The APC Smart-UPS 2200VA USB & Serial 230V (SUA2200I) is a high-performance uninterruptible power supply (UPS) designed to provide reliable power protection and battery backup for critical electronics. Manufactured by Schneider Electric’s APC brand, a leader in power management solutions, this UPS is ideal for small businesses, home offices, and IT environments. In this blog, we’ll explore the specifications, features, performance, and user feedback of the SUA2200I to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your power protection needs.
Overview
The APC Smart-UPS 2200VA (SUA2200I) is a line-interactive UPS with a 2200VA/1980W capacity, designed to protect servers, networking equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and other sensitive devices from power outages, surges, and voltage fluctuations. It offers USB and serial connectivity for advanced management, automatic voltage regulation (AVR), and a sine wave output, making it a trusted choice for professional applications. With its robust feature set and scalability, it’s well-suited for environments requiring reliable, network-grade power.
Key Specifications
- Output Power Capacity: 1980 Watts / 2200 VA
- Nominal Output Voltage: 230V (configurable for 220V or 240V)
- Output Connections: 8x IEC 320 C13, 1x IEC 320 C19
- Output Waveform: Sine wave
- Topology: Line Interactive
- Input Voltage: 230V (adjustable range: 151–302V)
- Input Frequency: 50/60 Hz ± 3 Hz (auto-sensing)
- Input Connection: IEC-320 C20
- Transfer Time: 2ms typical
- Battery Type: Maintenance-free sealed lead-acid battery (leakproof)
- Typical Recharge Time: 3 hours
- Battery Life: 3–5 years
- Replacement Battery: RBC55
- Surge Energy Rating: 365 Joules
- Dimensions: 432 x 196 x 544 mm (H x W x D)
- Weight: 50.91 kg (112 lbs)
- Interfaces: USB, DB-9 RS-232, SmartSlot
- Software: PowerChute Business Edition (included)
- Warranty: 1-year repair or replace warranty; optional extended warranties
- Certifications: CE, EN 50091-1, EN 50091-2, and more
Design and Build
The APC Smart-UPS 2200VA (SUA2200I) is a tower-style UPS with a rugged, professional design suited for office and server room environments. Measuring 432 x 196 x 544 mm and weighing approximately 50.91 kg, it’s not portable but is built for stationary setups. The sturdy metal and plastic enclosure ensures durability, and a front-panel LCD (on some models) provides at-a-glance status updates for load, battery, and fault diagnostics.
The UPS features nine output outlets (8x IEC C13, 1x IEC C19), all with battery backup, accommodating a variety of devices. The IEC-320 C20 input requires a compatible power cord, and the unit includes a 6-foot (1.83m) cord for flexibility. A cooling fan ensures thermal management during high loads, though some users note it can be audible in quiet environments. The SmartSlot allows for optional accessories, such as a network management card, enhancing remote monitoring capabilities.
Performance
The SUA2200I delivers robust performance with a 1980W/2200VA capacity, capable of supporting multiple devices during power outages. Its line-interactive topology provides automatic voltage regulation (AVR), boosting low input voltage by up to 30% and trimming high voltage by up to 12% without relying on the battery. This ensures stable power delivery in areas with inconsistent voltage, extending battery life.
The sine wave output is a standout feature, ensuring compatibility with sensitive equipment like servers and networking gear that require clean power. Real-world tests indicate a runtime of approximately 24.1 minutes at half-load (990W) and 6–8 minutes at full load, depending on connected devices. The 2ms transfer time ensures seamless switching to battery power, minimizing disruptions.
The UPS offers a surge energy rating of 365 Joules, which is moderate compared to dedicated surge protectors but sufficient for most applications when paired with its AVR capabilities. EMI/RFI noise filtering further protects equipment from electrical interference, reducing data errors or system lockups.
Software and Management
The SUA2200I includes APC’s PowerChute Business Edition software, which enables advanced UPS management:
- Automatic Shutdown: Safely powers down connected systems during extended outages to prevent data loss.
- Monitoring: Tracks battery health, load levels, and power events.
- Alerts: Notifies users of power issues or battery replacement needs.
The USB and serial (DB-9 RS-232) interfaces allow integration with Windows, Linux, and UNIX systems, while the SmartSlot supports optional network management cards for remote monitoring via SNMP or web interfaces. The software is user-friendly, though some users report setup complexity for advanced features like email notifications.
The UPS also features intelligent battery management, with temperature-compensated charging and automatic self-tests to maximize battery life and provide early warnings of potential failures. The hot-swappable battery design allows replacement without powering down connected equipment, a critical feature for continuous operation.
Compatibility
The SUA2200I is compatible with a wide range of devices, including:
- Business servers and storage systems
- Networking equipment (routers, switches, hubs)
- Point-of-sale systems
- Workstations and minicomputers
It’s preconfigured for 230V environments and supports 50/60 Hz input with auto-sensing, making it versatile for global use (though region-specific models like the SUA2200I-IN for India may vary slightly). The UPS is formatted for plug-and-play use with Windows systems, but macOS and Linux users can leverage PowerChute or third-party software for management. For gaming consoles or home entertainment systems, a lower-capacity UPS might be more cost-effective, as the SUA2200I is overkill for such applications.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High Capacity: 2200VA/1980W supports multiple devices or high-power equipment.
- Sine Wave Output: Ensures compatibility with sensitive electronics requiring clean power.
- AVR Technology: Stabilizes voltage fluctuations, extending battery life.
- Advanced Management: PowerChute software and SmartSlot enable robust monitoring and control.
- Hot-Swappable Battery: Allows battery replacement without downtime.
- Reliable Brand: APC’s reputation and 2-year warranty provide peace of mind.
Cons
- Heavy and Bulky: At 50.91 kg, it’s not portable and requires dedicated space.
- Audible Fan: The cooling fan can be noisy in quiet environments.
- Moderate Surge Rating: 365 Joules is lower than dedicated surge protectors.
- Price: Typically priced around £800–£1000, it’s a significant investment for small setups.
- No USB-C: Uses older USB-A and serial interfaces, less convenient for modern systems.
Who Should Buy It?
The APC Smart-UPS 2200VA (SUA2200I) is ideal for:
- Small Businesses: Protecting servers, networking equipment, or POS systems.
- Home Offices: Supporting high-power workstations or critical data storage.
- IT Professionals: Needing reliable power for network infrastructure with remote management.
- Environments with Unstable Power: Where AVR is essential for consistent voltage.
For home users with basic needs (e.g., protecting a single PC or gaming console), a lower-capacity UPS like the APC Back-UPS 600VA or a surge protector like the APC PM5-UK may be more cost-effective.
Conclusion
The APC Smart-UPS 2200VA USB & Serial 230V (SUA2200I) is a robust and reliable UPS for small to medium-sized businesses and professional home offices. Its 2200VA capacity, sine wave output, AVR, and advanced management features make it a top choice for protecting critical equipment from power disruptions. While its weight, fan noise, and cost may be drawbacks for some, the hot-swappable battery, PowerChute software, and APC’s trusted reputation ensure long-term value.
CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES for availability and pricing. For enhanced protection, consider pairing it with a dedicated surge protector in lightning-prone areas.