SUA1500 vs SMT1500?

[Anonymous user]

I need to replace an old APC SUA1500 that recently died and am trying to decide between these two.   I can buy a used SUA1500 for around $125 shipped or a nearly new SMT1500 for around $270 (both on eBay).  Any reason I should go for the SMT1500 over the SUA1500?  I will add that the unit will sit near my desk (powering a couple of workstations) so noise is a consideration.  The old SUA1500 buzzed a little (which could have been a particular issue with that unit) but if the SMT1500 would likely be quieter that would be a big plus for it.  Thanks for any feedback on this. I appreciate it.

Pat

[BillP]

Well, are you using any monitoring software? The new units have an LCD on the front screen if you're interested. As far as power protection goes, they are about equal. The big question is if you want any of the new bells and whistles (upgradeable firmware, LCD screen, etc).

Here is a brochure on the new 120V LCD units -> http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/VYOG-8WLK6U/VYOG-8WLK6U_R1_EN.pdf (maybe you can compare it to what you have today).

Another option may be SMC1500. Here is a brochure on that unit -> http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/VYOG-8WLK6U/VYOG-8WLK6U_R1_EN.pdf

The LCD is not as fancy, you cannot add accessories to it and its missing a few other items.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks Angela. I decided to go with the SUA1500, as I was able to find

a decent used one for $85. The other bells and whistles on the SMT1500

didn't seem worth the price premium, and I had seen some reviews where

users complained of fan noise (a definite concern for me). Too bad APC

can't make a unit that doesn't require a fan. Anyway, the search is

over (for now ). Thanks again for your help!

Pat

[BillP]

Hi Pat,

I would think people would be happy with the fan so that their UPS/battery does not overheat instead

[BillP]

Yes they should - we get noisy fan complaint sometimes but usually as they get old and have been in service for a while, not when brand new. I understand too if its in a quiet environment or home environment where it appears loud when nothing else is on.

For instance, I don't notice it in our lab full of equipment so its hard for me to agree fully when I don't experience a problem.

I thought these were just PC type fans anyway..

Can I ask where it is kept? Maybe better understanding the environment can better help people (Schneider) understand the impact in non data center environments.

[Anonymous user]

True. But can't they use a quiet fan, like you find in most PC's?

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

This is in an office environment, where it provides power backup for

several engineering workstations. The workstations (an HP Z1 and HP

Z220) are very quiet, although they have fans. I can barely hear the

one in my Z1 sitting in front of me. So you're right. In this

environment any noise is going to be notice. The SUA1500 we were using

was ok. You could hear a little transformer hum but it was wasn't too

bad. The fan only came on when the unit was operating off battery

during a power outage (which wasn't often, fortunately). I would of

thought the SMT1500, being newer technology, would have improved both

efficiency and noise (size and weight also). So I was surprised to see

reports complaining of this. And except for the display on the front,

there doesn't appear to be much difference in size and weight either.

Hope this helps.

Pat