit maximum operating temperature in the supplied specs, though it lists a storage temperature range of -15 to 45°C. Acoustic emission is 53 dBA for the SUA3000RMXLI3U and 55 dBA for the SMT3000RMI2U. The SMT3000RMI2U additionally reports heat dissipation (348 BTU/h) and a total lifecycle carbon footprint (2,698 kg CO₂ eq.); neither figure is available in the SUA3000RMXLI3U specs.
Which should you choose: the SUA3000RMXLI3U or the SMT3000RMI2U?
Our take: The SUA3000RMXLI3U is the stronger choice when surge suppression margin and a documented full-load runtime figure are the primary selection criteria. It delivers 480 joules of surge energy rating versus 320 joules on the SMT3000RMI2U — a 50% advantage — and explicitly states 5.4 minutes runtime at full load where the SMT provides only a referenced graph. However, the SMT3000RMI2U holds meaningful advantages for space-constrained or compliance-driven environments: it occupies 2U versus 3U, includes a temperature probe, adds three IEC jumper outlets beyond the shared C13/C19 complement, and is certified to current IEC 62040-series standards rather than the older EN 50091 series. The SUA3000RMXLI3U is better suited to installations prioritizing surge headroom and a known runtime figure; the SMT3000RMI2U is preferable where rack-unit density, current regulatory compliance, or the additional temperature-monitoring capability are decisive.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric SUA3000RMXLI3U | APC by Schneider Electric SMT3000RMI2U |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Topology | Line Interactive | Line Interactive |
| Power Capacity | 3000 VA / 2700 W | 3000 VA / 2700 W |
| Output Waveform | Sine wave | Sine wave |
| Rack Height | 3U | 2U |
| Input Voltage Range | AC 160–286 V (adjustable 151–302 V) | 160–286 V (adjustable 151–302 V) |
| Output Voltage | AC 220/230/240 V ±5% | 220/230/240 V AC (configurable) |
| Output Connectors | 1× C19, 8× C13 | 1× C19, 8× C13, 3× IEC jumpers |
| Surge Energy Rating | 480 J | 320 J |
| Transfer Time | — | 4 ms typical / 8 ms maximum |
| Full-Load Runtime | 5.4 min | — |
| Recharge Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Battery Type | Lead acid (internal) | Lead-acid (internal) |
| Replacement Battery | — | RBC43 |
| Acoustic Level | 53 dBA | 55 dBA |
| Management Interfaces | RS-232 (DB-9), USB, 1× SmartSlot | Serial port, USB, 1 expansion slot |
| Compliance / Certifications | C-Tick, GOST, UL 1449, VDE, EN 50091-1/2 | CEE, ACI, RAM, RCM, VDE, GS Mark, IEC 62040-1:2019, IEC 62040-2:2018 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the SUA3000RMXLI3U or the SMT3000RMI2U?
The SUA3000RMXLI3U is the stronger choice when surge suppression margin and a documented full-load runtime figure are the primary selection criteria. It delivers 480 joules of surge energy rating versus 320 joules on the SMT3000RMI2U — a 50% advantage — and explicitly states 5.4 minutes runtime at full load where the SMT provides only a referenced graph. However, the SMT3000RMI2U holds meaningful advantages for space-constrained or compliance-driven environments: it occupies 2U versus 3U, includes a temperature probe, adds three IEC jumper outlets beyond the shared C13/C19 complement, and is certified to current IEC 62040-series standards rather than the older EN 50091 series. The SUA3000RMXLI3U is better suited to installations prioritizing surge headroom and a known runtime figure; the SMT3000RMI2U is preferable where rack-unit density, current regulatory compliance, or the additional temperature-monitoring capability are decisive.
Which unit takes up less rack space — the SUA3000RMXLI3U or the SMT3000RMI2U?
The SMT3000RMI2U occupies 2U of rack space; the SUA3000RMXLI3U requires 3U. If rack density is a constraint, the SMT saves one full rack unit.
Does either UPS provide better surge protection?
Yes. The SUA3000RMXLI3U is rated at 480 joules of surge energy absorption; the SMT3000RMI2U is rated at 320 joules. The SUA model offers 50% more surge suppression capacity per the published specifications.
Are both units compliant with current IEC UPS standards?
Only the SMT3000RMI2U lists compliance with the current EN/IEC 62040-1:2019 and EN/IEC 62040-2:2018 harmonized standards. The SUA3000RMXLI3U references EN 50091-1 and EN 50091-2, which are the predecessor standards. Buyers subject to procurement requirements specifying current IEC 62040-series certification should confirm the SUA3000RMXLI3U's status with APC directly, as that information is not present in the provided specifications.
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