Vertiv PBRGXT34X1500VA 1500VA Online Double-Conversion Rack/Tower UPS
Overview
The Vertiv PBRGXT34X1500VA is a 1500VA/1350W online double-conversion uninterruptible power supply designed for IT closets, security head-ends, and surveillance NVR racks where continuous, regulated power is non-negotiable. Unlike standby or line-interactive topologies, double conversion means your connected equipment never runs directly off raw utility power — the load always draws from a conditioned inverter output, eliminating the transfer-time gap that can crash sensitive electronics during fast voltage events. If you're protecting a multi-channel NVR, a PoE switch stack, or an access control server, that architecture matters.
The PBRGXT34X1500VA ships in a compact rack/tower convertible form factor, so it fits a 1U or 2U rack slot or stands vertically on a shelf — useful in mixed environments where space allocation changes. A gravity-sensing colored graphic LCD reorients its display automatically when you switch between orientations, which is a small but real convenience during installation and re-rack jobs. For the full Vertiv Vertiv power protection catalog, including companion UPS models and accessories, see the brand page.
Key Features
- 1500VA / 1350W double-conversion output: The 1350W real power capacity handles a loaded 1U server, a 24-port PoE switch, and a 16-channel NVR simultaneously without approaching the thermal derating threshold. Size up only if your draw exceeds roughly 1,000W continuous (recommended 80% load ceiling).
- Up to 98% efficiency in Active ECO Mode: At 98% efficiency, less than 2% of input power is lost as heat — reducing cooling load and operating cost compared to traditional online UPS designs that typically run 90–94%. ECO mode is configurable; if your environment demands stricter isolation, standard on-line mode holds 95% efficiency with full double conversion active.
- Output voltage configurable: 110/115/120/125VAC ±3%: Four selectable output voltages let you match the UPS output precisely to your equipment's rated input, reducing stress on power supplies in mixed-brand deployments. The ±3% regulation window is tighter than most line-interactive units, which matters for analog video encoders and older camera power bricks with narrow tolerance.
- Wide input range: 60–150VAC typical 120V: A 60–150V input window means the unit continues delivering conditioned power through significant browndown or overvoltage events without switching to battery — extending battery life in areas with poor utility quality, such as industrial or edge-of-grid deployments. Explore compatible UPS and power protection solutions for broader context on selecting the right unit for your environment.
- 6 output receptacles (NEMA 5-15R), 4 individually programmable: Four of the six outlets can be assigned to separate load segments and switched independently — useful for staged shutdown sequences or remote outlet cycling via the management interface. The two non-programmable outlets remain always-on, appropriate for life-safety devices like fire alarm communicators or door controllers.
- Liebert IntelliSlot RDU120 communications card (optional): The optional network management card slot (IntelliSlot RDU120) adds SNMP and web-based management, enabling UPS monitoring from any SNMP-capable NMS — including most enterprise network management platforms. Without the card, the unit communicates via USB, RS485, RS232, or terminal block for local and serial out-of-band management.
- External battery connector: An external battery connector port allows runtime extension via compatible external battery modules — relevant for surveillance deployments in remote locations where recharging intervals between power events are long.
- ENERGY STAR 2.0 certified, UL 1778 4th edition listed: ENERGY STAR 2.0 certification validates the efficiency claims against an independent standard, useful for facilities pursuing energy benchmarking or green building certifications. UL 1778 listing means the unit has passed the current edition of the UPS safety standard — a requirement in many commercial and government facility specifications. Additional listings include RoHS2, REACH, WEEE, and CSA 22.2 No. 107.1.
- Operating range +32°F to +104°F (0–40°C): The 40°C upper limit covers most IT room and wiring closet environments without forced cooling. Installations in non-climate-controlled spaces — above-ceiling cable trays, outdoor-rated enclosures, or unconditioned telecom rooms — should verify ambient temperatures stay within this window. For guidance on power infrastructure planning, see the power protection planning guide.
Integration and Compatibility
The PBRGXT34X1500VA integrates with SNMP-capable network management systems when equipped with the optional Liebert IntelliSlot RDU120 card, providing UPS status, load percentage, battery state, and event alerts over the network. Without the card, serial (RS232/RS485) and USB interfaces support local monitoring via vendor software or third-party tools. The terminal block interface provides dry-contact signals for building management system (BMS) integration — relevant for facilities with centralized power monitoring. The external battery connector is compatible with Vertiv's GXT3 external battery cabinet family; confirm specific model compatibility with Vertiv's battery compatibility matrix before ordering. For installations paired with surveillance NVRs or access control servers, network video recorders and associated equipment should have their actual power draw measured (not nameplate) before sizing final load.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the on-line mode and Active ECO Mode on the PBRGXT34X1500VA?
