Vertiv PSI5-3000RT120LI vs APC by Schneider Electric SMT3000RM2UCUS: Specification Comparison
Both the Vertiv Liebert PSI5-3000RT120LI and the APC Smart-UPS SMT3000RM2UCUS are 2U rack-mount line-interactive UPS units rated at 3000VA/2700W for 120V single-phase environments, making them direct cross-shop candidates for IT closets, network rooms, and edge deployments. This comparison examines their battery technology and runtime characteristics, physical and environmental footprint, and management and integration capabilities—the three axes that most often drive purchase decisions in this UPS class.
In This Guide
- Which UPS offers better battery technology and runtime characteristics?
- How do the two units compare in physical footprint, weight, and operating environment?
- Which unit provides stronger management, connectivity, and integration options?
- Which should you choose: the PSI5-3000RT120LI or the SMT3000RM2UCUS?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which UPS offers better battery technology and runtime characteristics?
The most fundamental differentiator between these two units is battery chemistry. The Vertiv PSI5-3000RT120LI uses a lithium-ion battery, while the APC SMT3000RM2UCUS uses a sealed lead-acid (VRLA) battery. The APC datasheet specifies a typical recharge time of 3 hours and a battery service life of 3–5 years. The Vertiv datasheet does not publish recharge time or battery life expectancy figures, so a direct numerical comparison on those points is not possible from the provided specs. Lithium-ion chemistry generally supports faster recharge and longer calendar life than lead-acid, but no specific runtime-at-load curves are provided in either specification sheet as supplied, so runtime-per-load comparisons cannot be made from this data alone.
The APC unit provides a battery charge power rating of 172 W. The Vertiv unit does not publish an equivalent figure in the provided specifications. APC also discloses a typical transfer time of 6 ms and a maximum of 10 ms; Vertiv does not publish a transfer time in the provided specs. Both units specify pure sine wave output on battery, which is suitable for active PFC power supplies and sensitive loads.
How do the two units compare in physical footprint, weight, and operating environment?
Both units occupy 2U of rack space. The APC SMT3000RM2UCUS measures 17.008 in (W) × 26.9 in (D) × 3.4 in (H) and weighs 97.62 lb. The Vertiv PSI5-3000RT120LI measures 17.24 in (W) × 24.8 in (D) × 3.38 in (H) and weighs 53.6 lb. The Vertiv unit is approximately 2.1 inches shallower and 44 lb lighter—a significant advantage in shallow rack enclosures and in deployments where floor or rack weight limits are a concern. The lighter weight is consistent with the lithium-ion chemistry, which is inherently less dense than lead-acid.
Operating temperature range is identical for both: 32°–104°F (0°–40°C). The APC unit additionally specifies a storage temperature of 5°–113°F (−15°–45°C), a storage altitude of up to 50,000 ft, an operating altitude of up to 10,000 ft, a relative humidity range of 0–95%, and an acoustic noise level of 55 dBA with an online thermal dissipation of 348 Btu/h. None of these additional environmental parameters are provided in the Vertiv specification sheet as supplied. The Vertiv spec notes a rotatable LCD display supporting both rack and tower orientations; the APC spec does not mention a rotatable display. The Vertiv spec also notes front-access, hot-swappable battery kits; the APC spec does not explicitly state hot-swap capability in the data provided.
Which unit provides stronger management, connectivity, and integration options?
The Vertiv PSI5-3000RT120LI ships with a USB port and EPO (Emergency Power Off) connector as standard, with an optional Liebert IntelliSlot UNITY communications card enabling SNMP and web management. One expansion slot is implied by this architecture. The APC SMT3000RM2UCUS specifies one free (expansion) slot and includes SmartConnect technology (as indicated by its model name suffix), which enables cloud-based monitoring via APC's EcoStruxure platform. Neither specification sheet provides port-count or SmartConnect API detail in the data supplied.
On wiring, the Vertiv unit accepts input via an L5-30P plug and provides six NEMA 5-20R receptacles plus one L5-30R receptacle on output—offering both standard 20A outlets and a locking 30A output. The APC unit accepts input via an L5-30P plug and provides six NEMA 5-15R receptacles—standard 15A outlets only, with no locking output receptacle listed in the provided specs. The APC unit specifies a surge energy rating of 459 J and harmonic distortion of less than 5%; neither figure is provided in the Vertiv specs. Certifications differ: Vertiv holds UL 1778, c-UL-us, UN38.3, NOM, and FCC Part 15 Class B; APC holds cULus and ENERGY STAR V2.0 and is TAA compliant. TAA compliance is relevant for US federal procurement; the Vertiv unit does not list TAA compliance in the provided specs. APC publishes a 24-month warranty with a 36-month contractual warranty; Vertiv does not provide warranty terms in the supplied specifications.
