In the fast-paced world of data centers, regional offices, and industrial setups, where power glitches can derail operations and erode trust, a reliable three-phase UPS is the unsung hero. The APC Smart-UPS VT 20kVA 400V (SUVTP20KH4B4S), from Schneider Electric’s APC portfolio, delivers 20kVA (16kW) of double-conversion online protection in a scalable tower design. Perfect for mid-range critical loads, it combines the simplicity of Smart-UPS management with enterprise-grade resilience.
Why the Smart-UPS VT 20kVA Excels in Critical Deployments
The SUVTP20KH4B4S sets itself apart with a modular build that supports up to four units in parallel for N+1 redundancy or capacity scaling up to 80kVA, all while maintaining hot-swappable components for minimal downtime. Its double-conversion topology ensures zero-transfer-time to battery, outputting a pure sine wave with less than 5% distortion to safeguard sensitive IT and telecom gear from harmonics, spikes, and sags. Built-in static and maintenance bypasses allow servicing without interrupting loads, a lifesaver in always-on environments.
IT teams value its blend of accessibility and power: the intuitive LCD console provides at-a-glance status, while the pre-installed network card enables remote oversight. Recent reviews highlight its “scalability and efficiency” as key strengths for businesses battling frequent outages.
Key Specifications at a Glance
To gauge its suitability for your needs, here’s a snapshot of the SUVTP20KH4B4S’s vital stats:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power Rating | 20kVA / 16kW |
| Input Voltage | 400V 3-phase (configurable 380/415V) |
| Output Voltage | 400V 3-phase (configurable 380/415V) |
| Max Input/Output Current | 27A input / 32A output |
| Battery Configuration | 4 x VRLA modules (±192V split), hot-swappable |
| Battery Life/Recharge | 3–5 years / 5 hours |
| Runtime (Full Load) | Approximately 18 minutes |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 149 x 52.3 x 84.2 cm (58.7 x 20.6 x 33.1 in) |
| Weight | 599 kg (1,320 lbs) with batteries |
| Efficiency | Up to 95.3% (double-conversion mode) |
| Noise Level | 51.3 dBA |
| Connectivity | DB-9 RS-232, SmartSlot with AP9631 Network Management Card, SNMP/web, multifunction LCD |
This footprint suits tower installations in dedicated rooms, with hardwired 5-wire (3PH + N + G) connections for robust integration.
Compatibility and Simplified Installation
Engineered for international three-phase grids, the SUVTP20KH4B4S mates perfectly with APC’s XR battery enclosures to stretch runtime from minutes to hours. VFI-SS-111 rated, it’s versatile for servers, storage arrays, and control systems. Parallel setups enhance redundancy, and the included start-up service (5×8 coverage) streamlines rollout.
Deployment is user-centric: Bolt it down, wire the inputs, and configure via LCD—no downtime needed for battery swaps. EPO circuitry and auto-sensing input frequency (40–70 Hz) add safety and flexibility.
The Benefits: Resilience, Efficiency, and Smart Design
The SUVTP20KH4B4S goes beyond basics, offering strategic edges for power-hungry ops:
- Ironclad Protection: Handles overloads (125% for 10 minutes, 150% for 60 seconds) with <10ms transfer times, ensuring seamless failover in dual-mains configs.
- Adaptable Growth: Extend runtime or scale capacity without forklift upgrades, ideal for evolving data centers or retail backends.
- Intelligent Efficiency: 95.3% efficiency cuts energy bills and heat (3,112 BTU/hr dissipation), while environmental monitoring via the network card predicts issues early.
- Green Credentials: RoHS-compliant VRLA batteries support Schneider’s recycling program, minimizing e-waste in 0–40°C ops (up to 95% humidity).
Field reports praise its “user-friendly LCD” for quick diagnostics and quiet operation, though the 599 kg heft calls for team lifts.
Warranty, Support, and Community Feedback
Backed by a 1-year repair-or-replace warranty plus complimentary start-up, Schneider extends options like modular battery services for sustained performance. Firmware updates and parts availability keep legacy units viable through end-of-service.
Insights are positive yet niche: A 2024 review lauds its “uninterrupted power” for small data centers, echoing its role in “reliable, scalable protection.” No widespread issues noted, affirming APC’s durability rep.
Final Thoughts: Enduring Power for Tomorrow’s Needs
The APC Smart-UPS VT 20kVA 400V (SUVTP20KH4B4S) proves that great design ages gracefully, delivering modular might and mission-critical safeguards in a compact tower. For legacy refreshes, it’s a winner; for fresh starts, eye the Galaxy VS.
Ready to bolster your setup? CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES for guides and alternatives. Stay powered, stay ahead.