Vertiv PSI5-2200RT120 2U Rack/Tower Line-Interactive UPS

Overview

The Vertiv PSI5-2200RT120 is a 2200VA/1920W line-interactive UPS designed to keep security systems, network equipment, servers, and point-of-sale devices running during power events. This 2U form factor (available as rack-mount or tower) sits between your facility's AC input and critical loads, conditioning incoming power and automatically switching to battery backup if the grid drops. For surveillance systems pulling consistent 24/7 loads across camera arrays, NVRs, and access control, this unit handles the range of real-world input voltage swings (75–146VAC) without draining battery unnecessarily—a hard requirement in older buildings and areas with unreliable distribution.

Key Features

• Line-Interactive Topology with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR): The PSI5-2200RT120 doesn't switch to battery on every voltage fluctuation. Instead, it uses AVR to condition brownouts and overvoltage events in real time, extending battery life and reducing wear. For security deployments in facilities with marginal power quality, this means weeks or months longer battery lifespan compared to simpler standby designs.
• Pure Sinewave Output: Delivers clean, regulated 120VAC output (configurable per outlet group: 100V, 110V, 115V, or 125V) ensuring sensitive electronics like IP cameras, NVR appliances, and network switches won't experience harmonic distortion during battery mode. Critical for systems that depend on stable voltage to maintain network connectivity and codec integrity.
• 96% Efficiency (Normal Mode): In pass-through (mains available), the PSI5-2200RT120 wastes minimal power as heat, reducing cooling load in enclosed server racks or closets. Over a year of 24/7 operation, this efficiency translates to measurable savings on facility power bills—meaningful when power costs are already high.
• Hot-Swappable, User-Replaceable VRLA Battery: No need for a technician or a service call to replace the internal battery pack. Slide out the old cartridge, slide in the new one—the unit stays online and protecting loads. For unattended remote surveillance sites, this reduces downtime and emergency service costs over the unit's lifespan.
• Scalable Runtime via External Battery Cabinets: The PSI5-2200RT120 supports connection to external VRLA battery enclosures, letting you add hours of autonomy without replacing the entire unit. For facilities where 24/7 surveillance must survive extended outages (rural sites, areas with frequent long blackouts), this modularity avoids a forklift upgrade later.
• Programmable Outlet Groups and Emergency Power Off (EPO): Assign different outlets to different priority levels—keep cameras and the NVR powered while shedding less critical loads (lighting, secondary equipment) to extend battery runtime. EPO switch provides manual shutdown on demand, required for safe maintenance in many facilities.
• USB Management Port and Optional Network Cards: Monitor battery status and configure the unit via USB, or add optional Intellislot cards for SNMP, Modbus, or BACnet integration into building management systems. For enterprise deployments, remote alerting on battery exhaustion or mains failure closes a visibility gap.
• Gravity-Sensing LCD Display: The display auto-rotates whether the unit is mounted in a rack horizontally or sitting upright as a tower, so you can always read load percentage, battery status, and fault conditions without opening the cabinet.

Integration and Compatibility

The PSI5-2200RT120 accepts 120VAC input (range 75–146VAC) on an L5-20P connector and provides 6 standard 5-15R outlets plus 1 L5-20R outlet for higher-draw equipment. All outlets support programmable load shedding, allowing you to prioritize security and network loads in a controlled shutdown sequence. The unit meets UL 1778 (UPS safety), c-UL-us Listed (Canadian/US dual certification), FCC Part 15 Class B (minimal electromagnetic interference), and Energy Star 2.0 (efficient operating mode). Integration with building automation or IPMI-based server environments is supported via optional SNMP, Modbus, or BACnet network cards—no mandatory proprietary software required. Surge protection conforms to ANSI C62.41 Category B, defending against transient overvoltages common in facilities with heavy inductive loads or nearby lightning activity.

The PSI5-2200RT120 (often searched as PSI5 2200RT120) operates reliably up to 40°C ambient temperature, suitable for non-climate-controlled closets or network rooms in warm climates. Temperature-compensated charging ensures the VRLA battery ages gracefully even in marginal thermal conditions. At 59.1 lb and 17.2 × 24.8 × 3.5 inches, the unit fits standard 19-inch equipment racks with minimal footprint impact.

What's in the Box

Your PSI5-2200RT120 arrives factory-configured and ready to deploy. The unit includes integrated rack ears for 2U mounting and can alternatively be used in tower orientation on a desktop or floor surface. Internal batteries (VRLA, user-replaceable) are installed and pre-charged. Cables, adapters, and outlet type conversion kits are not included—plan for appropriate power cords and connector adapters based on your facility's plug standards and load equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long will the PSI5-2200RT120 keep a surveillance system running during an outage?

