In an age where power interruptions can disrupt critical operations, the APC Smart-UPS 1000VA 230V (SUA1000I) remains a trusted choice for reliable power protection. Manufactured by Schneider Electric’s APC brand, this line-interactive uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is designed for small businesses, home offices, and network environments. With a capacity of 1000VA/670W, it safeguards servers, networking equipment, and sensitive electronics. In this blog, we’ll dive into its specifications, features, performance, and user feedback to help you decide if this UPS suits your needs.
Key Specifications
Here’s an overview of the APC Smart-UPS 1000VA (SUA1000I) specifications:
- Capacity: 1000VA / 670W
- Topology: Line-Interactive
- Input Voltage: 230V (adjustable range: 151-302V; default: 160-286V)
- Output Voltage: Configurable for 220, 230, or 240V
- Output Connections: 8x IEC 320 C13, 2x IEC Jumpers (all with battery backup)
- Input Connection: IEC 320 C14
- Battery Type: Maintenance-free sealed lead-acid battery (RBC6 replacement cartridge)
- Battery Recharge Time: 3 hours
- Battery Life: 3-5 years
- Runtime: ~6.1 minutes at full load (670W); ~20.6 minutes at half load (335W)
- Transfer Time: 2-4ms typical (5ms maximum)
- Surge Protection: 320 Joules
- Dimensions: 21.6 cm (H) x 17 cm (W) x 43.9 cm (D)
- Weight: 18.86 kg (20.865 kg packaged)
- Communication Ports: USB, RS-232, SmartSlot
- Control Panel: LED status display with load and battery bar graphs
- Certifications: C-Tick, CE, GOST, VDE
- Warranty: 1-year repair or replace
- Environmental: Operates at 0-40°C; 0-95% non-condensing humidity; 0-10,000 ft altitude
These specs make the SUA1000I a versatile UPS for small-scale power protection needs.
Design and Build
The SUA1000I features a compact tower design, measuring 21.6 x 17 x 43.9 cm and weighing 18.86 kg, making it suitable for offices, server rooms, or home setups. Its professional black enclosure blends seamlessly into IT environments. The front panel includes a 16-segment LED display with load and battery bar graphs, providing clear status updates for power, battery, and load conditions. Audible alarms alert users to events like battery operation or overloads.
The UPS comes with a CD containing PowerChute software, a Smart-UPS signaling RS-232 cable, a USB cable, and a user manual. Its front-access servicing simplifies maintenance, such as battery replacement, without requiring extensive downtime. The enclosure is sturdy but not rack-mountable, which may be a limitation for some server setups. Schneider Electric emphasizes sustainability with recyclable packaging and a take-back program for end-of-life recycling.
Performance
The SUA1000I uses line-interactive technology with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR), which boosts low input voltage by up to 30% and trims high voltage by up to 12% without switching to battery power. This extends battery life and ensures stable power delivery. Its pure sine wave output is compatible with sensitive electronics, including servers with active Power Factor Correction (PFC) power supplies, minimizing equipment damage risks.
At full load (670W), the UPS provides approximately 6.1 minutes of runtime, sufficient for safe system shutdowns during brief outages, while at half load (335W), it delivers 20.6 minutes. The 3-hour recharge time ensures quick recovery after power events. The UPS offers network-grade power conditioning, protecting against surges, spikes, and electrical noise with a 320-Joule surge energy rating and full-time multi-pole noise filtering (0.3% IEEE surge let-through). Users report seamless performance in regions with unstable power grids, with one noting successful integration with a 27″ iMac and peripherals at under 20% load during weekly power-cut simulations.
Key Features
The SUA1000I is packed with features that enhance its reliability and usability:
- Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR): Stabilizes voltage fluctuations, reducing battery usage and ensuring consistent power delivery.
- Pure Sine Wave Output: Ensures compatibility with sensitive devices like servers and gaming consoles.
- Intelligent Battery Management: Adjusts charging based on battery temperature, maximizing performance and lifespan. Periodic self-tests and a replace battery indicator provide maintenance alerts.
- PowerChute Software: Enables safe system shutdowns, real-time monitoring, and UPS configuration via USB or RS-232 ports.
- SmartSlot: Supports optional network management cards (e.g., AP9630, AP9631) for remote monitoring and control.
- Cold-Start Capability: Powers equipment during complete outages using battery power until utility power is restored.
- Surge Protection: Offers 320 Joules of surge energy rating and noise filtering for robust protection.
These features make the SUA1000I ideal for protecting small servers, networking gear, and home office setups.
Compatibility and Software
The SUA1000I is compatible with Windows, macOS, and select Linux systems via USB or RS-232 connectivity. PowerChute Business Edition software supports remote management, safe shutdowns, and customizable settings like voltage sensitivity and alarm delays. The SmartSlot allows integration with network management cards for advanced IT environments, though these are optional add-ons. The UPS is plug-and-play for most setups, with users praising its seamless integration with macOS and Windows systems.
User Experiences
The SUA1000I enjoys a strong reputation, backed by APC’s 25 million Smart-UPS units sold globally. Users praise its reliability for protecting servers, routers, and home office setups, with one reporting a previous APC UPS lasting over 15 years. It’s lauded for quiet operation, though fan noise may be noticeable during battery mode. Some criticisms include:
- Inconsistent packaging, with occasional missing cables (e.g., IEC C14 input cable).
- Short runtime at full load (6.1 minutes), requiring a generator for extended outages.
- Weight (18.86 kg) makes it less portable than smaller UPS models.
- Discontinued status, with the SMT1000IC as the recommended replacement.
The 1-year warranty and availability of replacement batteries (RBC6) enhance reliability, though regular maintenance (e.g., battery replacement every 3-5 years) is recommended.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Reliable power protection with pure sine wave output
- AVR extends battery life and stabilizes voltage
- User-friendly LED display and PowerChute software
- SmartSlot for optional network management
- Compact tower design fits small spaces
- Trusted brand with a 1-year warranty
Cons
- Discontinued model; replaced by SMT1000IC
- Short runtime at full load (~6.1 minutes)
- Relatively heavy (18.86 kg)
- Inconsistent packaging may lead to missing cables
- Not rack-mountable
Conclusion
The APC Smart-UPS 1000VA 230V (SUA1000I) is a dependable, cost-effective UPS that delivers robust power protection for small businesses, home offices, and network environments. Its line-interactive topology, pure sine wave output, and intelligent management features ensure uptime and safeguard critical equipment. While its discontinued status, limited runtime at full load, and lack of rack-mount capability may be drawbacks, its affordability and proven reliability make it a solid choice for basic power protection in 230V regions.
For those seeking a modern alternative, consider the APC Smart-UPS SMT1000IC. For pricing and availability of the SUA1000I, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES. Ensure sellers clarify included accessories to avoid unexpected costs, and maintain regular battery checks to maximize performance.