Vertiv GXT5LI-10KMVRT4UXLN 10kVA/10kW Double-Conversion Li-Ion Rackmount UPS
Overview
The Vertiv GXT5LI-10KMVRT4UXLN is a 10,000VA / 10,000W double-conversion online UPS in a 4U rackmount form factor, designed for IT closets, data center rows, and edge deployments where zero transfer time to battery and lithium-ion chemistry are both priorities. At full unity power factor — 10kVA equals 10kW with no derating — this is the unit to specify when your load calculation leaves no headroom for power factor surprises. The GXT5LI-10KMVRT4UXLN ships with hardwired input/output (L1, L2, N, G), so plan your install around a dedicated circuit and licensed electrician rather than a plug-and-play outlet.
Key Features
- Double-Conversion Online Topology: The load runs on conditioned inverter power 100% of the time — not just during a transfer event. That means voltage sags, surges, and frequency deviations from the utility never reach your equipment. For NVR arrays, network switches, or edge compute nodes that log input-power anomalies, this eliminates the noise entirely.
- 10,000VA / 10,000W at Unity Power Factor: Modern servers and switches present near-unity loads. The GXT5 delivers its full rated wattage without the 0.8 pF derate common on older VA-rated systems. Spec a rack at 8kW of actual server draw and this unit handles it without oversizing to a higher model.
- Lithium-Ion Battery Chemistry: Li-Ion cells carry roughly one-third the weight of equivalent VRLA batteries and tolerate higher ambient temperatures without accelerated aging. In a 4U chassis weighing 156.3 lbs (already meaningfully lighter than a comparable VRLA unit of this capacity), that translates to fewer reinforced-floor concerns and a longer service interval before battery replacement.
- User-Configurable Output Voltage (120V/208V or 120V/240V): The output voltage is field-selectable, which matters when a mixed rack includes both 120V single-phase gear and 208V dual-voltage equipment. Specify the correct output at commissioning; reconfiguring post-install is possible but requires downtime.
- Hardwired Input (L1, L2, N, G): Input draws from a 120V/240V dual-leg circuit, hardwired. There is no NEMA plug — this is a permanent installation. Verify your panel capacity and conduit path before the unit arrives on site; retrofit wiring is the most common schedule-killer on these installs.
- Network Interface via RDU101 (RJ-45) + Serial + USB: Three management paths give you options: USB for local configuration during commissioning, serial for legacy building management systems, and the RDU101 network card for SNMP-based monitoring, shutdown scripting, and integration with power management platforms. The RJ-45 network port is where most enterprise teams will live day-to-day.
- Operating Temperature 32°F–104°F (0°C–40°C), 10% Derating at 50°C: Rated to 40°C without derating — adequate for most mechanical rooms and IT closets. The 10% derating at 50°C is a real-world ceiling; if your room hits 122°F under summer load, plan on approximately 9kW of usable capacity rather than 10kW.
- Energy Star 2.0 Certified: Confirms efficiency performance meets the current DOE standard. On a 10kW UPS running 24/7, even a 1% efficiency improvement is roughly 876 kWh/year — worth factoring into total cost of ownership calculations for multi-unit deployments.
- Comprehensive Safety Listings (UL 1778, UL 1642, UL 1973, CSA, FCC Part 15 Class A): UL 1778 covers the UPS system itself; UL 1642 and UL 1973 specifically address the lithium-ion cell and battery pack respectively — a distinction that matters for building permits and insurance requirements in jurisdictions with Li-Ion fire code scrutiny. FCC Part 15 Class A confirms the unit is cleared for commercial (non-residential) environments.
Integration & Compatibility
The GXT5LI-10KMVRT4UXLN integrates with SNMP-capable power management platforms via the included RDU101 network card slot. The serial port provides RS-232 connectivity for legacy BMS and DCIM integrations. USB supports direct connection to a host for graceful shutdown scripting without network dependency — useful for isolated edge nodes. The hardwired 120V/240V input fits standard US commercial distribution panels; confirm your transfer switch or PDU downstream is sized for the configured output voltage. For deployments protecting network switches and network video recorders, pair this UPS with appropriately rated PDUs — the hardwired output feeds a distribution point, not individual NEMA receptacles directly.
