In today’s technology-driven world, ensuring uninterrupted power for critical systems is paramount for businesses and professionals. The APC Smart-UPS 3000VA USB & Serial 230V (SUA3000I) by Schneider Electric is a high-capacity, line-interactive uninterruptible power supply (UPS) designed to deliver robust power protection for servers, networking equipment, and other sensitive devices. This blog explores the specifications, features, performance, and user experiences of the SUA3000I to help you determine if it’s the right solution for your power protection needs.
Overview
The APC Smart-UPS 3000VA (SUA3000I) is a trusted choice for small to medium-sized businesses, data centers, and IT environments requiring reliable backup power and surge protection. With a 3000VA/2700W capacity, it offers ample runtime, advanced battery management, and network-grade power conditioning. Although discontinued by Schneider Electric, the SUA3000I remains available through select retailers and is celebrated for its durability, efficiency, and scalability.
Key Specifications
- Model: APC Smart-UPS 3000VA (SUA3000I)
- Power Capacity: 3000VA / 2700W
- Topology: Line Interactive
- Output Voltage: Configurable for 220, 230, or 240V (nominal)
- Output Connections: 8x IEC 320 C13 + 1x IEC 320 C19 + 2x IEC Jumpers (all battery-backed)
- Input Voltage: 230V
- Input Connection: IEC-320 C20, British BS1363A, Schuko CEE 7/EU1-16P
- Input Voltage Range: 160-286V (main operations); 151-302V (adjustable)
- Input Frequency: 50/60 Hz ± 3 Hz (auto-sensing)
- Waveform Type: Sine wave
- Transfer Time: 2ms typical
- Battery Type: Maintenance-free sealed lead-acid battery (leakproof)
- Typical Recharge Time: 3 hours
- Battery Runtime: ~13.6 minutes at half load (1350W); ~5.5 minutes at full load (2700W)
- Replacement Battery: RBC55
- Dimensions: 43.2 x 19.6 x 54.4 cm (H x W x D)
- Weight: 55.92 kg (123 lbs)
- Interfaces: USB, DB-9 RS-232, SmartSlot
- Surge Energy Rating: 365 Joules
- Filtering: Full-time multi-pole noise filtering, 0.3% IEEE surge let-through, zero clamping response time, meets UL 1449
- Certifications: CE, KEMA, complies with IEC standards
- Warranty: 2-year repair or replacement warranty
- Included Accessories: PowerChute software CD, RS-232 signaling cable, USB cable, user manual
Design and Build
The SUA3000I is a tower-form-factor UPS designed for server rooms, IT closets, or office environments. At 43.2 x 19.6 x 54.4 cm and 55.92 kg, it’s heavy due to its sealed lead-acid battery, requiring a sturdy, well-ventilated placement area to prevent overheating. The front panel features an LED status display with load and battery bar graphs, plus indicators for On Line, On Battery, Replace Battery, and Overload conditions, providing clear real-time feedback.
The unit includes 11 output connections (8x IEC C13, 1x IEC C19, 2x IEC Jumpers), accommodating a wide range of devices, from servers to networking gear. Its robust construction and hot-swappable battery design allow for maintenance without powering down connected equipment. The SmartSlot supports optional accessories, such as network management cards, for enhanced remote monitoring.
Performance
The SUA3000I delivers reliable power protection through its line-interactive topology, featuring:
- Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR): Corrects low input voltages (up to 30%) and high voltages (up to 12%) without switching to battery, extending battery life and ensuring stable power delivery during brownouts or overvoltages.
- Sine Wave Output: Provides clean power with less than 5% voltage distortion at full load, ideal for sensitive equipment like servers and medical devices.
- Fast Transfer Time: Switches to battery in 2ms, ensuring seamless operation during outages.
- Runtime: Offers ~13.6 minutes at half load (1350W) and ~5.5 minutes at full load (2700W), sufficient for safe shutdowns or bridging short outages. External battery packs can extend runtime for prolonged outages.
- Efficiency: Achieves 95% efficiency at full load and features a patented green operating mode (Energy Star certified), reducing energy costs.
