The APC Smart-UPS SRT 96V 3kVA Battery Pack (SRT96BP), manufactured by Schneider Electric, is a high-performance external battery pack designed to enhance the runtime of APC Smart-UPS SRT systems. Tailored for mission-critical applications, this battery pack ensures uninterrupted power for servers, networking equipment, and other critical devices in data centers, enterprises, and small businesses. In this blog, we’ll dive into its features, specifications, performance, and why it’s a valuable addition to your uninterruptible power supply (UPS) setup.
Overview of the APC Smart-UPS SRT 96V 3kVA Battery Pack
The APC Smart-UPS SRT 96V 3kVA Battery Pack (SRT96BP) is an extended-run battery system that pairs with APC Smart-UPS SRT models, particularly those with 3kVA capacity, to provide flexible and extended runtime during power outages. With its robust lead-acid battery technology, hot-swappable design, and embedded monitoring capabilities, the SRT96BP is ideal for environments where downtime is not an option. It’s available in both tower and rack-mount configurations (SRT96RMBP for rack-mount setups), offering versatility for various IT infrastructure needs.
Key Features
- Extended Runtime: Connects up to 10 battery packs to significantly extend backup time for critical applications.
- Hot-Swappable Batteries: Allows battery replacement without interrupting power to connected equipment.
- 96V Lead-Acid Battery: Maintenance-free, sealed lead-acid battery with suspended electrolyte for leakproof reliability.
- Embedded Monitoring: Provides real-time data on battery runtime and health at the cell, module, and cabinet levels.
- Compact Design: Measures 594mm (D) x 432mm (H) x 85mm (W) and weighs 40.6 kg, suitable for tower or rack-mount setups.
- 2-Year Warranty: Ensures reliability and support for peace of mind.
- Compatibility: Designed for APC Smart-UPS SRT 3kVA models, with rack-mount option (SRT96RMBP) including SRTRK4 kit.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Uses recyclable materials to align with sustainability goals.
Specifications
Here’s a detailed look at the technical specifications of the APC Smart-UPS SRT 96V 3kVA Battery Pack (SRT96BP):
- Model: SRT96BP (Tower) / SRT96RMBP (Rack-Mount)
- Battery Type: Maintenance-free sealed lead-acid battery with suspended electrolyte (leakproof)
- Battery Voltage: 96V
- Battery Quantity: 2 modules
- Expected Battery Life: 3–5 years
- Dimensions:
- Height: 432mm (43.2 cm)
- Width: 85mm (8.5 cm)
- Depth: 594mm (59.4 cm)
- Weight: 40.6 kg (89.5 lbs)
- Shipping Weight: 44.5 kg (98.1 lbs)
- Shipping Dimensions: 599mm (W) x 831mm (D) x 239mm (H)
- Operating Temperature: 0–40°C
- Storage Temperature: -15–45°C
- Operating Relative Humidity: 0–95% (non-condensing)
- Operating Elevation: 0–3000 meters
- Color: Black
- Rack Height (SRT96RMBP): 2U
- Warranty: 2 years (repair or replace)
- Certifications: CE, EAC, VDE, UL, and others (varies by region)
- Included Accessories: Documentation CD, user manual, warranty card (SRT96RMBP includes rack-mounting brackets)
Performance
The APC Smart-UPS SRT 96V 3kVA Battery Pack is engineered to deliver reliable extended runtime for APC Smart-UPS SRT systems, particularly the 3kVA models like the SRT3000XLI or SRT3000RMXLA. By connecting multiple SRT96BP units (up to 10), users can tailor runtime to meet specific needs, making it ideal for data centers, server rooms, and critical IT infrastructure. For example, adding one SRT96BP to a 3kVA UPS can extend runtime from minutes to hours, depending on the load.
The battery pack’s embedded monitoring system provides detailed insights into battery health and runtime, ensuring predictable performance and stable cell health. This is critical for proactive maintenance and avoiding unexpected downtime. The hot-swappable design allows for battery replacement without powering down connected equipment, a key feature for mission-critical environments.