Integrators specifying power protection for Vertiv UPS and power systems should note that the XL designation indicates this unit supports external battery cabinet expansion for extended runtime — verify compatible external battery models in the current UPS and power protection catalog. Rack space planning: at 4U and 35 inches deep, confirm your cabinet has adequate depth before purchasing. Standard 2-post open-frame racks may require a shelf or rail kit; 4-post cabinets with 800mm depth are the natural fit. For a broader look at power protection planning considerations, consult a UPS sizing and runtime guide before finalizing capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the GXT5LI and a standard GXT5 without the LI designation?
A: The LI suffix indicates lithium-ion battery chemistry rather than traditional VRLA (valve-regulated lead-acid) batteries. Li-Ion cells offer a longer service life, lighter weight, and better performance at higher ambient temperatures compared to VRLA. The GXT5LI-10KMVRT4UXLN weighs 156.3 lbs — meaningfully lighter than a comparable VRLA unit at this capacity.
Q: Does the GXT5LI-10KMVRT4UXLN require a special circuit or can it plug into a standard outlet?
A: This unit is hardwired only — it uses L1, L2, N, G terminal connections and does not include a NEMA plug. Installation requires a dedicated dual-leg circuit (120V/240V input) and a licensed electrician. This is not a plug-and-play unit.
Q: What output voltage does the GXT5LI-10KMVRT4UXLN provide?
A: Output is user-configurable: either 120V/208V or 120V/240V. The configuration is set at commissioning and can be changed in the field, though any reconfiguration requires downtime. Select the correct output for your downstream equipment before installation.
Q: What management interfaces does the GXT5LI-10KMVRT4UXLN support?
A: Three interfaces are available: USB (local configuration and shutdown scripting), Serial (RS-232 for legacy BMS/DCIM), and Network RJ-45 via the RDU101 card for SNMP-based monitoring and remote management. Most enterprise deployments will use the RDU101 network path for ongoing monitoring.
Q: Is the GXT5LI-10KMVRT4UXLN Energy Star certified?
A: Yes, it carries Energy Star 2.0 certification, confirming it meets current DOE efficiency standards for UPS systems in this class.
Q: Does operating at higher ambient temperatures affect the output capacity?
A: Yes. The unit is rated at full 10kW capacity up to 40°C (104°F). Above that, a 10% derating applies at 50°C (122°F), reducing usable capacity to approximately 9kW. For installations in warm mechanical rooms or poorly conditioned spaces, factor this into your load planning.
The spec that drives most of my recommendations on the GXT5LI-10KMVRT4UXLN is the unity power factor — 10,000VA equals 10,000W with zero gap. I've seen integrators burn capacity budget on older 0.8 pF systems and end up undersized when the rack fills out. With this unit, what you spec is what you get under real server and switch loads.
Technical Highlights:
- Double-Conversion Online Topology: The load runs on inverter output continuously — no 2–6ms transfer window. For NVR systems with time-sensitive recording, this means power anomalies from the utility side simply don't appear in your equipment's event logs.
- Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (UL 1973 Listed): The Li-Ion pack carries dedicated UL 1973 certification — not just the cells (UL 1642) but the full battery pack as installed in a UPS. That's the listing AHJs are asking for when Li-Ion fire code questions come up during permit review.
- 156.3 lbs Shipping Weight: At 4U and 35 inches deep, floor loading is a real consideration in older buildings. 156.3 lbs is still heavy, but compare it to a VRLA unit of equivalent capacity and you're typically looking at 30–50 lbs of savings — relevant when you're stacking multiple units in a single rack bay.
Deployment Considerations:
- Hardwired input (L1, L2, N, G) means this unit cannot be commissioned without a licensed electrician and a dedicated branch circuit. Budget for that in your project timeline — it's the most common schedule slip on these installs.
- The 10% derating at 50°C is documented but often overlooked. If the mechanical room hits 122°F during summer peak, your 10kW unit delivers approximately 9kW. Size your load accordingly or plan for active cooling in the space.
This unit is the right call for edge data closets and IT rooms protecting 8–10kW of mixed 120V/208V server and network infrastructure where Li-Ion chemistry, zero-transfer-time protection, and SNMP-based remote management are all required in a single 4U chassis.
