APC by Schneider Electric SYAF8KT vs Vertiv GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN: Specification Comparison
The APC Symmetra LX SYAF8KT and the Vertiv GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN are both 8 kVA on-line double-conversion UPS systems designed for critical infrastructure environments requiring zero-transfer-time power protection. Both accept hardwired input at similar voltage ranges and deliver hardwired output, making them direct cross-shop candidates for data centers, network closets, or industrial installations where a bypass-free, transformer-based or double-conversion topology is mandatory and a rack or tower physical footprint is acceptable.
In This Guide
- Which UPS delivers more usable power and what is the conversion efficiency?
- How do the two units compare on input/output voltage flexibility, wiring, and management interfaces?
- What are the physical footprint, environmental limits, and compliance certifications for each unit?
- Which should you choose: the SYAF8KT or the GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which UPS delivers more usable power and what is the conversion efficiency?
Both units are rated at 8,000 VA on the input capacity side. However, the Vertiv GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN specifies an explicit real-power rating of 8,000 W (unity power factor), meaning it can serve a fully resistive 8 kW load without derating. The APC SYAF8KT spec provided lists only 8,000 VA with no accompanying watt figure, so the true real-power ceiling cannot be confirmed from the available data.
On efficiency, the Vertiv GXT5 reaches up to 98% in Active ECO Mode and up to 95% in on-line double-conversion mode — both figures are spec-stated. No efficiency data is provided for the SYAF8KT in the supplied specifications, so a direct numerical comparison on that axis is not possible.
The Vertiv topology is explicitly identified as 'on-line double-conversion.' The SYAF8KT is listed as 'on-line' UPS technology, consistent with double-conversion, but the term 'double-conversion' does not appear verbatim in the provided spec sheet for that unit.
How do the two units compare on input/output voltage flexibility, wiring, and management interfaces?
The SYAF8KT accepts AC 208/240 V input (hardwire 4-wire, 2PH+N+G) and outputs AC 120/208/240 V at 47–63 Hz. The Vertiv GXT5 accepts a typical 208 VAC input with a stated range of 176–280 VAC and outputs 208/120 VAC (user-configurable). The Vertiv's wide input range (176–280 VAC) is a spec-stated advantage for sites with voltage instability; the SYAF8KT provides no input voltage tolerance window in the supplied data.
Both units use hardwired input and output. The Vertiv additionally notes that optional Power Output Distribution (POD) modules are available, providing potential flexibility in downstream circuit distribution that is not mentioned in the SYAF8KT spec.
Management interfaces represent a significant differentiator. The Vertiv GXT5 ships with a factory pre-installed Vertiv RDU101 SNMP/Web card and adds USB, RS485, RS232, a terminal block, and an external battery connector, with SNMP and web management enabled out of the box. The SYAF8KT spec lists an LCD display as its sole listed interface feature; no SNMP card, network port, serial port, or protocol support is mentioned in the provided specifications.
What are the physical footprint, environmental limits, and compliance certifications for each unit?
Physical dimensions and weight are provided only for the Vertiv GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN: 10.2 in H × 16.9 in W × 25.6 in D, 224.8 lb. The SYAF8KT is described as a 'power array cabinet – external' tower frame; no height, width, depth, or weight figures appear in the supplied specifications, making rack-space or floor-load planning impossible from the available data alone.
Operating temperature is specified for the Vertiv at +32 to +104 °F (0 to 40 °C). No operating temperature range is listed in the SYAF8KT spec sheet provided.
Certifications are documented for the Vertiv GXT5: ENERGY STAR 2.0, UL1778, c-UL, RoHS2, and REACH. The SYAF8KT spec does not list any certifications or compliance markings in the supplied data. Buyers in jurisdictions requiring ENERGY STAR or RoHS compliance should verify SYAF8KT certification status against APC's official documentation.
Which should you choose: the SYAF8KT or the GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN?