Real-world performance varies based on the connected load. For a 2.7kW load on a 3kVA UPS, a single SRT96BP can provide approximately 20–30 minutes of additional runtime, with more packs extending this further. The lead-acid battery’s 3–5 year lifespan is standard for UPS applications, though longevity depends on usage, temperature, and maintenance.
Design and Build Quality
The SRT96BP features a compact, rugged design suitable for both tower and rack-mount configurations. Its dimensions (594mm x 432mm x 85mm) and weight (40.6 kg) make it manageable for most IT environments, while the black finish aligns with professional data center aesthetics. The rack-mount version (SRT96RMBP) occupies only 2U of space, optimizing rack space for high-density setups.
The battery pack is built with maintenance-free, sealed lead-acid batteries, ensuring leakproof operation and minimal upkeep. Its hot-swappable design simplifies maintenance, and the included documentation and user manual make setup straightforward. For rack-mount users, the SRT96RMBP includes the SRTRK4 kit for easy installation in standard 19-inch racks.
Security and Compatibility
The SRT96BP is designed exclusively for APC Smart-UPS SRT 3kVA models, ensuring seamless integration with compatible UPS systems. Its embedded monitoring provides real-time data, enhancing system reliability and allowing IT managers to plan maintenance effectively. The battery pack’s compatibility with up to 10 units in series offers unmatched flexibility for scaling runtime, a feature not commonly found in competing products.
While the SRT96BP does not include direct security features like encryption, its role in maintaining uninterrupted power protects critical systems from data loss during outages. The 2-year warranty and certifications (e.g., CE, UL) ensure compliance with global safety standards.
User Feedback and Reliability
User feedback for the SRT96BP is generally positive, though limited due to its specialized nature. On platforms like Amazon, the product lacks extensive customer reviews, with ratings showing no star-based feedback (0% across all star levels). However, professional reviews from sites like APC’s official page and resellers like Comms Express praise its reliability, hot-swappable design, and compatibility with 3kVA UPS systems. One user on a tech forum noted the SRT96BP’s ease of installation and consistent performance in a small data center, highlighting its value for critical applications.
Reliability is a strong suit, with the sealed lead-acid batteries offering a 3–5 year lifespan under optimal conditions. However, users should avoid extreme temperatures and ensure proper ventilation to maximize battery life. The hot-swappable feature minimizes downtime, but careful handling is required during replacement to avoid damaging the battery modules.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extends runtime significantly for 3kVA Smart-UPS SRT systems, with up to 10 connectable packs.
- Hot-swappable design ensures uninterrupted power during battery replacement.
- Embedded monitoring provides detailed battery health and runtime data.
- Compact and versatile for tower or rack-mount (2U) configurations.
- 2-year warranty for reliability and support.
- Compatible with mission-critical applications in data centers and enterprises.
- Eco-friendly packaging with recyclable materials.
Cons
- Limited user reviews make it harder to gauge long-term performance.
- Lead-acid batteries have a shorter lifespan (3–5 years) compared to some modern alternatives.
- Heavy at 40.6 kg, requiring careful handling during installation.
- Specific to APC Smart-UPS SRT 3kVA models, limiting versatility.
Ideal Use Cases
The APC Smart-UPS SRT 96V 3kVA Battery Pack is ideal for:
- Data Centers: Extending runtime for servers and networking equipment during power outages.
- Enterprise IT: Ensuring uninterrupted power for critical applications like virtualization or AI workloads.
- Small Businesses: Providing cost-effective backup power for essential systems.
- Healthcare and Finance: Supporting mission-critical equipment where downtime is unacceptable.
- Remote Sites: Offering reliable power backup in areas with unstable grids.
Conclusion
The APC Smart-UPS SRT 96V 3kVA Battery Pack (SRT96BP) is a robust and reliable solution for extending the runtime of APC Smart-UPS SRT 3kVA systems. Its hot-swappable design, embedded monitoring, and compatibility with mission-critical applications make it an excellent choice for data centers, enterprises, and small businesses needing uninterrupted power. While its cost and weight may be considerations, the SRT96BP’s performance, scalability, and 2-year warranty make it a worthwhile investment for protecting critical infrastructure.
If you’re managing a 3kVA Smart-UPS system and need extended runtime, the SRT96BP is a dependable choice to keep your operations running smoothly during power disruptions. CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES.