In the interconnected world of September 2025, where businesses and home offices rely heavily on servers, networking gear, and sensitive electronics, power disruptions pose a significant threat to productivity and data integrity. With global energy grids facing challenges from climate-driven outages and rising demand—potentially costing small businesses thousands per hour in downtime—a reliable uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is essential. The APC Smart-UPS 3000VA LCD 230V (SMT3000I), crafted by Schneider Electric’s trusted APC brand, offers advanced line-interactive protection for 230V environments like the UK and Europe. Part of the acclaimed Smart-UPS series with over 25 million units deployed globally, this tower UPS combines intelligent features, scalability, and efficiency for small to medium IT setups. In this informative blog, we’ll explore its specifications, features, benefits, and real-world performance to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your power protection needs.
What is the APC Smart-UPS 3000VA LCD 230V (SMT3000I)?
The SMT3000I is a line-interactive UPS delivering 3000VA/2700W of power capacity, designed to safeguard servers, storage systems, routers, and workstations from outages, surges, and voltage fluctuations. Its automatic voltage regulation (AVR) corrects minor power issues without switching to battery, extending battery life in regions with unstable grids. With a modern LCD interface and network-grade capabilities, it’s ideal for small businesses, home labs, and point-of-sale systems.
As a Schneider Electric product, the SMT3000I benefits from APC’s decades of innovation. As of September 2025, it remains a current model with full support for parts, repairs, and firmware updates, widely available through resellers. It includes USB, serial, and optional network card connectivity for integration with PowerChute software, enabling remote monitoring and automated shutdowns. This UPS strikes a balance between affordability and advanced functionality for modern IT demands.
Key Features of the APC SMT3000I
The SMT3000I blends robust protection with user-friendly design. Here’s a detailed table of its core specifications:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Topology | Line Interactive with AVR |
| Capacity | 3000VA / 2700W |
| Input Voltage | Nominal 230V AC; range 160-286V (AVR boosts low voltage up to 30%, trims high up to 12%) |
| Output Connections | (8) IEC 320 C13 + (1) IEC 320 C19 (all battery-backed) |
| Waveform | Pure Sine Wave (ensures compatibility with Active PFC power supplies) |
| Surge Protection | 365 Joules; multi-pole EMI/RFI noise filtering (0.7% IEEE let-through, zero clamping response time) |
| Battery Type | Sealed Lead Acid (VRLA); hot-swappable RBC55 module for no-downtime replacement |
| Runtime Estimates | Full load (2700W): ~5.1 minutes; Half load (1350W): ~14.1 minutes; Scalable with external battery packs |
| Communication Ports | USB, Serial (RJ-50), SmartSlot for optional network management card (e.g., AP9630) |
| Display & Indicators | Multifunction LCD with precise metrics for load, battery status, runtime, and diagnostics |
| Efficiency | Up to 98.2% in green mode; Energy Star certified |
| Dimensions & Weight | 197 mm (W) x 435 mm (H) x 544 mm (D); ~52.5 kg (tower design, rack-convertible with kit) |
| Certifications | CE, EN/IEC 62040-1/2, VDE, UL 1778; RoHS compliant |
| Included Accessories | PowerChute Business Edition software, USB cable, RS-232 cable, user manual |
| Warranty | 2 years (intelligent battery management for 3-5 year lifespan) |
Key features include predictive battery replacement alerts, automatic self-tests, and green mode for bypassing unused components during stable power, maximizing efficiency. The adjustable output voltage (220/230/240V) ensures global compatibility, and the cold-start capability powers devices during total outages.
The Benefits: Why Choose the APC SMT3000I for Power Protection?
The SMT3000I offers advanced protection and management tailored for modern IT environments. Here’s why it’s a standout choice in 2025:
- Robust Voltage Stabilization and Backup: AVR corrects fluctuations without battery use, ideal for areas with frequent brownouts. The pure sine wave output ensures compatibility with sensitive equipment, providing 5-14 minutes of runtime for safe shutdowns or bridging to generators.
- Enhanced Surge and Noise Protection: With a 365J surge rating and EMI/RFI filtering, it shields against spikes and interference, reducing risks of data corruption or hardware failure in servers and networking gear—critical for maintaining uptime in small businesses.
- Intelligent Management and Efficiency: The intuitive LCD displays real-time data on power conditions, load, and battery health, while PowerChute enables remote monitoring, automated shutdowns, and integration with VMware or Hyper-V. Up to 98.2% efficiency in green mode lowers energy costs, aligning with 2025’s sustainability focus and Schneider Electric’s Net Zero goals.
- Maintenance-Friendly Design: Hot-swappable RBC55 batteries allow replacements without powering down, minimizing disruptions. Automatic diagnostics and predictive alerts streamline upkeep, ensuring reliability in 0-40°C environments.
In 2025’s volatile energy landscape, its Energy Star certification and compact design make it a versatile solution for eco-conscious operations and space-constrained setups.
How to Use and Install the APC SMT3000I
Setup is straightforward for tech-savvy users:
- Place the tower in a well-ventilated area, away from heat or moisture.
- Connect the input to a 230V/16A grounded outlet.
- Plug critical devices into the IEC C13/C19 outlets, ensuring total load stays below 2700W.
- Install PowerChute via USB/serial for configuration, setting alerts and shutdown protocols.
- Verify operation via LCD (green status for normal) and run self-tests.
Best practices include monthly diagnostics, battery replacement every 3-5 years, and avoiding overloads. It’s generator-compatible and supports cold starts for emergency power.
Conclusion: A Smart Choice for Reliable Power Protection
The APC Smart-UPS 3000VA LCD 230V (SMT3000I) is a solution offering line-interactive efficiency, pure sine wave output, and advanced monitoring for small to medium IT environments. Ideal for servers, networks, and home labs, it upholds APC’s legacy of innovation and reliability. If you seek dependable, feature-rich UPS protection, the SMT3000I is a stellar investment—keep your operations powered and secure! For higher-capacity needs, explore APC’s SRT series.
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