Vertiv GXT5-1000LVRT2UXL vs APC by Schneider Electric SURT1000RMXLI: Specification Comparison
Both the Vertiv Liebert GXT5-1000LVRT2UXL and the APC Smart-UPS RT SURT1000RMXLI are 1000VA online double-conversion rack-mount UPS units targeting IT infrastructure, network closets, and edge deployments requiring true online power protection. The critical divergence is voltage market: the Vertiv is a 120VAC North American unit while the APC is a 230VAC international unit. Despite this, buyers in multi-site or global organizations, or those evaluating platform ecosystems, regularly cross-shop these models on topology, runtime scalability, power factor, and management features.
In This Guide
- How do the two units compare on usable power output and power factor?
- Which unit offers better runtime flexibility, battery serviceability, and scalability?
- How do the units differ in communications, management integration, and monitoring capabilities?
- Which should you choose: the GXT5-1000LVRT2UXL or the SURT1000RMXLI?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
How do the two units compare on usable power output and power factor?
The Vertiv GXT5-1000LVRT2UXL delivers 1000VA at a unity (1.0) power factor, meaning 1000W of usable real power. This is a significant advantage for modern IT loads — servers, switches, and storage with high-efficiency power supplies draw close to unity PF, so the full 1000W capacity is accessible.
The APC SURT1000RMXLI is rated at 1000VA but only 700W, reflecting a 0.7 power factor. In practice, a load drawing 700W will fully tax this unit, leaving no headroom. Buyers sizing for real server loads should derate accordingly. The APC spec does not state its power factor explicitly beyond the VA/W relationship; the Vertiv spec explicitly calls out unity PF.
For pure watt-for-watt capacity, the Vertiv delivers 43% more usable real power (1000W vs 700W) at the same VA rating, a material difference when powering high-PF server loads.
Which unit offers better runtime flexibility, battery serviceability, and scalability?
The Vertiv GXT5-1000LVRT2UXL supports hot-swappable, front-accessible VRLA battery replacement requiring no tools, and the runtime is scalable via up to three daisy-chained external battery cabinets. This design directly reduces maintenance downtime in live rack environments.
The APC SURT1000RMXLI specifies a lead-acid battery with a 3-hour recharge time and a rated battery life of 3–5 years. The spec does not confirm hot-swap capability, tool-free access, or external battery cabinet compatibility. It does include a 109W rated battery charger specification, which the Vertiv spec does not detail.
For deployments where extended runtime or in-service battery replacement is a priority, the Vertiv's documented hot-swap and scalability features are a concrete advantage. The APC's runtime scalability and battery serviceability are not confirmed in the provided specifications.
How do the units differ in communications, management integration, and monitoring capabilities?
The Vertiv GXT5-1000LVRT2UXL provides USB and RS-232 serial interfaces as standard, plus an optional Intellislot network card slot for network management card integration. A front-panel LCD displays load percentage, runtime, voltage, and status. The unit is Energy Star 2.0 and TAA compliant, relevant for government and regulated environments.
The APC SURT1000RMXLI specifies one free (expansion) slot, consistent with APC's SmartSlot network management card ecosystem, though the card itself is not included per spec. Communications interfaces (USB, serial) are not listed in the provided specifications. The unit carries CE, C-Tick, GOST, VDE, and UK PSTI certifications, reflecting its international market positioning.
Both units support a network management card via an expansion slot, but the Vertiv spec explicitly names USB and RS-232 as standard onboard interfaces. The APC's onboard communication ports are not confirmed in the provided data. Harmonic distortion for the APC is specified at less than 3%; the Vertiv spec does not state a THD figure.
Which should you choose: the GXT5-1000LVRT2UXL or the SURT1000RMXLI?
