In regions plagued by erratic power grids, businesses can’t risk downtime from voltage swings or blackouts. A solid Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) becomes the lifeline for servers, workstations, and critical electronics. The APC Easy UPS SMV 3000VA Universal Outlet 230V (SMV3000AI-MS) from APC by Schneider Electric is engineered for just that—delivering line-interactive protection with pure sine wave output in a rugged, tower design. Rated at 3kVA/2.1kW, this UPS offers battery backup, surge protection, and AVR for small to medium setups. Let’s break down why the SMV3000AI-MS is a reliable choice for unstable power environments.
What is a Line-Interactive UPS?
A UPS bridges power gaps by providing instant battery support during outages and conditioning incoming electricity to fend off surges and fluctuations. Line-interactive models like the SMV3000AI-MS incorporate Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) to boost low voltages or buck high ones without draining the battery—extending runtime and battery life. On battery, it switches to pure sine wave output, mimicking grid power for compatibility with sensitive gear like active PFC servers. The Easy UPS SMV series focuses on affordability and durability, ideal for emerging markets where power quality varies wildly.
Key Specifications of the SMV3000AI-MS
This UPS packs robust features into a straightforward tower unit. Here’s a snapshot of its specs:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3kVA / 2.1kW (power factor 0.7) |
| Input Voltage | 230V nominal, single-phase (IEC 60320 C20) |
| Output Voltage | 230V nominal, pure sine wave on battery, 50/60 Hz |
| Topology | Line-interactive with AVR |
| Output Connections | 6 x Universal receptacles (battery backup + surge protection) |
| Input Connections | IEC 60320 C20 |
| Efficiency | Up to 98% in line mode |
| Battery | Sealed lead-acid, user-replaceable; runtime ~2 minutes at full load |
| Interface | LCD display with text and mimic diagrams for status, parameters, and alarms |
| Form Factor | Tower, not rack-mountable |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | Approximately 345 mm x 140 mm x 380 mm (estimated from series) |
| Weight | ~25 kg (approximate) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
RoHS compliant and generator-compatible, it’s built for global 230V use with resilient sheet metal construction to shield internals.
Standout Features and Benefits
The SMV3000AI-MS shines with practical, no-frills protection tailored for tough conditions:
- Wide Input Range and AVR: Handles voltages from 160-300V, automatically correcting fluctuations to keep equipment humming without battery drain—crucial for inconsistent grids.
- Pure Sine Wave Backup: Emulates utility power on battery, ensuring seamless support for PFC loads and generators, with zero compatibility issues.
- Generous Outlets: Six universal receptacles offer flexibility for plugs from various regions, all backed by surge protection up to 680 Joules.
- User-Friendly LCD: Displays operation modes, alarms, and diagnostics in real-time, simplifying troubleshooting without software.
- Rugged Durability: Sheet metal enclosure withstands harsh environments, while the 0.7 power factor maximizes real output for cost-effective power delivery.
These traits make it a value-packed option, balancing reliability with low ownership costs for IT pros in SMEs.
Ideal Use Cases for the SMV3000AI-MS
This UPS fits environments where power instability is the norm:
- Small Office Servers: Protect entry-level servers, NAS, and switches, giving time for safe shutdowns during brief outages.
- Retail and Branch Sites: Power POS terminals, printers, and networks in stores with unreliable mains, minimizing transaction disruptions.
- Edge Computing in Emerging Markets: Support remote IT or IoT setups in areas with frequent brownouts, thanks to its wide voltage tolerance.
- General Electronics: Safeguard desktops, scanners, and peripherals in professional services or home offices.
For longer runtime, pair with external battery packs from the SMV series.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
The SMV3000AI-MS is plug-and-play simple:
- Site Prep: Position in a ventilated spot away from moisture; ensure a 230V circuit with grounding.
- Setup: Connect the C20 input cord to mains, plug devices into the six universal outlets, and power on—the AVR kicks in automatically.
- Configuration: Use the LCD to view status; optional USB/serial ports allow basic management via APC software.
Maintenance is effortless: Test batteries monthly via self-diagnostic, replace every 2-3 years (user-accessible), and wipe down the metal case quarterly. Full runtime charts and manuals are on APC’s site.
Pro Tip: In generator setups, its compatibility ensures smooth handoffs without load rejection.
Wrapping Up: Stability in an Unstable World
The APC Easy UPS SMV 3000VA Universal Outlet 230V (SMV3000AI-MS) delivers essential line-interactive protection with AVR and pure sine wave output, making it a tough, affordable ally against power woes. For small businesses battling grid unreliability, it’s the easy path to uptime.
Ready to stabilize your setup? CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES for availability. What’s your power headache? Share in the comments!