APC Symmetra LX UPS Systems

About APC Symmetra LX UPS Systems

APC Symmetra LX UPS Systems

The APC Symmetra LX is Schneider Electric's modular, scalable online UPS platform built for server rooms, network closets, and small data centres that need true on-line protection with room to grow. Every Symmetra LX in this collection runs online double-conversion topology with a pure sine wave output, isolating your load from utility power completely and delivering clean, regulated voltage at all times. The series spans roughly 4 kVA to 16 kVA and is offered in both rack-mount and tower form factors, so you can match the chassis to the room you have. The defining feature of the LX is its field-swappable architecture: power, battery, and intelligence modules slot in and out without taking the load offline, which is why most models are sold as "scalable to" a higher rating and many are configured for N+1 redundancy. It sits above APC's Smart-UPS line and below the larger Symmetra PX in the APC enterprise lineup. If you are sizing a UPS to buy, the comparison and sizing guidance below will help you land on the right model.

Symmetra LX models compared

Representative models from the range are shown below. Form factor, VA rating, and runtimes are drawn directly from each product's specifications - see the full range further down this page for every available configuration, including extended-run (XR/PXR) frames.

How to choose a Symmetra LX

VA vs. watts (sizing). A UPS is rated in both volt-amperes (VA) and watts (W). Your equipment's real power draw is in watts, so size to watts first - on this series the 8 kVA SYA8K8RMP supplies 6400 W and the 12 kVA SYA12K16P supplies 9600 W. As a rule of thumb, keep your steady-state load below about 80% of the unit's watt rating to leave headroom for inrush and future growth. Because the LX is modular, picking a "scalable to 16 kVA" frame lets you start small and add power modules later without replacing the UPS.

Runtime expectations. Standard frames give roughly 17 minutes at half load and about 6 minutes at full load - enough to ride through short outages or trigger a graceful shutdown. If you need to bridge longer outages or wait for a generator to start, choose an extended-run (XR / PXR) frame or an "IXR" model: the SYA16K16IXR, for example, delivers 55.4 minutes at half load and 24.7 minutes at full load. All Symmetra LX models in this range are extended-runtime capable via additional battery frames.

Topology. The entire Symmetra LX family is online double-conversion - the highest protection class, where the load always runs off the inverter and is fully isolated from raw utility power. That is a step above the line-interactive design used in lower-tier UPS lines, and it is the right choice for servers, storage, and network gear that cannot tolerate transfer time or dirty power.

Rack vs. tower. Choose a rack-mount model (RMP) if you are populating a 19-inch rack, or a tower (P) model for floor-standing installs in a closet or equipment room. The Symmetra LX rack-mount frames are tall multi-U chassis (roughly 13U) because they house separate power, battery, and intelligence modules - confirm you have the rack space before ordering. Output voltage also varies - 120V models for North American loads, 230V (I / IXR) models for international or 208/230V equipment - so confirm your receptacle and load voltage before ordering.

Why this series

• True online protection: double-conversion topology with pure sine wave output for sensitive IT loads.
• Modular and scalable: hot-swappable power, battery, and intelligence modules; most models scale to 16 kVA without forklift upgrades.
• N+1 redundancy: add a redundant power module to eliminate a single point of failure.
• Flexible form factor: rack-mount and tower options across the 4-16 kVA range.
• Extended runtime: XR / PXR frames and add-on battery modules for long bridging times.

Warranty, Canadian shipping & support

Every Symmetra LX system in this collection is genuine APC hardware, stocked and shipped from our Canadian warehouse with Canadian-based support. That means faster delivery, no cross-border customs surprises, and a team that can help you size, configure, and maintain your system. Warranty terms vary by unit and condition (new vs. refurbished) - the warranty for each model is listed on its product page.

Batteries and related guides

Already own a Symmetra LX and just need cells? Battery modules (SYBT5) and battery sets (SYBTU1-PLP) for this platform are included in this collection, and you can browse all genuine APC replacement batteries on our APC replacement battery hub. To explore the rest of the lineup, visit our APC UPS systems brand page.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Symmetra LX an online (double-conversion) UPS?
Yes. Every model in this series uses online double-conversion topology with pure sine wave output, so the load is always powered from the inverter and fully isolated from utility power.

What does "scalable to 16 kVA" mean?
The LX is modular. A frame sold as, for example, 8 kVA scalable to 16 kVA ships with enough power modules for 8 kVA but accepts additional hot-swappable modules up to 16 kVA later - no chassis replacement required.

Should I size by VA or by watts?
Size by watts, since that reflects your equipment's real power draw, then keep your load under roughly 80% of the unit's watt rating for headroom. Use the VA rating as a secondary check.

Can I get more than ~17 minutes of runtime?
Yes. All models are extended-runtime capable, and the XR / PXR / IXR frames add internal or external battery capacity - the SYA16K16IXR, for instance, runs 55.4 minutes at half load.

Rack or tower - which should I buy?
Pick an RMP (rack-mount) model if you have a 19-inch rack, or a P (tower) model for floor-standing installs. Match the output voltage (120V vs. 230V) to your equipment.

UPSPLUSBATTERY is an authorized Canadian reseller of genuine APC UPS systems; APC, Symmetra, and model names are trademarks of their respective owners.