In today’s technology-driven world, power outages, surges, and voltage fluctuations can disrupt business operations, damage equipment, and lead to costly downtime. The APC Smart-UPS 2200VA USB & Serial 230V (SUA2200I) from Schneider Electric is a trusted uninterruptible power supply (UPS) designed to deliver reliable power protection for servers, networking equipment, and other mission-critical devices. Known for its robust performance and intelligent features, this UPS remains a popular choice for small to medium-sized businesses and IT environments. In this blog, we’ll explore the features, benefits, and applications of the SUA2200I, highlighting why it’s a cornerstone of power protection.
Overview of the APC Smart-UPS 2200VA (SUA2200I)
The APC Smart-UPS 2200VA (SUA2200I) is a line-interactive UPS that provides 2200VA/1980W of power capacity in a tower form factor. Engineered to protect sensitive electronics from power disturbances, it offers pure sine wave output, automatic voltage regulation (AVR), and robust management capabilities via USB and serial interfaces. With its high power capacity and reliable battery backup, the SUA2200I is ideal for safeguarding servers, storage systems, and network infrastructure in environments requiring dependable uptime.
Key Specifications
- Power Capacity: 2200VA / 1980W
- Output Connections: 8x IEC C13 + 1x IEC C19 outlets
- Input Connection: IEC C20
- Nominal Input/Output Voltage: 230V
- Battery Type: Maintenance-free sealed lead-acid battery (RBC55)
- Typical Recharge Time: 3 hours to 90% capacity
- Form Factor: Tower (convertible to rackmount with optional kit)
- Communication Ports: USB, Serial, SmartSlot (for optional network management cards)
- Dimensions: 43.2 x 19.6 x 54.4 cm
- Weight: Approximately 50 kg
- Warranty: 2 years (repair or replace)
Standout Features of the SUA2200I
The APC Smart-UPS 2200VA is equipped with features that ensure reliable power delivery and ease of management. Here’s a closer look at its key capabilities:
1. Pure Sine Wave Output
When operating on battery power, the SUA2200I delivers a pure sine wave output, which is essential for sensitive equipment like servers with power-factor-corrected (PFC) power supplies. This ensures seamless operation during power transitions, minimizing the risk of equipment failure or data corruption.
2. Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR)
The line-interactive topology includes AVR, which corrects voltage fluctuations (e.g., sags or surges) without draining the battery. This extends battery life and ensures stable power delivery to connected devices, even in areas with inconsistent utility power.
3. Intelligent Battery Management
APC’s patented battery management system maximizes battery performance and longevity through precision charging and real-time monitoring. The SUA2200I performs periodic self-tests to detect battery issues early, and the hot-swappable RBC55 battery allows for easy replacement without powering down connected equipment.
4. Robust Communication Options
The UPS supports USB and serial connectivity, enabling integration with power management software like APC’s PowerChute Business Edition. This allows for graceful system shutdowns, event logging, and remote monitoring. The SmartSlot also supports optional network management cards (e.g., AP9630) for advanced remote management over a network.
5. LED Status Indicators
The front panel features LED indicators for online status, battery operation, overload conditions, and battery replacement needs. These provide at-a-glance insights into the UPS’s status, simplifying monitoring for IT administrators.
6. Cold-Start Capability
The SUA2200I can be powered on using its battery in the absence of utility power, providing temporary power to critical devices during outages until a generator or alternative power source is available.
7. Scalable Runtime
While the SUA2200I does not support external battery packs, its internal battery provides substantial runtime, typically 5–10 minutes at full load and up to 30 minutes at half load. This is sufficient for most applications to perform safe shutdowns or bridge brief outages.
8. Audible Alarms and Notifications
Configurable audible alarms alert users to power events, such as battery operation or low battery conditions. These can be customized or muted to suit the environment, ensuring timely awareness without unnecessary disruptions.
Benefits for Businesses
The APC Smart-UPS 2200VA (SUA2200I) offers numerous advantages for organizations seeking reliable power protection:
- High Reliability: With pure sine wave output and AVR, it ensures continuous operation of critical equipment during power disturbances.
- Cost-Effective Protection: The SUA2200I balances robust features with affordability, making it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
- Ease of Management: USB/serial connectivity and PowerChute software simplify monitoring and configuration, reducing IT workload.
- Flexible Deployment: Its tower design (with optional rackmount conversion) fits various environments, from server rooms to network closets.
- Equipment Safety: Surge protection and noise filtering safeguard sensitive electronics from power spikes and electromagnetic interference.
Applications
The SUA2200I is versatile and well-suited for a range of use cases, including:
- Server Rooms: Protects rack-mounted or standalone servers, ensuring uptime for business-critical applications.
- Networking Equipment: Safeguards routers, switches, and firewalls, maintaining network connectivity during outages.
- Workstations: Supports high-performance PCs and graphic workstations in design or engineering environments.
- Point-of-Sale Systems: Ensures continuous operation of retail systems, preventing transaction losses.
- Telecom Systems: Powers VoIP phones and communication equipment for uninterrupted service.
User Feedback and Considerations
The SUA2200I enjoys a strong reputation among users for its reliability and performance. Customers praise its ability to handle high loads and its seamless integration with PowerChute software for automated shutdowns. One user noted, “It’s been rock-solid for our small server setup, with no issues during multiple power outages.” The pure sine wave output and long runtime are frequently highlighted as key strengths.
However, there are some considerations:
- Weight and Size: At ~50 kg, the tower unit is heavy and requires careful handling during installation, especially if converting to rackmount.
- Noise Level: The cooling fan can be audible in quiet environments, which may be a concern for office settings.
- No LCD Display: Unlike newer Smart-UPS models (e.g., SMT series), the SUA2200I relies on LED indicators rather than an LCD for status updates, which may feel less intuitive for some users.
- Battery Replacement Costs: The RBC55 battery pack is relatively expensive, though its hot-swappable design minimizes downtime.
For optimal performance, ensure your facility has a compatible 230V power source with an IEC C20 input connection. Additionally, consider adding a network management card for remote monitoring in larger or distributed deployments.
Conclusion
The APC Smart-UPS 2200VA USB & Serial 230V (SUA2200I) is a dependable and feature-rich UPS that delivers robust power protection for critical IT and networking equipment. Its pure sine wave output, AVR, intelligent battery management, and versatile communication options make it a trusted solution for businesses seeking to minimize downtime and protect valuable assets. While its weight and lack of an LCD display may be minor drawbacks, its proven performance and scalability make it a standout choice for small to medium-sized environments.
Whether you’re powering servers, networking gear, or telecom systems, the SUA2200I provides peace of mind in an unpredictable power landscape. For more details or to purchase, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES.