In today’s technology-driven world, ensuring continuous power for critical IT infrastructure is non-negotiable. The APC Smart-UPS RT 15kVA RM 230V (SURT15KRMXLI) is a high-density, double-conversion online UPS designed to deliver robust power protection for data centers, server rooms, and industrial applications. With its rack-mountable design, scalable runtime, and advanced management features, this UPS is a top choice for businesses requiring reliable, high-capacity power solutions. In this blog, we’ll dive into the specifications, features, benefits, use cases, and customer insights for the SURT15KRMXLI, showcasing why it’s a trusted solution for mission-critical environments.
Overview of the APC Smart-UPS RT 15kVA RM 230V
The APC Smart-UPS RT 15kVA RM (SURT15KRMXLI) is a rack-mountable, double-conversion online UPS with a 15kVA/12kW output capacity. Engineered for 230V or 400V 3-phase input environments, it provides clean, uninterrupted power with zero transfer time, making it ideal for sensitive equipment like servers, networking gear, and medical devices. Its 12U rack height, dual mains input, and extended runtime options offer flexibility for small to medium data centers, enterprise IT, and industrial settings. The SURT15KRMXLI is part of APC’s renowned Smart-UPS On-Line series, known for high efficiency and reliability.
Key Specifications
Here’s a comprehensive look at the SURT15KRMXLI’s specifications:
- Output Power Capacity: 12kW / 15kVA
- Max Configurable Power: 12kW / 15kVA
- Nominal Output Voltage: 230V (configurable for 220V, 240V, or 380V/400V/415V 3-phase)
- Output Voltage Distortion: Less than 5%
- Output Frequency: 50/60 Hz ± 3 Hz (user-adjustable ± 0.1 Hz, sync to mains)
- Waveform Type: Pure sine wave
- Crest Factor: 3:1
- Topology: Double-conversion online
- Output Connections:
- 8x IEC 320 C19 (Battery Backup)
- 2x IEC Jumpers (Battery Backup)
- 1x Hard Wire 3-wire (H N + G) (Battery Backup)
- 1x Hard Wire 5-wire (3PH + N + G) (Battery Backup)
- Overload Operation: 60 seconds at 125%, 30 seconds at 150%
- Efficiency at Full Load: 94%
- Efficiency at Half Load: 94%
- Nominal Input Voltage: 230V (1-phase), 400V (3-phase)
- Input Frequency: 40–70 Hz (auto-sensing)
- Input Connections: Hard Wire 3-wire (1PH + N + G), Hard Wire 5-wire (3PH + N + G)
- Input Voltage Range for Main Operations: 160–280V
- Input Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 5% at full load
- Input Power Factor at Full Load: 0.95
- Battery Type: Maintenance-free sealed lead-acid battery with suspended electrolyte (leakproof)
- Included Battery Modules: 4
- Replacement Battery: APCRBC140 (RBC Quantity: 4)
- Nominal Battery Voltage: ±192V (split battery referenced to neutral)
- Typical Recharge Time: 2.5 hours
- Expected Battery Life: 3–5 years
- Battery Charge Power: 1.53kW
- Efficiency in Battery Operation: 93%
- Extendable Runtime: Yes (via external battery packs, e.g., SURT192RMXLBP2)
- Interface Ports: DB-9 RS-232, RJ-45 10/100 Base-T, SmartSlot
- Pre-Installed SmartSlot Card: AP9631 (Web/SNMP Management Card)
- Control Panel: Multifunction LCD status and control console
- Audible Noise: 50 dBA (at 1 meter)
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 533 mm x 432 mm x 773 mm (12U rack height)
- Net Weight: 247.73 kg
- Warranty: 2 years (repair or replace)
- Environmental:
- Operating Temperature: 0–40°C
- Operating Relative Humidity: 0–95% (non-condensing)
- Protection Class: IP20
- Approvals: EN/IEC 62040-1-1, EN/IEC 62040-2, VDE
- Sustainable Offer Status: RoHS compliant, Green Premium™ label
The UPS includes a CD with software, rack mounting support rails, Smart-UPS signaling RS-232 cable, user manual, and a Web/SNMP Management Card for network-based monitoring.
Key Features and Benefits
The SURT15KRMXLI is packed with advanced features that ensure reliability, flexibility, and efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of its standout attributes and their benefits:
1. Double-Conversion Online Topology
The double-conversion architecture provides tight voltage and frequency regulation with zero transfer time to battery during power events. This ensures clean, stable power, protecting sensitive equipment from blackouts, surges, sags, and noise. It’s ideal for mission-critical applications where downtime is unacceptable.
2. Scalable Runtime
The UPS supports extendable runtime through external battery packs (e.g., SURT192RMXLBP2). This allows businesses to configure runtime from minutes to hours, catering to prolonged outages. Runtime graphs indicate configurations like SURT15KRMXLI + 4x SURT192RMXLBP2 for extended backup.
