In mission-critical environments like data centers, server rooms, and enterprise IT setups, reliable power protection is non-negotiable. The APC Smart-UPS 5000VA 230V Rackmount/Tower (SUA5000RMI5U) by Schneider Electric is a high-capacity, line-interactive uninterruptible power supply (UPS) designed to deliver robust power backup and surge protection for servers, networking equipment, and other sensitive devices. This blog explores the specifications, features, performance, and user experiences of the SUA5000RMI5U to help you determine if it’s the right solution for your power protection needs.
Overview
The APC Smart-UPS 5000VA (SUA5000RMI5U) is a versatile, high-performance UPS that provides intelligent and efficient network power protection for demanding applications. With a 5000VA/4000W capacity, it’s ideal for protecting servers, point-of-sale systems, routers, switches, and other network devices. Its rackmount/tower convertible design and advanced management features make it a popular choice for businesses, though its discontinued status means it’s primarily available through secondary retailers or refurbished markets.
Key Specifications
- Model: APC Smart-UPS 5000VA (SUA5000RMI5U)
- Power Capacity: 5000VA / 4000W
- Topology: Line Interactive
- Output Voltage: 230V (configurable for 220 or 240V)
- Output Connections: 8x IEC 320 C13, 2x IEC 320 C19, 4x IEC Jumpers (all battery-backed)
- Input Voltage: 230V
- Input Connection: Hard wire 3-wire (L, N, E) or IEC-320 C20
- Input Voltage Range: 160-286V (main operations); adjustable to 151-302V
- Input Frequency: 50/60 Hz ± 3 Hz (auto-sensing)
- Waveform Type: Pure sine wave
- Transfer Time: 2ms typical
- Battery Type: Maintenance-free sealed lead-acid battery (leakproof)
- Typical Recharge Time: 3 hours
- Battery Runtime: ~26.7 minutes at half load (2000W); ~9.4 minutes at full load (4000W)
- Replacement Battery: RBC55
- Battery Life: 3-5 years
- Dimensions: 22.2 x 48.3 x 66.0 cm (H x W x D, 5U rack height)
- Weight: 97.73 kg (215 lbs)
- Interfaces: DB-9 RS-232, USB, SmartSlot (includes Web/SNMP management card)
- Surge Energy Rating: 365 Joules
- Filtering: 0.3% IEEE surge let-through, zero clamping response time, meets UL 1449
- Certifications: CE, KEMA, complies with IEC standards
- Warranty: 2-year repair or replacement warranty
- Included Accessories: PowerChute Business Edition software CD, RS-232 cable, USB cable, rack mounting support rails, user manual, Web/SNMP management card
Design and Build
The SUA5000RMI5U is a 5U rackmount/tower convertible UPS, offering flexibility for data center racks or standalone tower setups. Measuring 22.2 x 48.3 x 66.0 cm and weighing 97.73 kg, it’s a substantial unit due to its large lead-acid battery, requiring careful placement in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating. The front panel features an intuitive LCD interface and navigation keys for monitoring power status, battery health, and load levels.
The UPS includes 14 output connections (8x IEC C13, 2x IEC C19, 4x IEC Jumpers), accommodating a wide range of devices, from blade servers to networking gear. Its hot-swappable battery design allows maintenance without powering down connected equipment, and the SmartSlot supports optional accessories like network management cards for remote monitoring. The robust build and rack mounting hardware ensure secure installation in professional environments.
Performance
The SUA5000RMI5U delivers reliable power protection through its line-interactive topology, featuring:
- Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR): Boosts low input voltages by up to 30% and trims high voltages by up to 12% without battery use, ensuring stable power during fluctuations.
- Pure Sine Wave Output: Provides clean power with less than 5% voltage distortion, ideal for sensitive equipment using active power factor corrected (PFC) power supplies.
- Fast Transfer Time: Switches to battery in 2ms, ensuring seamless operation during outages.
- Runtime: Offers ~26.7 minutes at half load (2000W) and ~9.4 minutes at full load (4000W), sufficient for safe shutdowns or bridging short outages. External battery packs can extend runtime for critical applications.
- Efficiency: Achieves up to 95% efficiency at full load and includes a green operating mode (Energy Star certified) to reduce energy costs.