Our take: The GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN is the stronger choice when management visibility, documented efficiency, and certified compliance are decision drivers. The Vertiv unit explicitly states 8,000 W real-power output versus the SYAF8KT's VA-only figure, delivers up to 98% efficiency in ECO Mode versus no stated figure for the APC, and ships with a factory-installed SNMP/Web card plus USB, RS485, and RS232 versus only an LCD listed for the SYAF8KT. It also carries ENERGY STAR 2.0, UL1778, RoHS2, and REACH certifications that are absent from the SYAF8KT's provided spec sheet. The SYAF8KT may be appropriate where an existing Symmetra LX ecosystem, APC InfraStruXure compatibility, or modular N+1 scalability within an APC frame architecture is already in place — but none of those architectural features are confirmed by the specs supplied here. Buyers should request full datasheets for both units before finalizing selection.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric SYAF8KT | Vertiv GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Topology | On-line | On-line double-conversion |
| Power Capacity (VA) | 8,000 VA | 8,000 VA |
| Power Capacity (W) | — | 8,000 W |
| Input Voltage (nominal) | AC 208/240 V | 208 VAC (typical) |
| Input Voltage Range | — | 176–280 VAC |
| Output Voltage | AC 120/208/240 V | 208/120 VAC (user-configurable) |
| Input Connector | Hardwire 4-wire (2PH+N+G) | Hardwired |
| Output Connector | Hardwire 4-wire (2PH+N+G) | Hardwired |
| Frequency Provided | 47–63 Hz | — |
| Efficiency (on-line mode) | — | Up to 95% |
| Efficiency (ECO mode) | — | Up to 98% |
| Management Interfaces | LCD display | SNMP/Web (RDU101, factory), USB, RS485, RS232, terminal block |
| Protocols | — | SNMP, web management, serial out-of-band |
| Operating Temperature | — | +32 to +104 °F (0 to 40 °C) |
| Certifications | — | ENERGY STAR 2.0, UL1778, c-UL, RoHS2, REACH |
| Weight | — | 224.8 lb |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | — | 10.2 × 16.9 × 25.6 in |
| Form Factor | Tower frame (external power array cabinet) | Rack/tower (flexible) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the SYAF8KT or the GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN?
The GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN is the stronger choice when management visibility, documented efficiency, and certified compliance are decision drivers. The Vertiv unit explicitly states 8,000 W real-power output versus the SYAF8KT's VA-only figure, delivers up to 98% efficiency in ECO Mode versus no stated figure for the APC, and ships with a factory-installed SNMP/Web card plus USB, RS485, and RS232 versus only an LCD listed for the SYAF8KT. It also carries ENERGY STAR 2.0, UL1778, RoHS2, and REACH certifications that are absent from the SYAF8KT's provided spec sheet. The SYAF8KT may be appropriate where an existing Symmetra LX ecosystem, APC InfraStruXure compatibility, or modular N+1 scalability within an APC frame architecture is already in place — but none of those architectural features are confirmed by the specs supplied here. Buyers should request full datasheets for both units before finalizing selection.
Does the SYAF8KT or the GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN include built-in network management out of the box?
Based on the provided specifications, only the Vertiv GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN includes built-in network management — specifically a factory pre-installed Vertiv RDU101 SNMP/Web card with SNMP and web management enabled, plus USB, RS485, and RS232 ports. The SYAF8KT spec lists only an LCD display; no network card or management protocol is mentioned in the supplied data. Buyers requiring remote monitoring on the SYAF8KT should verify whether a management card must be purchased and installed separately.
Which unit is more energy-efficient, and will it help with ENERGY STAR compliance?
The Vertiv GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN states efficiency of up to 98% in Active ECO Mode and up to 95% in on-line mode, and it carries ENERGY STAR 2.0 certification per its spec sheet. No efficiency percentage and no ENERGY STAR certification are listed in the SYAF8KT's provided specifications. If energy efficiency metrics or ENERGY STAR qualification are procurement requirements, the GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN has documented spec support; the SYAF8KT would need to be verified against APC's official published data.
Is the SYAF8KT or the GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN better suited to sites with unstable or variable input voltage?
The Vertiv GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN specifies an input voltage range of 176–280 VAC, providing a documented tolerance window for voltage fluctuations above and below the nominal 208 VAC. The SYAF8KT's provided spec sheet states a nominal input of AC 208/240 V but does not list a minimum or maximum input voltage tolerance range. For sites with known voltage instability, the Vertiv's explicitly stated wide input range is a concrete, spec-confirmed advantage; the SYAF8KT's tolerance band would need to be confirmed from APC's full datasheet.
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