APC Smart-UPS Canada | Line-Interactive & Online

What is APC Smart-UPS?

APC Smart-UPS is the business-grade line-interactive and double-conversion online family from APC by Schneider Electric, a common specification for server rooms, IT closets and mid-market edge deployments. The range spans roughly 750 VA at the entry end through to 10 kVA at the top of the Smart-UPS SRT platform, covering every typical SMB and mid-enterprise workload with pure sine wave output, AVR, PowerChute integration, and full network management.

Compared to the entry-level APC Back-UPS line, Smart-UPS is the minimum specification for any server or networking load: pure sine wave output (active-PFC power supplies can reject the simulated sine wave that many Back-UPS units produce), longer warranty (three years electronics / two years battery on SMT, SMX and SRT), and deeper PowerChute integration with VMware, Hyper-V, and Linux. See our full APC UPS collection for the broader catalog including Back-UPS, Symmetra, and Galaxy.

Smart-UPS product lines explained

APC splits Smart-UPS into distinct model prefixes. Each prefix signals topology, form factor, and voltage class. The table below maps every current Smart-UPS line to its intended use.

Line	Model prefix	VA range	Topology	Notable features
Smart-UPS C	SMC	1000 VA to 3000 VA	Line-interactive	Entry-tier server protection, tower or rack
Smart-UPS	SMT	750 VA to 3000 VA	Line-interactive	LCD, network card optional, SmartConnect on C models
Smart-UPS X	SMX	750 VA to 3000 VA	Line-interactive, extended runtime	Convertible chassis, external battery capable
Smart-UPS SRT	SRT	1 kVA to 10 kVA	Double-conversion online	Zero transfer, unity PF on 6/8/10 kVA
Smart-UPS Ultra	SRTL	2.2 kVA to 10 kVA	Online, lithium-ion	1U to 4U, 60-month warranty, 5 to 10 year battery life

For most SMB rack buyers, the shortlist is the SMT line (line-interactive, rack or tower, LCD display, 750 VA to 3000 VA) or the SMX line when extended runtime is needed. The SRT line is the specification for medical, VoIP, and critical edge, anywhere a line-interactive transfer (2 to 6 ms typical depending on the model, per APC's data sheets) is unacceptable. The SRTL Smart-UPS Ultra is the lithium-ion option in 1U to 4U chassis; APC gives 5 to 10 years of battery life.

Smart-UPS spec reference

Quick-reference models across the Smart-UPS lines:

Model	Power	Topology	Chassis	Replacement battery
SMT750I	750 VA / 500 W	Line-interactive	Tower	Check the unit label
SMT750RMI2U	750 VA / 500 W	Line-interactive	2U rack	APCRBC123
SMT1000RMI2U	1000 VA / 700 W	Line-interactive	2U rack	APCRBC132
SMT1500RM2UC	1440 VA / 1000 W	Line-interactive	2U rack	APCRBC159
SMX2200HV	2200 VA / 1980 W	Line-interactive	Rack/tower	APCRBC143
SMT3000RMI2U	3000 VA / 2700 W	Line-interactive	2U rack	RBC43
SRT1500RMXLI	1500 VA / 1500 W	Online (double-conv.)	2U rack/tower	Check the unit label
SRT5KRMXLT	5400 VA / 4800 W	Online (double-conv.)	3U rack/tower	APCRBC140
SRTL5KRM2UT	4900 VA / 4900 W	Online, lithium-ion	2U rack	Check the unit label

How to choose the right Smart-UPS

Sizing: VA and wattage

Every Smart-UPS is rated in both volt-amps (VA) and watts (W). Smaller SMT units run roughly 0.6 to 0.7 power factor: the SMT1500 is rated 1440 VA / 1000 W, while the SMT2200 and SMT3000 run 0.9. Current unity-PF Smart-UPS Ultra (SRTL) and Smart-UPS SRT 6/8/10 kVA models deliver VA equal to watts. Modern IT loads draw close to unity PF, so check wattage, not just VA. Add up nameplate watts, multiply by 1.25 for growth, and pick a UPS whose watt rating exceeds that number. Our UPS sizing guide walks through the full method.

Topology: line-interactive or online

Line-interactive (SMC, SMT, SMX) suits most SMB server, networking and POS loads: 2 to 6 ms typical depending on the model (APC's data sheets), AVR, lower cost. Online (SRT, SRTL Smart-UPS Ultra) is required for medical equipment, VoIP PBX, precision lab gear, and any load that can't tolerate brief transfer gaps. Read line-interactive vs online UPS for the decision criteria.

