A Comprehensive Guide to the APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA Rack Mount LCD 230V (SMT3000RMI2U)

In today’s technology-driven world, ensuring uninterrupted power for critical IT infrastructure is essential. The APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA Rack Mount LCD 230V (SMT3000RMI2U), part of APC by Schneider Electric’s renowned Smart-UPS family, is a high-performance uninterruptible power supply (UPS) designed to deliver reliable power protection for servers, network equipment, and other mission-critical devices. This blog explores the key features, benefits, applications, and technical specifications of the SMT3000RMI2U, highlighting why it’s a trusted choice for businesses.

Overview of the APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA (SMT3000RMI2U)

The APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA (SMT3000RMI2U) is a line-interactive UPS with a 3000VA/2700W power capacity, designed for rack-mounted environments. Its 2U rack-mountable form factor makes it ideal for small to medium-sized data centers, server rooms, and network closets. Offering pure sine wave output, advanced power management, and energy-efficient operation, this UPS ensures continuous operation during power disruptions while protecting sensitive electronics from surges and voltage fluctuations.

Key Features

1. Pure Sine Wave Output

The SMT3000RMI2U delivers pure sine wave output, ensuring compatibility with sensitive electronics, such as servers with active power factor corrected (PFC) power supplies. This simulates utility power, providing the highest degree of reliability for critical devices.

2. Line-Interactive Technology

With line-interactive topology, the UPS corrects minor voltage fluctuations without switching to battery power, improving efficiency and extending battery life. This is particularly useful in regions with unstable power grids.

3. Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR)

The built-in AVR stabilizes voltage sags and surges, ensuring consistent power delivery to connected devices, protecting them from damage caused by power irregularities.

4. High-Efficiency Green Mode

The patented green mode achieves efficiencies over 97%, reducing utility costs and heat generation. This Energy Star-certified UPS is designed for eco-conscious businesses seeking to minimize their environmental footprint.

5. LCD Status Display

An intuitive LCD interface provides real-time information on UPS status, load, and battery levels through multiple status indicators and bar graphs. This allows for easy local configuration and monitoring.

6. Multiple Connectivity Options

The UPS supports USB, serial, and SmartSlot connectivity for advanced management. It includes PowerChute Business Edition software for secure system shutdowns and UPS monitoring, and is compatible with optional Network Management Cards (NMC) for remote management.

7. Output Connections

The SMT3000RMI2U features 8x IEC 320 C13 outlets, 1x IEC 320 C19 outlet, and 3x IEC jumper cables, offering flexible connectivity for servers, networking equipment, and other devices. It uses an IEC 320 C20 input with included BS1363A British and Schuko CEE 7/EU1-16P input cables.

8. Intelligent Battery Management

APC’s pioneering temperature-compensated charging maximizes battery performance and lifespan. The UPS also provides a dynamic battery replacement date indicator and automatic self-tests to ensure reliability.

9. Cold Start Capability

The cold start function allows the UPS to power on and provide temporary power during a complete power outage, enabling critical systems to restart.

Benefits of the APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA

1. Reliable Power Protection

The SMT3000RMI2U ensures uninterrupted operation during power outages, giving users time to save data and perform graceful shutdowns. Its surge protection and AVR safeguard equipment from power disturbances.

2. Energy Efficiency

The green mode and Energy Star certification reduce energy consumption, lowering operational costs and environmental impact, making it ideal for eco-conscious businesses.

3. Scalable and Manageable

With support for Network Management Cards and PowerChute software, the UPS offers scalable power management and remote monitoring, catering to IT professionals’ needs.

4. Versatile Applications

The 2U rack-mount design and multiple outlets make it suitable for protecting:

  • Servers and storage systems
  • Network switches, routers, and hubs
  • Business VoIP systems
  • Retail point-of-sale (POS) systems

5. Eco-Friendly Design

The UPS is packaged with minimum 70% recycled cardboard (50% in the US) and is eligible for APC’s take-back program in select regions, supporting sustainable disposal practices. Its total lifecycle carbon footprint is approximately 2980 kg CO2 eq.

Applications

The APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA (SMT3000RMI2U) is ideal for:

  • Data Centers and Server Rooms: Protects critical servers and storage systems, ensuring uptime and data integrity.
  • Network Closets: Safeguards networking equipment like routers, switches, and hubs from power disruptions.
  • Small to Medium Businesses: Supports POS systems, VoIP phones, and other critical devices in retail or office environments.
  • Regions with Unstable Power: Provides reliable power protection in areas prone to voltage fluctuations or outages.

