APC by Schneider Electric SYA8K16IXR vs Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN: Specification Comparison
The APC Symmetra LX SYA8K16IXR and the Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN are both 8 kVA rack-mount UPS systems targeting enterprise power protection—a category where installers and IT buyers evaluate runtime scalability, efficiency, input/output flexibility, and management integration. The SYA8K16IXR is APC's modular Symmetra LX platform with scalability to 16 kVA; the GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN is Vertiv's fifth-generation GXT on-line double-conversion unit. Both address similar deployment footprints but differ substantially in documented specifications.
In This Guide
- What are the power rating, input voltage, and output flexibility of each UPS?
- How do the two units compare on topology, efficiency, and certifications?
- What management interfaces, physical dimensions, and environmental ratings does each unit offer?
- Which should you choose: the SYA8K16IXR or the GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
What are the power rating, input voltage, and output flexibility of each UPS?
The Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN carries an explicitly stated power rating of 8,000 VA / 8,000 W at a unity (1.0) power factor, with an input voltage of 208 VAC nominal and a wide operating range of 176–288 VAC. Output is user-configurable across 200, 208, 220, 230, and 240 VAC, giving installers flexibility for mixed-voltage environments. Hardwired input and output are standard, supplemented by two L6-20R and two L6-30R receptacles.
The APC SYA8K16IXR lists an output voltage of 230 V and a capacity of 8 kVA scalable to 16 kVA, but the provided specifications do not state a rated wattage, input voltage range, or output receptacle configuration. The scalability to 16 kVA is a notable architectural differentiator—the Symmetra LX platform supports modular power and battery expansion—but the specific expansion mechanism and incremental steps are not documented in the supplied specs. Buyers requiring confirmed VA-to-watt ratios or input range data for the SYA8K16IXR must consult the APC datasheet directly.
How do the two units compare on topology, efficiency, and certifications?
The Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN is explicitly rated as an on-line double-conversion UPS, the highest-protection topology, which means connected loads are always powered through the inverter with zero transfer time during utility failures. Efficiency reaches up to 98% in Active ECO Mode and up to 95% in standard on-line mode. The unit carries ENERGY STAR 2.0 certification, UL1778, c-UL, RoHS2, and REACH listings—a complete compliance picture for North American and EU deployments.
The APC SYA8K16IXR's topology is not stated in the provided specifications. The Symmetra LX product family is generally known as an on-line double-conversion platform, but because that detail is absent from the supplied spec sheet, it cannot be confirmed here. No efficiency rating and no certification listings are provided for the SYA8K16IXR. Buyers evaluating this unit for ENERGY STAR compliance or specific UL listings must verify independently.
What management interfaces, physical dimensions, and environmental ratings does each unit offer?
The Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN ships with a factory pre-installed Vertiv RDU101 SNMP/web card enabling SNMP and web management out of the box—no add-on card purchase required. Additional interfaces include USB, RS485, RS232, a terminal block, and an external battery connector. A full-color gravity-sensing LCD panel is standard. Physical dimensions are fully documented: 8.5 in H × 16.9 in W × 24.8 in D, 164.2 lb, with a 5U rack/tower flexible form factor. Operating temperature is rated at 0–40 °C (32–104 °F).
The APC SYA8K16IXR lists a width of 19 in and a color finish of Black/Silver; rack units are listed as 0, which is inconsistent and likely a data entry error rather than a true specification. Height, depth, weight, operating temperature, and rack unit count are not provided. Management interface options are not specified in the supplied data. The 19-inch width indicates standard rack compatibility, but without a rack-unit height figure, precise rack-space planning cannot be completed from these specs alone.
Which should you choose: the SYA8K16IXR or the GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN?