Form factor

SMT and SMX ship in tower, 2U rack, and rack/tower convertible. SRT models are all rack/tower convertible. SRTL Smart-UPS Ultra comes in 1U to 4U rack chassis (the SRTL5KRM2UT is 2U and 701 mm deep).

Replacement batteries

Every Smart-UPS uses the APCRBC naming convention. The cartridge part number is printed on the unit label and listed in the user manual. Common cartridges per APC's data sheets: RBC48 (SMT750), RBC7 (SMT1500), RBC55 (SMT2200), RBC43 (SMT2200RMI2U / SMT3000RMI2U), APCRBC123 (SMT750RMI2U), APCRBC124 (SMC1000-2UC), APCRBC159 (SMT1500RM2UC), APCRBC140 (Smart-UPS SRT 5 to 10 kVA). APCRBC133 appears on many SMT1500RMI2U labels. For the Smart-UPS SRT, APC lists APCRBC155 for the SRT1000XLA and SRT1500XLA, and external battery packs SRT48BP (SRT 1 and 1.5 kVA, 48 V), SRT96BP (SRT 3 kVA extended-runtime models, 96 V) and SRT192BP (SRT 5 and 6 kVA, 192 V). See the full APC RBC batteries collection for the complete matrix.

Installation and warranty

Every APC Smart-UPS sold by UPSPLUSBATTERY.CA ships from a Canadian warehouse with full manufacturer warranty, three years electronics and two years battery on SMT/SMX/SRT, five years on Smart-UPS Ultra (SRTL). Our team handles pre-sales sizing, RMA coordination, and commissioning questions. Units at 3 kVA and below plug into standard NEMA receptacles; 6 kVA and above on SRT use hardwired input completed by a licensed electrician per CSA (the SRT 5 kVA uses an L6-30P plug).

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Smart-UPS and Back-UPS?

Back-UPS is entry-level: standby or line-interactive topology, simulated sine wave on most models, AVR on some models only, shorter warranty. Smart-UPS is business-grade: line-interactive with AVR, pure sine wave output, LCD, PowerChute integration, three-year electronics warranty. If you are protecting any active-PFC power supply (servers, modern workstations, many NAS units), Smart-UPS is the minimum specification.

What does the model number suffix mean?

Smart-UPS model suffixes encode region and features. RM = rackmount. I2U = 2U rack chassis with IEC outlets. NC = pre-installed network management card (AP9641). X = extended runtime. LCD = LCD display. HV = 208/230/240 V. LV = 120 V. C = SmartConnect. So SMT1500RMI2UC decodes as Smart-UPS, 1500 VA, rackmount 2U, IEC outlets, with SmartConnect.

Which Smart-UPS fits a typical Canadian server closet?

The SMT1500RM2UC (1440 VA / 1000 W, 2U rack, NEMA 5-15 plug) fits standard 19-inch racks, covers one or two 1U servers plus a switch, and takes the APCRBC159 cartridge (APC data sheet).

Do Smart-UPS units support external batteries?

SMX and SRT models accept external battery packs for extended runtime. APC's runtime charts give the minutes for each pack combination. SMT units do not support external batteries: if you need extended runtime in the SMT VA range, step up to the equivalent SMX unit.

How long does a Smart-UPS battery last?

APC gives three to five years (four to six on some models) for Smart-UPS sealed lead-acid batteries in a climate-controlled room, and 5 to 10 years for Smart-UPS Ultra (SRTL) lithium-ion. PowerChute shows a replace-battery alert.

Can I replace the Smart-UPS battery myself?

Yes. APC lists the battery as user-replaceable on current Smart-UPS models, and on most of them it is hot-swappable: the UPS continues to protect the load during the swap. Check the user manual. Use the APCRBC number listed on the unit label and reset the install date via the front-panel LCD.

Do Smart-UPS units come with a warranty?

Yes. Three years electronics and two years battery as standard on SMT, SMX, and SRT. Five years on Smart-UPS Ultra (SRTL) including both electronics and lithium-ion battery. Warranty claims are handled directly by Schneider Electric (APC) and its service network; UPS Plus Battery is a reseller and does not perform warranty service.