Middle Atlantic OL1500R-8 vs CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U: Specification Comparison
Both the Middle Atlantic UPX-RLNK-OL1500R-8 (Nexsys 1.5KVA Online UPS) and the CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U (Smart App Online UPS) are 1500VA true online double-conversion UPS units designed for 2U rack mounting, targeting AV, security, and IT infrastructure applications. This comparison examines power delivery and battery capacity, physical integration and rack requirements, and standards compliance plus management features — the three axes most relevant to integrators and IT buyers selecting a 1.5kVA online UPS.
In This Guide
- How do the two units differ in power delivery, output flexibility, and battery configuration?
- How do the two units compare on physical footprint, rack depth requirements, and installation flexibility?
- Which unit offers stronger standards compliance, certifications, and management or monitoring capabilities?
- Which should you choose: the OL1500R-8 or the OL1500RTXL2U?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
How do the two units differ in power delivery, output flexibility, and battery configuration?
Both units are rated at 1500VA, but their watt ratings and output configurations diverge. The Middle Atlantic OL1500R-8 is rated at 1350W, while the CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U's watt rating is not stated in the provided specifications — buyers should request that figure before finalizing a purchase if load calculations are tight.
On output voltage, the CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U offers selectable output: 100/110/115/120/125 VAC ±2%, which is useful in installations requiring precise voltage matching or where input quality varies. The Middle Atlantic OL1500R-8 specifies 110–127 VAC output with no configurable range noted in the provided specs.
Battery configuration is disclosed only for the CyberPower: three 12V/9Ah sealed lead-acid batteries, giving integrators a clear runtime planning baseline and a known replacement part. The Middle Atlantic OL1500R-8's battery count, chemistry, and Ah rating are not stated in the provided specifications.
Outlet count favors the Middle Atlantic at 8 NEMA 5-15R receptacles with individual outlet control — a significant operational advantage for staged load shedding and per-outlet monitoring. The CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U's outlet count and per-outlet control capability are not stated in the provided specifications.
How do the two units compare on physical footprint, rack depth requirements, and installation flexibility?
Both units share the same 2U height (3.5 in / 89 mm) and a very similar footprint. The Middle Atlantic OL1500R-8 measures 19 × 3.5 × 16 in (W×H×D), while the CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U measures 17 × 3.5 × 16.9 in — the CyberPower is 0.9 in deeper and 2 in narrower. The narrower CyberPower width (17 in) warrants attention: standard 19-in rack ears or mounting hardware must be confirmed separately.
The Middle Atlantic OL1500R-8 explicitly specifies rack mounting depth compatibility of 22–34 in (min–max), with 4 mounting points noted. This is directly useful for integrators working with shallow or non-standard rack enclosures. The CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U's compatible rack depth range and mounting point count are not stated in the provided specifications, though its form factor is listed as Rack/Tower, indicating dual-mode deployment.
Weight differs meaningfully: the Middle Atlantic OL1500R-8 is 44.7 lb (20.3 kg) with a shipping weight of 52.1 lb (23.6 kg). The CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U is lighter at 39.6 lb (17.96 kg); no shipping weight is provided. The 5.1 lb difference may matter in high-density rack builds near weight capacity limits.
The Middle Atlantic OL1500R-8 includes a 6 ft (1.8 m) NEMA 5-15P input cord. The CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U's cord length is not stated in the provided specifications.
Which unit offers stronger standards compliance, certifications, and management or monitoring capabilities?
The CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U carries a broader stated compliance list: UL1778, FCC Part 15 Class B, CSA C22.2 No. 107.3, RoHS, and Energy Star. The Middle Atlantic OL1500R-8 lists cTUVus (safety), Energy Star 2.0, and FCC REACH; RoHS compliance is noted as 'Patents' rather than a direct RoHS conformance declaration — buyers with strict RoHS procurement requirements should verify with Middle Atlantic directly.
The CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U includes a 3-year limited warranty, explicitly stated. No warranty term is provided in the Middle Atlantic OL1500R-8 specifications supplied here.
The Middle Atlantic OL1500R-8's model designation (UPX-RLNK-OL1500R-8) and its 'Individual' outlet control type indicate network-linked, per-outlet switching capability — a key differentiator for remote power cycling of security cameras, NVRs, or AV endpoints without a physical site visit. The CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U is described as 'Smart App Online UPS' with an LCD display, but its specific management interface (network card, SNMP, app protocol) and per-outlet control capability are not detailed in the provided specifications.
Both units share a common operating temperature range of 32–104°F (0–40°C), making them equally suitable for standard equipment room environments.
Which should you choose: the OL1500R-8 or the OL1500RTXL2U?
