The APC Smart-UPS 2200VA LCD 230V (SMT2200I) is a high-performance, line-interactive uninterruptible power supply (UPS) designed to provide reliable power protection for small to medium-sized businesses, home offices, and IT environments. With a capacity of 2200VA/1980W, it’s ideal for safeguarding servers, networking equipment, and sensitive electronics from power outages and voltage fluctuations. This blog explores its specifications, features, performance, and why it’s a trusted solution for ensuring uptime.
Key Specifications
- Capacity: 2200VA / 1980W
- Topology: Line-Interactive
- Input Voltage: 230V (160–286V adjustable range)
- Input Connections: IEC-320 C20
- Output Connections: 8x IEC 320 C13, 1x IEC 320 C19
- Output Voltage: 230V (configurable for 220V or 240V)
- Waveform Type: Pure sine wave
- Transfer Time: 4–8ms typical
- Dimensions: 197 x 435 x 544 mm (W x H x D)
- Weight: 50.2 kg
- Battery: Sealed lead-acid, hot-swappable, with 3–5 year lifespan
- Runtime: 8.7 minutes at full load (1980W), ~25 minutes at half load (990W)
- Display: Multifunction LCD status and control console
- Communication Ports: USB, Serial, SmartSlot
- Warranty: 2-year repair or replace (excluding battery), 1-year battery warranty
- Surge Protection: 320 Joules
- Certifications: ENERGY STAR certified, CE, EAC, GS Mark, VDE
Design and Build
The APC Smart-UPS 2200VA (SMT2200I) features a robust tower design, suitable for network closets, small server rooms, or office environments. Its compact footprint (197 mm width) optimizes space, while the durable black enclosure ensures long-term reliability. The front-mounted LCD display provides clear, multilingual information on UPS status, load, battery life, and estimated runtime, making it user-friendly for IT administrators and non-technical users alike.
The UPS offers an IEC-320 C20 input and multiple output options (8x IEC C13, 1x IEC C19), accommodating a variety of devices, from servers to peripherals. It’s bus-powered via USB or serial connections, and the SmartSlot allows for optional network management cards (e.g., AP9630) for enhanced remote monitoring. The hot-swappable battery design simplifies maintenance without powering down connected equipment.
Performance
The SMT2200I’s line-interactive topology uses Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) to correct voltage fluctuations without draining the battery, ensuring efficiency and prolonged battery life. Its pure sine wave output delivers clean, stable power, making it compatible with sensitive electronics like power-factor-corrected (PFC) servers, networking gear, and point-of-sale systems. The UPS maintains low output voltage distortion (<5%) and precise frequency regulation (50/60 Hz ±3 Hz).
With a transfer time of 4–8ms, it switches to battery power seamlessly during outages, preventing disruptions. At full load (1980W), it provides 8.7 minutes of runtime, sufficient for safe shutdowns, and up to 25 minutes at half load, ideal for bridging short outages or running less demanding setups. Real-world tests confirm its ability to handle servers, routers, and storage systems effectively, with transfer speeds of ~100–120 MB/s for data backups.
Key Features
- Pure Sine Wave Output: Simulates utility power for compatibility with sensitive electronics.
- Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR): Boosts low input voltage up to 30% and trims high voltage up to 12%, protecting equipment without battery use.
- Intuitive LCD Interface: Displays real-time data on load, battery status, and predictive battery replacement dates.
- Green Mode: Achieves over 97% efficiency by bypassing unused components, reducing utility costs and heat generation.
- Intelligent Battery Management: Maximizes battery life with temperature-compensated charging and automatic self-tests.
- Hot-Swappable Batteries: Allows battery replacement without downtime (replacement cartridge: APCRBC133).
- SmartConnect (SMT2200IC Variant): Offers cloud-based monitoring for remote status checks and notifications (not standard in SMT2200I).
- PowerChute Software: Enables safe system shutdowns and UPS management for Windows and macOS.
- SmartSlot: Supports optional network management cards for advanced monitoring.
- Surge Protection: 320 Joules of surge energy rating and multi-pole noise filtering (0.7% IEEE let-through) protect against spikes.
Reliability and Durability
APC by Schneider Electric is a global leader in UPS solutions, with over 25 million Smart-UPS units sold worldwide. The SMT2200I is built for reliability, featuring intelligent battery management and predictive failure notifications to ensure timely maintenance. Users report consistent performance in environments with frequent power fluctuations, with the UPS protecting equipment from surges and outages. The sealed lead-acid battery lasts 3–5 years, and the hot-swappable design minimizes downtime during replacements. The 3-year warranty (2 years for the battery) and APC’s robust support resources add confidence.
The UPS is heavier (50.2 kg) than smaller models, requiring stable placement, and its fan may produce noticeable noise under high loads in quiet environments. As with all lead-acid battery UPS systems, care should be taken to avoid physical shocks.
Compatibility
The SMT2200I is designed for 230V environments and supports a wide range of devices, including servers, routers, switches, hubs, and point-of-sale systems. Its configurable voltage (220–240V) ensures flexibility, and the pure sine wave output is ideal for active PFC equipment. The UPS is compatible with Windows and macOS via PowerChute software, and the USB/serial ports enable local management. The SmartSlot supports integration with network management systems, making it suitable for IT environments. The UPS meets multiple safety certifications, ensuring broad compatibility.
Environmental Considerations
The SMT2200I is ENERGY STAR certified, with its Green Mode achieving up to 97% efficiency, reducing power consumption and heat output. This lowers operating costs and environmental impact, making it a sustainable choice for businesses. The packaging includes at least 70% recycled cardboard (50% in some regions), aligning with eco-conscious practices.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Reliable Power Protection: Pure sine wave and AVR ensure stable power for critical devices.
- Ample Capacity: 2200VA/1980W supports servers, networking gear, and peripherals.
- User-Friendly: LCD display and PowerChute software simplify management.
- Energy Efficient: Green Mode and ENERGY STAR certification reduce costs.
- Versatile Connectivity: Multiple output ports and SmartSlot for enhanced functionality.
- Trusted Brand: Backed by APC’s reputation and a 2-year warranty.
Cons
- Weight: At 50.2 kg, it’s heavy and requires secure placement.
- Battery Replacement Cost: Lead-acid battery replacements (APCRBC133) can be expensive.
- No Standard SmartConnect: Cloud monitoring requires the SMT2200IC variant or an optional network card.
- Fan Noise: May be audible in quiet environments under heavy loads.
Who Should Buy It?
The APC Smart-UPS 2200VA LCD 230V is ideal for:
- Small Businesses: Protects servers, networking equipment, and point-of-sale systems.
- Home Offices: Ensures uptime for workstations and NAS devices in areas with unstable power.
- IT Professionals: Suitable for small server rooms needing reliable backup and surge protection.
- Energy-Conscious Users: Green Mode appeals to those prioritizing efficiency.
For smaller setups, the APC Smart-UPS C 1500VA may be sufficient, while larger enterprises might consider the SMT3000I for higher capacity.
Conclusion
The APC Smart-UPS 2200VA LCD 230V (SMT2200I) is a robust, efficient, and user-friendly UPS that delivers reliable power protection for small to medium-sized businesses and IT environments. Its pure sine wave output, AVR, and high efficiency make it ideal for safeguarding critical equipment. While its weight and lack of standard cloud monitoring are minor drawbacks, its performance, versatility, and trusted brand reputation make it a compelling choice. For more details, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES for purchasing, support and specifications.