In the world of IT infrastructure, where downtime can cost thousands per minute, a reliable uninterruptible power supply (UPS) isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Enter the APC Smart-UPS SUA5000RMI5U, a 5U rackmount/tower convertible line-interactive UPS designed for mid-sized servers, networking gear, and data centers. With a robust 5000VA/4000W capacity, this model delivers clean, stable power to keep your operations humming through outages, surges, and fluctuations. Whether you’re managing a small business server room or scaling up your homelab, the SUA5000RMI5U offers professional-grade protection without breaking the bank. Let’s break down what makes it tick.
Key Specifications at a Glance
The SUA5000RMI5U packs impressive specs into a compact 5U form factor, making it versatile for rackmount installations or standalone tower use. Here’s a quick overview:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 VA / 4000 W |
| Input Voltage | 230 V nominal; adjustable range 151–302 V (default 160–286 V) |
| Output Voltage | 230 V (configurable: 220 V, 230 V, or 240 V) |
| Outlets | 8x IEC 320 C13, 2x IEC 320 C19 (plus 4 IEC jumpers for daisy-chaining) |
| Waveform | Pure sine wave (<5% harmonic distortion) |
| Transfer Time | 2 ms typical / 4 ms maximum |
| Efficiency | Up to 96% at full load |
| Surge Protection | 480 Joules; full-time multi-pole noise filtering (EMI/RFI) |
| Battery Type | Sealed lead-acid VRLA (replaceable RBC55 cartridge, 2 batteries) |
| Recharge Time | 3 hours typical |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 22.2 x 48.3 x 66 cm (8.75 x 19 x 26 in); 5U rack height |
| Weight | 97.73 kg (215 lb) |
| Operating Temp | 0–40°C (32–104°F); 0–95% humidity |
| Warranty | 2 years (repair or replace) |
These specs position the SUA5000RMI5U as a workhorse for environments with frequent power instability, supporting everything from routers and switches to high-demand servers.
Standout Features That Set It Apart
What elevates the SUA5000RMI5U from basic UPS units? It’s the “Smart” in its name—intelligent features tailored for IT pros.
Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR)
Line-interactive topology shines here, with built-in AVR that boosts low voltages (buck/boost) without draining the battery. This extends battery life during brownouts, common in regions with grid inconsistencies, ensuring seamless operation across its wide 151–302 V input range.
Pure Sine Wave Output and Fast Transfer
Sensitive electronics like servers and NAS devices demand clean power. The SUA5000RMI5U’s pure sine wave output (with a 3:1 crest factor) minimizes distortion, preventing glitches or hardware stress during switches to battery— all in just 2 ms. It’s UL 1449 certified for surge let-through, adding peace of mind.
Advanced Monitoring and Management
Out of the box, it includes a Web/SNMP management card for remote oversight via your network, plus RS-232 serial connectivity and a SmartSlot for expansions like environmental sensors. Pair it with APC’s PowerChute software (included on CD) for automated shutdowns, event logging, and energy reporting. The LED status panel provides at-a-glance info on line mode, battery status, overloads, and replace-battery alerts, with configurable audible alarms.
Battery Management
The hot-swappable RBC55 battery pack (two VRLA units) offers 3–5 years of life and user-replaceable design—no downtime required. It recharges in 3 hours and supports scalable runtime options for extended protection.
Users in DIY solar setups have even repurposed it as a 48V inverter, praising its efficiency and build quality for off-grid experiments.
Performance in Action: Runtime and Real-World Use
At full load (4000 W), expect about 9.4 minutes of runtime—enough for graceful shutdowns. Dial it back to half load (2000 W), and you’re looking at 26.7 minutes, ideal for bridging short blackouts. These figures make it suitable for 3–4 mid-range servers, as one forum user confirmed when pairing it with existing units for a small cluster.
In tests and user reports, it handles peak loads without faltering, with noise levels at a tolerable 53 dBA (fan-cooled for heat dissipation of 430 BTU/h). For energy-conscious setups, its 96% efficiency keeps bills low, and it’s Energy Star rated as a Green Premium product.
Easy Setup and Maintenance Tips
Installation is straightforward: Mount it in your 19-inch rack using included rails and hardware, or convert to tower mode. Connect via the hardwire 3-wire input for mains, plug in devices to the C13/C19 outlets, and hook up the RS-232 for software integration. The user manual (included) covers EPO (Emergency Power Off) wiring for safety.
Maintenance? Run self-tests via the control panel, monitor via PowerChute, and swap the RBC55 every 3–5 years—it’s plug-and-play. Keep it dust-free and in a cool spot to maximize longevity.
Pros, Cons, and Who It’s For
Pros:
- Versatile rack/tower design for flexible deployments.
- Comprehensive protection (AVR, surge, noise filtering) at a competitive price point.
- Robust monitoring tools reduce IT headaches.
- Proven reliability in server and networking environments.
Cons:
- Hefty at 98 kg—needs two people for racking.
- No native USB (relies on serial/SNMP for comms).
- Battery replacements aren’t cheap.
This UPS is perfect for small-to-medium businesses, IT closets, or homelabs running multiple servers (e.g., 4x rack units). If you’re in a power-unstable area or need sine wave purity for VoIP/PoS systems, it’s a solid pick. Larger enterprises might scale to online double-conversion models, but for value, the SUA5000RMI5U holds strong—even in 2025, with stock still available from resellers.
Wrapping Up: Invest in Uptime
The APC Smart-UPS SUA5000RMI5U isn’t flashy, but it’s battle-tested engineering that prioritizes what matters: keeping your gear alive. With its blend of power, smarts, and scalability, it’s a cornerstone for any setup where seconds count. Ready to fortify your rack? Check APC’s site or authorized dealers for the latest pricing and bundles. Your servers will thank you.
Have you deployed a SUA5000RMI5U? Share your runtime stories in the comments!