Vertiv GXT5-EBC36VRT2U 36V External Battery Cabinet
The Vertiv GXT5-EBC36VRT2U extends runtime for GXT5-series online double-conversion UPS systems in a compact 2U form factor. Designed for IT/datacenter environments where standard internal batteries can't meet extended outage requirements, this external battery cabinet delivers predictable capacity scaling without requiring additional UPS units. Compatible with GXT5-500LVRT2UXL, GXT5-750LVRT2UXL, and GXT5-1000LVRT2UXL models, it integrates via auto-detection—no manual configuration required.
Key Features
- 2U rack-mount form factor — maximizes runtime per RU in constrained rack environments
- Dual-bank 36V architecture (2 banks × 3 cells × 12V × 9.0Ah) — enables parallel stacking for larger runtime targets
- Auto-detection by compatible UPS systems — eliminates config errors during commissioning
- Battery health monitoring with replacement-date prediction — reduces preventive-maintenance guesswork
- UL 1778 4th edition and CSA 22.2 No. 107.1 listed — meets North American safety standards for IT power equipment
- 3-year advanced replacement warranty — minimizes downtime exposure during battery failures
Extended runtime planning for critical infrastructure often hits a physical constraint: how many battery modules can you fit in a rack before depth, weight, or cooling become the limiting factor. The GXT5-EBC36VRT2U addresses this by packing 54Ah of 36V capacity (two independent 9Ah banks in series-parallel) into a 2U chassis measuring 16.9" wide × 15.8" deep. At 48.4 lb per cabinet, it delivers roughly 1.1Ah per pound—competitive with higher-density VRLA solutions while maintaining the serviceability and thermal predictability installers expect from valve-regulated lead-acid cells.
The cabinet's auto-detection feature integrates with Vertiv's GXT5-series firmware to report capacity, health status, and estimated replacement date. When paired with a compatible UPS, the combined system calculates runtime based on actual battery count and condition, surfacing alerts when measured capacity drops below the installer's target. This closed-loop monitoring reduces the risk of silent battery degradation—a common failure mode in deployments where quarterly manual testing isn't practical.
Compatibility is limited to three GXT5 models: the 500VA, 750VA, and 1000VA XL-suffix variants. These UPS systems share a common 36V bus architecture, allowing one or more GXT5-EBC36VRT2U cabinets to be daisy-chained (consult the UPS system's max-battery spec before adding cabinets). The cabinet ships with mounting hardware for standard 19" racks and operates across a 32°F to 104°F range, though runtime and cycle life both improve when ambient temperature is held below 77°F. For installations in non-climate-controlled telecom closets or edge IT rooms, budget for active cooling or accept the accelerated aging curve that comes with elevated temps.
UL 1778 4th edition and CSA 22.2 No. 107.1 compliance ensure the cabinet meets North American safety and construction standards for uninterruptible power supply systems. The 3-year advanced replacement warranty covers shipping both ways in the event of a battery or enclosure failure, reducing total cost of ownership compared to on-site swap programs that require spares inventory.
