CyberPower CP2000PFCRM2U vs Middle Atlantic UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20: Specification Comparison
Both the CyberPower CP2000PFCRM2U and the Middle Atlantic UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 are 2000VA, 2U rackmount UPS units rated for 120 VAC input — placing them in the same capacity class. However, they differ fundamentally in topology and output architecture: the CyberPower is a standalone line-interactive UPS with AC output and integrated batteries, while the Middle Atlantic is an Online (double-conversion) runtime expansion unit with 48 VDC output, designed to pair with a Nexsys UPS head unit rather than operate independently. Buyers evaluating these must weigh self-contained simplicity against modular scalability.
In This Guide
- What topology and output architecture does each unit use — and does that affect what loads it can protect?
- How do runtime, battery configuration, and load capacity compare between the two units?
- What management interfaces, certifications, and integration capabilities does each unit provide?
- Which should you choose: the CP2000PFCRM2U or the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
What topology and output architecture does each unit use — and does that affect what loads it can protect?
The CP2000PFCRM2U uses a Line-Interactive topology with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) and delivers pure sine wave AC output at 120 VAC ±5%. This makes it a fully self-contained unit capable of directly powering standard NEMA 5-20R loads without any additional hardware. The AVR actively corrects voltage sags and surges without switching to battery, which reduces battery wear during minor grid events.
The UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 uses an Online (double-conversion) topology, which continuously regenerates AC power through an internal DC bus, eliminating virtually all input power anomalies. However, its output is 48 VDC — not AC. This means it is not a standalone UPS; it functions exclusively as a runtime expansion module within the Middle Atlantic Nexsys UPS ecosystem, requiring a compatible Nexsys head unit to present usable AC output to connected loads. Buyers who need a standalone unit cannot deploy the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 on its own.
How do runtime, battery configuration, and load capacity compare between the two units?
The CP2000PFCRM2U is rated at 2000VA / 1200W (output power factor 0.6). Its internal battery pack consists of 2 × 12V/9Ah sealed lead-acid cells, yielding a specified runtime of 9 minutes at 600W (half load) and 2.2 minutes at 1200W (full load). Batteries are hot-swappable and user-replaceable, allowing field service without downtime or depot return.
The UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 is rated at 2000VA and 15A (NEMA 5-15P/R at 120 VAC input), but no wattage rating or output power factor is stated in the provided specifications. Runtime figures specific to this expansion unit alone are not stated in the provided specifications — runtime is a function of the combined Nexsys system configuration. The unit weighs 63.9 lbs versus the CP2000PFCRM2U's 28.68 lbs, strongly implying a substantially larger internal battery capacity, but actual runtime data is not available from the provided specs. Its depth is also notably greater at 16 in versus 10.79 in for the CyberPower.
What management interfaces, certifications, and integration capabilities does each unit provide?
The CP2000PFCRM2U offers a multifunction color LCD display, USB and Serial DB9 management ports, one dry-contact relay output, and an optional SNMP card slot for network-based monitoring. Data line protection covers RJ45 10/100/1000 Ethernet, and surge suppression is rated at 1500 joules. Certifications include UL1778, FCC Class B, RoHS, and Energy Star.
The UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 lists FCC and RoHS compliance in the provided specifications. No display, management ports, SNMP capability, surge joule rating, or data line protection are specified for this unit. Its management and monitoring capabilities — if any — would be inherited from the Nexsys head unit it pairs with, not from the expansion module itself. TAA compliance is explicitly listed as No for the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20; TAA compliance status is not stated in the provided specifications for the CP2000PFCRM2U. Battery warranty for the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 is listed as 3 years in the provided specifications; battery warranty terms for the CP2000PFCRM2U are not broken out separately in the provided specifications.
Which should you choose: the CP2000PFCRM2U or the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20?
