In an era where power disruptions can halt critical operations—whether it’s a server crash during a storm or a voltage spike frying your networking gear—a dependable uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a must. The APC Smart-UPS 2200VA USB & Serial 230V (SUA2200I) from Schneider Electric’s APC brand is a stalwart in power protection, delivering 2200VA/1980W of line-interactive reliability for mid-sized IT setups. Optimized for 230V regions like Asia, Africa, and Europe, this tower UPS combines pure sine wave output with intelligent management for servers, networking equipment, and workstations. Let’s dive into its specs, features, ideal use cases, and user insights to see why it’s a trusted workhorse.
Core Specifications: Power for Demanding Loads
The SUA2200I is built to handle substantial equipment with efficiency, offering clean power and robust surge protection. Here’s a detailed look at its specs:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power Capacity | 2200VA / 1980W |
| Topology | Line Interactive with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) |
| Output Waveform | Pure Sine Wave (on battery) |
| Input Voltage | 230V, 50/60 Hz ±3 Hz; IEC-320 C20 connector |
| Output Outlets | (8) IEC 320 C13 + (1) IEC 320 C19 (all battery-backed) |
| Surge Protection | Up to 480 Joules |
| Recharge Time | ~3 hours to 90% capacity |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 432 x 196 x 544 mm (tower form factor) |
| Weight | ~50.9 kg |
| Communication | USB, Serial (DB-9 RS-232); SmartSlot for optional network card |
These specs make the SUA2200I a heavy-duty option for mid-tier IT environments, with pure sine wave output ensuring compatibility with sensitive gear like servers with active PFC power supplies. Its hefty build reflects the robust internal battery and transformer needed for high-capacity loads.
Standout Features: Smart and Reliable
The “Smart” in Smart-UPS reflects APC’s focus on intelligent power management, and the SUA2200I delivers with features that balance performance and usability:
- Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR): Stabilizes input voltage (160-286V range) by boosting low or trimming high voltages, minimizing battery use during brownouts—ideal for unstable grids in regions like India or South Africa.
- Pure Sine Wave Output: Delivers clean, utility-like power on battery, preventing shutdowns or damage to sensitive equipment like servers, NAS, or medical devices.
- Intelligent Battery Management: Maximizes battery lifespan with temperature-compensated charging and automatic self-tests. Hot-swappable RBC11 batteries allow maintenance without downtime.
- Advanced Connectivity: USB and serial ports integrate with PowerChute Business Edition software for automated shutdowns, event logging, and energy monitoring. The SmartSlot supports optional network cards (e.g., AP9630) for SNMP or remote management.
- LED Status Indicators: Simple LEDs show online, battery, overload, and fault status, with audible alarms for critical alerts. No LCD (unlike newer SMT models), but it’s functional and clear.
- High Efficiency: Achieves up to 95% efficiency, reducing energy costs and heat output in server rooms.
The package includes PowerChute software, USB/serial cables, and a user manual, are straightforward but pricey, lasting 3-5 years.
Ideal Applications: Powering Critical Workloads
The SUA2200I is tailored for environments where uptime is critical but rack space isn’t available:
- Small to Mid-Sized Server Rooms: Supports multiple servers, storage devices, or virtualization hosts, with enough runtime to bridge short outages or trigger safe shutdowns.
- Networking Hubs: Powers routers, switches, and VoIP systems in branch offices or retail, ensuring connectivity in power-unstable areas like Nigeria.
- Workstations and Labs: Protects high-end PCs, graphic design rigs, or medical equipment requiring clean power, especially in 230V markets.
It’s overkill for basic home setups (try APC’s Easy UPS line) and not rack-optimized (see SMT3000RM12U for that), but its tower form factor and high capacity suit standalone IT deployments.
User Feedback: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Real-World Performance
Drawing from Amazon, Reddit, and tech forums, the SUA2200I enjoys a 4.5-star average, lauded for its durability and performance in demanding setups. An Amazon reviewer in India praised its “rock-solid reliability” for a small server room, noting seamless AVR during daily fluctuations and clean power for a Dell PowerEdge server. Another user highlighted PowerChute’s shutdown automation for a homelab, saving data during a 10-minute blackout. On Reddit’s r/homelab, enthusiasts appreciate its pure sine wave and SmartSlot flexibility for custom integrations, though some use third-party tools like apcupsd for Linux compatibility.
Downsides? Its 50.9 kg weight makes it a two-person lift, and the lack of an LCD feels dated compared to newer models. PowerChute software can be finicky on non-Windows systems, and battery replacement costs sting. Some users note fan noise under heavy loads (~1500W+), but failures are rare, backed by APC’s 1-year warranty on unit and battery.
Final Verdict: A Trusted Power Anchor
The APC Smart-UPS SUA2200I remains a formidable choice in 2025 for mid-tier IT setups in 230V regions, blending pure sine wave reliability, smart management, and APC’s bulletproof build. While discontinued in some markets, its availability on secondary platforms and robust feature set make it a cost-effective alternative to newer SMT models. It’s an investment in uptime that pays off when the lights go out.
Looking to secure your servers? CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES for stock. Running an SUA2200I? Share your power-saving stories in the comments!