The UPS provides network-grade power conditioning, protecting against surges (365 Joules), spikes, lightning, and EMI/RFI noise, minimizing data errors and equipment wear. Its surge suppression meets UL 1449 standards with zero clamping response time. In user tests, the SUA5000RMI5U reliably powered server racks and networking equipment during outages, with PowerChute software enabling automated shutdowns to prevent data loss.
Features
The SUA5000RMI5U is packed with advanced features for reliability and manageability:
- PowerChute Business Edition Software: Enables monitoring, control, and safe system shutdowns via USB or RS-232, ideal for IT administrators managing servers or workstations.
- Intelligent Battery Management: Maximizes battery life (3-5 years) through temperature-compensated charging, with automatic self-tests and early failure notifications.
- Hot-Swappable Batteries: Allows battery replacement (RBC55) without interrupting connected devices, reducing downtime.
- Surge Protection and Noise Filtering: Shields equipment from power disturbances, meeting stringent IEEE standards.
- Web/SNMP Management Card: Included for network manageability via serial, USB, or optional Ethernet, enabling remote monitoring and control.
- Predictive Failure Notification: Provides early warnings for proactive component replacement.
- Resettable Circuit Breakers: Facilitates quick recovery from overloads without replacing fuses.
- LCD Interface: Offers over 15 programmable settings, including switched outlet group control, for application-specific customization.
These features make the SUA5000RMI5U ideal for data centers, server rooms, point-of-sale systems, and network hubs requiring uninterrupted power.
Compatibility
The SUA5000RMI5U supports 230V power systems with a hard wire 3-wire input or IEC-320 C20 connector, compatible with UK and European outlets. Its 14 output sockets support servers, routers, switches, and other critical devices. The UPS integrates with Windows, Linux, and Unix systems via PowerChute software, and its USB, RS-232, and Web/SNMP interfaces ensure connectivity with modern and legacy systems. The SmartSlot enables network integration for remote management, making it suitable for enterprise environments.
User Experiences
User feedback on the SUA5000RMI5U is generally positive, though its weight and discontinued status are noted drawbacks:
- Positive Feedback:
- IT professionals praise its reliability for protecting server racks, with one user reporting uninterrupted operation in a data center for years.
- The pure sine wave output and 2ms transfer time are valued for sensitive electronics, ensuring no disruptions.
- The included Web/SNMP management card and PowerChute software are appreciated for remote monitoring and automated shutdowns.
- Hot-swappable batteries and 95% efficiency are highlighted for maintenance ease and cost savings.
- Criticisms:
- At 97.73 kg, the UPS is heavy and requires two people for installation, unsuitable for small spaces or frequent relocation.
- Some users report fan noise in quiet environments, which may be distracting.
- The lack of SmartConnect (cloud-based monitoring, available in newer models) is a minor limitation for modern IT setups.
The SUA5000RMI5U has a 4.5/5 rating on sites like B&H Photo, reflecting high satisfaction for enterprise applications.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High 5000VA/4000W capacity for servers and networking equipment
- Line-interactive topology with AVR for stable power delivery
- Pure sine wave output for sensitive electronics
- Fast 2ms transfer time ensures uninterrupted operation
- PowerChute software and Web/SNMP card for advanced management
- Hot-swappable batteries for maintenance without downtime
- 95% efficiency and Energy Star certification for cost savings
- 2-year warranty and robust safety certifications
Cons
- Discontinued model, limited to refurbished or secondary markets
- Heavy (97.73 kg) and bulky (5U) for small spaces
- Fan noise may be noticeable in quiet environments
- Replacement batteries (RBC55) can be expensive or hard to source
- Lacks SmartConnect for cloud-based monitoring
Conclusion
The APC Smart-UPS 5000VA 230V Rackmount/Tower (SUA5000RMI5U) is a powerful, reliable UPS for data centers, server rooms, and enterprise IT environments. Its high capacity, pure sine wave output, AVR, and intelligent battery management ensure robust protection for critical equipment. Despite its discontinued status, heavy weight, and fan noise, its 95% efficiency, hot-swappable batteries, and included Web/SNMP management card make it a cost-effective choice for those who can source it.
For businesses needing dependable power protection, the SUA5000RMI5U remains a solid investment, particularly for refurbished units with new batteries. CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES for availability, and consider modern alternatives like the APC SRT5KXLI for updated features. Ensure proper ventilation and periodic maintenance to maximize performance and longevity.