Vertiv GXT5-500LVRT2UXLN 500VA Online Double-Conversion Rack/Tower UPS with RDU101
Overview
The Vertiv GXT5-500LVRT2UXLN is a 500VA/500W online double-conversion UPS designed for IT edge deployments, surveillance infrastructure, and small-to-midsize network closets where continuous, clean power is non-negotiable. Unlike line-interactive or standby topologies, the GXT5's double-conversion architecture means your connected equipment never runs directly off utility power — the inverter is always active, eliminating transfer time entirely and isolating loads from voltage sags, swells, and frequency noise that would otherwise stress network gear and NVR storage controllers. The included RDU101 communications card brings SNMP and web management out of the box, so you can monitor and configure this unit remotely without retrofitting additional hardware.
The flexible rack/tower form factor installs in a standard 2U rack slot or stands vertically in a tower configuration — practical in mixed environments where rack space is contested alongside a floor-mounted closet stack. Browse the full power and UPS category or the Vertiv product line to find companion infrastructure for your deployment.
Key Features
- Online Double-Conversion Topology: Zero transfer time to battery — because the inverter is always in the power path, there is no switching delay when utility power fails. For NVRs mid-write, access control panels, and PoE switches feeding cameras, even a 20ms gap can corrupt data or drop doors; this topology eliminates that risk entirely.
- 500VA / 500W Power Rating: Full unity power factor (1.0) means 500VA translates directly to 500W of usable load — no de-rating common on older UPS designs with 0.6–0.8 power factors. Size your connected load to stay under 80% (400W) for adequate runtime headroom.
- Up to 98% Efficiency in Active ECO Mode: At 98% efficiency, heat dissipation and operating costs are minimized compared to conventional online designs running at 90–93%. In always-on infrastructure closets running 24/7, the energy savings accumulate meaningfully over the unit's service life. On-line mode efficiency tops out at 95% — still strong for double-conversion.
- Wide Input Voltage Range (60–150V): The GXT5 accepts utility input from 60V to 150V before switching to battery. That headroom handles brownouts and the overvoltage spikes common in older commercial buildings without unnecessarily draining the battery — extending battery life in unstable grid environments.
- 6 × NEMA 5-15R Output Receptacles, 4 Programmable: Four of the six outlets are individually programmable, enabling load-shedding sequences during extended outages — you can keep the NVR and core switch alive while dropping non-critical loads automatically. The NEMA 5-15P input and 5-15R outputs are standard North American form factors, no adapters required for typical rack deployments.
- User-Configurable Output Voltage (110/115/120/125VAC ±3%): Output voltage is selectable across four settings, which matters when powering equipment with tight voltage tolerances or when feeding a mixed load of legacy and modern gear on the same UPS bank.
- Colored Graphic LCD with Gravity-Sensing Orientation: The display auto-rotates based on whether the unit is rack-mounted or tower-mounted — a practical detail that eliminates the need to navigate an upside-down interface during installation or troubleshooting in tight rack positions.
- ENERGY STAR® 2.0 Certified: Verified independently for efficiency compliance, relevant for deployments subject to energy efficiency mandates or corporate sustainability reporting. Also carries UL 1778 4th edition, CSA 22.2 No. 107.1, RoHS2, REACH, and WEEE listings — covers North American and European compliance requirements for commercial deployments.
Integration and Connectivity
The GXT5-500LVRT2UXLN ships with the RDU101 communications card installed, providing SNMP and web-based management over your existing network infrastructure without requiring an add-on purchase. The card supports remote monitoring of UPS status, load levels, battery health, and event logging — standard requirements for managed environments using network management platforms or DCIM tools.
Additional interface options include USB, RS485, RS232, a terminal block, and an external battery connector. The serial interfaces support out-of-band management paths when the network is unavailable, and the external battery connector allows runtime extension via compatible external battery modules. For environments already running managed PoE switches or structured around network video recorders, the SNMP capability integrates cleanly into existing monitoring workflows. If you're planning power protection across a larger surveillance network, see the UPS power protection buying guide for sizing and topology selection guidance.