Our take: The GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN is the stronger choice when a fully documented, immediately deployable 8 kVA on-line UPS is required with out-of-box SNMP management and certified efficiency ratings. Vertiv provides a confirmed 8,000 VA / 8,000 W unity-power-factor rating versus no stated wattage for the SYA8K16IXR; up to 98% Active ECO Mode efficiency versus no efficiency figure for the APC; and a factory-installed RDU101 SNMP/web card versus no stated management interface for the APC. The SYA8K16IXR's documented scalability to 16 kVA is a meaningful architectural advantage for sites anticipating load growth without a full UPS replacement, but the supplied spec sheet leaves critical data—wattage, topology, certifications, physical dimensions, and management options—unconfirmed. Until APC datasheet figures are verified, the Vertiv unit is the safer specification for competitive bids requiring complete compliance documentation. The SYA8K16IXR warrants further research for phased-capacity enterprise environments standardized on the APC/Schneider ecosystem.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric SYA8K16IXR | Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN |
|---|---|---|
| SKU | SYA8K16IXR | GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN |
| Brand | APC by Schneider Electric | Vertiv |
| Power Rating (VA) | 8,000 VA (scalable to 16,000 VA) | 8,000 VA |
| Power Rating (Watts) | — | 8,000 W |
| Power Factor | — | 1.0 (unity) |
| Topology | — | On-line double conversion |
| Input Voltage (Nominal) | — | 208 VAC |
| Input Voltage Range | — | 176–288 VAC |
| Output Voltage | 230 V | 200/208/220/230/240 VAC (user-configurable) |
| Output Receptacles | — | 2× L6-20R, 2× L6-30R + hardwired |
| Efficiency (On-line Mode) | — | Up to 95% |
| Efficiency (ECO Mode) | — | Up to 98% |
| Network Management | — | Factory pre-installed Vertiv RDU101 SNMP/Webcard |
| Additional Interfaces | — | USB, RS485, RS232, terminal block, ext. battery connector |
| Display | — | Full-color gravity-sensing LCD |
| Form Factor / Rack Units | 19 in wide; rack units not stated | 5U rack/tower flexible |
| Height | — | 8.5 in |
| Width | 19 in | 16.9 in |
| Depth | — | 24.8 in |
| Weight | — | 164.2 lb |
| Operating Temperature | — | 0–40 °C (32–104 °F) |
| Battery Type | Lead-acid | — |
| Scalability | Scalable to 16 kVA | — |
| Certifications | — | ENERGY STAR 2.0, UL1778, c-UL, RoHS2, REACH |
| Color | Black / Silver | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the SYA8K16IXR or the GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN?
The GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN is the stronger choice when a fully documented, immediately deployable 8 kVA on-line UPS is required with out-of-box SNMP management and certified efficiency ratings. Vertiv provides a confirmed 8,000 VA / 8,000 W unity-power-factor rating versus no stated wattage for the SYA8K16IXR; up to 98% Active ECO Mode efficiency versus no efficiency figure for the APC; and a factory-installed RDU101 SNMP/web card versus no stated management interface for the APC. The SYA8K16IXR's documented scalability to 16 kVA is a meaningful architectural advantage for sites anticipating load growth without a full UPS replacement, but the supplied spec sheet leaves critical data—wattage, topology, certifications, physical dimensions, and management options—unconfirmed. Until APC datasheet figures are verified, the Vertiv unit is the safer specification for competitive bids requiring complete compliance documentation. The SYA8K16IXR warrants further research for phased-capacity enterprise environments standardized on the APC/Schneider ecosystem.
Is the SYA8K16IXR or GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN better for larger deployments that may need to grow beyond 8 kVA?
Based on the provided specifications, the SYA8K16IXR is documented as scalable to 16 kVA, making it the candidate for sites planning capacity growth without replacing the main chassis. The GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN is rated at a fixed 8,000 VA / 8,000 W with no scalability figure stated in its specs. If confirmed through APC documentation, the Symmetra LX modular architecture is specifically designed for incremental expansion—an important consideration for growing data closets or comms rooms.
Which unit comes with network management included, and does the other require an add-on card?
The Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN includes a factory pre-installed Vertiv RDU101 SNMP/web card, enabling SNMP and web-based monitoring immediately upon installation—no additional purchase required. The APC SYA8K16IXR's supplied specifications do not list any management interface options. APC Symmetra LX units typically support optional SmartSlot network cards, but since that is not confirmed in the provided spec data, buyers should verify with APC whether a network management card is included or must be purchased separately.
Does either UPS carry ENERGY STAR certification, and why does that matter for enterprise procurement?
Yes—the Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN is ENERGY STAR 2.0 certified, along with UL1778, c-UL, RoHS2, and REACH listings. ENERGY STAR certification matters for enterprise and government procurement because it confirms independently tested efficiency thresholds and can qualify sites for utility rebates and green-building credits. No certification listings are provided in the supplied specifications for the APC SYA8K16IXR; buyers requiring ENERGY STAR compliance for procurement or incentive purposes should consult APC's official documentation before specifying that unit.
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