APC by Schneider Electric SYAF8KT vs Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN: Specification Comparison
Both the APC Symmetra LX SYAF8KT and the Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN are 8 kVA online double-conversion UPS units aimed at data center and critical infrastructure buyers requiring fault-tolerant power protection at the same power class. The APC is specified as a tower power array cabinet frame with hardwire-only connectivity, while the Vertiv ships as a flexible rack/tower unit with both hardwired and receptacle outputs, factory-installed SNMP management, and a published power-factor rating of 1.0 (8 kVA = 8 kW). This comparison evaluates power architecture and output flexibility, monitoring and management capabilities, and physical/environmental characteristics for a buyer choosing between them.
In This Guide
- How do the two units differ in power architecture, output flexibility, and efficiency?
- Which unit offers more built-in monitoring, management interfaces, and certifications?
- How do the two units compare on physical footprint, weight, and operating environment?
- Which should you choose: the SYAF8KT or the GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
How do the two units differ in power architecture, output flexibility, and efficiency?
Both units operate as on-line double-conversion UPS systems, providing zero-transfer-time protection. The APC SYAF8KT is rated at 8,000 VA with an output voltage of AC 120/208/240 V at 47–63 Hz delivered exclusively via a single hardwire 4-wire (2PH+N+G) terminal. No receptacle outputs are specified. Input is likewise hardwire 4-wire (2PH+N+G) at 208/240 V AC. No efficiency figure is provided in the supplied specifications.
The Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN is rated at 8,000 VA / 8,000 W, implying a unity power factor. Output voltage is user-configurable across 200/208/220/230/240 VAC. In addition to hardwired output, it provides 2 × L6-20R and 2 × L6-30R receptacles, allowing direct plugging of smaller loads without additional distribution hardware. Input voltage range is specified as a typical 208 VAC with an accepted range of 176–288 VAC. Efficiency reaches up to 98% in Active ECO Mode and up to 95% in on-line mode — figures absent from the SYAF8KT spec sheet.
Which unit offers more built-in monitoring, management interfaces, and certifications?
The APC SYAF8KT spec lists an LCD display as its sole interface feature. No network card, communication ports, protocols, or remote management interfaces are cited in the provided specifications. Certifications and listings are also not specified in the supplied data.
The Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN ships with a factory pre-installed Vertiv RDU101 SNMP/Webcard, enabling SNMP and web-based management out of the box. Additional interfaces include USB, RS485, RS232, a terminal block, and an external battery connector. The control panel features a full-color graphic LCD with gravity-sensing orientation. The unit carries ENERGY STAR 2.0 certification, UL1778 listing, c-UL listing, RoHS2 compliance, and REACH compliance — none of which are documented for the SYAF8KT in the supplied specifications.
How do the two units compare on physical footprint, weight, and operating environment?
The APC SYAF8KT is described as a tower power array cabinet (external frame). No physical dimensions, weight, or operating temperature range are provided in the supplied specifications, making direct footprint comparison impossible from spec data alone.
The Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN has published dimensions of 8.5 in (H) × 16.9 in (W) × 24.8 in (D) and weighs 164.2 lb. Its flexible rack/tower form factor accommodates both rack-mount and tower deployment. Operating temperature is specified at +32 to +104 °F (0 to 40 °C). Because the SYAF8KT lacks published dimensions and weight in the provided data, buyers cannot perform a direct size or weight comparison from these specifications.
Which should you choose: the SYAF8KT or the GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN?
Our take: The GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN is the stronger choice for buyers who need out-of-box network management and output flexibility at the 8 kVA tier. First, it ships with a factory-installed SNMP/Webcard and supports USB, RS485, RS232, and web management, versus the SYAF8KT's spec-documented LCD display only — no network management is listed for the APC. Second, the Vertiv delivers up to 98% efficiency in ECO Mode and 95% on-line — no efficiency figure is available for the SYAF8KT. Third, the Vertiv adds 2 × L6-20R and 2 × L6-30R receptacles alongside hardwired terminals, while the SYAF8KT specifies hardwire-only output. The SYAF8KT may suit buyers already committed to the Symmetra LX scalable-architecture ecosystem where its N+1 frame design is a platform advantage — but that ecosystem benefit cannot be confirmed from the supplied specifications alone.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric SYAF8KT | Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Topology | On-line double conversion | On-line double conversion |
| Power Rating (VA) | 8,000 VA | 8,000 VA |
| Power Rating (W) | — | 8,000 W |
| Power Factor | — | 1.0 (8 kVA = 8 kW, per spec) |
| Input Voltage | AC 208/240 V | Typical 208 VAC; Range 176–288 VAC |
| Input Connector | Hardwire 4-wire (2PH+N+G) | Hardwired |
| Output Voltage | AC 120/208/240 V, 47–63 Hz | 200/208/220/230/240 VAC (user-configurable) |
| Output Connectors | 1 × Hardwire 4-wire (2PH+N+G) | Hardwired + 2 × L6-20R + 2 × L6-30R |
| Efficiency | — | Up to 98% ECO Mode; up to 95% on-line |
| Form Factor | Tower (power array cabinet frame) | Flexible rack/tower |
| Network Management | — | Factory-installed Vertiv RDU101 SNMP/Webcard |
| Additional Interfaces | — | USB, RS485, RS232, terminal block, ext. battery connector |
| Control Panel | LCD display | Full-color graphic LCD with gravity-sensing orientation |
| Operating Temperature | — | +32 to +104 °F (0 to 40 °C) |
| Weight | — | 164.2 lb |
| Certifications | — | ENERGY STAR 2.0, UL1778, c-UL, RoHS2, REACH |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the SYAF8KT or the GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN?
The GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN is the stronger choice for buyers who need out-of-box network management and output flexibility at the 8 kVA tier. First, it ships with a factory-installed SNMP/Webcard and supports USB, RS485, RS232, and web management, versus the SYAF8KT's spec-documented LCD display only — no network management is listed for the APC. Second, the Vertiv delivers up to 98% efficiency in ECO Mode and 95% on-line — no efficiency figure is available for the SYAF8KT. Third, the Vertiv adds 2 × L6-20R and 2 × L6-30R receptacles alongside hardwired terminals, while the SYAF8KT specifies hardwire-only output. The SYAF8KT may suit buyers already committed to the Symmetra LX scalable-architecture ecosystem where its N+1 frame design is a platform advantage — but that ecosystem benefit cannot be confirmed from the supplied specifications alone.
Does either UPS include a network management card in the box?
Yes — the Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN ships with a factory pre-installed Vertiv RDU101 SNMP/Webcard that enables SNMP and web management immediately. The APC SYAF8KT specifications provided list only an LCD display; no network or communication card is documented in the supplied spec data.
Can I plug equipment directly into these UPS units, or is hardwiring required?
The Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN provides both hardwired input/output terminals and 2 × L6-20R plus 2 × L6-30R receptacles for direct plug-in loads. The APC SYAF8KT specifies only hardwire 4-wire (2PH+N+G) input and output connections; no receptacle outlets are listed in the provided specifications.
Which unit is more efficient, and does either carry an ENERGY STAR rating?
The Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN is rated at up to 98% efficiency in Active ECO Mode and up to 95% in on-line mode, and carries ENERGY STAR 2.0 certification along with UL1778 and c-UL listings. No efficiency rating or ENERGY STAR certification is documented for the APC SYAF8KT in the provided specifications.
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