Middle Atlantic OL1500R vs Middle Atlantic UPX-1500R-2: Specification Comparison
Both the Middle Atlantic UPS-OL1500R and UPX-1500R-2 are 2RU, 1500VA rack-mount UPS units sharing the same 120V NEMA 5-15P/R plug and receptacle standard, 19-inch width, and 3.46-inch height. They target the same physical-security and AV rack-power segment, making them direct cross-shop candidates. The comparison centers on topology and runtime architecture, physical and power output characteristics, and feature differentiation—specifically the OL1500R's online double-conversion design versus the UPX-1500R-2's NEXSYS local bank control platform.
In This Guide
- How does each unit protect connected loads, and what are their real power output specs?
- How do the two units compare in physical footprint, cord length, and rack installation requirements?
- What platform-specific features, outlet configurations, and compliance certifications distinguish these two units?
- Which should you choose: the OL1500R or the UPX-1500R-2?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
How does each unit protect connected loads, and what are their real power output specs?
The UPS-OL1500R uses an Online Double Conversion topology, which means incoming AC is continuously rectified to DC and then re-inverted to clean AC before reaching the load. There is zero transfer time on mains failure. Its specified output is 120 VAC at 1500VA / 1350W, on a 15-amp circuit. This topology isolates connected equipment from every upstream power anomaly—sags, surges, frequency drift, and brownouts—making it suitable for sensitive network and video recording hardware.
The UPX-1500R-2 spec sheet does not state a UPS topology (line-interactive or double-conversion is not declared). It lists an output voltage of 36 VDC—an atypical figure for a general-purpose AC UPS that suggests this unit may distribute DC power to connected Middle Atlantic NEXSYS components rather than presenting standard NEMA 5-15R AC receptacles in the conventional sense. The VA rating matches at 1500VA, but wattage (W) is not provided in the available specs. Buyers requiring confirmed AC output topology should verify with the UPX-1500R-2 datasheet before specifying.
How do the two units compare in physical footprint, cord length, and rack installation requirements?
Both units occupy 2RU and share a 19-inch rack width and 3.46-inch height. Depth differs slightly: the OL1500R is 15.57 in (39.6 cm) versus the UPX-1500R-2's 16 in (40.6 cm)—a 0.43-inch difference that is unlikely to be a deciding factor in most rack enclosures. The OL1500R specifies mounting depth compatibility between 20.7 in and 36.2 in (92 cm), giving installers a concrete rack-depth compatibility window; the UPX-1500R-2 does not provide this parameter.
Power cord length is a meaningful difference: the OL1500R ships with a 10 ft (3.1 m) cord, while the UPX-1500R-2 includes a 6 ft (1.8 m) cord. In installations where the PDU or wall outlet is not immediately adjacent to the rack, the OL1500R's longer cord reduces the need for an extension or repositioning. Weight is similar—47.7 lbs (21.6 kg) for the OL1500R versus 44.1 lbs (20 kg) for the UPX-1500R-2—with shipping weights of 53 lbs and 51.5 lbs respectively. Both require the same NEMA 5-15P input plug.
What platform-specific features, outlet configurations, and compliance certifications distinguish these two units?
The OL1500R provides 8 NEMA 5-15R output receptacles, a concrete capacity figure for planning load distribution across cameras, NVRs, switches, and other rack equipment. The UPX-1500R-2 does not specify an outlet count in the available spec data. The OL1500R carries a RoHS listing; the UPX-1500R-2 does not state RoHS compliance in its specs. Neither unit is TAA compliant per the provided data.
The UPX-1500R-2 is identified as part of the NEXSYS UPS platform with Local Bank Control—a Middle Atlantic ecosystem feature enabling per-bank outlet control and integration with Middle Atlantic enclosure management systems. This is a significant differentiator for managed AV and security rack deployments already within that ecosystem. The OL1500R does not list NEXSYS compatibility or local bank control in its specs. Country of origin is stated as China for the UPX-1500R-2; no country of origin is provided for the OL1500R. Both units share the same 32°–104°F (0°–40°C) operating temperature range.
Which should you choose: the OL1500R or the UPX-1500R-2?
