Ensuring Business Continuity: A Deep Dive into the APC Easy UPS 3S 20 kVA 400 V 3:3 UPS (E3SUPS20KHB1)

In today’s technology-driven world, uninterrupted power is critical for small and medium businesses, data centers, and electrical rooms. The APC Easy UPS 3S 20 kVA 400 V 3:3 UPS with Internal Batteries – 15 Minutes Runtime (E3SUPS20KHB1) by Schneider Electric is a high-efficiency, three-phase uninterruptible power supply (UPS) designed to deliver reliable power protection with ease of use. This blog explores the features, benefits, and technical specifications of the E3SUPS20KHB1, highlighting why it’s an ideal solution for ensuring business continuity.

Why Choose a Three-Phase UPS?

Three-phase UPS systems like the E3SUPS20KHB1 are designed to handle high-power loads in environments where downtime is not an option. They provide stable power to critical equipment, protect against power outages, surges, and fluctuations, and ensure operational continuity. The APC Easy UPS 3S is tailored for small and medium businesses, offering advanced features in a compact, user-friendly package.

Key Features of the APC Easy UPS 3S E3SUPS20KHB1

1. High-Efficiency Double Conversion Online Topology

The E3SUPS20KHB1 utilizes a double conversion online topology, ensuring consistent power quality with zero transfer time during outages. It delivers a maximum configurable power of 20 kW / 20 kVA with an output voltage distortion of less than 3% and a total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 3% for linear loads, making it ideal for sensitive IT equipment.

2. 15-Minute Runtime with Internal Batteries

Equipped with two internal 7Ah modular VRLA battery strings (expandable to three), the E3SUPS20KHB1 provides up to 15 minutes of runtime at full load. This allows critical systems to remain operational during short power outages or until a backup generator kicks in. For detailed runtime charts, refer to the manufacturer’s documentation.

3. Wide Input Voltage Window

The UPS supports an input voltage range of 304–477V and other input voltages (380V, 415V), with an input power factor of >0.99 and input total harmonic distortion of less than 3% at full load. This wide voltage window preserves battery life by reducing reliance on battery power during minor fluctuations.

4. Compact and Easy-to-Install Design

The E3SUPS20KHB1 is designed for quick deployment, featuring a compact footprint and lightweight construction for easy positioning. It includes input, output, and bypass breakers, as well as an Emergency Power Off (EPO) switch, simplifying installation planning. The UPS can be rolled into place, and its intuitive graphical user interface allows for easy system configuration.

5. Robust Design for Harsh Environments

The UPS comes with a dust filter and conformance-coated boards, making it suitable for harsh environments like industrial settings or areas with high dust levels. It operates in temperatures from 0–40°C and relative humidity of 0–95% (non-condensing), with an IP20 protection class.

6. Parallel Capability

For increased power capacity or redundancy, multiple E3SUPS20KHB1 units can be placed in parallel, ensuring scalability for growing businesses. This feature is ideal for data centers requiring high availability.

7. Advanced Monitoring and Management

The UPS includes communication interfaces such as RS232, RS485, USB, dry contact, Modbus TCP/IP, and an optional SNMP card for remote monitoring and management via the UPS web interface or Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IT software. This allows IT administrators to monitor power status, receive alerts, and manage the UPS remotely.

8. ECO Mode for Energy Efficiency

The E3SUPS20KHB1 features an ECO mode that bypasses unused electrical components in stable power conditions, achieving up to 96% efficiency in double conversion mode. This reduces energy costs without compromising protection.

9. Pre-Installation Testing

The UPS supports pre-installation performance verification without a load bank, ensuring reliability before connecting critical equipment.

10. Comprehensive Accessories

The unit includes a dust filter and installation guide, with optional accessories like an SNMP card and temperature sensor (E3S_TempSensor) for enhanced functionality.

Technical Specifications

Here’s a summary of the E3SUPS20KHB1’s key specs:

  • Output Power Capacity: 20 kW / 20 kVA
  • Nominal Output Voltage: 400V 3PH (380V, 415V supported)
  • Output Frequency: 50 Hz / 60 Hz (sync to mains)
  • Output Voltage Distortion: <3%
  • Output Voltage THD: <3% (linear load)
  • Topology: Double Conversion Online
  • Nominal Input Voltage: 400V 3PH (380V, 415V supported)
  • Input Frequency: 45–65 Hz
  • Input Voltage Range: 304–477V
  • Input Power Factor: >0.99
  • Input Total Harmonic Distortion: <3% (full load)
  • Battery Type: VRLA, 240V nominal
  • Battery Runtime: 15 minutes at full load (2 internal 7Ah modular strings, expandable to 3)
  • Communication Interfaces: RS232, RS485, USB, dry contact, Modbus TCP/IP, optional SNMP
  • Operating Temperature: 0–40°C
  • Operating Humidity: 0–95% (non-condensing)
  • Operating Elevation: 0–999.9 meters
  • Audible Noise: 60 dB at 1 meter
  • Protection Class: IP20
  • Certifications: CE, IEC, RoHS, REACH
  • Dimensions: 530mm (W) x 140mm (H) x 800mm (D)
  • Weight: Excludes battery weight (varies based on configuration)
  • Warranty: 1 year

Benefits of the APC Easy UPS 3S E3SUPS20KHB1

  1. Reliable Power Protection: Ensures business continuity with 15 minutes of runtime and robust surge protection.
  2. Ease of Use: Simplifies installation, operation, and maintenance, making it ideal for small and medium businesses.
  3. Energy Efficiency: ECO mode and high efficiency reduce operational costs.
  4. Scalability: Parallel capability supports growing power needs.
  5. Remote Management: Optional SNMP card and EcoStruxure IT integration enable proactive monitoring.
  6. Durability: Dust filters and conformance-coated boards ensure reliability in challenging environments.

Real-World Applications

The E3SUPS20KHB1 is perfect for:

  • Small to Medium Data Centers: Protecting servers, storage, and networking equipment.
  • Electrical Rooms: Ensuring stable power for critical infrastructure.
  • Industrial Settings: Operating in harsh environments with dust or temperature challenges.
  • Retail and Healthcare: Supporting point-of-sale systems, medical equipment, or other mission-critical devices.

Customer Feedback

Users praise the E3SUPS20KHB1 for its ease of installation, reliable performance, and compact design. The ability to monitor remotely via EcoStruxure IT is a standout feature for IT managers. Some users note that the initial cost is higher than single-phase UPS systems, but the three-phase design and 15-minute runtime justify the investment for critical applications.

Conclusion

The APC Easy UPS 3S 20 kVA 400 V 3:3 UPS (E3SUPS20KHB1) is a high-efficiency, reliable, and user-friendly solution for small and medium businesses requiring robust power protection. Its advanced features, such as double conversion topology, 15-minute runtime, and remote management capabilities, make it a versatile choice for data centers, electrical rooms, and industrial environments. With a compact design and scalability options, it ensures business continuity while minimizing operational costs.

For more details or to purchase, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES.