Middle Atlantic RLNK-1500R-8 vs Middle Atlantic OL1500R: Specification Comparison
Both the Middle Atlantic UPX-RLNK-1500R-8 and UPS-OL1500R are 2RU, 1500VA rack-mount UPS units designed for AV and security system enclosures. They share identical form factors (19 in W × 3.46 in H), the same NEMA 5-15 plug/receptacle type, and the same 1500VA capacity class, making them direct cross-shop candidates for integrators speccing backup power in rack systems. The key differentiators are UPS topology, outlet-level remote control capability, power cord length, and output characteristics.
In This Guide
- Which unit delivers higher-quality power conditioning and what does each topology mean for connected loads?
- Which unit offers smarter outlet and load management for complex rack installations?
- How do the two units compare on physical footprint, installation depth, cable reach, and rack compatibility?
- Which should you choose: the RLNK-1500R-8 or the OL1500R?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which unit delivers higher-quality power conditioning and what does each topology mean for connected loads?
The UPS-OL1500R is spec'd as Online Double Conversion with a 1350 W (1500VA) output at 120 VAC / 15 A. In double-conversion topology, incoming AC is continuously rectified to DC and then re-inverted to clean AC, so connected loads are fully isolated from all input power anomalies — voltage sags, surges, frequency variation, and harmonics — at all times, with zero transfer time on mains failure.
The UPX-RLNK-1500R-8 is identified in its specs as a NEXSYS UPS. The provided specs do not state its topology (line-interactive, standby, or double-conversion), its true wattage output, or its output AC voltage — only that its output is listed as 36 VDC, which is an unusual value for a UPS and may reflect a spec data inconsistency or a secondary DC bus. Buyers should verify actual AC output topology directly from the UPX-RLNK-1500R-8 datasheet (/content/product-datasheets/UPX-RLNK-1500R-8.pdf) before speccing for sensitive loads.
Which unit offers smarter outlet and load management for complex rack installations?
The UPX-RLNK-1500R-8 explicitly includes RLNK outlet control — per-outlet remote switching capability that lets operators sequence power-up/down, shed non-critical loads during a battery event, or reboot locked devices without physical access to the rack. The product name and SKU both reference RLNK, which is Middle Atlantic's IP-based per-outlet control platform. This is a meaningful differentiator in distributed AV/security deployments where remote management reduces truck rolls.
The UPS-OL1500R specs document 8 NEMA 5-15R receptacles and 15 A total output, but do not mention per-outlet switching, remote control, or any network management interface. Buyers requiring outlet-level control should confirm this capability — or its absence — via the product datasheet before purchase.
How do the two units compare on physical footprint, installation depth, cable reach, and rack compatibility?
Both units occupy 2RU in a 19-inch rack and share the same height (3.46 in / 8.8 cm), width (19 in / 48.3 cm), 4-point mounting, NEMA 5-15P input plug, and operating temperature range (32°–104°F / 0°–40°C). The UPX-RLNK-1500R-8 is slightly shallower at 16 in (40.6 cm) vs 15.57 in (39.6 cm) for the OL1500R — a negligible 0.43 in delta. The OL1500R is spec'd with a mounting depth range of 20.7–36.2 in (92 cm max), accommodating deep enclosures.
Cord length differs: the OL1500R ships with a 10 ft (3.1 m) power cord versus 6 ft (1.8 m) on the UPX-RLNK-1500R-8 — a practical consideration for installations where the rack is far from a wall outlet. The OL1500R weighs 47.7 lbs (21.6 kg) vs 44.1 lbs (20 kg) for the UPX-RLNK-1500R-8. Notably, the UPX-RLNK-1500R-8 lists a shipping weight of 527 lbs (239 kg), which appears to be a data error and should be verified before freight planning.
Which should you choose: the RLNK-1500R-8 or the OL1500R?
