APC by Schneider Electric SURT15KRMXLI vs APC by Schneider Electric E3SUPS15KFBS: Specification Comparison
Both units are 15 kVA double-conversion online UPS systems from APC by Schneider Electric, placing them in the same capacity tier for critical power protection. The SURT15KRMXLI is a single-phase rack-mount unit targeting IT rooms and data closets, while the E3SUPS15KFBS is a three-phase floor-standing unit designed for electrical rooms and larger infrastructure deployments. Buyers evaluating 15 kVA UPS options must weigh phase configuration, input/output architecture, battery modularity, and installation environment before selecting between these two architecturally distinct products.
In This Guide
- How do the phase configuration and power architecture differ between these two 15 kVA units?
- What are the battery design and runtime expansion capabilities of each unit?
- How do the physical form factor, environmental ratings, and management options compare?
- Which should you choose: the SURT15KRMXLI or the E3SUPS15KFBS?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
How do the phase configuration and power architecture differ between these two 15 kVA units?
The SURT15KRMXLI is a single-phase output unit rated at 15 kVA / 12,000 W with a single-phase input, accepting a wide input frequency range of 40–70 Hz and operating at output voltages between 220 V and 240 V. Its output is delivered via C19 couplers, consistent with direct IT load connections in rack environments. Efficiency is specified at 95%.
The E3SUPS15KFBS is a three-phase (3:3) unit rated at 15 kVA / 15,000 W, accepting three-phase input at 380 V, 400 V, or 415 V AC with a maximum input current of 28 A per phase and input harmonic distortion of less than 3% at full load. Output is 208 V AC (also listed as 380 V / 415 V for other configurations) at 60 Hz with output harmonic distortion under 3% on linear loads and output voltage tolerance of ±1.5%. Its load power factor is specified as 0.9 leading to 0.9 lagging with a cos phi of 0.99. Notably, the rated output power in watts (15 kW) matches the kVA rating at unity-adjacent power factor, whereas the SURT15KRMXLI delivers 12,000 W at 15 kVA — implying a 0.8 power factor output on that unit.
What are the battery design and runtime expansion capabilities of each unit?
The SURT15KRMXLI does not specify internal battery type, battery voltage, or the number of included or available battery slots in the provided specifications. The spec set does confirm surge protection, auto-restart, and an Emergency Power Off (EPO) function, but runtime data and battery expansion details are not present in the supplied data.
The E3SUPS15KFBS specifies a VRLA battery type at 240 V DC system voltage (DC system voltage also listed as 120 V DC — these two figures appear in the provided spec set without further clarification). The unit ships with zero included battery modules and has three empty battery slots, meaning runtime depends entirely on separately purchased battery modules. This modular architecture allows runtime scaling but requires additional procurement. Heat dissipation is rated at 852 W, a relevant figure for electrical room cooling planning.
How do the physical form factor, environmental ratings, and management options compare?
The SURT15KRMXLI is a rack-mount unit with a noise level of 50 dB. No dimensions, weight, IP rating, or operating temperature range are provided in the supplied specifications.
The E3SUPS15KFBS is a floor-standing unit with a specified weight of 112 kg (145 kg packaged) and overall height of 140 cm. It carries an IP20 rating, operates from 0–40 °C ambient, stores from -15–40 °C, and is rated for operating altitudes up to 3,333 ft (with a separate figure of 4,921 ft also appearing in the spec set). Relative humidity tolerance is 0–95% non-condensing for both operation and storage. Maximum short-circuit current is 10 kA. Connectivity is via an optional network management card 3 (not included). Certifications include CE, EAC, and RCM. The acoustic level is 60 dBA — 10 dB higher than the SURT15KRMXLI's stated 50 dB.
Which should you choose: the SURT15KRMXLI or the E3SUPS15KFBS?