Operating temperature range of +32 to +104°F (0 to +40°C) covers standard conditioned equipment room environments. This is not rated for outdoor enclosures or unconditioned spaces — plan accordingly if the installation site runs hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the GXT5-500LVRT2UXLN and a line-interactive UPS?
A: The GXT5-500LVRT2UXLN uses online double-conversion topology, meaning your connected equipment always runs from the inverter — there is zero transfer time to battery when utility power fails. Line-interactive UPS designs switch to battery, typically within 2–10ms. For NVRs, access control panels, and network switches, zero transfer time eliminates the risk of data corruption or equipment resets during power events.
Q: Does the GXT5-500LVRT2UXLN include the RDU101 communications card, or is it sold separately?
A: The RDU101 is included with this model (it is part of the product name). SNMP and web management are active out of the box — no separate card purchase required.
Q: Can I extend runtime beyond the internal battery?
A: Yes. The GXT5-500LVRT2UXLN has an external battery connector that supports compatible Vertiv external battery modules for extended runtime. Verify compatibility with Vertiv's current external battery lineup for this chassis before ordering.
Q: What output receptacles does the GXT5-500LVRT2UXLN provide?
A: Six NEMA 5-15R outlets total — four are individually programmable (for load shedding or sequenced shutdown), and two are non-programmable. Input is a standard NEMA 5-15P plug.
Q: What certifications does the GXT5-500LVRT2UXLN carry?
A: It is ENERGY STAR® 2.0 certified and listed to UL 1778 4th edition and CSA 22.2 No. 107.1 for North American safety. It also complies with RoHS2, REACH, and WEEE for European environmental directives.
Q: Is the GXT5-500LVRT2UXLN suitable for outdoor or unconditioned space installation?
A: No. The rated operating temperature is +32 to +104°F (0 to +40°C), which is appropriate for conditioned equipment rooms and standard indoor server closets. It is not rated for outdoor enclosures, high-humidity environments, or unconditioned spaces that routinely exceed 40°C.
The GXT5-500LVRT2UXLN is one of the few 500VA UPS units in this price class that delivers true online double-conversion with a unity power factor — meaning you actually get 500W of usable load, not the 300–350W you'd extract from a comparably rated line-interactive unit with a 0.6 power factor. That distinction matters when you're sizing power protection for a 4–8 camera PoE switch plus an NVR running continuous record.
Technical Highlights:
- 98% Active ECO Mode Efficiency: Running at 98% efficiency versus a typical 90–93% online design means roughly 10–30W less heat per unit in a rack — relevant when you're stacking multiple UPS units in a small closet with limited cooling margin.
- 60–150V Input Range: The wide acceptance window handles brownouts that would push a narrower-range UPS to battery prematurely. In commercial buildings with aging electrical infrastructure, this range prevents unnecessary battery cycling and extends battery service life.
- 4 Individually Programmable Outlets: The load-shedding capability on four of the six 5-15R outlets means you can configure priority shutdown sequences — keeping your NVR and management switch on battery longest while dropping access readers or ancillary gear first when runtime gets critical.
Deployment Considerations:
- The RDU101 card is included and active on delivery — confirm your SNMP community strings and network management platform trap destinations are configured before the unit goes into a remote or unmanned closet, since that's your primary visibility channel once it's deployed.
- The 0–40°C operating range is a firm ceiling. Surveillance equipment closets without active cooling can exceed 40°C in summer — verify ambient temperatures before installation, especially in exterior or rooftop equipment rooms.
The GXT5-500LVRT2UXLN is a strong fit for a small surveillance or network edge closet — specifically the scenario where you have a PoE switch feeding 4–6 cameras, an NVR, and a managed switch that all need zero-transfer protection and remote monitoring without a separate UPS management card budget line.