Our take: The OL1500R is the stronger choice when load protection quality and confirmed power delivery specs are the primary criteria. Its Online Double Conversion topology provides zero-transfer-time isolation and a fully specified 1350W / 1500VA AC output across 8 NEMA 5-15R receptacles—concrete numbers the UPX-1500R-2 specs do not match: topology is undeclared, wattage is absent, outlet count is unspecified, and the listed 36 VDC output voltage raises questions about whether it delivers conventional AC to standard receptacles or feeds a proprietary DC bus. The OL1500R also ships with a 10 ft cord versus 6 ft on the UPX-1500R-2, a practical advantage in tighter cable runs. Conversely, the UPX-1500R-2's NEXSYS Local Bank Control platform makes it the more compelling option for integrators deploying managed Middle Atlantic rack enclosures where per-bank switching and ecosystem integration outweigh the need for double-conversion AC protection. Confirm output voltage and topology with the UPX-1500R-2 datasheet before committing to either path.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Middle Atlantic OL1500R | Middle Atlantic UPX-1500R-2 |
|---|---|---|
| VA Rating | 1500VA | 1500VA |
| Wattage | 1350W | — |
| Topology | Online Double Conversion | Not specified |
| AC Output Voltage | 120 VAC | — |
| DC Output Voltage | — | 36 VDC |
| Outlet Count | 8 × NEMA 5-15R | — |
| Input Plug | NEMA 5-15P | NEMA 5-15P |
| Input Voltage | — | 120 VAC |
| Cord Length | 10 ft (3.1 m) | 6 ft (1.8 m) |
| Height | 3.46 in (8.8 cm) | 3.46 in (8.8 cm) |
| Width | 19 in (48.3 cm) | 19 in (48.3 cm) |
| Depth | 15.57 in (39.6 cm) | 16 in (40.6 cm) |
| Weight | 47.7 lbs (21.6 kg) | 44.1 lbs (20 kg) |
| Rack Units | 2RU | 2RU |
| Special Platform | — | NEXSYS Local Bank Control |
| TAA Compliant | No | No |
| RoHS | Yes | — |
| Operating Temp | 32°–104°F (0°–40°C) | 32°–104°F (0°–40°C) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the OL1500R or the UPX-1500R-2?
The OL1500R is the stronger choice when load protection quality and confirmed power delivery specs are the primary criteria. Its Online Double Conversion topology provides zero-transfer-time isolation and a fully specified 1350W / 1500VA AC output across 8 NEMA 5-15R receptacles—concrete numbers the UPX-1500R-2 specs do not match: topology is undeclared, wattage is absent, outlet count is unspecified, and the listed 36 VDC output voltage raises questions about whether it delivers conventional AC to standard receptacles or feeds a proprietary DC bus. The OL1500R also ships with a 10 ft cord versus 6 ft on the UPX-1500R-2, a practical advantage in tighter cable runs. Conversely, the UPX-1500R-2's NEXSYS Local Bank Control platform makes it the more compelling option for integrators deploying managed Middle Atlantic rack enclosures where per-bank switching and ecosystem integration outweigh the need for double-conversion AC protection. Confirm output voltage and topology with the UPX-1500R-2 datasheet before committing to either path.
Which unit is safer for protecting sensitive NVRs and network switches from power anomalies?
Based on the available specs, the OL1500R is the more protective choice. Its Online Double Conversion topology continuously re-generates clean AC power with zero transfer time on mains failure, isolating connected equipment from sags, surges, and frequency variations. The UPX-1500R-2 does not declare a topology in its spec sheet, so equivalent protection cannot be confirmed from the provided data.
Does the UPX-1500R-2's NEXSYS feature matter if I'm not using other Middle Atlantic managed rack gear?
If your deployment does not include Middle Atlantic NEXSYS-compatible enclosures or management infrastructure, the Local Bank Control feature of the UPX-1500R-2 provides no practical benefit in that context. The OL1500R's 8-outlet layout and fully specified 1350W output may be easier to plan around for a standard mixed-load security rack without proprietary ecosystem dependencies.
Are there any compliance or regulatory differences between these two units I should know about?
The OL1500R lists RoHS compliance; the UPX-1500R-2 does not state RoHS compliance in the available specs. Neither unit is TAA compliant per the provided data, which rules both out for federal procurement requirements under the Trade Agreements Act. The UPX-1500R-2 states country of origin as China; no country of origin is provided for the OL1500R. Verify current compliance status with Middle Atlantic before specifying for government or regulated-industry projects.
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