In today’s hyper-connected world, power outages can spell disaster for businesses—from lost data and halted operations to damaged equipment. That’s where Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) come in, acting as a critical safeguard for your IT infrastructure. Among the reliable options from APC by Schneider Electric is the Easy UPS 3S 20 kVA 400 V 3:3 UPS with internal batteries (E3SUPS20KHB1). This high-efficiency, three-phase powerhouse delivers 20 kVA of protection with a built-in 15-minute runtime, making it a smart choice for small to medium setups. Let’s explore what makes this UPS a seamless solution for business continuity.
What is a Three-Phase UPS and Why Does It Matter?
A UPS is more than just a backup battery; it’s a complete power management system that provides instant battery power during outages, regulates voltage fluctuations, and filters noise to protect sensitive electronics. Three-phase UPS systems, like the Easy UPS 3S, are designed for larger loads where power is distributed across three phases—common in commercial and industrial environments. The “3:3” designation means it accepts three-phase input and delivers three-phase output, ensuring balanced, efficient power for servers, HVAC systems, and manufacturing equipment.
The Easy UPS 3S series stands out for its “easy” philosophy: easy to install, operate, maintain, and service. Unlike more complex enterprise models, it’s tailored for small data centers, electrical rooms, and mission-critical applications where simplicity meets robust performance.
Key Specifications of the E3SUPS20KHB1
The E3SUPS20KHB1 packs impressive specs into a compact, floor-standing design. Here’s a quick overview:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20 kVA / 20 kW (max configurable power) |
| Input Voltage | 400 V 3-phase, 380/415 V supported |
| Output Voltage | 400 V 3-phase, <3% distortion, 50/60 Hz sync to mains |
| Topology | Double-conversion online for zero transfer time |
| Battery Configuration | 2 internal 7 Ah modular strings (expandable to 3), 15 min runtime at full load |
| Efficiency | Up to 96% in double-conversion mode; ECO mode available |
| Maximum Input Current | 37 A |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | Approximately 1165 mm x 455 mm x 950 mm (floor-standing, without batteries) |
| Weight | ~300 kg (excluding batteries) |
| Certifications | RoHS, CE, and dust filter for harsh environments |
This UPS supports parallel operation up to four units for scalability and redundancy, and it integrates with EcoStruxure IT for monitoring—though it shines in standalone simplicity.
Standout Features and Benefits
The E3SUPS20KHB1 isn’t just specs on paper; it’s engineered for real-world reliability and ease.
- Seamless Runtime and Expandability: Delivers 15 minutes at full load out of the box, giving you time to shut down gracefully. Expand to three battery strings for up to 30+ minutes, or add external packs for longer protection—perfect for bridging short outages.
- High Efficiency and Cost Savings: With up to 96% efficiency, it minimizes energy waste and heat, lowering utility bills and cooling needs. The robust electrical design handles surges and harmonics without breaking a sweat.
- User-Friendly Design: Front-access panels and modular batteries make servicing a breeze—no need for specialized tools. Replaceable dust filters keep it running clean in dusty environments, extending lifespan.
- Advanced Protection: Double-conversion topology ensures clean, stable power with zero interruption during switches to battery. Built-in breakers for input, output, and bypass, plus an Emergency Power Off (EPO) switch, simplify safety compliance.
- Compact and Mobile: Lightweight (for its class) with casters for easy rolling into place, it’s ideal for space-constrained rooms.
Overall, this UPS reduces total cost of ownership by combining competitive pricing with low maintenance—ideal for SMBs without a full IT team.
Perfect Use Cases for the Easy UPS 3S 20 kVA
This model fits right into scenarios where reliable power is essential but complexity is not:
- Small Data Centers: Protect racks of servers and storage with balanced three-phase power, ensuring uptime during grid instability.
- Commercial Electrical Rooms: Safeguard lighting, HVAC, and control systems in offices or retail spaces—15 minutes is often enough to ride out brief blackouts.
- Industrial and Manufacturing: Support automated machinery or process controls in factories, where even seconds of downtime cost thousands.
- Healthcare Facilities: Keep non-life-critical systems like imaging equipment or admin servers online, buying time for generators to kick in.
For growing operations, its parallel capability lets you scale from one unit to a redundant N+1 setup without ripping out infrastructure.
Installation and Maintenance Made Simple
APC designed the Easy UPS 3S for quick deployment—most installs take under an hour.
- Site Prep: Ensure a level floor with 1-2 feet clearance around the unit for airflow. Connect to a 400 V three-phase circuit rated for 37 A.
- Setup: Roll it into position using built-in casters, wire inputs/outputs via rear terminals, and install the two included battery strings (or expand later). The included installation guide covers EPO integration.
- Startup: Power on via the intuitive LCD interface—no commissioning service required, though a 5×8 startup option is available for peace of mind.
Maintenance is equally straightforward: Check batteries annually (they’re hot-swappable), clean dust filters quarterly, and use the LCD for self-diagnostics. For full runtime charts and troubleshooting, download the operation manual from APC’s site.
Pro Tip: Pair it with Schneider’s EcoStruxure for remote alerts, but it’s fully functional without.
Final Thoughts: Power Protection, Simplified
The APC Easy UPS 3S 20 kVA (E3SUPS20KHB1) embodies the perfect blend of power, efficiency, and simplicity—delivering 15 minutes of runtime and advanced features without the hassle. Whether you’re fortifying a data center or an electrical room, it’s a reliable partner for uninterrupted operations.
Curious about pricing or compatibility? CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES. Share your power protection stories in the comments—what’s your go-to UPS setup?