UPS Buying Guide

What type of environment do you want to protect?

Home & Small Offices

Typical Environment

  • Computer workspace with a monitor, keyboard and CPU, as well as other peripherals
  • Supports a home office/network or small business office/network

SELECT

Server Rooms & Data Centers

Typical Environment

  • Single-phase or 3-phase power
  • Server rooms with lower power requirements (up to 5kW), such as a rack of traditional servers
  • Data centers with high-wattage, high-density racks (over 5kW per rack) typical of blade server installations

SELECT

Rack-mount UPS for Server Rooms & Data Centers Desktop UPS for Home/Small Offices  

What is a UPS System?

An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a device that maintains power to PCs, servers, network equipment, audio/video equipment and computer peripherals during short power outages, and allows computer systems to safely shutdown during prolonged blackouts. UPS Systems also stop damaging power surges and filter disruptive line noise, while select models correct brownouts and over-voltages.

Why are UPS Systems necessary?

Power failures and network downtime cost businesses a lot of money, and data lost during those failures is often irretrievable. UPS Systems instantly respond to a power outage and can support equipment until a generator is up and running, or for prolonged periods with additional batteries.

How much power will your connected equipment require?

Make sure that the UPS can handle the total electrical load of the equipment that you want to connect to it. You can use our Load Calculator to determine your total load, and then choose a UPS with an Output Watt Capacity 20-25% higher than that total.

How much backup runtime do you need?

Runtime is the number of minutes that the UPS will be able to provide power from the battery when utility power fails. Runtime is important because it tells you how long your equipment will continue to run during a power outage before there's no more backup battery power.

Please note that adding more equipment to the UPS will result in a shorter runtime, while adding batteries will increase runtime.

What is the voltage of the equipment you're supporting?

In North America, the voltage used to power servers and networking equipment is typically 120V or 208/240V.

Europe and Asia typically provide 230V power.

Be sure that the UPS input plug matches the receptacles of your input power source.

Where do you plan to install the UPS System?

UPS Systems come in a variety of sizes and formats. The most common form factors are tower and rack-mount.

Tower models stand upright on the ground or on a desk/shelf, and are typically used in network workstations or desktop computer applications.

Rack-mount models can be mounted in standard 19" rack enclosures and can require anywhere from 1U to 12U (U=rack space). They are typically used in server and networking applications.

What type of UPS System do you need?

UPS Systems have varying levels of protection, from basic battery backup and surge protection to on-line operation and zero transfer time to battery. View the chart below to select the type that meets your needs.

Feature & Benefit
Line-Interactive
On-Line
Battery Backup
Emergency backup power for utility power outages		 ● ●
Surge Protection
Protection against power surges or spikes		 ● ●
Brownout Protection
Maintains safe voltage levels without using battery power		 ● ●
Overvoltage Protection
Keeps overvoltages from damaging connected equipment without using battery power		 Select ●
Pure Sine Wave Output
Perfect power for sensitive electronics		 Select ●
Fully Online Operation
Zero transfer time to battery		 ●
Ideal for: Small server racks, office networks Mission-critical equipment in data centers and server rooms

Select = Select models; ● = All models

How many receptacles should the UPS System have?

Make sure you have more outlets than the number you need to ensure room for future growth. Most rack-mount UPS applications will require
a Power Distribution Unit (PDU) to accommodate extra equipment plugs.

Do you need any special features?

Extended Runtime

Select UPS Systems accept external battery packs that extend runtime during a blackout.

Hot-Swap Repair/Replacement

Do you need uptime even during maintenance? Hot-Swap UPS Systems have a detachable PDU with a manual bypass switch that enables live UPS repair or replacement.

Remote Power Management

The SNMPWEBCARD network management accessory turns any expansion slot-equipped UPS into a managed device on the network. Remotely monitor energy usage and reboot unresponsive equipment from anywhere.

Energy-Saving

Eco-friendly UPS models reduce energy consumption and associated costs.

Communication Ports

Select UPS Systems have built-in USB, DB9, and/or contact closure communication ports that enable power management and automatic unattended shutdown via PowerAlert software.