A: In on-line (double-conversion) mode, the unit converts AC to DC and back to AC continuously, delivering fully conditioned power at up to 95% efficiency and zero transfer time during utility failures. Active ECO Mode bypasses the inverter during normal utility conditions for up to 98% efficiency, with a brief transfer back to full double conversion if the utility goes out of tolerance. ECO mode is suitable for stable utility environments; on-line mode is preferred where utility quality is poor or the connected load is highly sensitive.
Q: Can I extend the battery runtime on the PBRGXT34X1500VA?
A: Yes. The PBRGXT34X1500VA includes an external battery connector that supports compatible Vertiv GXT3 external battery cabinets. Runtime extension depends on the connected load and the capacity of the external battery module selected. Contact Vertiv or your power specialist for a runtime calculation based on your actual watt load.
Q: What network management options are available for the PBRGXT34X1500VA?
A: Out of the box, the unit supports USB, RS232, RS485, and terminal block interfaces for local and serial management. Full SNMP and web-based remote management requires the optional Vertiv Liebert IntelliSlot RDU120 communications card, which installs in the dedicated IntelliSlot bay. Without this card, SNMP monitoring is not available.
Q: What outlets does the PBRGXT34X1500VA provide and are they all protected?
A: The unit provides six NEMA 5-15R output receptacles, all battery-backed and surge-protected. Four of the six are individually programmable for load shedding or sequential shutdown sequencing. The remaining two are non-programmable always-on outlets.
Q: Is the PBRGXT34X1500VA rack-mountable?
A: Yes. The PBRGXT34X1500VA ships in a convertible rack/tower form factor. It can be installed in a standard equipment rack or used as a freestanding tower unit. The gravity-sensing LCD display reorients automatically based on physical orientation.
Q: What safety and efficiency certifications does the PBRGXT34X1500VA carry?
A: The unit is ENERGY STAR 2.0 certified, UL 1778 4th edition listed, CSA 22.2 No. 107.1 listed, and compliant with RoHS2, REACH, and WEEE directives.
When I spec a UPS for a surveillance or access control head-end, the topology argument settles first — and the PBRGXT34X1500VA's online double-conversion architecture is the right answer for any rack where NVR write cycles, door controllers, or PoE switches can't tolerate even a 10ms transfer gap. The 1500VA/1350W capacity is a practical sweet spot: enough headroom to cover a loaded 16-channel NVR, a managed PoE switch, and an access control panel without pushing past the 80% continuous load ceiling that keeps these units running cool.
Technical Highlights:
- 98% Active ECO Mode efficiency: On a unit drawing 1,000W continuously, the difference between 94% and 98% efficiency is roughly 40W of heat you're not adding to the rack — less load on room cooling and lower operating cost over a multi-year deployment.
- 4 programmable outlets (of 6 total): In a surveillance head-end, you can assign cameras and NVRs to separately sequenced outlet groups — shut down non-critical encoders first during an extended outage while keeping the NVR and access controller on battery longest.
- 60–150V input window: Edge-of-grid installations — remote parking structures, construction trailers, industrial yards — often see voltage sag events that would push a narrower-window UPS onto battery constantly. The wide input range keeps the battery reserved for actual outages rather than browndown events.
Deployment Considerations:
- SNMP monitoring requires the optional IntelliSlot RDU120 card — budget for it if your NMS or DCIM platform needs to poll UPS status. The base unit's USB and serial interfaces work for local monitoring but won't integrate with enterprise network management without the card.
- The unit's NEMA 5-15P input means it's rated for standard 15A circuits only — confirm your rack PDU or wall circuit is 15A (not 20A NEMA 5-20) before installation. If your rack runs 20A circuits, you'll need an adapter or a different model with a 5-20P input.
The PBRGXT34X1500VA is the right call for a surveillance wiring closet or security operations rack where double-conversion isolation, outlet-level programmability, and a path to SNMP monitoring all need to coexist in a single compact unit — particularly in facilities where utility power quality is inconsistent and battery conservation matters.
