Need to Replace Smart-UPS XL 1400 RM3U Unit

[BillP]

Hello,

I have a SU1400RMXL3U with three external battery packs in my server rack.  Yesterday, the faulty battery alarm went off warning that my battery is about to fail.  I disconnected the battery packs and ran the test and discovered the main unit is bad.  All of the battery packs are also likely near the end of life.  All the batteries were replaced summer 2008 so they are 5 years old.

I could simply buy replacement batteries, but my thinking is that the unit itself is quite old.  I assume newer units would be more efficient and hopefully, less noisy.  The server rack is located in a closet next to my desk and I can hear the UPS (the server is in a 4U sound-proof rack and makes no noise).

Since I first configured this system in 2006, my power needs have declined.  I used to have three servers with accessories and a total load of around 800 watts.  I now have just one server, a small NAS and extras that total 300-350 watts. 

Ideally, I would like to find a 2U unit that would give me 90-120 minutes of run time that has the option of adding a battery pack or two for longer life.  I need to have the UPS send me alerts and do an orderly shutdown of the server when the battery is almost depleted.  The last part may be tricky - the server is an SBS2003 server and to shut it down properly the Exchange services need to be stopped before shutdown.

I could possibly go with a 3U unit.  I would like to place the UPS in my sound proof rack, which currently has 3 open slots.  Any battery packs would be in my main rack,

Any suggestions on current or recently discontinued models that would meet my needs and be an upgrade to my current UPS?

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!

Chip

[BillP]

Today's XL offerings are the SMX product line. They support external battery packs. The SMT SKUs do not. SMX units also offer the network management capability with powerchute network shutdown for graceful shutdown. You can also use PowerChute Business Edition via serial or USB which also offers some notification options.

http://www.apc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=165

That page also allows you to view runtimes on all of the models to see which is closest. Many of the SMX units are 2U as far as I know.

The predacessors to SMX would be the SUA model units which we used to have with XL capability but you won't find them available anywhere still in the US probably. SMX has been available in the US for some time so its slim pickin's.

I'd start with that page and hopefully something matches what you're looking for. 750 or the 1000VA with a battery pack may do it. And then you could add a network management card (AP9630 or AP9631) or use a serial or USB connection assuming SBS2003 is supported with PowerChute Business Edition which I believe it is. However you're shutting it down today should still work with the newer UPSs.

[BillP]

Hi Angela,

Thanks so much for your help.  I have an overall question for you.  Am I better off buying a 1000VA unit with multiple battery packs, or a larger 1920VA unit with one battery pack?  I will look into the cost differences, but am wondering in terms of efficiency and noise.  I have a 5-20P outlet but do not have the larger 30A outlet as an option.

FYI, CoastTec sells refurbished APC units and seems to have APC's blessing.  I have purchased from them before (my current 1400 came from them and lasted 5 years).  I was looking at Smart-UPS XL 2200 VA RM 3U unit with one battery pack.  This would cost $1,300 + tax and shipping.  I am comparing this to a new Smart-UPS X 2000VA RM 2U with one backpack that would run $1,800 + tax and shipping.  Both would provide 300+ minutes with my current load.  I would prefer to keep my cost closer to $1,000.  I will see what your smaller options will cost.

Update:

Ilooked into the APC Smart-UPS X 1500VA Rack/Tower LCD 120V unit which will give me 4 hours with two battery packs. 
The cost for the UPS (SMX1500RM2U) without a network card is $670.  The cost of each battery pack (SMX48RMBP2U) is $410.  So the total cost would be $1,490 + tax + shipping.  This is cheaper than the SUX2000, but has less run time. 

[BillP]

Hi Chip,

SMX units are a lot more efficient but I don't know how much more that will offset a cost difference in the long run. (FYI, we have an efficiency tool here for you to compare -> Trade-Off Tools)

CoastTec is an authorized service provider and repair center so anything from there, if the price is right, is a good idea.

Lastly, please note that the Trade UPS program via us directly is also an option to evaluate and see if it is right for you. You can get credit for a new UPS if you trade your old one in. Even if it didn't work! (Info here -> Recycling Options - recycle)

[BillP]

Hi Angela,

I wanted to let you know what I decided to do.  I was all set to purchase an APC Smart-UPS XL 2200VA RM 3U and one battery pack from CoastTec when I learned that it would probably take 10 days for me to receive it between processing and shipping.  I was also a bit surprised at the shipping costs.  I know these things are heavy, but $400+ for ground service seemed steep.

On a whim I did a search for the APC Smart-UPS X SMX2000RMLV2U 1920 VA Rack-Mountable UPS.  I found it available from a few sources at similar prices.  Walmart, of all places, offered a great shipping rate that saved a few hundred dollars.  To top it off, I just received an email that it is out on the truck and will be delivered today (after just one day)!  I have no idea how they managed this.  I did some recalculations and decided that this UPS by itself will be enough for me for now.  I can always add battery packs down the road as needed.

The one concern is that Walmart says this product comes "without a battery".  Is that possible?  I never heard of selling a new UPS without a battery.  I will find out in a few hours if that is the case.  Then I will need to buy a battery or I can always return it locally for a full refund.  CoastTec's products have worked well for me in the past and I highly recommend them.  I am happier, though, with a new UPS that is 2U vs. 3U in size.  I will let you know how this works out in the end. 

Chip

[BillP]

Sounds good. I agree with you on the battery and if they are selling the exact SKU (http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=SMX2000RMLV2U) then it should come with it - maybe at least with just it disconnected. Maybe it was a mistake or referred to an XL battery back.

Glad you worked it out for cheaper!

So you'll be using a USB or serial connection with PowerChute Business Edition?

[BillP]

I just received notice that the package is at my UPS store.  I am off to pick it up and will let you know if it has a battery.

I was planning on using a serial connection with PBE - this is what I currently use with my 1400.  Is there any advantage to using USB?

[BillP]

Nope - just want you have available. Lots of people don't have serial ports anymore.

Since your new UPS is going to be Micro-link, you'll probably need to uninstall and reinstall your PowerChute Business Edition Agent so it will talk micro-link rather than the old UPS-link language though (I am not sure if you just use the agent or you have server/console also installed..?)

[BillP]

I just lifted the UPS onto a table - man this one seems to weigh a lot more than the 1400!  To my relief, there is a battery in it (despite what Walmart says).  Well, there is a steel cage with a battery connector that weighs a ton.

I am using the server/console and the agent.  This is because I used to have 3 servers running off the UPS.  Will the enclosed version of PCBE work on SBS 2003?  What should I do with teh server/console?

Thanks again for your help.  I won't be able to install the UPS until tomorrow when an electrician comes to install a 5-20R outlet in the server closet.  Can't wait to have his help installing the unit in the rack.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi Chip,

What version of PCBE are you using now just so I know? If you are are using all of those components, I just recommend reinstalling all of them. What version does it say on the CD? v9.1 is the latest version so if its that, go ahead. If not, you can get 9.1 as a download on the website.