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Server Room & Data Centers

SmartPro® Line-Interactive UPS Systems
Model Form Factor Output VA Plug Type Outlets (Type) Key Features
SMART1500RMXL2UA Horizontal (2U) 1500 NEMA 5-15P 8 NEMA 5-15R
  • Sine Wave output, 0.9 Power Factor, 95% line-mode efficiency
  • Corrects brownouts and overvoltages from 83V to 145V
  • Interactive LCD interface; 2 switched load banks
  • Extended runtime options up to 1200W
  • USB, RS232, EPO and slot for SNMPWEBCARD option
SMART2200RM2U Horizontal (2U) 2200 NEMA 5-20P 8 (4 NEMA 5-15R, 4 NEMA 5-15/20R)
  • Sine Wave output, 0.87 Power Factor, 96% line-mode efficiency
  • Corrects brownouts and overvoltages from 83V to 145V
  • Interactive LCD interface; 2 switched load banks
  • Extended runtime options up to 1600W
  • USB, RS232, EPO and slot for SNMPWEBCARD option
SMART3000CRMXL Horizontal (4U 3000 NEMA L5-30P 9 (8 NEMA 5-15/20R, 1 NEMA L5-30R)
  • Sine Wave output, 0.96 Power Factor, 97% line-mode efficiency
  • Corrects brownouts and overvoltages from 83V to 145V
  • Reduced depth housing; 3 switched load banks; Front panel status LEDs
  • Extended runtime options up to 2880W
  • USB, RS232, EPO and slot for SNMPWEBCARD option
SMART5000XFMRXL Horizontal (3U 5000 NEMA L6-30P 11 (8 NEMA 5-15/20R, 2 NEMA L6-20R, 1 NEMA L6-30R)
  • Sine wave output; 97% efficiency
  • Corrects brownouts to 167V and overvoltages to 260V
  • USB, Serial, EPO & optional SNMP/Web card monitoring options
  • 8 single-outlet switched load banks
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SmartOnline™ Single-Phase On-Line UPS Systems
Model Form Factor Output VA Plug Type Outlets (Type) Key Features
SU1500RTXLCD2U Horizontal (2U) 1500 NEMA 5-15P 6 NEMA 5-15R
  • High efficiency economy mode option
  • Interactive LCD with 9 selectable screens of UPS and site power data
  • Expandable runtime, Hot-swappable batteries
  • USB, RS232 & EPO ports, support for SNMP/WEB card option
  • 2 independently switched load banks
SU3000RTXLCD3U Horizontal (3U) 3000 NEMA L5-30P 9 (4 NEMA 5-15R, 4 NEMA 5-15/20R, 1 NEMA L5-30R)
  • High efficiency economy mode option
  • Interactive LCD with 9 selectable screens of UPS and site power data
  • Expandable runtime, Hot-swap batteries, 26 in / 66cm depth
  • USB, RS232 & EPO ports, support for SNMP/WEB card option
  • 2 independently switched load banks
SU5000RT4U Horizontal (4U) 5000 NEMA L14-30P 12 (8 NEMA 5-15/20R, 2 NEMA L6-20R, 2 NEMA L6-30R)
  • On-line, double-conversion with zero transfer time to battery
  • Hot-swappable power and battery modules
  • USB, RS232 & EPO ports; support for SNMP/WEB card options
  • Front panel LEDs with detailed LCD monitoring and control screen
  • Expandable runtime with optional external battery packs
SU6000RT4UHVHW Horizontal (4U) 6000 Hardwire Hardwire
  • Completely user hot-swappable power and battery modules—no service call or technician needed
  • On-line, double-conversion with zero transfer time to battery
  • Expandable runtime with external battery packs
  • Front panel LEDs with detailed LCD monitoring and control screen
  • USB and RS232 communication ports provide complete network power management and control with included PowerAlert software
SU8000RT3UG Horizontal (6U) 8000 Hardwire 6 C19
  • On-line, double-conversion operation with zero transfer time to battery; 0.9 power factor
  • High efficiency economy mode option
  • Hot-swappable power and battery modules
  • USB, RS232 & EPO ports; SNMP/WEB and contact-closure card options
  • Front panel LEDs with detailed LCD monitoring and control screen; Expandable runtime
SU10000RT3U2TF Horizontal (10U) 10000 Hardwire 30 (24 NEMA 5-15/20R, 4 NEMA L6-20R, 2 NEMA L6-30R)
  • On-line, double-conversion operation with zero transfer time to battery; 0.9 power factor
  • High efficiency economy mode option
  • Hot-swappable power and battery modules
  • USB, RS232 & EPO ports; support for SNMP/WEB and contact-closure card options
  • Expandable runtime with optional external battery packs
SU12000RT4U Horizontal (8U) 12000 Hardwire 13 (5 NEMA 5-15/20R, 2 NEMA L6-30R, 6 C19); Hardwire
  • On-line, double-conversion operation with zero transfer time to battery
  • Hot-swappable power and battery modules
  • USB, RS232 & EPO ports; support for SNMP/WEB card options
  • Front panel LEDs with detailed LCD monitoring and control screen
  • Expandable runtime with optional external battery packs
SU20KRT Horizontal (12U) 20000 Hardwire 10 (2 NEMA L6-30R, 8 C19)
  • On-line, double-conversion operation with zero transfer time to battery; 0.9 power factor
  • Highly efficient economy mode option
  • Hot-swap power and battery modules, N+1 fault tolerance at loads up to 10kVA
  • USB, RS232 & EPO ports; support for SNMP/WEB and contact-closure card options
  • Expandable runtime
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SmartOnline™ 3-Phase On-Line UPS Systems
Model Form Factor Output VA Plug Type Outlets (Type) Key Features
SU20K3/3 Tower 20000 Hardwire Hardwire
  • Saves valuable space: power and battery components combined into a single small-footprint module
  • Simplifies runtime scalability: convenient front panel battery access for expandable runtime with additional internal battery packs
  • IGBT technology and zero transfer time, on-line, double-conversion operation
  • 3 communication ports
  • SNMP card slot and EPO jack
SU40K Tower 40000 Hardwire Hardwire
  • N+1 redundant modular architecture helps assure 100% availability; 1+1 parallel capability allows for system redundancy or increased capacity
  • IGBT technology produces low THDi, saving installation costs by allowing 1:1 generator sizing
  • On-line, double-conversion operation with zero transfer time; 96% efficiency
  • 2 hot-swappable power modules; Expandable runtime
SU60KTV Tower 60000 Hardwire Hardwire
  • N+1 redundant modular architecture helps ensure 100% availability; 1+1 parallel capability allows for system redundancy or increased capacity
  • IGBT technology produces low THDi, saving installation costs by allowing 1:1 generator sizing
  • On-line, double-conversion operation with zero transfer time; 96% efficiency
  • 3 hot-swappable power modules; Expandable runtime
SU120KX2 Tower 120000 Hardwire Hardwire
  • On-line, double-conversion operation with zero transfer time to battery
  • Scalable, modular N+1 redundant architecture helps assure 100% availability
  • Parallel up to 4 UPS systems for redundancy or increased capacity
  • IGBT & DSP technology produce <4% input harmonic distortion (THDi)
  • Hot-swappable power modules, Expandable runtime

What type of UPS System do you need?

UPS Systems have varying levels of protection, from basic battery backup and surge protection to Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) and pure sine wave output. View the chart below to select the type that meets your needs.

Feature & Benefit
Standby
Line-Interactive
Battery Backup
Emergency backup power for utility power outages		 ● ●
Surge Protection
Protection against power surges or spikes		 ● ●
Brownout Protection
Maintains safe voltage levels without using battery power		 ●
Overvoltage Protection
Keeps overvoltages from damaging connected equipment without using battery power		 Select
Pure Sine Wave Output
Perfect power for sensitive electronics		 Select
Ideal for: Desktop computers, home networks Audio/video equipment, office networks, small server racks

Select = Select models; ● = All models

How many receptacles should the UPS System have?

Some UPS Systems have surge-only outlets that do not supply battery backup, so make sure the UPS has enough battery-protected outlets for your equipment.

Do you need any special features?

Power Management

Select UPS Systems have built-in USB, DB9, and/or contact closure communication ports that enable power management and automatic unattended shutdown via PowerAlert software.

HID-enabled USB ports work with built-in power management and auto-shutdown features of Windows and Mac OS X.

Energy-Saving

Eco-friendly UPS models reduce energy consumption and associated costs.

Data Line Surge Protection

Select UPS Systems offer surge protection for telephone/modem lines, Ethernet connections and/or cable/coaxial lines.

Surge-Only Outlets

Select UPS Systems have surge-only outlets that don't offer battery backup, but instead protect printers and peripherals from surges and line noise without draining the battery.

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Standby UPS Systems

BC Personal®
Model Form Factor Output VA Plug Type Outlets (Type) Key Features
BC350 Desktop 350 NEMA 5-15P 6 NEMA 5-15R
  • Maintains AC output during power failures
  • 3 UPS battery supported outlets, 3 surge-only outlets
  • Ultra-compact design
BCPERS450 Tower 450 NEMA 5-15P 3 NEMA 5-15R
  • Maintains AC output during power failures
  • USB port
  • Diagnostic status LEDs


BC Pro®
Model Form Factor Output VA Plug Type Outlets (Type) Key Features
BCPRO600 Tower 600 NEMA 5-15P 6 NEMA 5-15R
  • Maintains AC output during power failures with 97% efficiency
  • 3 UPS battery supported outlets, 3 surge-only outlets
  • USB port
  • Tel/DSL/Ethernet protection
BCPRO1400 1400 Tower NEMA 5-15P 6 NEMA 5-15R
  • Maintains AC output during power failures with 96% efficiency
  • USB port
  • Front panel status LEDs


Internet Office®
Model Form Factor Output VA Plug Type Outlets (Type) Key Features
INTERNET550U Desktop 550 NEMA 5-15P 8 NEMA 5-15R
  • Maintains AC output during power failures with 99% efficiency
  • 4 UPS battery supported outlets, 4 surge-only outlets
  • USB port
  • Tel/DSL protection
  • Ultra-compact design
INTERNETOFFICE700 Tower 700 NEMA 5-15P 6 NEMA 5-15R
  • Maintains AC output during power failures
  • 3 UPS battery supported outlets, 3 surge-only outlets
  • USB port
  • Tel/DSL/Ethernet protection

ECO-Series
Model Form Factor Output VA Plug Type Outlets (Type) Key Features
ECO550UPS Desktop 550 NEMA 5-15P 8 NEMA 5-15R
  • Save up to $50/year on your energy bill with energy-saving ECO outlets
  • Maintains AC output during power failures with 99% line mode efficiency
  • USB port
  • Tel/DSL protection
ECO850LCD Desktop 850 NEMA 5-15P 12 NEMA 5-15R
  • Save up to $50/year on your energy bill with energy-saving ECO outlets
  • LCD status and control screen
  • Maintains AC output during power failures, 99% line mode efficiency
  • USB port, Tel/DSL protection, Surge-only outlets




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Line-Interactive UPS Systems

OmniSmart™
Model Form Factor Output VA Plug Type Outlets (Type) Key Features
OMNISMART500 Tower 500 NEMA 5-15P 6 NEMA 5-15R
  • Corrects brownouts and overvoltages from 75V to 147V
  • 3 UPS battery supported outlets, 3 surge-only outlets
  • USB port
  • Tel/DSL protection
  • Front panel status LEDs
OMNISMART700 Tower 700 NEMA 5-15P 6 NEMA 5-15R
  • Corrects brownouts and overvoltages from 75V to 147V
  • 3 UPS battery supported outlets, 3 surge-only outlets
  • USB port
  • Tel/DSL protection
  • Front panel status LEDs

Omni VS Series
Model Form Factor Output VA Plug Type Outlets (Type) Key Features
OMNIVS1000 Tower 1000 NEMA 5-15P 8 NEMA 5-15R
  • Corrects brownouts as low as 89V without using battery power
  • 6 UPS battery supported outlets, 2 surge-only outlets
  • USB port
  • Tel/DSL/Ethernet protection
OMNIVS1500 Tower 1500 NEMA 5-15P 8 NEMA 5-15R
  • Corrects brownouts and overvoltages from 75 to 147V
  • 5 UPS battery supported outlets, 3 surge-only outlets
  • USB port
  • Tel/DSL/Ethernet protection
  • 97% line mode efficiency

AVR-Series
Model Form Factor Output VA Plug Type Outlets (Type) Key Features
AVR550U Desktop 550 NEMA 5-15P 8 NEMA 5-15R
  • Corrects brownouts and overvoltages from 83V to 147V
  • 4 battery supported outlets, 4 surge-only outlets
  • USB port, Tel/DSL protection
  • 98% efficiency
  • Ultra-compact design
AVR900U Desktop 900 NEMA 5-15P 12 NEMA 5-15R
  • Corrects brownouts and overvoltages from 83V to 147V
  • 6 UPS battery supported outlets, 6 surge-only outlets
  • USB port, Tel/DSL protection
  • 98% efficiency
  • Ultra-compact design

Smart USB
Model Form Factor Output VA Plug Type Outlets (Type) Key Features
SMART550USB Tower 550 NEMA 5-15P 6 NEMA 5-15R
  • Corrects brownouts as low as 89V without using battery power
  • 3 UPS battery supported outlets, 3 surge-only outlets
  • USB port
  • Tel/DSL/Ethernet protection
SMART750USB Tower 750 NEMA 5-15P 6 NEMA 5-15R
  • Corrects brownouts as low as 89V without using battery power
  • 3 UPS battery supported outlets, 3 surge-only outlets
  • USB port
  • Tel/DSL/Ethernet protection

Smart-LCD
Model Form Factor Output VA Plug Type Outlets (Type) Key Features
SMART1000LCD Tower 1000 NEMA 5-15P 8 NEMA 5-15R
  • Corrects brownouts as low as 89V without using battery power
  • LCD screen reports input voltage, battery charge and UPS status
  • USB port, Surge-only outlets
  • Tel/DSL/Coax protection
  • 98% efficiency
SMART1500LCDT Tower 1500 NEMA 5-15P 10 NEMA 5-15R
  • Maintains AC output during power failures
  • Corrects brownouts and overvoltages from 92-150V
  • LCD interface offers detailed UPS status and site power information
  • USB interface
  • Tel/DSL/Ethernet and coax line surge suppression

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