APC Double Conversion Online UPS

About APC Double Conversion Online UPS

What is APC double-conversion online UPS?

Online (double-conversion) UPS runs the load permanently from the inverter — utility AC continuously rectified to DC, then re-inverted to clean AC before reaching equipment. Transfer time effectively zero milliseconds during a power event, complete galvanic isolation from utility-side disturbances, fully regenerated sine wave at all times. Required topology for medical equipment, VoIP PBX, precision laboratory gear, industrial control, and edge data centres where line-interactive transfer is unacceptable.

APC's online catalog spans single-phase Smart-UPS SRT (SLA) and Smart-UPS Ultra (SRTL lithium-ion) for IT closet and edge compute, Easy UPS On-Line SRV for cost-competitive on-line, scalable Symmetra LX (4–16 kVA) and Symmetra RM, three-phase Symmetra PX (10 kW to 500 kW), and Galaxy V series three-phase for data-centre and industrial. UPSPLUSBATTERY.CA stocks the single-phase range with matching APC Smart-UPS RT replacement batteries. Line-interactive equivalents at APC line-interactive UPS. Full APC catalog at APC UPS.

APC online families

For 80 % of SMB and mid-enterprise online needs the shortlist is SRT 1–10 kVA or SRTL Smart-UPS Ultra. SRT 5–10 kVA covers the dense-rack tier on 208/230 V. SRTL adds lithium service life and short-depth chassis for retail back-of-house and edge.

How to choose

When online is required

When load can't tolerate the 2–4 ms transfer of line-interactive — medical diagnostic, VoIP PBX, precision lab, industrial control, active-PFC supplies sensitive to frequency deviation. When utility waveform is unusually dirty (high THD, frequent frequency drift). When galvanic isolation between utility and load is required. For typical server room and network closet, line-interactive is usually sufficient and costs less. Line-interactive vs online UPS.

SLA SRT vs Lithium SRTL

SRT uses sealed lead-acid batteries — APC rates SLA for 3–5 years in 20–25 °C ambient. SRTL Smart-UPS Ultra uses lithium-ion rated for 10 years and the chassis carries a 5-year electronics + 5-year battery warranty (USA and Canada). For long-deployment, hot-ambient, or hard-to-reach racks, SRTL pays back over the life of the UPS through avoided battery replacement. Smart-UPS vs Smart-UPS RT.

Single-phase vs three-phase

Up to 10 kVA single-phase covers most rack-level deployments. Above that, Symmetra LX / RM single-phase scales to 16 kVA, and Symmetra PX modular three-phase scales from 10 kW to 500 kW for data-centre rows. Galaxy series covers heavy three-phase 10 kVA to 1.5 MW for facility and industrial.

Sizing

SRT 1–3 kVA: typically 0.9 PF (SRT3000RMXLI delivers 3000 VA / 2700 W). SRT 6–10 kVA: unity PF (SRT6KXLT delivers 6 kVA / 6 kW). SRTL: unity PF (SRTL5KRM2UT delivers 5000 VA / 5000 W). Add nameplate watts of all loads, multiply by 1.25 buffer, pick the UPS whose watt rating exceeds. Sizing guide.

Spec reference

Replacement batteries

SRT line uses APCRBC140 (5–10 kVA, 192 V), APCRBC141 (SRT2200), APCRBC152 (SRT3000), APCRBC155 (SRT1500). SRTL uses SRTL180RM2UBP lithium-ion (factory APC only). We stock genuine APC and compatible aftermarket SLA cartridges — same V, Ah, terminal, connector spec as factory. 1-year UPSPLUSBATTERY warranty on aftermarket. See APC Smart-UPS RT replacement batteries.

Installation and warranty

SRT 1500 / 2200 / 3000 plug-and-play (NEMA 5-15P, L5-30P, or IEC C20 depending on -LV / -HV / -I suffix). SRT 5 kVA on L6-30P; 6 / 8 / 10 kVA hard-wired by licensed electrician per CSA. SRTL 5 kVA accepts plug-in or hard-wire. Symmetra LX / RM tower deployment plug-in up to ~6 kVA, hard-wired above. Symmetra PX and Galaxy always require commissioning by qualified Schneider-authorised technician — site survey recommended before order. Warranty (USA and Canada): SRT 3 years electronics + 2 years battery; SRTL 5 years electronics + 5 years lithium battery; Symmetra and Galaxy per-product service contract. Coordinated through our Canadian team. Shipped from our Canadian warehouse — see shipping policy for rates and timing. Replies within 1 business day.

FAQ

SRT vs SRTL — which is better?

Same online double-conversion topology and similar ratings. SRT uses SLA (3–5 yr battery, 3 yr electronics warranty). SRTL Smart-UPS Ultra uses lithium-ion (10 yr battery, 5 yr electronics + battery warranty). For 5+ year deployments and hot ambient, SRTL pays back. Read Smart-UPS vs Smart-UPS RT.

What does the SRT model suffix mean?

RM = rackmount. XL / XLI / XLT = extended runtime, IEC outlets / 208 V output. -HW = hard-wire input variant. -NC = pre-installed AP9641 Network Management Card. So SRT5KRMXLT = Smart-UPS SRT, 5 kVA, rackmount, extended runtime, IEC outputs, 208 V tower-rack convertible.

Symmetra LX vs PX?

LX is single-phase modular 4–16 kVA — rack-deployable, scalable in 4 kVA power-module blocks, N+1 redundant. PX is three-phase 10 kW–500 kW data-centre scale — power, battery, intelligence, and bypass all modular and hot-swappable, up to 96 % efficiency in double-conversion. LX deploys in IT racks; PX deploys in dedicated UPS rooms.

External batteries on SRT?

Yes. SRT supports SRT48BP, SRT72BP, SRT96BP external battery packs depending on chassis voltage. Multiple packs stack for runtime extension. Plug-in via supplied bus cable, hot-pluggable on most models.

Network management?

AP9641 Network Management Card 3 standard on SRT 5 kVA and above; SmartSlot option on smaller SRT. Provides SNMP v1/v2c/v3, web management, Modbus, integration with VMware, Hyper-V, Linux, Windows shutdown agents.

Battery life?

SLA on SRT: 3–5 years climate-controlled, less in hot ambient. Lithium on SRTL: 10 years rated. Replace promptly when PowerChute or front-panel flags battery. When to replace UPS battery.

Canadian warranty?

Yes — Smart-UPS SRT, Smart-UPS Ultra (SRTL), Symmetra, and Galaxy factory warranty terms explicitly cover USA and Canada. Coordinated through our Canadian team. RMA does not require cross-border shipping. Shipped from our Canadian warehouse.