APC by Schneider Electric SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 vs APC by Schneider Electric E3SUPS20KFBS: Specification Comparison
Both the SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 and E3SUPS20KFBS are APC by Schneider Electric 20 kVA rackmount uninterruptible power supplies intended for data center and critical infrastructure applications. The SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 belongs to the Smart-UPS RT Series while the E3SUPS20KFBS is from the Easy UPS 3S line. This comparison examines power architecture, physical and thermal characteristics, and outlet/interface configurations to help installers and IT buyers evaluate which unit better fits their specific load, rack, and management requirements.
In This Guide
- How do the power architecture and electrical specifications differ between the two units?
- What are the physical, thermal, and environmental characteristics of each unit?
- How do the outlet configurations, battery types, and management options compare?
- Which should you choose: the SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 or the E3SUPS20KFBS?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
How do the power architecture and electrical specifications differ between the two units?
The E3SUPS20KFBS specifies a Double-conversion (Online) UPS topology, which means load is continuously powered from the inverter, providing zero transfer time and full isolation from input power anomalies. The SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 does not explicitly state its topology in the provided specifications, so buyers requiring confirmed double-conversion architecture cannot verify that from available data on this model.
On output, the E3SUPS20KFBS is rated at 20 kVA / 20,000 W (unity power factor), with an input voltage operating range of 208–220 V and output of 208–220 V at 50/60 Hz, and accepts input frequencies between 40–70 Hz — a wide window suited to generator-backed environments. The SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 is rated at 20 kVA but wattage, power factor, and input voltage range are not provided in the supplied specifications.
The E3SUPS20KFBS lists an input current THD of 4%, indicating low harmonic distortion on the supply side — relevant where generator compatibility or facility power quality is a concern. No THD figure is provided for the SURT20KRMXLT-TF5.
What are the physical, thermal, and environmental characteristics of each unit?
The SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 provides dimensional data: 62.2 cm H x 43.2 cm W x 77.3 cm D (approximately 24.5 x 17 x 30.4 inches), with a 14U rackmount form factor. The E3SUPS20KFBS does not include rack unit height or physical dimensions in the provided specifications, limiting direct rack-space planning for that model.
The E3SUPS20KFBS specifies a heat dissipation of 1,400 BTU/h and an audible noise level of 68 dB — both figures relevant to data center thermal load calculations and open-floor or co-location deployments. Neither heat dissipation nor noise level is provided for the SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 in the supplied specifications.
The E3SUPS20KFBS carries an IP20 ingress protection rating, indicating protection against solid objects greater than 12.5 mm but no rated protection against liquids — standard for indoor IT environments. No IP rating is listed for the SURT20KRMXLT-TF5. Color is Black for the SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 and White for the E3SUPS20KFBS.
How do the outlet configurations, battery types, and management options compare?
The SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 specifies its output receptacle configuration explicitly: 12x NEMA 5-20R, 4x NEMA L6-20R, and 1x NEMA L6-30R (as indicated in the product name). It also ships with an RS-232 Smart UPS Signalling Cable, rack mounting support rails, a Web/SNMP Management Card, and a CD with software — providing out-of-box network management capability. The E3SUPS20KFBS does not list outlet types or included accessories in the provided specifications.
Battery type for the SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 is described as maintenance-free sealed Lead-Acid with suspended electrolyte (leakproof), which is the standard for indoor rack UPS deployment. The E3SUPS20KFBS specifies a battery voltage of 96 V DC but does not describe battery chemistry or configuration in the provided specifications. The 'FBS' suffix in the E3SUPS20KFBS model number conventionally denotes an internal battery configuration, though this is not confirmed by the provided specs.
Control and display: the E3SUPS20KFBS provides a Touch control type and LCD display, and includes overload as a listed power protection feature. The SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 indicates an LCD display in its product name but control type and protection feature list are not enumerated in the provided specifications.
Which should you choose: the SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 or the E3SUPS20KFBS?