Our take: The GXT5-1000LVRT2UXL is the stronger choice when deploying in 120VAC North American environments with high power-factor server loads and a requirement for in-service battery maintenance. Its unity power factor delivers 1000W of real power versus the SURT1000RMXLI's 700W — a 43% usable capacity advantage at the same VA rating. It also specifies documented hot-swappable, tool-free front-access batteries and runtime scalability via up to three external battery cabinets, neither of which is confirmed in the APC's provided specifications. The SURT1000RMXLI is the appropriate unit for 230VAC international deployments; it operates across 160–280V input, carries international certifications (CE, VDE, GOST, UK PSTI), and specifies a 3-hour battery recharge time and 3–5 year battery life that the Vertiv spec does not address. Choose the Vertiv for North American data closets and edge IT; choose the APC for international or EMEA rack environments.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Vertiv GXT5-1000LVRT2UXL | APC by Schneider Electric SURT1000RMXLI |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Topology | Online double-conversion | Online double-conversion |
| Capacity (VA) | 1000 VA | 1000 VA |
| Capacity (Watts / Real Power) | 1000 W (unity PF) | 700 W (0.7 PF) |
| Form Factor | 2U Rack/Tower convertible | 2U Rack-mount |
| Nominal Input Voltage | 120 VAC (North America) | 230 VAC (International) |
| Input Voltage Range | 60–150 VAC | 160–280 VAC |
| Output Voltage | 110/115/120/125 VAC (configurable), ±3% | 220/230/240 VAC |
| Output Waveform | Pure sinewave | Sine wave, <3% THD |
| Outlets | 6 × NEMA 5-15R (programmable groups) | 6 IEC 60320 + 2 IEC Jumpers |
| Battery Type | Hot-swappable VRLA (tool-free, front-access) | Lead-acid (serviceability not specified) |
| Runtime Scalability | Up to 3 external battery cabinets | Not specified |
| Battery Recharge Time | Not specified | 3 hours |
| Transfer Time | Zero (always-on) | Not specified |
| Onboard Interfaces | USB, RS-232 serial | Not specified in provided specs |
| Network Management Slot | Optional Intellislot card | 1 free expansion slot |
| Noise Level | < 45 dBA @ 1 m | 50 dBA |
| Operating Temperature | 0–40 °C | 0–40 °C |
| Certifications | TAA, Energy Star 2.0, cULus, FCC Class A, CE | CE, C-Tick, GOST, VDE, UK PSTI |
| Warranty | 3-year advanced replacement (batteries included) | Not specified in provided specs |
| Weight | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) | 23 kg (50.7 lbs) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the GXT5-1000LVRT2UXL or the SURT1000RMXLI?
The GXT5-1000LVRT2UXL is the stronger choice when deploying in 120VAC North American environments with high power-factor server loads and a requirement for in-service battery maintenance. Its unity power factor delivers 1000W of real power versus the SURT1000RMXLI's 700W — a 43% usable capacity advantage at the same VA rating. It also specifies documented hot-swappable, tool-free front-access batteries and runtime scalability via up to three external battery cabinets, neither of which is confirmed in the APC's provided specifications. The SURT1000RMXLI is the appropriate unit for 230VAC international deployments; it operates across 160–280V input, carries international certifications (CE, VDE, GOST, UK PSTI), and specifies a 3-hour battery recharge time and 3–5 year battery life that the Vertiv spec does not address. Choose the Vertiv for North American data closets and edge IT; choose the APC for international or EMEA rack environments.
Can I use either of these UPS units in both North America and international locations?
No. The Vertiv GXT5-1000LVRT2UXL is designed for 120VAC North American power (60–150V operating range, NEMA 5-15 plug and outlets). The APC SURT1000RMXLI is designed for 230VAC international power (160–280V input, IEC 60320 C14 input and IEC output connections). They are not interchangeable across voltage regions based on the provided specifications.
Which unit supports longer runtimes for extended outages?
The Vertiv GXT5-1000LVRT2UXL explicitly supports runtime scalability via up to three daisy-chained external battery cabinets, which can significantly extend runtime beyond internal battery capacity. The APC SURT1000RMXLI's provided specifications do not confirm external battery cabinet compatibility or runtime scalability. If extended runtime is a priority, the Vertiv's documented scalability is the only confirmed option between these two units.
Which UPS is quieter in a noise-sensitive environment such as an office or small server room?
Based on the provided specifications, the Vertiv GXT5-1000LVRT2UXL is rated at less than 45 dBA at one meter, while the APC SURT1000RMXLI is rated at 50 dBA. The Vertiv is specified to be quieter by at least 5 dBA, which is a perceptible difference in a low-ambient environment. Neither spec provides measurement conditions beyond the Vertiv's one-meter distance qualifier.
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