In an era where downtime can be costly, ensuring uninterrupted power for critical equipment is essential. The APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA LCD 230V (SMC3000I), manufactured by Schneider Electric, is a line-interactive UPS designed to deliver robust power protection for servers, networking equipment, and other sensitive electronics. This blog dives into the key features, benefits, and ideal use cases of the SMC3000I, making it a top choice for small to medium-sized businesses.
Key Features of the APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA LCD 230V (SMC3000I)
1. High Power Capacity
The SMC3000I offers an output power capacity of 2.1 kW (2100 Watts) / 3.0 kVA, ideal for powering critical devices such as servers, storage systems, and networking hardware. With a nominal output voltage of 230V, it ensures compatibility with a variety of equipment. The UPS provides a pure sine wave output, which is critical for supporting active PFC (power factor corrected) power supplies found in modern servers and sensitive electronics.
2. Line-Interactive Topology with AVR
Featuring line-interactive topology, the SMC3000I includes Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) to stabilize voltage fluctuations (input voltage range: 170–300V, adjustable to 160–280V). AVR corrects low and high voltage conditions without relying on the battery, extending battery life and ensuring consistent power delivery during brownouts or overvoltages.
3. User-Friendly LCD Display
The SMC3000I is equipped with an intuitive LCD interface that provides real-time information on key metrics such as load capacity, battery status, and input/output voltage. The multilingual display and easy-to-use navigation keys simplify configuration and monitoring, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise. It also predicts battery replacement dates, aiding proactive maintenance.
4. Energy-Efficient Green Mode
The UPS incorporates a green operating mode that achieves efficiencies up to 97% by bypassing unused electrical components during stable power conditions. This Energy Star-certified feature reduces energy consumption, lowers utility costs, and minimizes heat output, making the SMC3000I an environmentally friendly choice.
5. Hot-Swappable Batteries
The SMC3000I uses a maintenance-free, sealed lead-acid battery with a typical recharge time of 3 hours. Its hot-swappable design allows battery replacement without powering down connected equipment, ensuring continuous operation. Intelligent battery management optimizes performance through precision charging, and automatic self-tests enhance reliability.
6. Flexible Connectivity and Management
The UPS features 8x IEC 320 C13 and 1x IEC 320 C19 outlets, providing ample connectivity for multiple devices. It includes USB and serial ports for local management and is compatible with PowerChute Business Edition software, enabling graceful shutdowns and detailed power monitoring. While it lacks a SmartSlot for network management cards (unlike higher-end models), it supports USB-based remote monitoring for small-scale deployments.
7. Surge Protection and Runtime
With a surge energy rating of 300 Joules, the SMC3000I protects equipment from surges, spikes, and lightning. It offers a runtime of approximately 6 minutes at full load (2100W) and 17 minutes at half load (1050W), providing sufficient time for data backup or orderly shutdowns during outages. The cold-start capability allows the UPS to power devices temporarily when utility power is unavailable.
8. Trusted Reliability and Warranty
Backed by APC’s 30+ years of expertise, the Smart-UPS C series is designed for reliability, with millions of units deployed worldwide. The SMC3000I comes with a 2-year warranty for both the UPS and battery, and the replacement battery cartridge (APCRBC150) is user-replaceable, ensuring long-term performance.
Benefits of the APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA LCD 230V
- Cost-Effective Protection: Offers enterprise-grade features at an affordable price, ideal for budget-conscious businesses.
- Uptime Assurance: Safeguards against power disruptions, minimizing downtime and protecting critical data.
- Energy Savings: The green mode reduces operational costs and supports sustainability initiatives.
- Ease of Maintenance: Hot-swappable batteries and predictive diagnostics simplify upkeep.
- User-Friendly Operation: The LCD interface and PowerChute software make management straightforward, even for non-technical users.
Ideal Applications
The SMC3000I is well-suited for:
- Small to Medium Businesses: Protects servers, point-of-sale systems, and networking equipment in offices or retail environments.
- Home Offices and Small IT Setups: Ensures reliable power for workstations, NAS devices, or home servers.
- Regions with Unstable Power: AVR and surge protection mitigate risks from frequent voltage fluctuations.
- Cost-Conscious Organizations: Provides high-quality power protection without the advanced networking features of higher-end models, balancing cost and functionality.
Why Choose the APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA LCD 230V?
The APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA LCD 230V (SMC3000I) is a cost-effective, reliable, and efficient solution for protecting critical electronics. While it lacks some advanced features of the Smart-UPS SMT series (like SmartSlot support), it delivers essential power protection with a focus on simplicity and affordability. Its combination of pure sine wave output, AVR, and energy-efficient design makes it a versatile choice for small to medium-sized businesses or home office environments.
For more details or to purchase, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES. Ensure your equipment stays protected and your operations run smoothly with the APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA LCD 230V!