How do power capacity, output voltage, and runtime scalability compare?

Both units deliver 3000VA / 2700W at a 0.9 power factor in true online double-conversion topology with pure sine-wave output. The similarity ends at voltage: the GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL operates on a 120V AC input (range 60–150V, NEMA L5-30P) and delivers 110/115/120/125VAC user-configurable output across 7 receptacles (1× NEMA L5-30R twist-lock, 6× NEMA 5-20R). The SRT3000XLW-IEC is built for 208/230V environments (configurable to 220/240V) with IEC inputs (British BS1363A, IEC-320 C20, Schuko CEE 7/EU1-16P) and 10 IEC output connections (6× C13, 2× C19, 2× IEC jumpers). These are different voltage platforms; a buyer cannot substitute one for the other in the same circuit.

For runtime extensibility, the GXT5 explicitly supports External Battery Cabinets (EBCs) for scalable runtime, with a standard recharge time of approximately 3 hours to 90%. The SRT3000XLW-IEC also supports extended runtime via the APC Smart-UPS SRT 3000VA 208/230V IEC extended battery option, with the same 3-hour typical recharge time and a replacement battery module (APCRBC152) rated for a 3–5 year expected life. The GXT5 spec does not state an expected battery life figure; the SRT3000XLW-IEC does not state a specific runtime-to-capacity figure. Both ship with one internal battery module.

What are the physical, environmental, and acoustical differences?

The GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL is a rack/tower convertible unit in a 2U rack footprint, measuring 3.4 × 16.9 × 21.3 inches (86.4 × 429.3 × 541 mm) and weighing 66 lbs (30 kg). The SRT3000XLW-IEC is a tower-only unit measuring 17.0 × 3.3 × 25.0 inches (43.2 × 8.5 × 63.5 cm) and listed at a package weight of 75 lb; no separate unit-only weight is provided in the specs. Buyers who need rack mounting have only one option here: the Vertiv.

Operating temperature range is identical for both: 0–40°C (32–104°F). The Vertiv supports operating altitude up to 10,000 ft (3,048 m) with derating; the APC spec lists a maximum operating elevation of 9,843 ft (3,000 m). Storage temperature differs: the Vertiv is rated –20 to 50°C (–4 to 122°F), while the APC is rated –15 to 45°C (5 to 113°F), giving the Vertiv a wider cold-storage window. Audible noise is a meaningful difference: the GXT5 specifies less than 45 dBA at 1 meter; the SRT3000XLW-IEC specifies 55 dBA at 1 meter — a 10 dB gap, which is roughly twice as loud perceptually. The Vertiv uses a variable-speed fan; the APC spec does not state variable versus fixed fan speed.

How do connectivity, management, and compliance certifications compare?

The GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL provides USB and RS-232 serial ports onboard, with optional Intellislot network management cards supporting SNMP, Modbus, and BACnet protocols. It is compatible with Vertiv Environet management software and NUT (Network UPS Tools). Load segmentation is supported via programmable outlet groups with independent control, and the unit includes an Emergency Power Off (EPO) input. It also supports internal automatic bypass and external maintenance bypass.

The SRT3000XLW-IEC provides RJ45 serial, a SmartSlot expansion bay, and USB onboard. The APC spec does not enumerate specific SmartSlot card protocols in the provided data, though SmartSlot is APC's standard network management card interface. The APC includes both automatic and manual internal bypass. Neither unit's spec details the protocols available via the serial port beyond the port type. The APC lists a surge energy rating of 340 joules explicitly; the Vertiv cites ANSI C62.41 Category B compliance but does not state a joule rating in the provided specs.

On compliance, the Vertiv carries TAA compliance, Energy Star 2.0, UL 1778, FCC Part 15 Class A, and CE. The APC holds CE, CSA C22.2 No.107.3-05, EAC, EN/IEC 62040-1, EN/IEC 62040-2, Energy Star V1.0 (USA and EU), FCC Part 15 Class A, RCM, UL 1778, and VDE — a broader international certification set. The Vertiv is TAA compliant; the APC spec does not state TAA compliance. The Vertiv specifies an MTBF of greater than 200,000 hours and peak efficiency of 94% double-conversion / 98%+ in ECO mode; the APC spec does not state MTBF or efficiency figures in the provided data. The Vertiv warranty is 3-year advanced replacement; the APC warranty is not stated in the provided specs.

Which should you choose: the GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL or the SRT3000XLW-IEC?

Our take: The GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL is the stronger choice when the deployment is in a North American 120V environment, requires rack mounting, and demands quieter operation or TAA-compliant procurement. Key spec deltas: the Vertiv runs on 120V AC input versus the APC's 208/230V input, making them non-interchangeable on different circuits; the Vertiv's audible noise ceiling is under 45 dBA versus the APC's 55 dBA — a 10 dB (roughly 2×) acoustic advantage; and the Vertiv is explicitly TAA compliant while the APC spec does not state TAA status. The SRT3000XLW-IEC is the appropriate unit for 208/230V international or mixed-voltage data center rows, offers a wider international certification portfolio (VDE, EAC, RCM, CSA), and states a 3–5 year expected battery life that the Vertiv spec omits. Select by input voltage first — these two products serve different electrical infrastructures.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

• Vertiv GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL product page — full specs and to add to a quote
• APC by Schneider Electric SRT3000XLW-IEC product page — full specs and to add to a quote