Our take: The E3SUPS20KFBS is the stronger choice when confirmed double-conversion topology, low harmonic distortion, and generator-range input frequency acceptance are the primary selection criteria. It explicitly confirms Online double-conversion architecture (zero transfer time), a 4% input THD, and a 40–70 Hz input frequency range — none of which are documented for the SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 in the available specs. However, the SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 is the more transparent choice for outlet-specific deployments: its 12x 5-20R / 4x L6-20R / 1x L6-30R receptacle mix is fully specified, rack depth (77.3 cm) is known, and it ships with a Web/SNMP Management Card included. The E3SUPS20KFBS provides no outlet or depth data. Buyers deploying into managed data centers requiring mixed NEMA receptacle types and immediate SNMP integration should favor the SURT20KRMXLT-TF5; those prioritizing confirmed double-conversion isolation and generator compatibility should favor the E3SUPS20KFBS.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 | APC by Schneider Electric E3SUPS20KFBS |
|---|---|---|
| Series | Smart-UPS RT | Easy UPS 3S |
| SKU | SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 | E3SUPS20KFBS |
| Output Capacity (kVA) | 20 kVA | 20 kVA |
| Output Power (W) | — | 20,000 W |
| UPS Topology | — | Double-conversion (Online) |
| Input Voltage Range | — | 208–220 V |
| Input Frequency Range | — | 40–70 Hz |
| Input Current THD | — | 4% |
| Output Voltage Range | — | 208–220 V |
| Output Frequency | — | 50/60 Hz |
| Battery Type | Sealed Lead-Acid, leakproof | — |
| Battery Voltage | — | 96 V |
| Rack Height | 14U | — |
| Dimensions (H x W x D cm) | 62.2 x 43.2 x 77.3 | — |
| Heat Dissipation | — | 1,400 BTU/h |
| Noise Level | — | 68 dB |
| IP Rating | — | IP20 |
| Display | LCD (name-stated) | LCD |
| Control Type | — | Touch |
| Outlet Configuration | 12x 5-20R, 4x L6-20R, 1x L6-30R | — |
| Included Management | Web/SNMP Card, RS-232 Cable | — |
| Color | Black | White |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 or the E3SUPS20KFBS?
The E3SUPS20KFBS is the stronger choice when confirmed double-conversion topology, low harmonic distortion, and generator-range input frequency acceptance are the primary selection criteria. It explicitly confirms Online double-conversion architecture (zero transfer time), a 4% input THD, and a 40–70 Hz input frequency range — none of which are documented for the SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 in the available specs. However, the SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 is the more transparent choice for outlet-specific deployments: its 12x 5-20R / 4x L6-20R / 1x L6-30R receptacle mix is fully specified, rack depth (77.3 cm) is known, and it ships with a Web/SNMP Management Card included. The E3SUPS20KFBS provides no outlet or depth data. Buyers deploying into managed data centers requiring mixed NEMA receptacle types and immediate SNMP integration should favor the SURT20KRMXLT-TF5; those prioritizing confirmed double-conversion isolation and generator compatibility should favor the E3SUPS20KFBS.
Which unit — the SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 or E3SUPS20KFBS — is better suited for generator-backed data center environments?
Based on provided specifications, the E3SUPS20KFBS has a documented advantage here: it accepts input frequencies from 40–70 Hz, which accommodates the frequency variance typical of generator output, and its 4% input THD reduces harmonic feedback onto generator alternators. The SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 does not include input frequency range or THD figures in its available specifications, so that suitability cannot be confirmed from the data on hand.
Does either UPS include network management out of the box?
The SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 explicitly lists a Web/SNMP Management Card and an RS-232 Smart UPS Signalling Cable among its included accessories, providing out-of-box network monitoring capability. The E3SUPS20KFBS does not list included accessories in the provided specifications, so whether a management card is bundled or must be purchased separately cannot be determined from available data.
How do the two 20 kVA units compare for rack space planning?
The SURT20KRMXLT-TF5 specifies a 14U rack height and physical dimensions of 62.2 cm H x 43.2 cm W x 77.3 cm D, giving integrators the data needed for rack layout and cable management planning. The E3SUPS20KFBS does not provide rack unit height or physical dimensions in the supplied specifications, which means rack space planning for that model requires consulting additional documentation from the manufacturer.
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