Technical Specifications

  • Power Capacity: 3000VA / 2700W
  • Input Voltage: 230V (IEC 320 C20 input)
  • Output Voltage: 230V
  • Output Connections: 8x IEC 320 C13, 1x IEC 320 C19, 3x IEC jumper cables
  • Topology: Line-Interactive
  • Surge Energy Rating: Not specified (typical for Smart-UPS models is ~400-600 Joules)
  • Battery: Maintenance-free sealed lead-acid with suspended electrolyte
  • Transfer Time: 2-4 ms typical
  • Efficiency: >97% in green mode
  • Noise Level: <55 dB
  • Rack Height: 2U
  • Dimensions: 86 mm (H) x 432 mm (W) x 477 mm (D)
  • Weight: Approximately 26.8 kg
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Certifications: CE, Energy Star
  • Environmental Data: Carbon footprint ~2980 kg CO2 eq (total lifecycle)

Why Choose the APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA (SMT3000RMI2U)?

The SMT3000RMI2U combines high performance, energy efficiency, and advanced management features in a compact 2U rack-mount design. Its pure sine wave output, green mode, and intelligent battery management make it a top choice for IT professionals seeking reliable power protection. Backed by APC’s trusted reputation and a 2-year warranty, this UPS ensures peace of mind for businesses relying on critical infrastructure.

Conclusion

The APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA Rack Mount LCD 230V (SMT3000RMI2U) is a robust and efficient UPS tailored for small to medium-sized data centers, server rooms, and network closets. With its advanced features, eco-friendly design, and compatibility with modern IT environments, it delivers dependable power protection and scalability. Whether you’re safeguarding servers or networking equipment, the SMT3000RMI2U is a smart investment for business continuity.

For more details, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES.

APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA Rackmount LCD 230V (SMT3000RMI2U) Overview

The APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA Rackmount LCD 230V (SMT3000RMI2U) is a high-performance uninterruptible power supply (UPS) from Schneider Electric, designed to provide reliable power protection and backup for critical IT infrastructure in small to medium-sized businesses, data centers, and server rooms. With its robust 3000VA capacity, intelligent features, and space-efficient 2U rackmount design, this UPS ensures business continuity by safeguarding servers, networking equipment, and storage systems against power disruptions. Below is a detailed overview of its features, specifications, and benefits, based on available information.

Key Features

  • 3000VA/2100W Power Capacity: Delivers substantial power to support critical devices like servers, routers, switches, and storage systems, providing sufficient runtime during outages for safe shutdowns or continued operation.
  • Pure Sine Wave Output: Ensures clean, stable power delivery, critical for sensitive electronics to prevent performance degradation or component damage, unlike stepped sine wave outputs found in entry-level UPS models.
  • Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR): Stabilizes voltage fluctuations (180–287V) to safe levels, protecting equipment from brownouts and overvoltages without relying on battery power.
  • Rackmount 2U Design: Compact 2U form factor (89 x 480 x 670 mm) fits standard 19-inch server racks, ideal for space-constrained IT environments like server rooms and data centers.
  • Multiple Outlets: Features 8x IEC 320 C13 and 1x IEC 320 C19 outlets, plus 2x IEC jumper cables, all providing battery backup and surge protection for versatile device connectivity.
  • Intuitive LCD Interface: Displays real-time information on load, battery status, input/output voltage, and more, with multiple status indicators for easy monitoring and management.
  • SmartConnect and SmartSlot: Includes a SmartConnect port for cloud-based remote monitoring and a SmartSlot for optional network management cards (e.g., AP9630, AP9631) to enable advanced network-based monitoring and control.
  • Green Mode: Bypasses unused electrical components during stable power conditions to achieve high operating efficiency, reducing energy costs and heat generation.
  • Intelligent Battery Management: Conducts automatic self-tests to monitor battery health, alerting users to replacements, and supports temperature-compensated charging to maximize battery life.
  • Cold-Start Capability: Provides temporary battery power when utility power is unavailable, enabling emergency startups.

Specifications

  • Model Number: SMT3000RMI2U
  • Output Power Capacity: 2100 Watts / 3000 VA
  • Nominal Output Voltage: 230V
  • Output Frequency: 50 Hz (sync to mains)
  • Waveform Type: Pure sine wave
  • Output Connections: 8x IEC 320 C13, 1x IEC 320 C19, 2x IEC jumper cables
  • Transfer Time: 8 ms typical, 10 ms maximum
  • Input Voltage Range: 180–287V (adjustable)
  • Input Connection: IEC-320 C20
  • Battery Type: Sealed lead-acid, maintenance-free
  • Typical Recharge Time: 3 hours to 90% capacity
  • Battery Life: 3–5 years
  • Runtime: Approximately 4.31 minutes at 2100W, longer for lower loads (e.g., 17 minutes at 500W)
  • Surge Energy Rating: Not explicitly specified in sources, but typical for APC Smart-UPS models in this range (~300–600 Joules)
  • Dimensions: 89 x 480 x 670 mm (3.5″ x 18.9″ x 26.4″)
  • Weight: 41.0 kg (90.39 lbs); Shipping Weight: 50.9 kg (112.22 lbs)
  • Certifications: CE, EAC, EN/IEC 62040-1, EN/IEC 62040-2, RCM, VDE
  • Warranty: 2-year repair or replace warranty

