In the high-stakes arena of data centers and mission-critical operations, where even a flicker of power can cascade into hours of downtime, the APC Smart-UPS On-Line SRTG20KXLI emerges as a powerhouse of reliability. This 20kVA/20kW rack/tower UPS, optimized for 230V/380V…415V environments, delivers double-conversion online protection with zero transfer time, ensuring your servers, storage arrays, and networks hum along uninterrupted amid surges, sags, or blackouts. Tailored for international deployments in IT hubs, medical labs, and light industrial settings, the SRTG20KXLI combines scalability, smart management, and APC’s legendary durability. As global energy grids face increasing volatility in 2025, this UPS isn’t just backup—it’s a strategic asset for uptime exceeding 99.999%. Join us as we dissect its specs, advantages, deployment essentials, and the buzz from IT guardians who’ve put it to the test.
What Is the APC Smart-UPS SRTG20KXLI?
The SRTG20KXLI is Schneider Electric’s flagship online double-conversion UPS from the Smart-UPS On-Line series, engineered for demanding 3-phase and single-phase setups. At 20kVA/20kW with a unity power factor (VA=W), it provides pure sine wave output to safeguard sensitive loads without waveform distortion. Its versatile rack/tower design (7U form factor) adapts to diverse spaces, while hardwire inputs/outputs support both 3-wire (1P+N+E) and 5-wire (3P+N+E) configurations for global compatibility.
It includes an embedded Network Management Card (NMC3), PowerChute software, and essentials like USB/RS-232 cables. Batteries are user-replaceable sealed lead-acid (A PCRBC172), with up to four external packs (SRTG192XLBP2) for extended runtime. Backed by a 2-year warranty on electronics, it’s built for the long haul in EcoStruxure-integrated ecosystems.
Key Features and Specifications
The SRTG20KXLI excels in density and intelligence, packing enterprise smarts into a scalable frame. Here’s a breakdown of its standout elements:
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity & Topology | 20kVA/20kW; Online double-conversion with pure sine wave output | Zero transfer time and tight regulation (±1% voltage, ±0.1Hz frequency) for PFC-compatible loads, ideal for servers and medical gear. |
| Input/Output | Hardwire: 5-wire (3PH+N+G) and 3-wire (1PH+N+G); Plus 1x IEC C19 | Flexible 1:1, 3:1, or 3:3 phasing; Handles 160-280V input range for unstable grids. |
| Runtime | 3 min at full load; >5 min at 70%; Scalable with 4x external packs | Meets SLAs for graceful shutdowns; Up to hours of bridge time for critical ops. |
| Management | Embedded NMC3; LCD display; USB/Serial/SmartSlot; PowerChute Network Shutdown | Remote monitoring via EcoStruxure IT; Automated VM/HCI shutdowns; SNMPv3 alerts. |
| Efficiency & Protection | Up to 98% in Green Mode; Intelligent battery management; EPO support | Energy savings without compromise; Proactive battery health via temp-compensated charging. |
| Physical Specs | 7U rack/tower; 442 x 785 x 1760 mm (W x D x H); 142.5 kg; <58 dB noise | Fits dense racks (SRTGRK1 kit separate); Operates 0-40°C, 0-95% RH (non-condensing). |
| Certifications | IEC 62040-2; CE; RoHS; Flash-upgradeable firmware | Global compliance; Easy remote updates for security and performance. |
This spec set positions it as a high-density workhorse, outperforming legacy units in efficiency and scalability.
Why Choose the SRTG20KXLI? Benefits for Mission-Critical Infrastructure
For enterprises where downtime equates to dollars lost, the SRTG20KXLI delivers ROI through unwavering performance and foresight:
- Unrivaled Power Purity: Double-conversion isolates loads from all disturbances, preventing data corruption in voice/data networks or labs—crucial as AI-driven workloads spike in 2025.
- Scalable Endurance: Stack external batteries for runtime tailored to your SLAs, from minutes for auto-shutdown to hours for failover. Intelligent charging extends battery life by 30-50% via precision monitoring.
- Seamless Oversight: The NMC3 enables browser/CLI access, integrating with VMware/Hyper-V for VM migrations. PowerChute orchestrates shutdowns across clusters, slashing recovery time.
- Cost & Eco Efficiency: 98% Green Mode cuts cooling bills; Predictive alerts via EcoStruxure flag issues early, reducing MTTR. It’s a green guardian in carbon-conscious data centers.
In volatile regions, it shines by auto-correcting fluctuations, ensuring 99.999% availability without the bulk of older 20kVA rivals.
Installation: Step-by-Step Essentials
Professional wiring is key for this beast—engage a qualified electrician for hardwire setups. Drawing from APC’s operation manual, here’s a high-level guide (full details in the included manual or SPD_SUO-UM-990-6201_EN doc):
- Site Prep: Ensure a ventilated, grounded space with 7U rack clearance or stable floor for tower mode. Verify 3-phase feed (230/380-415V) and EPO integration.
- Unbox & Mount: Attach stabilization feet for tower or SRTGRK1 rails for rack (sold separately). The 142.5 kg unit demands team lift—use dollies.
- Wire Up: Connect hardwire inputs (5-wire for 3PH, 3-wire for 1PH) to terminals in the junction box. Secure outputs to PDUs/loads. Cover all openings post-wiring.
- Battery & Power-On: Install internal RBC172; Connect external packs if needed (recharge every 6 months in storage). Plug in, power cycle, and run self-test via LCD.
- Configure Management: Access NMC3 via DHCP IP (user: apc, pass: apc). Set up PowerChute on servers for shutdown scripts; Enable alerts and firmware flash.
Test with a simulated outage. Pro tip: Calibrate runtime post-install for accurate projections. Setup takes 1-2 hours; APC videos aid visuals.
Real-User Insights: Voices from the Field
Direct reviews for the SRTG20KXLI are niche due to its enterprise focus, but echoes from similar Smart-UPS On-Line models paint a reliable picture. On forums and reseller sites, admins laud its “bulletproof double-conversion” for zero-transfer reliability in labs—one UAE user noted seamless handling of a 3-phase brownout, preserving MRI uptime without a blip. Another in a data center deployment praised the NMC3: “EcoStruxure integration caught a degrading battery early—saved us a weekend scramble.”
Amazon listings for the series average 4.5/5, with comments like “Scales effortlessly with XLBPs; Green Mode dropped our power draw 20%.” Gripes? Weight during racking (“Get the kit!”) and initial wiring complexity (“Electrician mandatory”). In Reddit’s r/datacenter, a thread on 20kVA options calls it “APC’s sweet spot for density vs. cost—far better than Eaton for remote mgmt.” Overall, it’s hailed for longevity, with users reporting 5+ years of flawless service in harsh environments.
Is the SRTG20KXLI Your Powerhouse? Final Thoughts
The APC Smart-UPS On-Line SRTG20KXLI isn’t entry-level—it’s the enterprise sentinel for 2025’s edge-to-core demands, blending raw 20kW muscle with predictive smarts for unbreakable continuity. From medical precision to industrial grit, its scalability and zero-compromise protection make it indispensable for ops where failure isn’t an option.
CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES for quotes and bundles. Deployed one yet? Spill your uptime wins in the comments!