Vertiv RDU101 vs Vertiv GXT5-1500LVRT2UXL: Specification Comparison
Both products belong to the Vertiv Liebert GXT5 1500VA rack/tower UPS family — online double-conversion units designed for edge, branch-office, and small-datacenter protection of IT loads up to 1350W. Product A (GXT5-1500LVRT2UXLN) is the RDU101-bundled configuration; Product B (GXT5-1500LVRT2UXL) is the standalone base unit. The comparison addresses the practical question of whether the bundled network-management card justifies a price premium, examined across power/protection capability, physical integration, and remote management readiness.
In This Guide
- Do both units deliver the same power capacity and protection-quality specs?
- Are the physical footprint, mounting options, and outlet configuration identical?
- How does remote monitoring and network management capability differ between the two SKUs?
- Which should you choose: the RDU101 or the GXT5-1500LVRT2UXL?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Do both units deliver the same power capacity and protection-quality specs?
Yes — both units are rated identically at 1500VA / 1350W with online double-conversion topology, meaning neither product transfers load to bypass during normal operation. Both specify a 120VAC nominal input with a wide 60–150V operating range, and a user-configurable output of 110/115/120/125VAC ±3% pure sinewave. Efficiency peaks at up to 98% in Active ECO Mode and up to 95% in standard online mode on Product A; Product B's spec sheet lists up to 98% in ECO mode but does not separately state the online-mode figure. Transfer time is zero for both, as expected of true online double-conversion designs.
Product B's spec sheet explicitly confirms EPO (Emergency Power Off), an input circuit breaker, and surge protection as discrete features; Product A's spec sheet does not enumerate these individually, though they are standard to the GXT5 platform. Neither spec sheet quantifies battery runtime curves — runtime will depend on connected load and any external battery modules, which both units support via an external battery connector.
Are the physical footprint, mounting options, and outlet configuration identical?
Physical specs are identical across both SKUs: 16.9 in (W) × 18.6 in (D) × 3.4 in (H), 46.2 lb, 2U rack/tower convertible form factor. Both ship with a 6 × NEMA 5-15R outlet bank on a NEMA 5-15P input cord. Product A's spec sheet breaks down the outlet group as 4 individually programmable receptacles plus 2 non-programmable; Product B describes them as 'programmable groups' without specifying the 4+2 split.
Both units feature hot-swappable, user-replaceable battery modules — confirmed on Product B's spec sheet; implied by platform on Product A. Product A specifies an RS485 and RS232 serial interface plus a terminal block in addition to USB; Product B lists USB and a Serial DB9 port. The RS485/terminal-block detail appears only in Product A's spec sheet and is not confirmed for Product B.
How does remote monitoring and network management capability differ between the two SKUs?
This is the primary differentiator. Product A (GXT5-1500LVRT2UXLN) is bundled with the Vertiv Liebert IntelliSlot RDU101 communications card, which enables SNMP and web-based management out of the box. Product B (GXT5-1500LVRT2UXL) ships without any network card; it lists the optional Liebert IntelliSlot RDU120 as an upgrade path, not the RDU101. Both units share the same IntelliSlot bay architecture.
Product A's spec sheet references the IntelliSlot RDU120 as the optional upgrade card — not the RDU101 that is bundled — suggesting the RDU101 and RDU120 are distinct card variants within the same slot ecosystem. Buyers who need immediate SNMP/web visibility (NMS integration, automated shutdown agents, data-center infrastructure management platforms) will find Product A ready to deploy; Product B requires a separate card purchase and installation step. Neither spec sheet quantifies the number of managed device connections or specifies supported NMS platforms beyond 'SNMP and web management.'
Which should you choose: the RDU101 or the GXT5-1500LVRT2UXL?