Benefits

  • Unmatched Reliability: APC’s reputation for high-quality UPS systems ensures consistent performance, protecting critical IT infrastructure from power outages, surges, and voltage fluctuations.
  • Scalable Runtime: Supports external battery packs for extended runtime, making it adaptable to growing business needs.
  • Network Manageability: The optional network management card enables remote monitoring and centralized management, ideal for distributed IT environments.
  • Energy Efficiency: Green mode and high-efficiency design reduce utility costs and heat output, making it eco-friendly and cost-effective for continuous operation.
  • Versatile Applications: Ideal for servers, point-of-sale systems, routers, switches, hubs, and other network devices, ensuring uptime in small to medium-sized businesses and data centers.
  • User-Friendly Operation: The intuitive LCD interface and included software (via CD) simplify setup, monitoring, and maintenance, even for users with limited technical expertise.
  • Robust Protection: Pure sine wave output, AVR, and surge protection safeguard sensitive electronics, minimizing the risk of data loss or hardware damage during power events.

Considerations

  • Weight and Size: At 41 kg, the unit is relatively heavy, requiring careful handling during installation in rack setups.
  • Limited Runtime at Full Load: The 4.31-minute runtime at 2100W may necessitate prioritizing critical loads or adding external battery packs for extended outages.
  • No Preinstalled Network Card: While the SmartSlot supports network management cards, they are not included by default, adding potential cost for advanced monitoring needs.
  • Region-Specific Compatibility: Designed for 230V environments, ensuring compatibility with local power standards is essential for international users.
  • User Feedback: Some users note the need for proper ventilation due to heat generation during heavy loads, and occasional reports mention battery replacement costs as a consideration after 3–5 years.

Conclusion

The APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA Rackmount LCD 230V (SMT3000RMI2U) is a powerful and reliable UPS tailored for IT professionals and businesses requiring uninterrupted power for critical infrastructure. Its 3000VA capacity, pure sine wave output, AVR, and intelligent management features make it a top choice for protecting servers, networking equipment, and storage systems in data centers and small to medium-sized businesses. While its weight, limited runtime at full load, and optional network card may require planning, its scalability, efficiency, and robust protection ensure peace of mind for organizations prioritizing uptime.

For the latest pricing and availability, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES.

Power Protection Perfected: Exploring the APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA Rack Mount LCD 230V (SMT3000RMI2U)

In today’s hyper-connected world, businesses rely on uninterrupted power to keep critical systems running smoothly. Whether it’s a server room, a network closet, or a data center, downtime caused by power outages or fluctuations can lead to costly disruptions. The APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA Rack Mount LCD 230V (SMT3000RMI2U) from Schneider Electric is designed to deliver reliable, efficient, and intelligent power protection for mission-critical equipment. In this blog, we’ll dive into the features, benefits, and applications of this high-performance uninterruptible power supply (UPS), making it clear why it’s a top choice for IT professionals and businesses.

Overview of the APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA

The APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA (SMT3000RMI2U) is a line-interactive UPS that provides 3000VA/2700W of power capacity in a compact 2U rackmount design. Built to protect servers, routers, switches, and other network devices, it combines advanced power management features with high efficiency and ease of use. With its pure sine wave output, automatic voltage regulation (AVR), and intuitive LCD interface, this UPS ensures your equipment stays powered and protected during power disturbances.

Key Specifications

  • Power Capacity: 3000VA / 2700W
  • Output Connections: 8x IEC C13 + 1x IEC C19 outlets
  • Input Connection: 1x IEC C20
  • Nominal Input/Output Voltage: 230V
  • Battery Type: Maintenance-free sealed lead-acid battery (490 VAh capacity)
  • Typical Recharge Time: 3 hours to 90% capacity
  • Rack Height: 2U
  • Communication Ports: USB, Serial, SmartSlot (for optional network management cards)
  • Weight: Approximately 43 kg
  • Warranty: 2 years (repair or replace)

Standout Features of the SMT3000RMI2U

The APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA is packed with features that make it a robust and versatile power protection solution. Here’s a closer look at what sets it apart:

1. Pure Sine Wave Output

When running on battery, the SMT3000RMI2U delivers a pure sine wave output, which is critical for sensitive electronics like servers and networking equipment. Unlike modified sine wave outputs, a pure sine wave ensures compatibility with power-factor-corrected (PFC) power supplies, reducing the risk of equipment damage or failure during power transitions.

2. Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR)

Power fluctuations, such as surges, sags, or brownouts, can stress equipment and shorten its lifespan. The AVR feature stabilizes input voltage without switching to battery power, extending battery life and ensuring consistent power delivery to connected devices.

3. High Efficiency with Green Mode

The UPS features a patented Green Mode that bypasses unused electrical components during stable power conditions, achieving up to 97% operating efficiency. This reduces energy consumption, lowers utility costs, and minimizes heat generation, making it an eco-friendly choice for modern data centers.

4. Intuitive LCD Display

The alphanumeric LCD interface provides real-time information on UPS status, including input/output voltage, load capacity, battery charge, and estimated runtime. With multiple status indicators and load/battery bar graphs, IT administrators can monitor and configure the UPS at a glance, simplifying maintenance and troubleshooting.

5. SmartConnect for Remote Monitoring

The SMT3000RMI2U includes a SmartConnect port, enabling cloud-based remote monitoring via APC’s SmartConnect platform. This feature allows IT teams to track UPS performance, receive alerts, and perform firmware updates from anywhere, enhancing system reliability. However, some users have reported mixed experiences with SmartConnect, citing occasional connectivity issues with the USB port or SmartConnect card.

6. Cold-Start Capability

In the event of a complete power loss, the UPS can be powered on using its battery (cold-start), providing temporary power to critical devices until utility power is restored or a generator kicks in. This is particularly useful in remote or emergency scenarios.

7. Robust Communication Options

The UPS supports multiple communication interfaces, including USB, Serial, and a SmartSlot for optional network management cards. These allow integration with server shutdown software (e.g., PowerChute Business Edition) and remote management systems, ensuring graceful shutdowns during extended outages.

8. Emergency Power Off (EPO)

For safety in environments like data centers, the EPO feature allows the UPS to be remotely shut down in case of fire or other emergencies, protecting personnel and equipment.

Benefits for Businesses

The APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA offers several advantages that make it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, enterprise IT environments, and distributed power protection setups:

  • Reliable Power Protection: With its line-interactive topology and pure sine wave output, the UPS safeguards critical equipment from power disruptions, minimizing downtime and data loss.
  • Space-Saving Design: The 2U rackmount form factor optimizes rack space, making it perfect for compact server rooms or network closets.
  • Cost Efficiency: High efficiency and Green Mode reduce energy costs, while the long-lasting lead-acid battery minimizes maintenance expenses.
  • Scalable Runtime: While the SMT3000RMI2U doesn’t support external battery packs, its internal battery provides sufficient runtime for most applications, with a typical backup time of 3–6 minutes at full load.
  • Ease of Management: The LCD display, SmartConnect, and PowerChute software simplify monitoring and configuration, reducing the workload for IT staff.

Applications

The SMT3000RMI2U is designed for a wide range of use cases, including:

  • Server Rooms: Protects blade servers, rack-mounted servers, and storage systems from power interruptions.
  • Network Infrastructure: Ensures continuous operation of routers, switches, hubs, and wireless access points.
  • Point-of-Sale Systems: Maintains uptime for retail environments, preventing transaction losses during outages.
  • Telecom Systems: Provides reliable power for VoIP systems and communication equipment.
  • Small Data Centers: Supports virtualized or multi-core servers with varying load demands.

User Feedback and Considerations

Customer reviews highlight the SMT3000RMI2U’s reliability and value. Users praise its performance during power outages, with one noting, “The server did not feel anything… which is great because the server is also brand spanking new!” during a wind storm. Others appreciate its sizing for 4-leg racks and its ability to handle non-computer equipment effectively.

However, some challenges have been reported:

  • Weight: At ~43 kg, the UPS is heavy, requiring two people or support (e.g., precut 2×4 lumber) for rack installation.
  • Connectivity Issues: A few users experienced problems with the SmartConnect feature or USB port communication, though APC’s support was noted as responsive in resolving issues.
  • Battery Quality: Isolated reports mentioned leaking battery packs in shipping, though replacements were provided promptly.

To ensure optimal performance, verify that your facility has a compatible 230V power source and IEC C20 input connection. Additionally, consider investing in a network management card for advanced remote monitoring in larger deployments.

Conclusion

The APC Smart-UPS C 3000VA Rack Mount LCD 230V (SMT3000RMI2U) is a powerful, efficient, and user-friendly UPS that delivers top-tier power protection for critical IT and networking equipment. Its combination of pure sine wave output, AVR, Green Mode, and SmartConnect makes it a versatile solution for businesses seeking reliability and manageability. While its weight and occasional connectivity quirks may require planning, the UPS’s legendary reliability, high efficiency, and robust feature set make it a worthy investment for safeguarding your infrastructure.

Whether you’re powering a small server room or a distributed network, the SMT3000RMI2U offers peace of mind in a connected world. For more details or to purchase, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES.