APC by Schneider Electric Smart-ups RT - 208V - 16 KW - DB-9 RS-232 RJ-45 10/100 - SURT20KRMXLT

APC by Schneider Electric SURT20KRMXLT Smart-UPS RT 20KVA Rack-Mount UPS

The SURT20KRMXLT is a 20KVA / 16 kW rack-mount uninterruptible power supply from APC by Schneider Electric's Smart-UPS RT line, designed for data centers, network closets, and critical infrastructure where a power interruption means real downtime. At 208V and rack-mount form factor, this unit targets IT environments running server racks, storage arrays, and communications equipment that can't tolerate even a momentary sag or outage. The included Web/SNMP Management Card means this isn't a dumb power strip with a battery — it's a managed uninterruptible power supply you can monitor remotely, integrate into your NMS, and configure for proactive alerts before a problem becomes an incident.

Why This UPS

The Smart-UPS RT series sits above APC's entry-level line specifically because of its runtime scalability and management depth. The SURT20KRMXLT ships with the Web/SNMP Management Card already installed — a card that's an add-on cost on lower-tier models — which matters if you're deploying into a monitored rack environment and need SNMP traps, remote reboot capability, or integration with tools like SolarWinds, PRTG, or Cisco Prime. The DB-9 RS-232 serial port provides a direct legacy signalling path for servers or PDUs that predate network management, so mixed-vintage environments don't require additional adapters. The RJ-45 10/100 port handles the network management card's connectivity for modern NMS integration.

Key Features

• 20KVA / 16 kW capacity at 208V: Sized for high-density rack environments — enough headroom to protect multiple 1U/2U servers, storage systems, and network gear without running near the thermal ceiling. Buying at the right capacity margin means the unit runs cooler and batteries last longer.
• Rack-mount chassis: Designed for standard 19-inch racks, fitting the SURT20KRMXLT cleanly into an existing rack infrastructure without floor space penalty. Support rails are included in the box, so installation doesn't require a separate hardware order.
• Web/SNMP Management Card included: Remote monitoring, SNMP trap generation, scheduled shutdowns, and outlet-level control are available out of the box — not as a paid upgrade. For any deployment with a network operations center or remote management requirement, this is the spec that justifies the platform.
• DB-9 RS-232 serial interface: Provides direct UPS signalling to connected equipment using the included Smart UPS Signalling RS-232 Cable. Legacy servers, KVM switches, and serial-managed PDUs communicate over this path without requiring network access, keeping management functional even during network outages.
• RJ-45 10/100 network port: Feeds the Web/SNMP Management Card for network-based monitoring and control. Standard 10/100 Ethernet integration means no special switching hardware required — any managed switch port on your infrastructure works.
• Lead-acid battery chemistry: Proven, field-replaceable technology with a wide service network. Lead-acid runtime is predictable and well-understood by facilities teams, and replacement batteries are available through standard commercial channels. No proprietary cell formats that create single-source dependency.
• Rack dimensions 53.3H x 43.2W x 77.3D cm (17-inch depth profile): The depth of 77.3 cm (approximately 30.4 inches) is a real planning spec — verify your rack's usable depth before ordering. Many 2-post open racks and shallow 4-post racks can't accommodate a unit this deep; standard 1000mm deep data center cabinets handle it without issue.
• Bundled software CD: APC's PowerChute software enables graceful OS-level shutdown sequences, so a prolonged outage doesn't corrupt file systems or databases. Relevant for any environment where servers need an ordered shutdown, not a hard cut.

Integration and Compatibility

The SURT20KRMXLT is built around open management standards. The Web/SNMP Management Card supports standard SNMP MIBs, making it compatible with most enterprise NMS platforms without custom integration work. The RS-232 serial interface uses APC's Smart-UPS signalling protocol, which is natively supported by PowerChute and by most major server vendors' power management utilities. For power protection planning in rack environments, pair this unit with appropriately rated PDUs and verify your network switch PoE budgets if the protected load includes PoE-powered devices. California Prop 65 warning applies — the lead-acid battery chemistry requires disposal in compliance with local regulations; plan for battery end-of-life handling accordingly.

What's in the Box

• 1x APC Smart-UPS RT SURT20KRMXLT UPS unit
• 1x Web/SNMP Management Card (pre-installed)
• 1x Rack Mounting Support Rails
• 1x Smart UPS Signalling RS-232 Cable
• 1x CD with Software (PowerChute)
• 1x User Manual

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the output capacity of the SURT20KRMXLT?

A: The SURT20KRMXLT is rated at 20KVA / 16 kW at 208V. Size your connected load below this ceiling — running at or near rated capacity reduces battery runtime and increases thermal stress on the unit.

Q: Does the SURT20KRMXLT include a network management card?

A: Yes. The Web/SNMP Management Card is included and pre-installed. It provides SNMP monitoring, remote management via web interface, and integration with enterprise NMS platforms — no separate purchase required.

Q: What communication interfaces does the SURT20KRMXLT provide?

A: The unit includes a DB-9 RS-232 serial port for direct UPS signalling and an RJ-45 10/100 Ethernet port for the Web/SNMP Management Card network connectivity.

Q: What battery type does the SURT20KRMXLT use?

A: Lead-acid batteries. These are field-replaceable and widely available through commercial channels. Note that lead-acid batteries are subject to Prop 65 warnings in California and must be disposed of per local hazardous materials regulations.

Q: Will the SURT20KRMXLT fit in a standard data center rack?

A: The unit dimensions are 53.3H x 43.2W x 77.3D cm (approximately 21H x 17W x 30.4D inches). The depth of ~30.4 inches requires a rack with at least 31 inches of usable interior depth. Verify your cabinet's usable depth before ordering — shallow or 2-post open racks may not accommodate this unit. Rack mounting rails are included.

Q: What software is included with the SURT20KRMXLT?

A: A CD with APC's PowerChute software is included. PowerChute enables graceful, ordered server shutdowns during extended outages, protecting file systems and databases from hard power cuts.

Ted Perry

The SURT20KRMXLT is one of those units where the included Web/SNMP Management Card changes the deployment conversation entirely. At 20KVA/16 kW on a 208V feed, you're protecting a serious rack load — and having SNMP management already installed means your NOC can poll this unit from day one without a secondary hardware order or a return to the rack.

Technical Highlights:

• 20KVA / 16 kW at 208V: This capacity tier fits high-density compute rows — think 4–6 populated 2U servers plus storage and networking on a single UPS domain. Keep actual load under 80% of rated capacity to stay in the efficient operating band and protect battery cycle life.
• Web/SNMP Management Card (included): Ships pre-installed, not as a line-item add-on. SNMP trap integration with platforms like PRTG, SolarWinds, or Nagios is straightforward using APC's published MIBs — no custom OID mapping needed in most deployments.
• Lead-acid battery with rack rails included: Battery replacement is a field operation — no service contract required for a swap. The included rack mounting support rails eliminate a common gotcha where integrators order the UPS and discover rails are a separate SKU.

Deployment Considerations:

• At 77.3 cm depth, verify usable cabinet interior depth before racking — this unit will not seat in a shallow 800mm cabinet without extensions. Measure twice; a return on a unit this size is expensive.
• The CD-based PowerChute software assumes a physical optical drive or a virtual mount — plan accordingly for servers without optical drives, as APC also distributes PowerChute via download, but confirm the version on the included CD matches your OS environment before deployment.

The SURT20KRMXLT is the right fit for a mid-density data center row or a large network operations closet where 208V infrastructure is already in place, managed power protection is non-negotiable, and the budget supports a platform with room to expand via APC's external battery module ecosystem.