How do these two UPS systems compare on power capacity, efficiency, and output quality?

Both units share a 15,000 VA rating and use online double-conversion topology, ensuring zero-transfer-time switchover. However, their watt ratings diverge: the SURT15KRMXLT-1TF10K is rated at 12,000 W (80% power factor), while the GXT5-15KMVRT11UXLN is rated at 15,000 W (100% power factor). For load-dense deployments where actual watts matter more than VA headroom, the Vertiv unit delivers a meaningful 3,000 W advantage at full nameplate capacity.

Efficiency figures also differ substantially. APC specifies 93% efficiency at full load under standard online operation. Vertiv specifies up to 95% in online mode and up to 98% in Active ECO Mode. The 2-percentage-point gap in online mode translates directly to lower heat rejection and operating cost at scale; the ECO mode figure is only relevant if the installation can tolerate the reduced protection level that mode entails.

APC specifies a crest factor of 3:1, input THD of less than 5% at full load, harmonic distortion of less than 5%, and IEEE surge let-through of 0.3% with zero-clamping response time. The SURT15KRMXLT-1TF10K also includes an integrated 10 kVA step-down transformer (208 V to 120 V), making it a combined UPS-and-transformer solution. Vertiv does not specify crest factor, THD, or surge let-through in the provided data; those specs are absent for the GXT5-15KMVRT11UXLN.

What are the differences in physical footprint, weight, rack space, and battery runtime architecture?

The SURT15KRMXLT-1TF10K occupies 16U of rack space and weighs 766.61 lb (347.73 kg). Its dimensions are 27.87 in H × 17.01 in W × 30.43 in D. This substantial weight and depth reflect the inclusion of four internal battery modules plus the step-down transformer. The unit ships with four RBC modules installed, zero empty battery slots, and supports extended runtime via external battery modules. Typical recharge time is 2.5 hours. Battery type is lead-acid; battery voltage is ±192 V split; end-of-discharge voltage is ±154 V. Specified battery life is 3–5 years.

The GXT5-15KMVRT11UXLN weighs 396.6 lb and measures 19.0 in H × 16.9 in W × 26.7 in D. Rack unit count is not stated in the provided specifications. At roughly half the weight and approximately 4 inches shallower, it imposes significantly less structural and spatial demand on the rack and floor. Battery type, voltage, runtime figures, recharge time, and battery life are not specified in the provided data for the Vertiv unit.

The APC unit's integrated transformer adds weight and depth but eliminates the need for a separate step-down device when the load mix includes 120 V equipment on a 208 V feed — a common scenario in mixed IT/AV or legacy equipment rooms. Buyers who already have separate PDUs or whose loads are natively 208 V will carry that transformer weight without deriving a benefit from it.

How do the two units differ in connectivity, monitoring interfaces, and certifications?

The SURT15KRMXLT-1TF10K ships with a factory pre-installed Network Management Card 2 (NMC2), providing SNMP and web-based monitoring out of the box. It also includes a SmartSlot expansion bay, full-time multi-pole noise filtering, and a built-in static bypass. Input frequency auto-sensing spans 40–70 Hz, and output frequency is user-adjustable to 50 or 60 Hz ±3 Hz. Bypass type, acoustic level (50 dBA), and operating altitude (0–10,000 ft) are all specified. Warranty is 2 years repair or replace.

The GXT5-15KMVRT11UXLN ships with a factory pre-installed Vertiv Liebert IntelliSlot RDU120 SNMP/web card, and additionally provides USB, RS485, RS232, a terminal block, and an external battery connector as standard interfaces. Its control panel is a full-color graphic LCD with gravity-sensing orientation, adapting the display direction based on rack versus tower installation — a practical installer convenience not mentioned for the APC unit. Protocol support includes SNMP, web management, and serial out-of-band management.

On certifications, the GXT5-15KMVRT11UXLN carries ENERGY STAR 2.0, UL1778, c-UL, RoHS2, and REACH listings. No equivalent certification listings are provided in the APC specifications. APC specifies IP20 ingress protection; Vertiv does not specify an IP rating in the provided data. Input connector for APC is 1 hard-wire 3-wire (2PH+G); output connectors include 2 NEMA L5-20R, 4 NEMA L6-20R, 2 NEMA L6-30R, 2 NEMA L14-30R, and 1 hard-wire 4-wire (2PH+N+G). Vertiv specifies hardwired in/out with optional PODs; individual receptacle counts are not listed in the provided data.

Which should you choose: the SURT15KRMXLT-1TF10K or the GXT5-15KMVRT11UXLN?

Our take: The SURT15KRMXLT-1TF10K is the stronger choice when a single rack unit must simultaneously condition power and step down 208 V to 120 V for mixed-voltage loads, and when granular output connector variety (10 discrete receptacles across four NEMA types) matters. The GXT5-15KMVRT11UXLN holds the advantage on three measurable dimensions: it delivers 15,000 W versus 12,000 W (a 25% real-power increase at the same VA rating), achieves up to 95% online efficiency versus 93% (reducing heat and operating cost in continuous-run facilities), and is approximately 370 lb lighter with a shallower 26.7 in depth versus 30.43 in, easing structural and space constraints. Buyers deploying in energy-cost-sensitive or floor-load-limited environments, or who need ENERGY STAR 2.0 certification for compliance, should favor the Vertiv. Buyers who require an integrated step-down transformer, need IP20-rated enclosure confirmation, or are standardized on APC SmartSlot ecosystem accessories should evaluate the SURT15KRMXLT-1TF10K.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

• APC by Schneider Electric SURT15KRMXLT-1TF10K product page — full specs and to add to a quote
• Vertiv GXT5-15KMVRT11UXLN product page — full specs and to add to a quote