APC by Schneider Electric SRT5KRMXLW-HW 5000VA Online Rack UPS
The APC by Schneider Electric SRT5KRMXLW-HW is a 5000VA / 4.5kW online double-conversion uninterruptible power supply in a 3U rackmount form factor, delivering dual output voltage support at 208V and 230V. This model is designed for hardwire (HW) installation — meaning it connects directly to facility wiring rather than a standard plug, which suits higher-current branch circuits found in data closets, server rooms, and critical infrastructure racks.
Overview
Online double-conversion topology means the SRT5KRMXLW-HW regenerates output power from its inverter continuously — connected equipment never runs directly off raw utility power. Voltage spikes, sags, frequency instability, and switching transients are all isolated by the conversion stage before they reach your load. For servers, network switches, NVRs, and access control controllers where unexpected shutdowns carry a real cost, this architecture is meaningfully different from line-interactive or standby designs.
The HW suffix indicates this unit ships without an output power cord or plug — it is designed for direct hardwire connection to a PDU or branch circuit. Confirm your facility's wiring configuration before ordering; this is not a plug-and-play swap for a standard outlet-connected UPS.
Key Specifications
- Output Capacity — 5000VA / 4.5kW: Provides enough headroom for a dense 3U rack load including servers, PoE switches, and NVR storage arrays running simultaneously.
- Dual Output Voltage — 208V and 230V: Supports both North American 208V single-phase and international 230V loads from the same unit, giving flexibility when mixing equipment sourced from different markets.
- 3U Rackmount Form Factor: Fits standard 19-inch EIA cabinets and takes up only 3U of rack space — a reasonable footprint for the power class.
- Lead-Acid Battery: Uses sealed lead-acid chemistry, the standard for stationary UPS applications — replaceable in the field without replacing the entire unit.
- Hardwire Output (HW): Direct facility wiring connection suits high-current branch circuits where a standard NEMA outlet would be undersized or unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the HW suffix mean on the SRT5KRMXLW-HW?
A: HW stands for hardwire. The unit connects directly to facility branch circuit wiring rather than using a plug-and-socket connection. This is typical for higher-current installations where standard NEMA outlets are not used.
Q: What output voltages does the SRT5KRMXLW-HW support?
A: The unit supports both 208V and 230V output, making it suitable for mixed equipment environments or international equipment deployed on North American circuits.
Q: How many rack units does the SRT5KRMXLW-HW occupy?
A: The SRT5KRMXLW-HW occupies 3U in a standard 19-inch rack enclosure.
Q: What battery type does this UPS use?
A: It uses a sealed lead-acid battery, which is field-replaceable — standard for stationary rack UPS platforms in this power class.
Q: Is this unit suitable for a security or surveillance equipment rack?
A: Yes. A 5000VA / 4.5kW online UPS at 3U is well-suited for protecting NVRs, PoE switches, access control servers, and IP intercom gateways in a single rack. The online topology ensures zero transfer time to battery, which matters for equipment sensitive to even brief power interruptions.
The SRT5KRMXLW-HW sits in the mid-range of APC's Smart-UPS SRT line — 5000VA at 4.5kW in 3U is a practical size for a security head-end rack that includes an NVR, a managed PoE switch, and an access control server running simultaneously. The hardwire output is the spec that determines whether this unit fits your installation: if your rack cabinet feeds from a dedicated branch circuit rather than a PDU with standard outlets, the HW variant is the correct selection; if you need a plug, it is not.
Technical Highlights:
- Online Double-Conversion Topology: Output is always inverter-derived — no transfer time to battery, no voltage passthrough. Critical for NVRs and access control panels that log alarms during power events.
- 5000VA / 4.5kW Capacity: Sufficient headroom for a fully populated security rack without running the UPS near its thermal limits, which extends battery service life.
- Dual 208V / 230V Output: Useful when a single rack hosts a mix of domestic 208V and imported 230V-rated equipment — avoids the need for external step-up/step-down transformers.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify your branch circuit amperage and conduit termination before specifying this unit — the HW designation means an electrician must complete the output wiring, which adds installation time and cost versus a plug-connected model.
- Runtime at full 4.5kW load on the internal battery alone will be limited; for extended runtime in a head-end room, plan for an external battery module (XLW-compatible) or size the load to a fraction of the 5kW rating.
This unit is the right specification for a permanent security operations head-end or server closet installation where a licensed electrician is already on the project — it is not the right pick for a temporary deployment or a site without a dedicated branch circuit at the rack.
