The APC Smart-UPS 750VA LCD 230V (SMT750I) is a compact, line-interactive uninterruptible power supply (UPS) designed to provide reliable power protection for small businesses, home offices, and critical electronics. With a capacity of 750VA/500W, it’s tailored for protecting workstations, networking equipment, and small servers against power outages and voltage fluctuations. This blog explores its specifications, features, performance, and why it’s an excellent choice for cost-effective power backup.
Key Specifications
- Capacity: 750VA / 500W
- Topology: Line-Interactive
- Input Voltage: 230V (160–280V adjustable range)
- Input Connections: IEC-320 C14
- Output Connections: 6x IEC 320 C13 (battery backup), 2x IEC Jumpers
- Output Voltage: 230V (configurable for 220V or 240V)
- Waveform Type: Pure sine wave
- Transfer Time: 4–8ms typical
- Dimensions: 138 x 363 x 161 mm (W x H x D)
- Weight: 13.18 kg
- Battery: Sealed lead-acid, hot-swappable, with 3–5 year lifespan
- Runtime: 5.5 minutes at full load (500W), ~16 minutes at half load (250W)
- Display: Multifunction LCD status and control console
- Communication Ports: USB, Serial, SmartSlot
- Warranty: 1-year repair or replace
- Surge Protection: 540 Joules
- Certifications: CE, EAC, GS Mark, VDE, ENERGY STAR certified
Design and Build
The APC Smart-UPS 750VA (SMT750I) features a sleek, compact tower design, making it ideal for small spaces like home offices or network closets. Measuring just 363 mm in height and weighing 13.18 kg, it’s significantly lighter than higher-capacity UPS models, allowing for easy placement under a desk or on a shelf. The durable black enclosure is built to last, and the front-mounted LCD display provides clear, real-time information on UPS status, load, battery life, and estimated runtime.
The UPS includes an IEC-320 C14 input and 6x IEC C13 output connections with battery backup, plus 2x IEC jumpers, supporting devices like workstations, routers, and NAS systems. It’s bus-powered via USB or serial connections, and the SmartSlot allows for optional network management cards (e.g., AP9630) for remote monitoring. The hot-swappable battery design ensures maintenance without powering down connected equipment.
Performance
The SMT750I’s line-interactive topology uses Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) to stabilize voltage fluctuations without relying on the battery, extending battery life and ensuring consistent power delivery. Its pure sine wave output provides clean, stable power, making it compatible with sensitive electronics, including power-factor-corrected (PFC) servers and networking gear. The UPS maintains low output voltage distortion (<5%) and precise frequency regulation (50/60 Hz ±3 Hz).
With a transfer time of 4–8ms, the SMT750I switches to battery power quickly during outages, minimizing disruptions. It offers 5.5 minutes of runtime at full load (500W) and up to 16 minutes at half load, sufficient for safe shutdowns or bridging brief outages. Real-world tests show reliable performance for small setups, with transfer speeds of ~80–100 MB/s for data backups, suitable for small servers or workstations.
Key Features
- Pure Sine Wave Output: Delivers clean power for compatibility with sensitive electronics.
- Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR): Corrects voltage sags and surges, protecting equipment without battery use.
- Intuitive LCD Interface: Displays real-time data on load, battery status, and predictive battery replacement dates.
- Green Mode: Achieves up to 97% efficiency, reducing power consumption and heat output.
- Intelligent Battery Management: Optimizes battery performance with temperature-compensated charging and automatic self-tests.
- Hot-Swappable Batteries: Enables battery replacement without downtime (replacement cartridge: APCRBC124).
- SmartConnect (SMT750IC Variant): Offers cloud-based monitoring for remote management (not standard in SMT750I).
- PowerChute Software: Facilitates automatic shutdowns and UPS monitoring for Windows and macOS.
- SmartSlot: Supports optional network management cards for advanced monitoring.
- Surge Protection: 540 Joules of surge energy rating and noise filtering (0.7% IEEE let-through) protect against spikes.
Reliability and Durability
APC by Schneider Electric is a trusted name in power protection, and the SMT750I upholds this reputation. The sealed lead-acid battery lasts 3–5 years, with a recharge time of ~3 hours. Automatic self-tests detect battery issues early, and the predictive failure notification aids maintenance planning. Users report reliable performance in areas with unstable power, with the UPS effectively handling outages and surges. The 1-year warranty and APC’s comprehensive support resources provide peace of mind.
At 13.18 kg, the SMT750I is portable yet requires stable placement due to its lead-acid battery. Fan noise is minimal but may be noticeable in quiet environments under heavy loads.
Compatibility
The SMT750I is designed for 230V environments and supports a range of devices, including workstations, routers, switches, and small servers. Its configurable voltage (220–240V) ensures flexibility, and the pure sine wave output is ideal for active PFC equipment. The UPS is compatible with Windows and macOS via PowerChute software, and the USB/serial ports enable local management. The SmartSlot supports integration with network management systems, making it suitable for small IT setups. The UPS meets multiple safety certifications, ensuring broad compatibility.
Environmental Considerations
The SMT750I is ENERGY STAR certified, with its Green Mode achieving up to 97% efficiency, reducing utility costs and environmental impact. Lower heat generation minimizes cooling needs, making it eco-friendly for small offices. The packaging includes at least 70% recycled cardboard, aligning with sustainable practices.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Reliable Power Protection: Pure sine wave and AVR ensure stable power for sensitive devices.
- Compact and Lightweight: 13.18 kg and small footprint suit home offices and small setups.
- User-Friendly: LCD display and PowerChute software simplify management.
- Energy Efficient: Green Mode and ENERGY STAR certification reduce costs.
- Versatile Connectivity: Multiple output ports and SmartSlot for enhanced functionality.
- Trusted Brand: Backed by APC’s reputation and a 1-year warranty.
Cons
- Limited Capacity: 750VA/500W may not suffice for larger servers or heavy loads.
- Battery Replacement Cost: Lead-acid battery replacements (APCRBC124) can be costly.
- No Standard SmartConnect: Cloud monitoring requires the SMT750IC variant or an optional network card.
- Fan Noise: May be audible in quiet environments under high loads.
Who Should Buy It?
The APC Smart-UPS 750VA LCD 230V is ideal for:
- Home Offices: Protects workstations, NAS devices, and routers in areas with unstable power.
- Small Businesses: Safeguards point-of-sale systems, networking gear, and small servers.
- IT Professionals: Suitable for small-scale IT setups needing reliable backup and surge protection.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Offers robust features at a lower price than higher-capacity models.
For larger setups, the APC Smart-UPS 2200VA or 3000VA may be more suitable, while the SMT750IC variant offers cloud-based monitoring for remote management.
Conclusion
The APC Smart-UPS 750VA LCD 230V (SMT750I) is a compact, reliable, and efficient UPS that delivers robust power protection for small offices and home setups. Its pure sine wave output, AVR, and user-friendly features make it ideal for safeguarding sensitive electronics. While its capacity is limited compared to higher-end models, its affordability, energy efficiency, and trusted brand reputation make it a compelling choice. For more details, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES for purchasing, support and specifications.