Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have 5 uninterruptible power supplies, all by APC.I have two of the previous generation of SmartUPS; one is a 1500 VA and the other is a 1000 VA model.Other than the cost of battery replacements, I have been generally satisfied with APC products.
The new SMT versions of these products is supposed to be a major redesign that offers:
* Increased intelligence that makes management and monitoring easier
* Increased efficiency that saves on utility costs
* Increased control with ability to configure locally or via software and switched receptacle groups
* Increased resilience with better diagnostic capabilities and improved warranty
PROS OF THE NEW DESIGN:
This new version is clearly very different and does appear to represent a total redesign.This is apparent from the time you plug it in for the first time, as the bright and clear blue LCD readout that APC has added lights up and guides you through installation.
When you first install it you are taken through an extensive menu that allows you to tailor the UPS for your application.However, the unit is still easy to install, as you can't access most of these settings UNTIL you switch over to the advanced menu.This is a good balance, I think, between ease of use and the ability to offer features for advanced users.Good call, APC!
Why is a mere display important?Well, it gives you accurate and up-to-date info regarding both incoming and outgoing power quality, the power consumption of the devices you have plugged in, how long the unit will power those devices, the efficiency of the unit, the battery state of charge, the battery replacement date-- and more.
CONS OF THE NEW DESIGN:
Why do I only give it four stars, instead of five?Well, in improving the unit APC decided to install a cooling fan.Though this is probably a good idea that will extend the life of the unit AND its batteries, it is not particularly quiet.I have a MacPro with the quad-core processor, an optional video card and four 1TB drives.The APC UPS is FAR louder than my computer even though it's placed further away.You do NOT want one of these sitting on or near your desk.
There are a couple of obvious solutions to this problem.First, APC needs to install a better fan that will move air more quietly.Second, the device is smart and cycles the fan based on load.If I add a second unit and split my overall load between two UPS units, the load will be halved and the fan will run less often.That is an expensive and unnecessary expense, since all of my items together only take the UPS to 85% of its' rated capacity.
However, the real culprit here is that the cooling fan appears to be a single-speed unit.This is a significant mistake by APC, as a variable speed fan would allow the fan to run unnoticed, at lower speeds, instead of switching on and off at a high (read: excessively noisy) setting.So, instead of charging [...] more for a unit with a proper fan, APC has produced a superb unit with one very serious design flaw.
FINAL OPINION: Despite a great overall design, this unit is ONLY recommended if you can deal with the noise problem!
DATA FROM THE MANUFACTURER:
New Smart-UPS Models with LCD Interface: Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
In November 2009 new Smart-UPS models were introduced in North America.New Smart-UPS models are identified by there intuitive LCD interface (shown above). These models also have part numbers that start in the prefixes "SMX" and "SMT" and are distinguished by having an advanced feature set.
What are the new part (or SKU) numbers?
There are two (2) series of new Smart-UPS models; standard and extended run. The standard models start with the prefix `SMT' while the extended run models start with `SMX'. The new models in our initial release include the following:
Existing >> New Model
-----------------------
SUA750 >> SMT750
SUA1000 >> SMT1000
SUA1500 >> SMT1500
SUA2200 >> SMT2200
SUA3000 >> SMT3000
SUA750XL >> SMX750
SUA1000XL >> SMX1000
SU1400RMXLB3U >>SMX1500RM2UNC
What are some of the key benefits of the new design over the old?
There are many new features and benefits to the new Smart-UPS but the key ones to remember are:
* Increased intelligence that makes management and monitoring easier
* Increased efficiency that saves on utility costs
* Increased control with ability to configure locally or via software and switched receptacle groups
* Increased resilience with better diagnostic capabilities and improved warranty
How does the `green' operating mode increase efficiency?
APC's patent pending `green' mode bypass components that perform automatic voltage regulation (AVR) when not needed.AVR is typically handled in the line interactive design by solid state transformers. These transformers, while extremely reliable, do have some energy loss to remain energized. By using these transformers only when needed results in higher efficiencies across a wide range of load conditions.
Do I sacrifice any protection by operating in `green' mode?
Absolutely no power protection is sacrificed in `green' mode.In this mode the UPS is providing surge and noise filtering and can react to any change in power that requires voltage regulation or inverter operation in a matter of milliseconds.
What is the typical energy savings with `green' mode?
When compared to APC's very efficient existing line interactive models, the increase in efficiency ranges from 1-4%. For an average 1500VA UPS this may save $25-30 per year in utility costs.
Where is the sensitivity switch and site wiring fault light?
These features are now incorporated into the LCD front panel. If a site wiring fault is detected this message will be clearly displayed on the unit's display. Sensitivity can also be set and viewed directly through the display.
How has battery management been improved in the new models?
The battery management has been enhanced in several ways.First, the charging circuit has intermittent, temperature controlled charging capability that ensures that the proper amount of charge is applied to the battery at all times. With the high efficiency `green' mode the UPS runs cooler resulting in less degradation of the battery.In addition, the UPS can now proactively project a battery replacement date based on UPS's environment.
How is the replace battery date determined and does it replace the bad battery LED?
The battery replace date is determined by using battery manufacturer's data for typical battery life under different environmental conditions. The UPS actively monitors these conditions to dynamically project a suggested date when the battery should be replaced to maintain optimal performance. It does not replace the bad battery LED but rather augments that information.
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APC Smart-UPS SMT1000 1000VA 120V LCD UPS System
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