In today’s power-unstable world, where outages, surges, and fluctuations can disrupt operations and cause significant data loss, a reliable uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is indispensable for businesses and IT professionals. As of September 2025, with increasing reliance on digital infrastructure amid rising energy demands and climate-related disruptions, the need for robust power protection has never been greater. The APC 3000VA Smart Line Interactive UPS (SUA3000I), from Schneider Electric’s renowned APC brand, delivers intelligent, scalable power backup for medium-sized servers, networking equipment, and critical systems in 230V environments like the UK and Europe. Part of the iconic Smart-UPS series—trusted by millions worldwide—this line-interactive model excels in voltage regulation and battery management. In this informative blog, we’ll explore its capabilities, specifications, advantages, and practical insights to guide your decision-making.
What is the APC 3000VA Smart Line Interactive UPS (SUA3000I)?
The SUA3000I is a tower-style UPS offering 3000VA (3 kVA) capacity with a maximum output of 2700W, designed for professional-grade protection in small to medium IT setups. As a line-interactive UPS, it employs automatic voltage regulation (AVR) to stabilize minor power anomalies without relying on battery power, thereby preserving battery life during everyday fluctuations. It’s perfect for safeguarding servers, routers, switches, point-of-sale systems, and workstations from blackouts, surges, and noise interference.
Produced by APC (Schneider Electric’s power solutions arm), the SUA3000I has been a reliable workhorse since its launch, with robust support continuing into 2025. While approaching end-of-commercialization—meaning new production is winding down—Schneider Electric ensures after-sales services like repairs and parts availability until full end-of-life. This model underscores APC’s commitment to energy-efficient, network-grade power, with over 25 million Smart-UPS units sold globally.
Key Features of the APC SUA3000I
The SUA3000I blends durability with smart technology in a user-friendly package. Here’s a detailed table of its primary specifications:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Topology | Line Interactive with AVR |
Capacity | 3000VA / 2700W |
Input Voltage | Nominal 230V AC; range 160-286V (AVR corrects low voltage up to 30%, high up to 12%) |
Output Connections | (8) IEC 320 C13 + (1) IEC 320 C19 + (2) IEC Jumpers (all battery-backed) |
Waveform | Pure Sine Wave (compatible with Active PFC power supplies and sensitive electronics) |
Surge Protection | 320 Joules; multi-pole EMI/RFI noise filtering (0.3% IEEE let-through, zero clamping time) |
Battery Type | Sealed Lead Acid (VRLA); hot-swappable RBC140 modules (four 12V 18Ah batteries) for no-downtime replacement |
Runtime Estimates | Full load (2700W): ~5 minutes; Half load (1350W): ~15-20 minutes; Extendable with external packs up to hours |
Communication Ports | USB, Serial (RS-232), SmartSlot for optional cards (e.g., network management or SNMP) |
Display & Indicators | LED status lights with load/battery bar graphs; On Line, On Battery, Replace Battery, Overload alerts |
Efficiency | Up to 97% in green mode; Energy Star certified for reduced energy consumption |
Dimensions & Weight | 196 mm (W) x 544 mm (H) x 489 mm (D); ~48 kg (tower form, suitable for rack conversion with adapters) |
Certifications | CE, EN 50091-1/2, VDE, UL 1449; RoHS compliant |
Included Accessories | PowerChute software CD, USB/RS-232 cables, user manual |
Warranty | 1 year (extendable; includes intelligent battery management for 3-5 year lifespan) |
These attributes emphasize its network-grade performance, including precision temperature-compensated charging to optimize battery health and dynamic indicators for proactive maintenance. The hot-swappable batteries and adjustable output voltage (220/230/240V) make it adaptable to various global power environments.
The Benefits: Why Choose the APC SUA3000I for Power Protection?
The SUA3000I goes beyond basic backup, offering intelligent features that enhance reliability and efficiency. Here’s why it’s a compelling choice:
- Superior Voltage Stabilization and Backup: AVR handles brownouts and overvoltages seamlessly, switching to battery only when necessary. With pure sine wave output, it ensures compatibility with modern IT gear, preventing issues like reboots or hardware stress during outages. This is vital in regions with grid instability, providing enough runtime for safe shutdowns or bridging to generators.
- Advanced Surge and Noise Protection: The 320J rating absorbs spikes effectively, while EMI/RFI filtering eliminates interference that could corrupt data or disrupt communications. Zero transfer time to battery means uninterrupted operation, safeguarding against costly failures in servers or networks.
- Intelligent Battery and Energy Management: APC’s pioneering tech includes precision charging, automatic self-tests, and a dynamic replacement indicator to extend battery life. Green mode boosts efficiency to 97%, cutting operational costs and supporting sustainability—especially relevant in 2025 with escalating energy prices. PowerChute software facilitates remote monitoring, auto-shutdowns, and integration with Windows/Linux systems.
- Maintenance-Friendly Design: Hot-swappable batteries allow replacements without powering down, minimizing downtime. The cold-start capability powers devices even without mains input, ideal for emergency scenarios. Scalable with external packs, it’s future-proof for expanding setups.
In 2025, its Energy Star status aligns with eco-conscious operations, while robust build quality ensures performance in demanding environments up to 40°C.
User Reviews and Real-World Performance
As of September 2025, the SUA3000I garners solid feedback from IT pros and homelab enthusiasts, averaging 4.4-4.6 stars on sites like Amazon UK and in Reddit discussions. Users commend its reliability and sine wave output for handling sensitive loads, with one Amazon reviewer noting, “Excellent for server protection—quiet, efficient, and the AVR works flawlessly during fluctuations.” On Reddit’s r/homelab, a user praised its “juggernaut” capacity for high-load setups, though advising battery checks due to age in refurbished units.
Pros include easy setup, hot-swap convenience, and PowerChute integration for alerts. However, some mention its weight as a portability drawback and occasional fan noise under full load. Battery life shines with proper maintenance, often lasting 3-5 years, and no major 2025 reliability issues reported. Real-world tests confirm effective runtime extension and surge handling, making it a favorite for non-critical but essential roles.
How to Use and Install the APC SUA3000I
Setup is straightforward for experienced users:
- Position the tower in a ventilated, stable spot away from heat or moisture.
- Connect the input to a dedicated 230V/16A circuit.
- Attach critical devices to the IEC outlets, using jumpers for daisy-chaining if needed.
- Install PowerChute via USB/serial for configuration, including runtime thresholds and alerts.
- Perform self-tests and verify LEDs (green for normal).
For optimal use, conduct monthly checks, replace batteries every 3-5 years, and avoid exceeding 2700W. It’s generator-compatible and supports rack-mounting with optional kits. Unplug non-essentials during outages to maximize runtime.
Conclusion: A Dependable Powerhouse for Mission-Critical Needs
The APC 3000VA Smart Line Interactive UPS (SUA3000I) remains a cornerstone of reliable power protection, with its line-interactive design, intelligent features, and scalable runtime ensuring business continuity amid power challenges. Though nearing end-of-commercialization, its ongoing support, efficiency, and proven track record make it a smart pick for medium IT environments, preventing downtime and data risks at an accessible price. Ideal for servers and networks, it embodies APC’s legacy of trusted innovation. If you prioritize robust, no-fuss UPS performance, the SUA3000I delivers—empower your operations today! For cutting-edge alternatives, consider APC’s SMT series with LCD interfaces.
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