A: Runtime depends on the load connected. At full 1920W, battery runtime is limited—typically 3–5 minutes. However, a typical 4-camera NVR setup with network equipment pulls 400–600W, extending autonomy to 20–30 minutes. For longer runtimes (1+ hours), connect an external VRLA battery cabinet to the unit.

Q: Can I use the PSI5-2200RT120 in a humid or wet environment?

A: The PSI5-2200RT120 is designed for indoor, climate-controlled use (up to 40°C operating temperature). Outdoor or high-humidity applications require additional weatherproof enclosure; the unit itself is not IP-rated for direct moisture exposure. For outdoor use, consult with your system integrator on supplemental environmental protection.

Q: What warranty comes with the PSI5-2200RT120?

A: Vertiv provides a 2-year full unit coverage including the internal VRLA battery, with next-day advanced replacement available if hardware failure occurs.

Q: Does the PSI5-2200RT120 require any special installation or setup?

A: The unit arrives pre-configured and ready to power on. Input voltage range (75–146VAC) is automatically detected. Output voltage can be user-selected per outlet group (100V, 110V, 115V, or 125V) via the front panel menu. Rack mounting requires standard 19-inch bracket installation. No SNMP or network integration is mandatory; basic operation works standalone.

Q: Can I daisy-chain external battery cabinets to extend runtime?

A: Yes. The PSI5-2200RT120 supports connection to external VRLA battery enclosures, allowing modular expansion of backup capacity without replacing the main UPS. Consult Vertiv documentation for compatible external battery models and connection procedures.

Q: What should I do if the PSI5-2200RT120 is showing a low-battery alarm?

A: The unit will alert via the LCD display and optional network management cards. Gracefully shut down non-critical loads using the programmable outlet groups, or transfer to a backup power generator if available. Once mains power is restored, the unit will recharge the VRLA battery automatically using temperature-compensated charging.

Jerry Tildsen

The Vertiv PSI5-2200RT120 sits in the sweet spot for mid-scale surveillance and network infrastructure. Line-interactive topology means the unit doesn't burn through battery on every voltage hiccup—it conditions sags and surges in real time using AVR, which matters more than you'd think on marginal distribution circuits. I've watched facilities in older buildings drain replacement battery packs every 18 months with cheaper standby designs; the PSI5-2200RT120's proactive voltage regulation cuts that wear dramatically.

Technical Highlights:

• 96% Efficiency (Normal Mode): Pass-through losses are minimal, cutting facility power overhead and cooling load. For sites running 24/7 security, that efficiency compounds to real dollars saved over three years.
• Pure Sinewave Output (configurable 100–125VAC): Eliminates harmonic distortion that can corrupt codec streams or trip sensitive power supplies on network gear. Non-negotiable for deployments where a failed NVR costs you evidence.
• Hot-Swappable VRLA Battery with Temperature-Compensated Charging: Replace the battery pack yourself—no service call. Charging algorithm adapts to ambient temperature (up to 40°C), extending pack life in marginal conditions.
• Scalable Runtime via External Battery Cabinets: Modular expansion lets you add hours of autonomy later without ripping out hardware. Invaluable for remote sites where a forklift upgrade is expensive and disruptive.
• Programmable Outlet Groups and Load Shedding: Prioritize critical loads; shed lighting and non-essential gear to extend battery autonomy. Paired with optional network cards (SNMP/Modbus/BACnet), you can automate shutdown sequences.

Deployment Considerations:

• Input voltage range (75–146VAC) is wide, but if your facility regularly dips below 75VAC, the PSI5-2200RT120 won't condition that event—battery takes over. For extremely marginal power, spec a larger unit or add a generator-backup plan.
• Runtime at full 1920W load is brief (3–5 minutes). Most surveillance deployments pull 400–600W (4-camera NVR, network switch), stretching autonomy to 20–30 minutes. If you need 1+ hours, budget for external battery cabinets from day one.
• The unit is designed for climate-controlled indoor mounting (≤40°C ambient). Outdoor or high-humidity closets need supplemental weatherproof enclosure—it is not IP-rated for direct exposure.

Deploy the PSI5-2200RT120 in small-to-medium security operations where power quality is variable but outage duration is predictable (brownouts, brief grid faults). The programmable outlets and optional network cards make it a solid fit for facilities integrating UPS status into a centralized monitoring dashboard. Avoid it if you need extended runtime (2+ hours) without external batteries, or if ambient temperature regularly exceeds 40°C.