Vertiv UPS

What is a Vertiv UPS?

Vertiv: known until 2016 as Emerson Network Power and still selling flagship UPS platforms under the Liebert brand: is the pedigree choice for data-centre and telecom power protection. The Liebert name traces back more than fifty years in precision-cooling and critical-power engineering, and the brand is common in spaces where the load cannot tolerate any interruption: hospitals, 911 dispatch centres, financial trading floors, cellular base stations, and large colocation halls.

UPSPLUSBATTERY.CA offers Vertiv part numbers across the Liebert GXT, PSI, EXM, and APM families plus matching replacement batteries. For broader comparison across brands, see our UPS systems collection.

Vertiv Liebert UPS product families explained

Vertiv's single-phase and small three-phase catalog is organised around the Liebert brand, with model-number conventions that indicate topology and VA rating directly. The table below maps every current Liebert UPS family to the load it was built for.

For SMB buyers, the shortlist narrows to two families: PSI5 line-interactive for network closets and small server racks, and GXT5 double-conversion online for anything sensitive, medical, VoIP, industrial control, or edge compute where a line-interactive transfer time (4 to 6 ms typical on the PSI5) is unacceptable. Enterprise and data-centre buyers move into the ITA2, APM2, and EXM platforms.

How to choose the right Vertiv UPS

Sizing: VA and wattage

Every Liebert UPS is rated in both VA and watts. Vertiv's current generation runs high power factors: PSI5 at about 0.9, and GXT5 at unity on most models (GXT5-1500IRT2UXL 1500 VA / 1500 W, GXT5-10KIRT5UXL 10 kVA / 10 kW) with some 120 V models at 0.9 (GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL 3000 VA / 2700 W). A unity-PF GXT5 delivers its full VA rating as watts, suitable for unity-PF loads like modern blade servers and GPU workstations.

Add up nameplate wattage, multiply by 1.25, and match to the UPS watt rating. Our UPS sizing guide walks through the method.

Topology: line-interactive vs double-conversion online

Line-interactive (PSI5): An automatic voltage regulator corrects brownouts and surges without touching the battery. Transfer time 4 to 6 ms typical. Suitable for standard server and network loads where the load tolerates brief transfer gaps.

Double-conversion online (GXT5, ITA2, EXM, NXC): The load runs permanently from the inverter, so transfer time is effectively zero and output voltage/frequency are fully regenerated. This is the required topology for medical equipment, VoIP PBX systems, precision lab gear, and all three-phase installations. Read line-interactive vs online UPS for the full decision framework.

Form factor: tower, rackmount, or convertible

Vertiv offers tower, 1U–6U rackmount, rack/tower convertible (most GXT5 and PSI5 units), and floor-standing cabinet (ITA2 6 kVA+, APM2, EXM, NXC). The 2U rack/tower convertible chassis is the most common choice for small server rooms; most GXT5 models up to 3 kVA use this 2U format.

Vertiv Liebert UPS spec reference

The models below are a quick-reference shortlist across the PSI5 and GXT5 lines, with values from Vertiv's data sheets.

Vertiv Power Insight management software is a free download from Vertiv. PSI5 and GXT5 units have a Liebert IntelliSlot port for a network card such as the RDU101, which Vertiv factory-installs on select GXT5 models.

Replacement batteries for Vertiv UPS

Vertiv uses family-specific part numbers for replacement batteries rather than a flat sequential naming scheme. Examples from Vertiv's data sheets: battery kit PSI5-1500BATKIT and cabinet PSI5-48VBATT for the PSI5-1500RT120; kit GXT5-9A72BATKIT and cabinet GXT5-EBC72VRT2U for the GXT5-3000IRT2UXL; cabinet GXT5-EBC192VRT3U for the GXT5-6000IRT5UXL and GXT5-10KIRT5UXL.

Vertiv external battery cabinets (EBCs) connect to GXT5 units to extend runtime; Vertiv's runtime tables give the minutes per cabinet. The GXT5 Lithium series (GXT5LI) integrates the lithium-ion battery internally for a longer battery life than lead-acid. See our UPS replacement batteries collection for the full Vertiv matrix.

Installation, warranty and support

Every Vertiv UPS sold by UPSPLUSBATTERY.CA ships from a Canadian warehouse with full manufacturer warranty, typically two or three years for PSI5 and lead-acid GXT5 models depending on the model, and five years on the UPS and battery for GXT5 Lithium-Ion models. Vertiv LIFE Services add remote monitoring on select models. Our team handles pre-sales sizing and product selection, and we liaise with the manufacturer if any issues arise.

For line-interactive and online UPS up to 3 kVA, the unit ships ready to plug in. For GXT5 6 kVA and above, hard-wire input is typically required and should be completed by a licensed electrician per CSA. Three-phase APM2, EXM, and NXC installations require commissioning, which Vertiv carries out through its own service organization.

Frequently asked questions

Is Liebert the same as Vertiv?

Yes. Liebert is the product brand; Vertiv is the parent company. In 2016 Emerson Electric sold its Network Power business, which became Vertiv with the Liebert, NetSure, and Trellis portfolios. All current UPS SKUs ship under the "Vertiv Liebert" naming. If you are specifying a replacement for a legacy Liebert GXT2 or GXT3 installed under the Emerson brand, the Vertiv GXT5 is the direct-replacement lineage.

What is the difference between PSI5 and GXT5?

PSI5 is line-interactive with a 4 to 6 ms typical transfer time and AVR. GXT5 is double-conversion online: zero transfer time, fully regenerated output. GXT5 costs more per VA but is the required topology for medical, VoIP, precision lab gear, and critical edge compute. For standard server and network closets, PSI5 delivers the right protection at better economics.

How do I know what size Vertiv UPS I need?

Add up nameplate wattage, multiply by 1.25 for growth, and match the total to the UPS watt rating. A 1U server at 400 W plus switch at 80 W plus firewall at 40 W equals 520 W × 1.25 = 650 W, a PSI5-1500RT120 (1350 W) gives real headroom. Our UPS sizing guide walks through the method.

Vertiv vs APC: which is better for data centres?

For enterprise data-centre three-phase installations (50 kVA+), both Vertiv Liebert (APM2, EXM) and APC (Galaxy) are common specifications. For single-phase rack deployments and mixed IT environments up to 20 kVA, APC Smart-UPS SRT and Vertiv GXT5 are close on features; compare the management software and service coverage for your site. Compare the APC Smart-UPS range alongside Liebert GXT5.

How long do Vertiv UPS batteries last?

Sealed lead-acid batteries in the PSI5 and standard GXT5 range last three to five years in a climate-controlled environment. Vertiv gives 8 to 10 years for the lithium-ion batteries in the GXT5 Lithium-Ion series. High ambient temperature is the largest factor shortening life. Power Insight software and the front-panel LCD report battery status.

Can I replace Vertiv UPS batteries myself?

On most current PSI5 and GXT5 lead-acid models, the battery is user-replaceable and hot-swappable: you can swap it while the UPS continues to protect the load. Check the user manual for your model. Always use the Vertiv part number for your model. GXT5 Lithium-Ion batteries are also hot-swappable and user-replaceable, per Vertiv.

Do Vertiv UPS units come with a warranty?

Yes. Every Vertiv UPS sold by UPSPLUSBATTERY.CA carries the full manufacturer warranty, two or three years on PSI5 and lead-acid GXT5 models depending on the model, five years on the UPS and battery for GXT5 Lithium-Ion. Vertiv offers extended coverage through its LIFE service contracts. Warranty claims are handled directly by Vertiv and its service network; UPS Plus Battery is a reseller and does not perform warranty service.