Which should you choose: the PSI5-3000RT120LI or the SMT3000RM2UCUS?
Our take: The PSI5-3000RT120LI is the stronger choice when rack depth and weight are constrained and when a locking 30A output receptacle or hot-swappable battery access is operationally required. The Vertiv unit is 44 lb lighter (53.6 lb vs 97.62 lb), 2.1 inches shallower (24.8 in vs 26.9 in), and provides a NEMA L5-30R locking output receptacle in addition to six 5-20R outlets, versus the APC's six 5-15R outlets only. Conversely, the SMT3000RM2UCUS is the stronger choice for US federal or TAA-restricted procurement, for buyers who require a documented transfer time (6 ms typical / 10 ms max), a published battery service life (3–5 years), ENERGY STAR V2.0 certification, or a known warranty term (24/36 months)—none of which appear in the Vertiv specs as supplied. APC's SmartConnect cloud integration may also suit organizations already in the EcoStruxure ecosystem.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Vertiv PSI5-3000RT120LI | APC by Schneider Electric SMT3000RM2UCUS |
|---|---|---|
| Power Rating (VA) | 3000 VA | 2880 VA |
| Power Rating (W) | 2700 W | 2700 W |
| Topology | Line-interactive | Line Interactive |
| Output Waveform | Pure sine wave | Sine wave |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium-ion | Lead-acid |
| Battery Service Life | — | 3–5 years |
| Typical Recharge Time | — | 3 hours |
| Transfer Time | — | 6 ms typical / 10 ms max |
| Form Factor | 2U Rack/Tower | 2U Rack |
| Weight | 53.6 lb | 97.62 lb |
| Depth | 24.8 in | 26.9 in |
| Input Connector | NEMA L5-30P | NEMA L5-30P |
| Output Receptacles | 6 × NEMA 5-20R + 1 × NEMA L5-30R | 6 × NEMA 5-15R |
| Surge Energy Rating | — | 459 J |
| Management (standard) | USB, EPO | SmartConnect, 1 free expansion slot |
| Management (optional) | IntelliSlot UNITY (SNMP/web) | — |
| Certifications | UL 1778, c-UL-us, UN38.3, NOM, FCC Part 15 Class B | cULus, ENERGY STAR V2.0, TAA |
| Warranty | — | 24 months (36 months contractual) |
| Operating Temperature | 32–104 °F (0–40 °C) | 32–104 °F (0–40 °C) |
| Acoustic Level | — | 55 dBA |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the PSI5-3000RT120LI or the SMT3000RM2UCUS?
The PSI5-3000RT120LI is the stronger choice when rack depth and weight are constrained and when a locking 30A output receptacle or hot-swappable battery access is operationally required. The Vertiv unit is 44 lb lighter (53.6 lb vs 97.62 lb), 2.1 inches shallower (24.8 in vs 26.9 in), and provides a NEMA L5-30R locking output receptacle in addition to six 5-20R outlets, versus the APC's six 5-15R outlets only. Conversely, the SMT3000RM2UCUS is the stronger choice for US federal or TAA-restricted procurement, for buyers who require a documented transfer time (6 ms typical / 10 ms max), a published battery service life (3–5 years), ENERGY STAR V2.0 certification, or a known warranty term (24/36 months)—none of which appear in the Vertiv specs as supplied. APC's SmartConnect cloud integration may also suit organizations already in the EcoStruxure ecosystem.
Is the PSI5-3000RT120LI or the SMT3000RM2UCUS the better fit for a shallow or weight-sensitive rack?
The PSI5-3000RT120LI is significantly better suited: it is 2.1 inches shallower (24.8 in vs 26.9 in) and roughly 44 lb lighter (53.6 lb vs 97.62 lb), largely because its lithium-ion battery is less dense than the SMT3000RM2UCUS's lead-acid battery. If your rack has a shallow depth limit or a weight-per-shelf restriction, the Vertiv unit has a clear physical advantage based on the published specs.
Which unit is required for US federal government or TAA-compliant purchasing?
The APC SMT3000RM2UCUS explicitly lists TAA compliance in its certifications. The Vertiv PSI5-3000RT120LI does not list TAA compliance in the provided specifications. For any federal contract or procurement vehicle that mandates TAA compliance, the SMT3000RM2UCUS is the appropriate choice based on the data supplied.
Does either UPS support SNMP monitoring without purchasing an add-on card?
Neither unit ships with SNMP enabled out of the box based on the provided specs. The Vertiv PSI5-3000RT120LI requires the optional Liebert IntelliSlot UNITY communications card to enable SNMP and web management; the unit does include USB and EPO as standard. The APC SMT3000RM2UCUS lists one free expansion slot and includes SmartConnect (cloud monitoring), but SNMP details for the expansion slot are not specified in the data provided. Both units require additional hardware or subscription configuration for full SNMP integration.
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