Middle Atlantic UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 vs Middle Atlantic UPX-2000R-2: Specification Comparison
Both the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 and UPX-2000R-2 are Middle Atlantic Nexsys 2000VA, 120V rack-mount UPS units occupying 2RU in a standard 19-inch rack. The key distinction is functional role: the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 is a run-time expansion battery module designed to extend backup duration when paired with a compatible Nexsys UPS host, while the UPX-2000R-2 is a standalone UPS with local bank control. Buyers cross-shopping these are evaluating whether they need additional runtime capacity or an independent power protection unit.
In This Guide
- What is each unit's functional role and UPS topology, and does that match your deployment need?
- How do the physical dimensions, weight, and wiring requirements differ, and which fits your rack and circuit?
- What are the electrical input/output specs and compliance certifications, and do they meet your site requirements?
- Which should you choose: the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 or the UPX-2000R-2?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
What is each unit's functional role and UPS topology, and does that match your deployment need?
The UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 is explicitly a run-time expansion unit — its primary purpose is to add battery capacity to an existing Nexsys UPS system, not to operate as a standalone UPS. Its specs list a 2000VA rating and an Online topology, and it outputs 48 VDC, consistent with battery-pack architecture feeding a host inverter. It requires a compatible host UPS to function.
The UPX-2000R-2 is a standalone 2000VA UPS with local bank control, capable of independently conditioning and protecting connected loads. It also outputs 48 VDC and shares the Nexsys UPS platform designation. No topology classification is provided in its spec sheet. Buyers who need a self-contained power protection unit must select the UPX-2000R-2; those who already own a compatible Nexsys host and want longer runtime should consider the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20.
How do the physical dimensions, weight, and wiring requirements differ, and which fits your rack and circuit?
Both units occupy 2RU in a 19-inch wide rack. Depth is a meaningful differentiator: the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 measures 16 in (40.6 cm) deep, while the UPX-2000R-2 is 22 in (55.9 cm) deep — 6 inches more. The expansion unit also specifies mounting depth compatibility of 18 in minimum to 32 in maximum, useful for confirming rack compatibility. Heights are nearly identical at 3.5 in vs. 3.46 in.
Weight is comparable: the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 is 63.9 lbs (29 kg) with a shipping weight of 72.09 lbs, versus 63 lbs (28.6 kg) and 70.1 lbs shipping for the UPX-2000R-2. The most operationally significant physical difference is the plug and receptacle type: the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 uses NEMA 5-15P/5-15R (15A circuit), while the UPX-2000R-2 uses NEMA 5-20P/5-20R, requiring a dedicated 20A circuit. Installers must verify circuit availability before specifying.
What are the electrical input/output specs and compliance certifications, and do they meet your site requirements?
Both units accept 120 VAC input via a 6 ft cord and output 48 VDC. The UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 provides additional electrical detail: AC input is 120 VAC at 15A, AC output is 110–127 VAC, and the VA rating is confirmed at 2000VA. The UPX-2000R-2 spec sheet does not list AC output voltage range, amperage draw, or a separate VA confirmation beyond the product name — those specs are absent from the provided data.
On compliance, the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 lists FCC (noted under CSA field), RoHS (under REACH field), and a 3-year battery warranty (noted under the '2 Years Battery' field — the label appears to be a field name, and the value is 3 years). The UPX-2000R-2 carries no compliance certifications or warranty terms in its provided spec data. Neither unit is TAA compliant; both are manufactured in China. Operating temperature is identical for both: 32°–104°F (0°–40°C).
Which should you choose: the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 or the UPX-2000R-2?