Our take: The GXT5-1500LVRT2UXLN (Product A) is the stronger choice when network management must be operational on day one, because it includes the RDU101 IntelliSlot card that enables SNMP and web-based monitoring without an additional purchase or installation step. On pure power-protection specs the two units are functionally equivalent: identical 1500VA/1350W capacity, zero-transfer-time online double-conversion topology, 98% ECO-mode efficiency, identical 60–150V input range, and the same 6 × NEMA 5-15R outlet layout in a 2U rack/tower chassis at 46.2 lb. Product B (GXT5-1500LVRT2UXL) lists TAA compliance and a 3-year advanced-replacement warranty explicitly; Product A's spec sheet does not state these terms, so buyers on government or TAA-mandated contracts should verify Product A's compliance status before specifying it. For a managed-IT environment where remote UPS visibility is non-negotiable, Product A eliminates a procurement step; for a cost-sensitive deployment with no immediate NMS requirement, Product B's base configuration avoids paying for card capacity that goes unused.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Vertiv RDU101 | Vertiv GXT5-1500LVRT2UXL |
|---|---|---|
| SKU | GXT5-1500LVRT2UXLN | GXT5-1500LVRT2UXL |
| Series | Liebert GXT5 | Liebert GXT5 |
| Topology | Online double conversion | Online double conversion |
| Capacity | 1500VA / 1350W | 1500VA / 1350W |
| Form Factor | 2U Rack/Tower convertible | 2U Rack/Tower convertible |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 16.9 × 18.6 × 3.4 in | 16.9 × 18.6 × 3.4 in |
| Weight | 46.2 lb | 46.2 lb |
| Input Voltage Range | 120V nominal; 60–150V range | 120VAC; 60–150V range |
| Output Voltage | 110/115/120/125VAC ±3% (configurable) | 110/115/120/125VAC ±3% (configurable) |
| Efficiency (ECO / Online) | Up to 98% ECO; up to 95% online | Up to 98% ECO; online mode not stated |
| Outlets | 6 × NEMA 5-15R (4 programmable + 2 fixed) | 6 × NEMA 5-15R (programmable groups) |
| Transfer Time | Zero (online conversion) | Zero (online conversion) |
| Bundled Network Card | RDU101 (SNMP + web, included) | None (optional RDU120) |
| Serial Interfaces | USB, RS485, RS232, terminal block | USB, Serial DB9 |
| TAA Compliance | Not stated in provided specs | TAA Compliant |
| Warranty | Not stated in provided specs | 3-Year Advanced Replacement |
| Certifications | Energy Star 2.0, UL 1778 4th ed., CSA 22.2 No. 107.1, RoHS2, REACH, WEEE | Energy Star 2.0, TAA Compliant |
| Hot-Swap Battery | Not stated in provided specs | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the RDU101 or the GXT5-1500LVRT2UXL?
The GXT5-1500LVRT2UXLN (Product A) is the stronger choice when network management must be operational on day one, because it includes the RDU101 IntelliSlot card that enables SNMP and web-based monitoring without an additional purchase or installation step. On pure power-protection specs the two units are functionally equivalent: identical 1500VA/1350W capacity, zero-transfer-time online double-conversion topology, 98% ECO-mode efficiency, identical 60–150V input range, and the same 6 × NEMA 5-15R outlet layout in a 2U rack/tower chassis at 46.2 lb. Product B (GXT5-1500LVRT2UXL) lists TAA compliance and a 3-year advanced-replacement warranty explicitly; Product A's spec sheet does not state these terms, so buyers on government or TAA-mandated contracts should verify Product A's compliance status before specifying it. For a managed-IT environment where remote UPS visibility is non-negotiable, Product A eliminates a procurement step; for a cost-sensitive deployment with no immediate NMS requirement, Product B's base configuration avoids paying for card capacity that goes unused.
Can I add a network card to the GXT5-1500LVRT2UXL later if I don't need it now?
Yes — Product B (GXT5-1500LVRT2UXL) lists an optional Liebert IntelliSlot network card (RDU120 referenced in Product A's spec sheet) as an upgrade path. Both units use the same IntelliSlot bay architecture, so network management can be added post-purchase. However, the card is not included and requires a separate procurement and installation step.
Is the GXT5-1500LVRT2UXLN TAA compliant for government or federal purchasing?
Product B's spec sheet explicitly states TAA Compliant; Product A's provided spec sheet does not list TAA compliance. Buyers subject to Trade Agreements Act requirements should verify Product A's TAA status directly with Vertiv before specifying it for a government contract.
Do both UPS units support hot-swap battery replacement without shutting down connected equipment?
Product B's spec sheet explicitly confirms hot-swappable, user-replaceable battery modules. Product A does not state this in the provided spec data, though it is a documented GXT5 platform feature. Installers should confirm hot-swap capability on Product A's datasheet (/content/product-datasheets/GXT5-1500LVRT2UXLN.pdf) before committing to a zero-downtime maintenance plan.
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