Our take: The SURT15KRMXLI is the stronger choice when the load is single-phase IT equipment in a rack environment and the priority is seamless integration with standard server and network hardware via C19 outlets. The E3SUPS15KFBS is the correct selection when the load is three-phase electrical infrastructure in a dedicated electrical room requiring low input harmonic distortion (under 3%) and a modular battery architecture with three expansion slots. Three concrete spec deltas: (1) output power factor — the SURT15KRMXLI delivers 12,000 W at 15 kVA (0.8 PF) versus the E3SUPS15KFBS at 15,000 W at 15 kVA (0.99 cos phi); (2) acoustic output — 50 dB versus 60 dBA; (3) battery modularity — the E3SUPS15KFBS ships with zero batteries and three open slots for runtime customization, while the SURT15KRMXLI provides no battery slot data in the supplied specs. Buyers should not treat these as interchangeable alternatives; phase architecture is the primary selection gate.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric SURT15KRMXLI | APC by Schneider Electric E3SUPS15KFBS |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Topology | Double-conversion (Online) | Double conversion online |
| Phase Configuration | Single-phase (1:1) | Three-phase (3:3) |
| Rated Capacity (kVA) | 15 kVA | 15 kVA |
| Rated Output Power (W) | 12,000 W | 15,000 W |
| Output Power Factor | 0.8 (implied: 12kW / 15kVA) | 0.99 cos phi |
| Input Voltage | — | 380 / 400 / 415 V AC (3-phase) |
| Output Voltage | 220–240 V AC | 208 V AC (380/415 V also listed) |
| Input Frequency Range | 40–70 Hz | 70 Hz (max; range not specified) |
| Output Frequency | 50/60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Efficiency | 95% | — |
| Input Harmonic Distortion | — | < 3% at full load |
| Output Harmonic Distortion | — | < 3% linear load |
| Battery Type | — | VRLA |
| Included Battery Modules | — | 0 (3 empty slots) |
| Acoustic Level | 50 dB | 60 dBA |
| Emergency Power Off (EPO) | Yes | — |
| Form Factor | Rack-mount | Floor-standing |
| Weight | — | 112 kg |
| IP Rating | — | IP20 |
| Max Operating Temperature | — | 40 °C |
| Network Management | — | Optional NMC3 (not included) |
| Output Outlets | C19 coupler | — |
| Certifications | — | CE, EAC, RCM |
| Heat Dissipation | — | 852 W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the SURT15KRMXLI or the E3SUPS15KFBS?
The SURT15KRMXLI is the stronger choice when the load is single-phase IT equipment in a rack environment and the priority is seamless integration with standard server and network hardware via C19 outlets. The E3SUPS15KFBS is the correct selection when the load is three-phase electrical infrastructure in a dedicated electrical room requiring low input harmonic distortion (under 3%) and a modular battery architecture with three expansion slots. Three concrete spec deltas: (1) output power factor — the SURT15KRMXLI delivers 12,000 W at 15 kVA (0.8 PF) versus the E3SUPS15KFBS at 15,000 W at 15 kVA (0.99 cos phi); (2) acoustic output — 50 dB versus 60 dBA; (3) battery modularity — the E3SUPS15KFBS ships with zero batteries and three open slots for runtime customization, while the SURT15KRMXLI provides no battery slot data in the supplied specs. Buyers should not treat these as interchangeable alternatives; phase architecture is the primary selection gate.
Can I use the E3SUPS15KFBS to replace my existing SURT15KRMXLI in a server rack?
No — the E3SUPS15KFBS is a floor-standing, three-phase unit with a specified weight of 112 kg and a height of 140 cm. It is not a rack-mount device and requires three-phase input power at 380–415 V AC. The SURT15KRMXLI is a rack-mount, single-phase unit. These are not form-factor or electrical equivalents.
Which unit is quieter for a small IT room or data closet?
Based on the provided specifications, the SURT15KRMXLI is rated at 50 dB versus the E3SUPS15KFBS at 60 dBA — a 10 dB difference, which is significant in an enclosed space. The SURT15KRMXLI is the lower-noise option per the supplied data.
Does either unit include batteries, and which offers easier runtime expansion?
The E3SUPS15KFBS is specified with zero included battery modules and three empty battery slots, meaning runtime is determined by separately purchased VRLA modules — offering structured expansion. The SURT15KRMXLI's battery configuration, slot count, and runtime data are not present in the supplied specifications, so a direct runtime comparison cannot be made from the available data alone.
More UPS Comparisons
- APC by Schneider Electric E3SUPS15KFBS vs Vertiv GXT5-15KMVRT11UXLN
- APC by Schneider Electric E3SUPS15KFBS vs APC by Schneider Electric SURT15KRMXLT-1TF10K
- APC by Schneider Electric E3SUPS15KFBS vs APC by Schneider Electric SUVTP15KF2B2S
- APC by Schneider Electric SURT15KRMXLT-1TF10K vs Vertiv GXT5-15KMVRT11UXLN
- APC by Schneider Electric SURT15KRMXLT-1TF10K vs APC by Schneider Electric SUVTP15KF2B2S
- APC by Schneider Electric SUVTP15KF2B2S vs Vertiv GXT5-15KMVRT11UXLN
UPS Buying Guides
Get a Second Opinion on Your Camera Choice
Share your site layout, coverage goals, and budget. Our team will validate the camera selection, flag anything we would change, and recommend products that match the use case.