Our take: The UPX-2000R-2 is the stronger choice when you need a self-contained, independently operating 2000VA UPS with local bank control, while the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 is the correct selection when extending runtime on an existing compatible Nexsys host UPS. Three concrete spec deltas matter most to installers: (1) the UPX-2000R-2 requires a 20A NEMA 5-20P circuit vs. the expansion unit's 15A NEMA 5-15P, directly affecting panel capacity planning; (2) the UPX-2000R-2 is 6 inches deeper at 22 in vs. 16 in, a constraint in shallow racks; (3) the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 carries documented FCC and RoHS compliance plus a stated 3-year battery warranty, whereas the UPX-2000R-2 has no compliance or warranty data in the provided specs. If your site runs a Nexsys-platform deployment and runtime is the gap, choose the expansion unit. If you need a standalone UPS and have a 20A circuit available, choose the UPX-2000R-2.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Middle Atlantic UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 | Middle Atlantic UPX-2000R-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Functional Role | Runtime expansion module (requires host UPS) | Standalone UPS with local bank control |
| VA Rating | 2000VA | 2000VA (per product name; not in spec fields) |
| UPS Topology | Online | Not specified in provided specs |
| Mount Type | Rack | Rack |
| Rack Units | 2 RU | 2 RU |
| Width | 19 in (48.3 cm) | 19 in (48.3 cm) |
| Height | 3.5 in (8.9 cm) | 3.46 in (8.8 cm) |
| Depth | 16 in (40.6 cm) | 22 in (55.9 cm) |
| Weight | 63.9 lbs (29 kg) | 63 lbs (28.6 kg) |
| Shipping Weight | 72.09 lbs (32.7 kg) | 70.1 lbs (31.8 kg) |
| Plug Type | NEMA 5-15P (15A) | NEMA 5-20P (20A) |
| Receptacle Type | NEMA 5-15R | NEMA 5-20R |
| Input Voltage | 120 VAC | 120 VAC |
| Output Voltage (DC) | 48 VDC | 48 VDC |
| AC Output Voltage Range | 110–127 VAC | — |
| Operating Temp | 32°–104°F (0°–40°C) | 32°–104°F (0°–40°C) |
| Cord Length | 6 ft (1.8 m) | 6 ft (1.8 m) |
| Compliance | FCC, RoHS | — |
| Battery Warranty | 3 years | — |
| TAA Compliant | No | No |
| Country of Origin | China | China |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 or the UPX-2000R-2?
The UPX-2000R-2 is the stronger choice when you need a self-contained, independently operating 2000VA UPS with local bank control, while the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 is the correct selection when extending runtime on an existing compatible Nexsys host UPS. Three concrete spec deltas matter most to installers: (1) the UPX-2000R-2 requires a 20A NEMA 5-20P circuit vs. the expansion unit's 15A NEMA 5-15P, directly affecting panel capacity planning; (2) the UPX-2000R-2 is 6 inches deeper at 22 in vs. 16 in, a constraint in shallow racks; (3) the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 carries documented FCC and RoHS compliance plus a stated 3-year battery warranty, whereas the UPX-2000R-2 has no compliance or warranty data in the provided specs. If your site runs a Nexsys-platform deployment and runtime is the gap, choose the expansion unit. If you need a standalone UPS and have a 20A circuit available, choose the UPX-2000R-2.
Can I use the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 as a standalone UPS without any other Nexsys unit?
Based on the provided specs, the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 is described as a run-time expansion unit, which indicates it is designed to augment an existing compatible Nexsys UPS host rather than operate independently. The specs do not confirm standalone UPS functionality. Consult Middle Atlantic documentation or your distributor before deploying it without a host unit.
Which unit needs the heavier-duty electrical circuit — the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 or the UPX-2000R-2?
The UPX-2000R-2 requires a heavier circuit. It uses a NEMA 5-20P plug, which requires a dedicated 20A, 120V circuit. The UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 uses a NEMA 5-15P plug, compatible with a standard 15A circuit. Verify panel availability and breaker capacity before installation of either unit.
Is the UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 or UPX-2000R-2 better for a shallow rack enclosure?
The UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20 is the better fit for depth-constrained racks. It measures 16 in (40.6 cm) deep and specifies a minimum mounting depth of 18 in, compared to the UPX-2000R-2 at 22 in (55.9 cm) deep — a 6-inch difference. If your rack's usable depth is under 22 inches, the UPX-2000R-2 may not fit, whereas the expansion unit's shallower profile provides more flexibility.
More UPS Comparisons
- APC by Schneider Electric SMX2000LV vs CyberPower PR2000RTXL2UC
- APC by Schneider Electric SMX2000LV vs CyberPower CP2000PFCRM2U
- APC by Schneider Electric SMX2000LV vs CyberPower PR2000RT2UCN
- APC by Schneider Electric SMX2000LV vs Middle Atlantic UPX-EXPANRUN-OL20
- APC by Schneider Electric SMX2000LV vs APC by Schneider Electric SMX2000LVNCUS
- APC by Schneider Electric SMX2000LV vs APC by Schneider Electric SMX2000RMLV2U
UPS Buying Guides
Get a Second Opinion on Your Camera Choice
Share your site layout, coverage goals, and budget. Our team will validate the camera selection, flag anything we would change, and recommend products that match the use case.