Our take: The OL1500R-8 is the stronger choice when individual outlet control, verified rack depth compatibility, and Energy Star 2.0 certification are primary requirements. It provides 8 individually switched NEMA 5-15R outlets and an explicit 22–34 in rack depth range — critical for AV and physical security rack builds where remote load shedding and enclosure fit must be confirmed at spec time. The CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U counters with a lighter chassis (39.6 lb vs. 44.7 lb), configurable output voltage (100–125 VAC ±5 selectable steps vs. a fixed 110–127 VAC range), known battery spec (3 × 12V/9Ah for runtime planning), and a broader explicit compliance portfolio including UL1778 and a stated 3-year warranty. The OL1500R-8's watt rating (1350W) is disclosed; the CyberPower's is not in the provided specs. Specify the OL1500R-8 for Middle Atlantic rack systems requiring per-outlet network control; specify the OL1500RTXL2U where configurable output voltage, explicit battery documentation, or a stated multi-year warranty drives procurement.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Middle Atlantic OL1500R-8 | CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U |
|---|---|---|
| Topology | Online (double-conversion) | Online (double-conversion) |
| VA Rating | 1500 VA | 1500 VA |
| Watt Rating | 1350 W | — |
| Input Voltage | 110–127 VAC | 100–125 VAC |
| Output Voltage | 110–127 VAC | 100/110/115/120/125 VAC ±2% (configurable) |
| Outlet Count | 8 | — |
| Outlet Control | Individual (per-outlet) | — |
| Outlet Type | NEMA 5-15R | — |
| Plug Type | NEMA 5-15P | NEMA 5-15P |
| Battery | — | 3 × 12V / 9Ah sealed lead-acid |
| Form Factor | 2U Rack | 2U Rack / Tower |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 19 × 3.5 × 16 in (48.3 × 8.9 × 40.6 cm) | 17 × 3.5 × 16.9 in (432 × 89 × 429 mm) |
| Unit Weight | 44.7 lb (20.3 kg) | 39.6 lb (17.96 kg) |
| Rack Depth Range | 22–34 in (min–max) | — |
| Operating Temp | 32–104°F (0–40°C) | 32–104°F (0–40°C) |
| Certifications | cTUVus, Energy Star 2.0, FCC REACH | UL1778, FCC Part 15 Class B, CSA C22.2 No. 107.3, RoHS, Energy Star |
| Warranty | — | 3-year limited |
| TAA Compliant | No | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the OL1500R-8 or the OL1500RTXL2U?
The OL1500R-8 is the stronger choice when individual outlet control, verified rack depth compatibility, and Energy Star 2.0 certification are primary requirements. It provides 8 individually switched NEMA 5-15R outlets and an explicit 22–34 in rack depth range — critical for AV and physical security rack builds where remote load shedding and enclosure fit must be confirmed at spec time. The CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U counters with a lighter chassis (39.6 lb vs. 44.7 lb), configurable output voltage (100–125 VAC ±5 selectable steps vs. a fixed 110–127 VAC range), known battery spec (3 × 12V/9Ah for runtime planning), and a broader explicit compliance portfolio including UL1778 and a stated 3-year warranty. The OL1500R-8's watt rating (1350W) is disclosed; the CyberPower's is not in the provided specs. Specify the OL1500R-8 for Middle Atlantic rack systems requiring per-outlet network control; specify the OL1500RTXL2U where configurable output voltage, explicit battery documentation, or a stated multi-year warranty drives procurement.
Which unit supports individual outlet switching for remote power cycling?
The Middle Atlantic OL1500R-8 explicitly lists 'Individual' outlet control across its 8 NEMA 5-15R receptacles, which is reflected in its model designation (RLNK = rack-link network control). The CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U's per-outlet control capability is not stated in the provided specifications — confirm directly with CyberPower before specifying it for applications requiring remote per-outlet cycling.
Is the CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U or the OL1500R-8 easier to plan runtime for?
The CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U discloses its battery configuration (3 × 12V/9Ah sealed lead-acid), giving integrators a concrete Ah figure for runtime calculations and a known replacement part number. The Middle Atlantic OL1500R-8's battery count, chemistry, and Ah rating are not stated in the provided specifications, so runtime planning requires consulting Middle Atlantic's documentation or datasheet directly.
Which UPS fits better in shallow or non-standard rack enclosures?
The Middle Atlantic OL1500R-8 explicitly states a compatible rack mounting depth range of 22–34 in, which directly addresses shallow-rack installations. The CyberPower OL1500RTXL2U's compatible rack depth range is not stated in the provided specifications. The OL1500R-8 is also 0.9 in shallower (16 in vs. 16.9 in body depth), though both are 2U in height.
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