Tag: APC 2KVA UPS

In an era where power interruptions can disrupt critical operations, the APC Smart-UPS C 2000VA LCD 230V (SMC2000I) stands out as a reliable and efficient uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for small to medium-sized businesses, home offices, and IT environments. Designed by Schneider Electric’s APC brand, this line-interactive UPS offers robust power protection with a capacity of 2000VA/1300W, making it ideal for servers, networking equipment, and sensitive electronics. In this blog, we’ll explore its specifications, features, performance, and user feedback to help you determine if it’s the right solution for your power backup needs.

Key Specifications

Here’s a detailed overview of the APC Smart-UPS C 2000VA (SMC2000I) specifications:

• Capacity: 2000VA / 1300W
• Topology: Line-Interactive
• Input Voltage: 230V (220V/240V compatible; adjustable range: 170-300V)
• Output Voltage: 230V
• Output Connections: 6x IEC 320 C13 + 1x IEC 320 C19 (Battery Backup)
• Input Connection: IEC 320 C20
• Battery Type: Maintenance-free sealed lead-acid battery (APCRBC148 replacement cartridge)
• Battery Recharge Time: 3 hours
• Battery Life: 3-5 years
• Runtime: ~6 minutes 45 seconds at full load (1300W); ~20 minutes at half load (650W)
• Transfer Time: 8ms typical (10ms maximum)
• Surge Protection: 300 Joules
• Dimensions: 21.6 cm (H) x 17 cm (W) x 44 cm (D)
• Weight: 27.5 kg (30 kg packaged)
• Communication Ports: USB, Serial (no SNMP available)
• Control Panel: Multifunction LCD status and control console
• Certifications: C-Tick, CE, EAC, GOST, SABS, VDE, UK PSTI
• Warranty: 2-year repair or replace
• Environmental: Operates at 0-40°C; 0-95% relative humidity; 0-10,000 ft altitude

These specs position the SMC2000I as a versatile UPS for small to medium-scale applications.

Design and Build

The APC Smart-UPS C 2000VA (SMC2000I) features a compact tower-only design, measuring 21.6 x 17 x 44 cm and weighing 27.5 kg, making it suitable for environments where space is not a constraint. Its sleek black enclosure is robust, though not rack-mountable, which may limit its use in certain server setups. The front panel houses an intuitive LCD display that provides real-time information on load levels, battery status, and runtime estimates, enhancing user-friendliness. The UPS includes a USB cable, software CD, and documentation for easy setup.

The SMC2000I is designed for reliability, with a sealed lead-acid battery that’s hot-swappable and user-replaceable, minimizing downtime during maintenance. Its packaging uses at least 70% recycled cardboard, aligning with Schneider Electric’s sustainability goals, including a take-back program for recycling.

Performance

The SMC2000I employs line-interactive technology with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR), which corrects minor voltage fluctuations (170-300V) without switching to battery power, extending battery life and improving efficiency. It delivers a pure sine wave output, critical for sensitive electronics with active Power Factor Correction (PFC) power supplies, ensuring compatibility with servers, networking devices, and high-end PCs. Real-world tests show a transfer time of 8-10ms, sufficient for seamless power transitions during outages.

At full load (1300W), the UPS provides approximately 6 minutes 45 seconds of runtime, while at half load (650W), it extends to around 20 minutes, allowing ample time for safe shutdowns or generator activation. The green mode, a patented feature, bypasses unused electrical components during stable power conditions, achieving over 97% efficiency and earning Energy Star certification. This reduces utility costs and heat generation (135 Btu/h). However, the 45 dBA acoustic level may be noticeable in quiet environments.

Key Features

The SMC2000I is packed with features that enhance its functionality and reliability:

• Pure Sine Wave Output: Ensures compatibility with sensitive equipment, mimicking utility power.
• Green Mode: Boosts efficiency to over 97%, reducing energy costs.
• LCD Display: Provides clear, real-time status updates on load, battery, and runtime.
• Cold-Start Capability: Powers equipment during utility outages using battery power.
• Hot-Swappable Batteries: Allows battery replacement without powering down connected devices.
• Intelligent Battery Management: Maximizes battery life through temperature-compensated charging and automatic self-tests.
• Surge Protection: Offers 300 Joules of surge energy rating and full-time multi-pole noise filtering (0.3% IEEE surge let-through).
• Software Support: Includes PowerChute Business Edition for monitoring, control, and safe shutdowns, plus compatibility with WD Discovery for cloud backups.

These features make the SMC2000I ideal for protecting retail POS systems, entry-level servers, VoIP setups, and home office electronics.

Compatibility and Software

The SMC2000I is plug-and-play compatible with Windows, macOS (with configuration), and select Linux systems via USB or serial connectivity. It supports PowerChute Business Edition for remote management, safe shutdowns, and energy monitoring. The software allows customizable settings, such as voltage sensitivity and alarm delays, tailoring performance to specific environments. However, the lack of SNMP support may limit its use in advanced network management setups.

User Experiences

User feedback for the SMC2000I is generally positive, with retailers like PB Tech noting its reliability for servers, routers, and POS systems. Customers praise its ease of setup, clear LCD interface, and robust power protection. One user highlighted its ability to handle frequent power fluctuations in a small office without switching to battery, thanks to AVR. However, some criticisms include:

• The 27.5 kg weight makes it less portable.
• The 45 dBA noise level can be disruptive in quiet settings.
• Limited runtime at full load (6-7 minutes) may require additional battery modules for longer outages.
• No SNMP support, which may disappoint IT professionals needing advanced monitoring.

The UPS has a 2-year warranty, though some users note the battery warranty is also 2 years, shorter than the 3-year warranty on some APC models.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Pure sine wave output for sensitive electronics
• High efficiency (>97%) with green mode
• User-friendly LCD interface
• Hot-swappable, user-replaceable battery
• Robust surge protection (300 Joules)
• Energy Star certified and eco-friendly packaging
• 2-year warranty

Cons

• Limited runtime at full load (~6 minutes 45 seconds)
• No SNMP support for advanced network management
• Relatively heavy (27.5 kg)
• Audible noise (45 dBA) in quiet environments
• Not rack-mountable

Conclusion

The APC Smart-UPS C 2000VA LCD 230V (SMC2000I) is a reliable, efficient, and feature-rich UPS tailored for small to medium businesses, home offices, and IT environments. Its line-interactive topology, pure sine wave output, and green mode make it a cost-effective solution for protecting critical equipment like servers, networking devices, and POS systems. While its runtime is limited at full load and it lacks SNMP support, its ease of use, robust surge protection, and eco-conscious design make it a strong contender in its class.

For those needing a dependable UPS with a balance of performance and affordability, the SMC2000I is an excellent choice. Check pricing and availability @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES. Always ensure proper handling and maintenance to maximize battery life and performance.