APC Smart-UPS C UPS Systems

About APC Smart-UPS C UPS Systems

About this Smart-UPS C collection

The APC Smart-UPS C (Compact) series from APC by Schneider Electric is a line of line-interactive uninterruptible power supplies built for servers, network gear, point-of-sale systems, and small server rooms that need clean, reliable backup power without the cost and footprint of a full online double-conversion system. Every APC unit in this series produces a pure sine wave output, so it runs active-PFC power supplies and sensitive electronics the same way utility power does. Within the broader Smart-UPS family, the C series sits below the online Smart-UPS RT / SRT and SRTL ranges: it covers the 500VA to 1500VA capacity band where most edge, retail, and small-office workloads live. This collection also includes a small number of comparable line-interactive Tripp Lite by Eaton sine-wave units (the SMC1000T and SMC1500T) in the same capacity band, for shoppers cross-shopping the two brands.

The lineup spans 500VA / 450W through 1500VA / 900W, in 1U and 2U rackmount chassis as well as desktop/tower enclosures, with 120V, 230V, and short-depth Lithium-Ion options. If you are matching a UPS to a specific load, the comparison below covers the representative models — see the full range below for every variant and voltage we stock.

Compare models

Runtimes are at the manufacturer-rated loads shown; actual runtime depends on your connected load. See the full range below for every voltage and chassis option.

How to choose

VA vs. watts. A UPS has two capacity limits and you have to stay under both. VA (volt-amps) is the apparent-power limit; watts is the real-power limit that actually does the work. For modern IT gear with active power-factor-corrected supplies, the watt rating is usually the one you hit first — so size to the total wattage of your equipment, then confirm it also fits under the VA rating. Across this collection the watt figure runs from 450W (500VA) to 900W (1500VA).

Runtime expectations. These line-interactive units are designed for ride-through and graceful shutdown, not hours of operation. At or near full load expect roughly 5–9 minutes, with more headroom (15+ minutes) at half load — enough to cover short utility blips or trigger an orderly shutdown of attached servers. If you need longer runtime, plan around a lighter load or a higher-capacity model.

Topology. Every model here is line-interactive: it regulates voltage with an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) and switches to battery only when the utility fails. That is the right fit for servers, networking, and POS in areas with reasonably stable power. Where you need zero-transfer, fully isolated power for the most sensitive or mission-critical loads, look instead at an online double-conversion series such as APC Smart-UPS RT/SRT.

Rack vs. tower. Choose a 1U or 2U rackmount chassis (SCL500RMI1UC, SMC1000-2UC, SMC1000I-2U) when the UPS lives in a server rack; choose a tower/desktop unit (SMC1000I, SMC1000C, SMC1500C, SMC1000T, SMC1500T) for a floor or shelf install. Match the output voltage and receptacle type (120V NEMA vs. 230V IEC) to your region and equipment.

Why these units

• Pure sine wave output — compatible with active-PFC servers and sensitive electronics.
• Line-interactive AVR — corrects high and low voltage without draining the battery.
• Rack or tower — 1U/2U and desktop chassis to fit your install.
• SmartConnect & LCD on select APC models — cloud monitoring and at-a-glance status (e.g. SMC1000-2UC, SMC1000C, SMC1500C).
• Lithium-Ion option — the APC SCL500RMI1UC uses a Li-Ion battery with extended design life.

Warranty, Canadian shipping & support

These are genuine, brand-new or factory-condition units backed by their manufacturer's standard warranty (the APC Lithium-Ion SCL500RMI1UC carries a 5-year warranty). We ship from our Canadian warehouse with Canadian pricing and support, so you avoid cross-border duties and delays. Need help sizing or have a question on a specific model? Our team can help you match the right unit to your load before you buy.

When your existing Smart-UPS C eventually needs new batteries, see our APC Smart-UPS replacement batteries hub for genuine APC RBC cartridges, and browse everything we carry from the brand on our APC UPS page.

Frequently asked questions

Are these line-interactive or online?
Every model in this collection is line-interactive with AVR and pure sine wave output. For online double-conversion protection, look at the APC Smart-UPS RT / SRT series instead.

Should I size by VA or by watts?
Both — your load must stay under each limit. With modern PFC power supplies you usually hit the watt limit first, so total your equipment wattage and confirm it also fits within the VA rating.

How long will it run on battery?
These units are built for ride-through and safe shutdown: roughly 5–9 minutes near full load and 15+ minutes at half load, depending on the exact model and your connected load.

Can I rackmount it?
Yes — the APC SCL500RMI1UC (1U), SMC1000-2UC and SMC1000I-2U (2U) are rackmount chassis. The SMC1000I, SMC1000C, SMC1500C, SMC1000T and SMC1500T are tower/desktop units.

What's the difference between the 120V and 230V models?
Output voltage and receptacle type. North American installs typically use the 120V NEMA models; 230V IEC models suit international or 230V equipment. Match the unit to your equipment and region.

UPSPLUSBATTERY is an authorized Canadian reseller of genuine APC by Schneider Electric and Tripp Lite by Eaton UPS systems; APC, Schneider Electric, Smart-UPS, Tripp Lite, Eaton and model names are trademarks of their respective owners.