The UPS provides network-grade power conditioning, protecting against surges (365 Joules), spikes, lightning, and EMI/RFI noise, minimizing data errors and equipment wear. In user tests, it reliably powered server racks and networking equipment during power fluctuations, with PowerChute software enabling automated shutdowns to prevent data loss.
Features
The SUA3000I is equipped with advanced features for reliability and manageability:
- PowerChute Business Edition Software: Enables monitoring, control, and safe shutdowns via USB or RS-232, ideal for IT administrators managing servers or workstations.
- Intelligent Battery Management: Maximizes battery performance through precision, temperature-compensated charging. Automatic self-tests and early replacement warnings ensure reliability.
- Hot-Swappable Battery: Allows battery replacement (RBC55) without interrupting connected devices.
- Surge Protection and Noise Filtering: Shields equipment from power disturbances, meeting UL 1449 standards with zero clamping response time.
- SmartSlot: Supports optional network management cards for remote monitoring and control.
- Emergency Power Off (EPO): Enables immediate shutdown in critical situations.
- LED Display and Audible Alarms: Provide real-time status updates and alerts for battery operation, low battery, or overload conditions.
These features make the SUA3000I suitable for data centers, network rooms, medical equipment, and industrial applications requiring uninterrupted power.
Compatibility
The SUA3000I supports 230V power systems with flexible input connections (IEC-320 C20, BS1363A, Schuko CEE 7). Its 11 output sockets accommodate servers, routers, switches, and other critical devices. The UPS is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Unix systems via PowerChute software, and its USB and RS-232 ports ensure connectivity with modern and legacy systems. Optional SmartSlot accessories enable network integration for remote management.
User Experiences
User feedback highlights the SUA3000I’s reliability but notes its weight and availability challenges:
- Positive Feedback:
- IT professionals praise its ability to protect server racks and networking equipment, with one user noting years of flawless operation in a small data center.
- The clean sine wave output and fast 2ms transfer time are valued for sensitive electronics, ensuring no disruptions.
- PowerChute software is lauded for seamless integration and automated shutdowns, minimizing data loss risks.
- The hot-swappable battery and Energy Star efficiency are appreciated for maintenance ease and cost savings.
- Criticisms:
- At 55.92 kg, the UPS is heavy and requires careful placement, unsuitable for small spaces or frequent relocation.
- Its discontinued status limits availability to refurbished units or secondary retailers, with replacement batteries (RBC55) potentially costly.
- Some users report fan noise in quiet environments, and one review mentioned an “annoying sound” during operation.
- Lack of built-in network management requires purchasing a SmartSlot card for remote access.
The SUA3000I has a 4.0-5.0/5 rating on retailer sites like apc.estorewale.com and linknet.co.in, reflecting high satisfaction for business applications.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High 3000VA/2700W capacity for servers and networking equipment
- Line-interactive topology with AVR for stable power delivery
- Clean sine wave output for sensitive electronics
- Fast 2ms transfer time ensures uninterrupted operation
- PowerChute software for advanced management and shutdowns
- Hot-swappable battery for maintenance without downtime
- 95% efficiency and Energy Star certification for cost savings
- 2-year warranty and robust safety certifications
Cons
- Discontinued model, limited to refurbished or secondary market
- Heavy (55.92 kg) and bulky for small spaces
- Fan noise may be noticeable in quiet environments
- No built-in network management (requires optional SmartSlot card)
- Replacement batteries (RBC55) can be expensive or hard to source
Conclusion
The APC Smart-UPS 3000VA USB & Serial 230V (SUA3000I) is a robust, industrial-grade UPS ideal for small to medium businesses, data centers, and IT environments. Its high capacity, clean sine wave output, AVR, and intelligent battery management ensure reliable power protection for servers, networking gear, and sensitive equipment. Despite its discontinued status, heavy weight, and fan noise, its 95% efficiency, hot-swappable battery, and 2-year warranty make it a cost-effective choice for those who can source it.
For businesses needing dependable power protection, the SUA3000I remains a solid investment, particularly for refurbished units with new batteries. CONTACT US @ TIACO Technologies for availability, and consider modern alternatives like the APC SMT3000C for updated features. Always ensure proper ventilation and periodic maintenance to maximize performance and longevity.
Sources:
- TIACO Technologies (www.tiacotech.com.ng)