Our take: The CP2000PFCRM2U is the stronger choice when a buyer needs a self-contained, standalone 2000VA rackmount UPS with direct AC output and full on-device management. It delivers pure sine wave AC at 120 VAC with AVR, provides 8 × NEMA 5-20R outlets, and includes a color LCD, USB/Serial/SNMP-slot management, 1500-joule surge suppression, and hot-swappable 2 × 12V/9Ah batteries — all in a 28.68 lb, 10.79-inch-deep 2U chassis. The UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20, by contrast, outputs 48 VDC (not AC), weighs 63.9 lbs, and requires a Nexsys head unit to function; it is an expansion module, not a standalone UPS. No independent runtime or wattage figures are provided for the expansion unit. For any application requiring a drop-in, self-sufficient UPS — security headend, network closet, small server room — the CP2000PFCRM2U is directly deployable. The UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 is only relevant within an existing Middle Atlantic Nexsys platform deployment.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | CyberPower CP2000PFCRM2U | Middle Atlantic UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 |
|---|---|---|
| VA Rating | 2000 VA | 2000 VA |
| Watt Rating | 1200 W | Not stated in provided specs |
| Topology | Line-Interactive with AVR | Online (double-conversion) |
| Output Type | 120 VAC ±5% (AC) | 48 VDC |
| Standalone Operation | Yes | No — requires Nexsys head unit |
| Output Waveform | Pure Sine Wave | Not stated in provided specs |
| Outlets | 8 × NEMA 5-20R | NEMA 5-15R |
| Input Plug | NEMA 5-20P | NEMA 5-15P |
| Input Voltage Range | 82–144 VAC | 120 VAC (range not stated) |
| Runtime @ Half Load | 9 min @ 600W | Not stated in provided specs |
| Runtime @ Full Load | 2.2 min @ 1200W | Not stated in provided specs |
| Battery | 2 × 12V/9Ah SLA, hot-swappable | Not stated in provided specs |
| Form Factor | 2U, 19-in EIA rack | 2 RU, 19-in rack |
| Depth | 10.79 in | 16 in (40.6 cm) |
| Weight | 28.68 lb | 63.9 lb (29 kg) |
| Management | USB, Serial DB9, SNMP slot (optional), Color LCD | Not stated in provided specs |
| Surge Suppression | 1500 Joules | Not stated in provided specs |
| Data Line Protection | RJ45 10/100/1000 Ethernet | Not stated in provided specs |
| Certifications | UL1778, FCC Class B, RoHS, Energy Star | FCC, RoHS |
| TAA Compliant | Not stated in provided specs | No |
| Operating Temp | 32–104°F (0–40°C) | 32–104°F (0–40°C) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the CP2000PFCRM2U or the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20?
The CP2000PFCRM2U is the stronger choice when a buyer needs a self-contained, standalone 2000VA rackmount UPS with direct AC output and full on-device management. It delivers pure sine wave AC at 120 VAC with AVR, provides 8 × NEMA 5-20R outlets, and includes a color LCD, USB/Serial/SNMP-slot management, 1500-joule surge suppression, and hot-swappable 2 × 12V/9Ah batteries — all in a 28.68 lb, 10.79-inch-deep 2U chassis. The UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20, by contrast, outputs 48 VDC (not AC), weighs 63.9 lbs, and requires a Nexsys head unit to function; it is an expansion module, not a standalone UPS. No independent runtime or wattage figures are provided for the expansion unit. For any application requiring a drop-in, self-sufficient UPS — security headend, network closet, small server room — the CP2000PFCRM2U is directly deployable. The UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 is only relevant within an existing Middle Atlantic Nexsys platform deployment.
Can the Middle Atlantic UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 be used as a standalone UPS without other Middle Atlantic equipment?
No. Based on the provided specifications, the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 outputs 48 VDC and is designated a Nexsys UPS runtime expansion unit. It requires a compatible Middle Atlantic Nexsys head unit to convert that DC output to usable AC power for connected loads. It cannot operate as a standalone UPS.
Which unit is better suited for protecting IP cameras, NVRs, and network switches in a physical security rack?
The CP2000PFCRM2U is directly deployable for that use case: it outputs pure sine wave 120 VAC at NEMA 5-20R outlets, includes RJ45 Ethernet data line protection, and provides USB/Serial/SNMP management. The UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 requires a Nexsys head unit and does not provide standalone AC output or data line protection per the provided specifications.
Does either unit support hot-swappable battery replacement in the field?
The CP2000PFCRM2U explicitly specifies hot-swappable, user-replaceable batteries (2 × 12V/9Ah). The provided specifications for the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 do not state whether its batteries are hot-swappable or field-replaceable.
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