SURT15KRMXLT vs SURT15KRMXLI

[BillP]

I have an old SURT15KRMXLT that I want to use with a 240 volt, 3 phase supply. I need the output to also be the same - 240 volt, 3 phase. I can work with single phase output if 3 phase is not an option. 

Looking through documentation, the SURT15KRMXLI seems to be rated for 240 volts, 3 phase. My unit, the SURT15KRMXLT appears to be rated for 208 volts, 3 phase. What's really the difference between these units and can I use mine with the 240 volt input? I intend to hardwire both the input and output so I am not concerned with the PDU outputs of the UPS. 

Is this just a matter of starting it up and configuring settings? If so, is it safe to start up with the higher voltage if that is not already configured so? My unit is also missing the powerview controller so I will have to rely on configuring it via the NMC. Anyone know what is the part number for the powerview that will work with this unit?

Thank you for your help. 

[BillP]

Hi

The two ups are different.  The SURT15KRMXLT is for the North American market and has Split phase L1, L2 and G input and output wiring.  The SURT15KRMXLI is the international model and has single phase L1, N and G or 3 phase L1, L2, L3, N and G input and output wiring.

Regards

Matt

[BillP]

Hi Matt,

Thank you for that clarification. 

I came across this FAQ article online - https://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA156614/

According to this, 

There are several other Smart-UPS products that will function in a 220/230/240v environment without issue:

SURT and SURTD Units (Ex: SURTD3000XLT, SURT6000XLT, etc) - These models use a Double Conversion Online Topology that allows them to have a very wide range of  input voltages without the use of boost/trim transformers. The only change needed is to set the output voltage of the UPS to match the nominal input voltage to ensure proper output when operating in bypass mode. Output voltage can be set via a network management card or Powerchute Business Edition.

What do you make of that? Can I use my unit with a 240 volt supply? 

[BillP]

Hi Matt - 

Yes, the SURT15KRMXLT can be used in nominal 208v or 240v applications, but it is only single phase in and out (Two hots and a ground). You can not feed it 3phase (Hot,Hot,Hot,Neutral,Ground). If you are feeding the UPS 240v, you should configure it to also output 240v so you wont have any issues with bypass functionality. Please note that this UPS has an unbalanced output - the output will be 240v (or 208v) from hot to hot, but it is not two balanced 120v legs. If you plan on using any 120v loads you will need a stepdown transformer. 

thanks,

Liam

[BillP]

On 5/14/2019 9:00 AM, Liam said:

but it is only single phase in and out (Two hots and a ground)

Would that be L, N and Ground for single phase 240 volt input?

[BillP]

Typically in the US 240v single phase would be 120v, 120v, Ground. If the 120v are 120 degrees out of phase they would be 208v Nominal and if they are 180 degrees out of phase it would be 240v Nominal. 

If you have a single leg of 240v feeding the UPS you would connect you 240v hot to L1, Neutral to L2, and then ground to ground. The UPS will function OK with this, but remember that the output will be 2 hots and a ground with no neutral. If you need a neutral on the output you would need a stepdown transformer.

Hope this helps

Liam

[BillP]

On 5/14/2019 10:16 AM, Liam said:

Hope this helps

Certainly gives me some hope!

I don't plan to use this in the US. I want to use it in India. I have 240v 3 phase input available to me. I'm ok to use a single phase input if that's all that I can do with this unit. 

However, I need 240v output (single phase is fine, 3 phase is optional). So looking for L, N and Ground with a 240v output

On 5/14/2019 10:16 AM, Liam said:

If you need a neutral on the output you would need a stepdown transformer.

How do I get a 240v output with a stepdown transformer involved when my UPS output is also 240v? 

[BillP]

Hi Jay - 

I did a little digging. If you used the APTF20KW01 transformer and set the input switch to "200-240V" you will output 240V on terminal 10, Neutral on terminal 7, and then a ground.

You can see the wiring block I'm referring to on page 9 of the users manual:

https://www.apc.com/salestools/ASTE-6Z8LUG/ASTE-6Z8LUG_R0_EN.pdf

Hope this helps!

Liam

[BillP]

Thank you Liam. 

I have one more follow up question. A short while back I also chatted with APC technical support and asked them the same question. 

I was directed to this wiring diagram: https://www.apc.com/salestools/MMIS-8HZJHH/MMIS-8HZJHH_R0_EN.pdf

The agent told me to follow the wiring schematic in this document and directly use L, N and G for both input and output connections with no other hardware required. 

Do you see any problems with doing that and not using the transformer?

Edited to add transcript of chat with APC support below:

Me (5/14/2019, 11:13:56 AM): Can I setup my UPS to work with a single phase, 240v input?
Me (5/14/2019, 11:14:06 AM): And provide a single phase 240v output as well?
Dan (5/14/2019, 11:14:37 AM): SURT15KRMXLT is a single phase 240 or 208 input and output unit.
Dan (5/14/2019, 11:14:57 AM): If you need 120 volt outlets, then you would need to add a step down transformer
Me (5/14/2019, 11:15:52 AM): Don't need 120 volts output. So just hardwire L. N and G for input and out with 240 volts and that should be enough?
Dan (5/14/2019, 11:15:53 AM): it uses 3 wire for input and 3 wire for output. No Neutral.
Me (5/14/2019, 11:16:30 AM): My 240 volt supply has a live line of 240v and separate neutral and ground
Me (5/14/2019, 11:16:48 AM): so its 3 wire, L, N and G with 240v
Dan (5/14/2019, 11:17:09 AM): https://www.apc.com/salestools/MMIS-8HZJHH/MMIS-8HZJHH_R0_EN.pdf
Dan (5/14/2019, 11:17:19 AM): Page 3 shows the input wiring for the UPS.
Dan (5/14/2019, 11:17:34 AM): N can also be used as L2
Dan (5/14/2019, 11:17:55 AM): Just wire it like shown and you will be fine
Me (5/14/2019, 11:19:13 AM): Do i need to get a separate hardwire kit or just use existing panels on the UPS for input?
Dan (5/14/2019, 11:20:08 AM): You can use the existing panel to hardwire the input. No need for a input kit.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

You can do that, but the output will be 2 unbalanced hots and a ground when you switch to battery. You will likely track the input when you are in online mode, but then revert to H/H/G on battery. This UPS is not designed for a H/N/G configuration. It is sold in North America and designed for H/H/G. The “XLI” version would be for H/N/G configurations.

[BillP]

Hi Jay 

Just to add to this conversation, as this would be for use in India, I would recommend purchasing the SURT15K solution that is specifically for the India market.  It does appear to be very similar to the XLI version although does not include batteries, but in terms of warranty and after sales support, it would make things less complicated.