Middle Atlantic UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 vs Middle Atlantic UPX-1500R-2: Specification Comparison
Both the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 and UPX-1500R-2 are Middle Atlantic Nexsys 1500VA, 120V AC, 2RU rack-mount UPS units sharing identical footprints and plug types. The key distinction is their role: the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 is a runtime expansion unit (adding battery capacity to an existing Nexsys UPS system) while the UPX-1500R-2 is a self-contained UPS with local bank control. Buyers cross-shopping these are typically choosing between standalone protection versus extended runtime for an existing Nexsys deployment.
In This Guide
- Is each unit a standalone UPS or a system expansion component?
- How do battery voltage, weight, and runtime capacity differ between the two units?
- What are the electrical input/output ratings and compliance certifications for each unit?
- Which should you choose: the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 or the UPX-1500R-2?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Is each unit a standalone UPS or a system expansion component?
The UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 is explicitly described as an Online topology runtime expansion unit — it carries no inverter or control logic of its own and is designed to pair with an existing Nexsys UPS host to extend battery runtime. Its output is 48 VDC, which is a battery-bus voltage intended to feed the host UPS, not a usable AC output for load equipment directly.
The UPX-1500R-2 is a standalone UPS with local bank control and an output of 36 VDC battery bus. It provides its own AC output (NEMA 5-15R receptacles) and independent protection without requiring a companion unit. Buyers who need a single self-contained 1500VA rack UPS should evaluate the UPX-1500R-2; buyers who already own a Nexsys host and need more runtime should evaluate the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15.
How do battery voltage, weight, and runtime capacity differ between the two units?
The UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 outputs 48 VDC from its battery bank and weighs 61.7 lbs (28 kg), with a shipping weight of 69.89 lbs (31.7 kg). The higher DC output voltage and significantly greater weight indicate a larger internal battery bank, which is consistent with its purpose of extending runtime on a host system. The VA rating is listed as 1500VA.
The UPX-1500R-2 outputs 36 VDC from its battery bus and weighs 44.1 lbs (20 kg), shipping at 51.5 lbs (23.4 kg) — 17.6 lbs lighter than the expansion unit. The lower DC voltage and reduced weight point to a smaller battery complement suited to baseline runtime on its own load bank rather than extended supplemental capacity. Neither unit's actual runtime in minutes is specified in the provided data.
What are the electrical input/output ratings and compliance certifications for each unit?
Both units share the same AC input: 120 VAC, NEMA 5-15P plug, 6 ft cord, and 15A input current. The UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 specifies AC voltage output of 110–127 VAC and carries FCC (listed under 'CSA' field), RoHS compliance (listed under 'REACH' field), and a patents notation. Its warranty is listed as 3 years for battery. Topology is explicitly stated as Online.
The UPX-1500R-2 does not list AC output voltage range, topology, certifications, or warranty duration in the provided specifications. Both units are rated for the same operating temperature range of 32°–104°F (0°–40°C), are TAA non-compliant, and are manufactured in China. Installers requiring verified certification documentation for the UPX-1500R-2 should consult the product datasheet at /content/product-datasheets/UPX-1500R-2.pdf.
Which should you choose: the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 or the UPX-1500R-2?
Our take: The UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 is the stronger choice when an installer already has a Nexsys host UPS in the rack and needs extended runtime capacity. Three concrete spec deltas define the decision: (1) battery output voltage is 48 VDC on the expansion unit versus 36 VDC on the UPX-1500R-2, reflecting a larger battery complement; (2) unit weight is 61.7 lbs versus 44.1 lbs — a 17.6 lb difference that directly represents additional battery mass and thus runtime; (3) the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 carries an explicit Online topology designation and certifications (FCC, RoHS) whereas the UPX-1500R-2 has neither listed in the provided specs. Conversely, the UPX-1500R-2 is the correct selection for a standalone deployment requiring a self-contained 1500VA UPS with local bank control and no dependency on a host unit. Purchasing the expansion unit without a compatible Nexsys host will not provide functional UPS protection.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Middle Atlantic UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 | Middle Atlantic UPX-1500R-2 |
|---|---|---|
| SKU | UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 | UPX-1500R-2 |
| VA Rating | 1500VA | 1500VA |
| UPS Role | Runtime expansion unit | Standalone UPS w/ local bank control |
| Topology | Online | — |
| Input Voltage | 120 VAC | 120 VAC |
| AC Output Voltage | 110–127 VAC | — |
| DC Output Voltage | 48 VDC | 36 VDC |
| Input Current | 15A | — |
| Plug Type | NEMA 5-15P | NEMA 5-15P |
| Receptacle Type | NEMA 5-15R | NEMA 5-15R |
| Cord Length | 6 ft (1.8 m) | 6 ft (1.8 m) |
| Rack Units | 2 RU | 2 RU |
| Width | 19 in (48.3 cm) | 19 in (48.3 cm) |
| Depth | 16 in (40.6 cm) | 16 in (40.6 cm) |
| Height | 3.5 in (8.9 cm) | 3.46 in (8.8 cm) |
| Unit Weight | 61.7 lbs (28 kg) | 44.1 lbs (20 kg) |
| Shipping Weight | 69.89 lbs (31.7 kg) | 51.5 lbs (23.4 kg) |
| Operating Temp | 32°–104°F (0°–40°C) | 32°–104°F (0°–40°C) |
| Mounting Points | 4 | 4 |
| Mount Type | Rack | Rack |
| Country of Origin | China | China |
| TAA Compliant | No | No |
| Certifications | FCC, RoHS | — |
| Battery Warranty | 3 years | — |
| UPC | 656747397776 | 656747395581 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 or the UPX-1500R-2?
The UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 is the stronger choice when an installer already has a Nexsys host UPS in the rack and needs extended runtime capacity. Three concrete spec deltas define the decision: (1) battery output voltage is 48 VDC on the expansion unit versus 36 VDC on the UPX-1500R-2, reflecting a larger battery complement; (2) unit weight is 61.7 lbs versus 44.1 lbs — a 17.6 lb difference that directly represents additional battery mass and thus runtime; (3) the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 carries an explicit Online topology designation and certifications (FCC, RoHS) whereas the UPX-1500R-2 has neither listed in the provided specs. Conversely, the UPX-1500R-2 is the correct selection for a standalone deployment requiring a self-contained 1500VA UPS with local bank control and no dependency on a host unit. Purchasing the expansion unit without a compatible Nexsys host will not provide functional UPS protection.
Can I use the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 as a standalone UPS without any other equipment?
No. Based on the provided specifications, the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 is a runtime expansion unit with a 48 VDC battery output, meaning it is designed to connect to an existing Nexsys host UPS — not to power AC loads directly on its own. For a standalone installation, the UPX-1500R-2 with local bank control is the appropriate unit.
Which unit is heavier and why does that matter for installation planning?
The UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 is heavier at 61.7 lbs (28 kg) versus 44.1 lbs (20 kg) for the UPX-1500R-2 — a difference of 17.6 lbs. Both are 2RU rack-mount units with 4 mounting points, so the additional weight of the expansion unit is relevant to rack load capacity calculations and requires two-person installation per standard safety practice.
Is the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 or UPX-1500R-2 better for larger deployments requiring extended runtime?
For larger deployments where runtime beyond what a base UPS provides is needed, the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL15 is purpose-built for that role — its larger battery bank (evidenced by its 48 VDC output and 61.7 lb weight) supplements a Nexsys host. However, this only applies if the host UPS is already in place. If the deployment has no existing Nexsys UPS, the UPX-1500R-2 is the starting point, and the expansion unit can be added later if runtime needs grow.
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