3. High Efficiency
With 94% efficiency at full and half load, the SURT15KRMXLI minimizes energy waste, reducing operating costs and heat output. Its 93% efficiency in battery operation further optimizes performance during outages, making it eco-friendly and cost-effective.
4. Dual Mains Input
The dual mains input increases availability by allowing the UPS to connect to two separate power sources, providing redundancy and minimizing downtime risks.
5. Advanced Management and Monitoring
The pre-installed AP9631 Web/SNMP Management Card enables remote monitoring via serial, USB, or Ethernet. Integration with PowerChute Software ensures safe shutdowns of servers and virtual machines. The multifunction LCD console displays system parameters, alarms, and diagnostics, while LED status indicators provide quick visual feedback.
6. Hot-Swappable Batteries
The user-replaceable, hot-swappable batteries allow maintenance without powering down connected equipment, reducing Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and enhancing uptime. Intelligent battery management with temperature-compensated charging and automatic self-tests maximizes battery life and reliability.
7. Rack/Tower Convertible
The rack/tower convertible design (12U) protects investments by supporting migrations from tower to rack-mount environments. The removable input/output wiring tray simplifies installation and maintenance.
8. Robust Connectivity
The UPS offers versatile output connections, including 8x IEC C19, 2x IEC Jumpers, and hardwire options (3-wire and 5-wire), accommodating diverse equipment. The SmartSlot supports additional management cards for enhanced functionality.
9. Comprehensive Protection
Features like built-in static and internal bypass (automatic/manual), optional external bypass, and multi-pole noise filtering (0.3% IEEE surge let-through) protect against power disturbances. The Emergency Power Off (EPO) feature ensures safety in critical situations.
10. Green Premium Certification
The SURT15KRMXLI is RoHS compliant and carries Schneider Electric’s Green Premium™ label, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, transparency on impacts, and low-CO2 performance. It uses at least 70% recycled cardboard for packaging.
Use Cases
The APC Smart-UPS RT 15kVA RM 230V is designed for demanding applications, including:
- Small and Medium Data Centers: Protects servers, storage systems, and networking equipment from power disruptions, ensuring data integrity and uptime.
- Enterprise IT: Supports blade servers, heavily loaded racks, and virtualized environments with high-density power needs.
- Healthcare: Powers critical medical equipment like imaging systems and lab devices, where power stability is vital.
- Industrial Applications: Provides clean power for automation systems, manufacturing equipment, and control rooms.
- Telecommunications: Ensures continuous operation of voice/data networks and telecom infrastructure.
- Financial Services: Safeguards ATMs, trading platforms, and banking systems against power outages.
Customer Feedback and Considerations
Customer feedback for the SURT15KRMXLI highlights its reliability and robust feature set, though specific reviews are limited. A 2016 comment on Span.com noted an issue with a SURT15KRMXLI + SURT192RMXLBP2 configuration achieving only 8 minutes of runtime at full load instead of the expected 23 minutes, suggesting potential setup or battery issues. Users generally praise the UPS for its ease of installation, network manageability, and scalability. However, consider the following:
- Weight and Size: At 247.73 kg and 12U, the UPS requires careful handling and sufficient rack space, potentially increasing shipping costs.
- Cost: Prices range from €11,830 (excl. VAT) to MYR 40,839 or R238,709 (incl. VAT), depending on the region, reflecting its premium positioning.
- Noise: The 50 dBA noise level may be noticeable in quiet environments.
- Availability: The product is listed as “on request” or out of stock in some regions, and Schneider Electric notes it has not been replaced, suggesting limited availability.
For purchasing, check with authorized distributors like APC, Critical Power Supplies, or Shopkees.
Why Choose the APC Smart-UPS RT 15kVA RM 230V?
The SURT15KRMXLI combines cutting-edge technology with APC’s proven reliability, making it a standout choice for high-density power protection. Key reasons to choose it include:
- Industry-Leading Reliability: APC by Schneider Electric is a global leader in UPS solutions, trusted for over 25 million Smart-UPS installations worldwide.
- High Performance: Double-conversion topology and pure sine wave output ensure compatibility with power-factor-corrected (PFC) equipment.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Extended runtime, rack/tower convertibility, and dual mains input adapt to evolving needs.
- Comprehensive Management: Network-grade monitoring and PowerChute integration streamline operations.
- Eco-Friendly Design: High efficiency and Green Premium certification reduce environmental impact.
Conclusion
The APC Smart-UPS RT 15kVA RM 230V (SURT15KRMXLI) is a powerhouse of reliability, efficiency, and versatility, delivering high-density, double-conversion online power protection for critical applications. Its scalable runtime, advanced management, and robust connectivity make it an ideal solution for data centers, enterprise IT, healthcare, and industrial environments. Despite its premium cost and size, the SURT15KRMXLI offers unmatched peace of mind, ensuring your critical systems stay powered through any power event.
For more details or to purchase, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES. Protect your mission-critical infrastructure with the APC Smart-UPS RT 15kVA RM—engineered for uninterrupted performance.