Our take: The UPS-OL1500R is the stronger choice when power quality is the primary concern: its Online Double Conversion topology continuously re-generates clean 120 VAC at 1350 W with zero transfer time, making it the correct choice for sensitive NVRs, servers, or networked AV gear that cannot tolerate even brief sags. The UPX-RLNK-1500R-8 is the stronger choice when remote load management is required — its RLNK per-outlet control enables IP-based outlet sequencing and reboot, which the OL1500R specs do not document. The OL1500R also ships with a longer 10 ft cord vs 6 ft, and its mounting depth range (20.7–36.2 in) is explicitly spec'd for deep enclosures. Note that the UPX-RLNK-1500R-8 specs list a 36 VDC output voltage and an apparently erroneous 527 lb shipping weight — both require datasheet verification before procurement.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Middle Atlantic RLNK-1500R-8 | Middle Atlantic OL1500R |
|---|---|---|
| VA Rating | 1500VA (per product name/SKU) | 1500VA |
| Wattage Output | Not specified in provided specs | 1350 W |
| Topology | Not specified (NEXSYS UPS noted) | Online Double Conversion |
| AC Output Voltage | Not specified (36 VDC listed — verify) | 120 VAC |
| Output Amps | Not specified in provided specs | 15 A |
| Outlet Count | 8 (per SKU suffix) | 8 |
| Receptacle Type | NEMA 5-15R | NEMA 5-15R |
| Plug Type | NEMA 5-15P | NEMA 5-15P |
| Cord Length | 6 ft (1.8 m) | 10 ft (3.1 m) |
| Rack Units | 2 RU | 2 RU (per spec) |
| Width | 19 in (48.3 cm) | 19 in (48.3 cm) |
| Height | 3.46 in (8.8 cm) | 3.46 in (8.8 cm) |
| Depth | 16 in (40.6 cm) | 15.57 in (39.6 cm) |
| Unit Weight | 44.1 lbs (20 kg) | 47.7 lbs (21.6 kg) |
| Mounting Depth Range | Not specified in provided specs | 20.7 in – 36.2 in (92 cm max) |
| Per-Outlet Remote Control | Yes (RLNK) | Not specified in provided specs |
| Operating Temp | 32°–104°F (0°–40°C) | 32°–104°F (0°–40°C) |
| TAA Compliant | No | No |
| Country of Origin | China | Not specified in provided specs |
| RoHS / FCC | Not specified in provided specs | RoHS |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the RLNK-1500R-8 or the OL1500R?
The UPS-OL1500R is the stronger choice when power quality is the primary concern: its Online Double Conversion topology continuously re-generates clean 120 VAC at 1350 W with zero transfer time, making it the correct choice for sensitive NVRs, servers, or networked AV gear that cannot tolerate even brief sags. The UPX-RLNK-1500R-8 is the stronger choice when remote load management is required — its RLNK per-outlet control enables IP-based outlet sequencing and reboot, which the OL1500R specs do not document. The OL1500R also ships with a longer 10 ft cord vs 6 ft, and its mounting depth range (20.7–36.2 in) is explicitly spec'd for deep enclosures. Note that the UPX-RLNK-1500R-8 specs list a 36 VDC output voltage and an apparently erroneous 527 lb shipping weight — both require datasheet verification before procurement.
Does the UPX-RLNK-1500R-8 or the UPS-OL1500R provide better protection for sensitive network and AV equipment?
Based on the provided specs, the UPS-OL1500R specifies Online Double Conversion topology, which continuously regenerates clean AC output and provides zero transfer time on mains failure — the highest standard of power conditioning. The UPX-RLNK-1500R-8 does not state its topology in the provided specs, so a direct topology comparison cannot be made from spec data alone. Buyers should consult the UPX-RLNK-1500R-8 datasheet for topology confirmation.
Which unit lets me remotely reboot a locked device or cut power to a specific outlet without being on-site?
The UPX-RLNK-1500R-8 includes RLNK outlet control per its specs, enabling per-outlet remote switching — useful for rebooting locked devices or shedding loads remotely. The UPS-OL1500R specs do not document per-outlet control or a network management interface. If remote outlet management is a requirement, the UPX-RLNK-1500R-8 is the spec-supported option.
Are these two UPS units physically interchangeable in an existing rack?
Nearly. Both are 2RU, 19 in wide, 3.46 in tall, use 4-point mounting, and share the same NEMA 5-15P input plug and NEMA 5-15R receptacles. The depth differs marginally (16 in vs 15.57 in). The OL1500R has a longer 10 ft input cord vs 6 ft. Weight is close (44.1 lbs vs 47.7 lbs). The UPX-RLNK-1500R-8 lists a 527 lb shipping weight that appears erroneous and should be verified with the manufacturer before freight planning.
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