How do battery chemistry and energy efficiency differ between the two units?

The GXT5LI-1000LVRT2UXL uses a lithium-ion battery pack, certified under UL 1973 and UL 1642 — standards specific to lithium battery systems. Lithium-ion chemistry typically delivers a longer service life, lighter weight per equivalent capacity, and tolerance for higher ambient temperatures before derating, though the spec sheet notes 10% derating at 50°C. Its stated online efficiency is up to 92%, rising to 98% in Active ECO Mode.

The GXT5-1000LVRT2UXLN uses a conventional battery (chemistry not explicitly stated in the provided specs) and does not carry UL 1973 or UL 1642 listings. Its efficiency curve is more favorable in online mode — up to 95% online versus 92% for the lithium model — and also reaches 98% in Active ECO Mode. Neither datasheet specifies runtime at full or half load, so runtime cannot be directly compared from the provided specs alone.

For installations where battery replacement labor cost, weight, or long battery service life is a priority, the lithium-ion chemistry of the GXT5LI-1000LVRT2UXL is the differentiating factor. For installations where online-mode efficiency headroom is the priority, the GXT5-1000LVRT2UXLN's 95% online figure is higher by 3 percentage points.

Which unit offers more management and connectivity options out of the box?

The GXT5LI-1000LVRT2UXL provides USB, RS232, a Dry-Contact Terminal Block, and an Intellislot expansion bay for optional management cards. SNMP and web management require adding an optional RDU101 network card — it does not ship with one. The RS-level interface is RS232.

The GXT5-1000LVRT2UXLN bundles the RDU101 network management card in the box, enabling SNMP and web management without an additional purchase. Its interface list also expands to include RS485 in addition to RS232 and USB, and it retains the terminal block and IntelliSlot bay (noted as compatible with the RDU120 card). The RDU120 is listed as the optional card for this model, indicating a newer management card generation than the RDU101 referenced for the lithium model.

For buyers who need immediate out-of-band SNMP and web visibility — common in security NVR closets or IT environments requiring centralized UPS monitoring — the GXT5-1000LVRT2UXLN provides that capability without an extra line item. The GXT5LI-1000LVRT2UXL requires a separate network card purchase to reach parity on remote management.

Are there differences in outlet programmability, physical dimensions, or compliance certifications?

Both units provide six NEMA 5-15R output receptacles and share the same rack height (3.4 in / 2U) and width (16.9 in). The GXT5-1000LVRT2UXLN explicitly specifies that four of the six receptacles are individually programmable, with two non-programmable — a feature not mentioned in the GXT5LI-1000LVRT2UXL spec sheet. Programmable outlets enable load-shedding and sequenced restart, which is operationally significant in multi-device security or IT racks.

Depth differs: the GXT5LI-1000LVRT2UXL is 17.3 in deep versus 15.7 in for the GXT5-1000LVRT2UXLN — a 1.6 in difference that may matter in shallow two-post or short-depth rack environments. The lithium model is also heavier: 37.5 lb versus 37 lb.

On certifications, the GXT5LI-1000LVRT2UXL adds UL 1973, UL 1642, and Energy Star 2.0 to the shared UL 1778, RoHS, WEEE, and REACH listings. The GXT5-1000LVRT2UXLN holds UL 1778 4th edition, CSA 22.2 No. 107.1, Energy Star 2.0, RoHS2, WEEE, and REACH. The CSA listing on the UXLN model is relevant for Canadian deployments; the lithium-specific UL listings on the LI model are required for lithium battery installations in jurisdictions that enforce them.

Which should you choose: the GXT5LI-1000LVRT2UXL or the RDU101?

Our take: The GXT5LI-1000LVRT2UXL is the stronger choice when lithium-ion battery longevity, reduced battery replacement frequency, or lithium-specific compliance (UL 1973, UL 1642) are hard requirements for the installation. The GXT5-1000LVRT2UXLN outperforms it on three concrete dimensions: online-mode efficiency reaches 95% versus 92% (a 3-point gap that compounds at scale), SNMP and web management are included in the box via the bundled RDU101 card rather than requiring a separate purchase, and four of its six outlets are individually programmable for load-shedding — a feature absent from the lithium model's spec sheet. The UXLN also runs 1.6 in shallower (15.7 in vs 17.3 in), an advantage in constrained rack depths. Buyers running mixed IT/security racks who need immediate remote monitoring and outlet-level control should favor the GXT5-1000LVRT2UXLN; those with lithium battery mandates or long replacement-cycle requirements should select the GXT5LI-1000LVRT2UXL.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

• Vertiv GXT5LI-1000LVRT2UXL product page — full specs and to add to a quote
• Vertiv RDU101 product page — full specs and to add to a quote