APC Smart-UPS C 2000VA LCD 230V SMC2000I-2U

APC Smart-UPS C 2000VA LCD 230V SMC2000I-2U

The APC SMC2000I-2U Smart-UPS C delivers 2000VA of robust uninterruptible power supply protection in a space-efficient 2U rack-mount configuration designed for network equipment, telecommunications systems, and rack-based server installations operating at 230V. This line-interactive UPS combines substantial power capacity with minimal vertical rack space consumption, making it an optimal choice for organizations requiring reliable power protection in space-constrained rack environments.

Power Capacity and Runtime Performance

Operating at 2000VA with 1300 Watts of real power output, the APC SMC2000I-2U provides sufficient capacity to protect multiple rack-mount servers, fully populated network switches, telecommunications equipment, and storage devices simultaneously. The 1300W rating accommodates modern equipment with active power factor correction while delivering extended runtime for graceful shutdown procedures or brief outage ride-through.

Technical specifications include:

• Output power capacity: 1300 Watts / 2000VA
• Input voltage: 230V nominal
• Output voltage: 230V regulated
• Topology: Line-interactive with automatic voltage regulation
• Output waveform: Stepped approximation to sine wave
• Transfer time: 4 milliseconds typical
• Full load runtime: 5.4 minutes
• Half load runtime: 17.5 minutes
• Form factor: 2U rack-mount (19-inch standard)

Space-Optimized 2U Rack Design

The 2U form factor of the APC SMC2000I-2U Smart-UPS C maximizes power protection per rack unit, delivering substantial capacity while occupying only two standard rack units. Measuring 88mm in height, this UPS provides power protection for equipment typically consuming 6-10U of rack space, optimizing rack density in network closets, server rooms, and telecommunications facilities.

The compact vertical profile proves particularly valuable in distributed IT environments where rack space commands premium value. Organizations can deploy comprehensive power protection without sacrificing valuable rack real estate needed for networking equipment, servers, or telecommunications systems.

The shallow-depth design accommodates installation in wall-mount network cabinets and telecommunications racks where standard-depth equipment would not fit. This flexibility enables consistent power protection across diverse installation environments from full-depth server racks to compact wall-mount enclosures.

Front-Panel LCD Management Interface

The integrated LCD display on the APC SMC2000I-2U provides comprehensive operational visibility accessible from the front of the rack. The backlit display presents input voltage measurements, battery charge percentage, estimated runtime at current load, output load consumption, and system status indicators in an easily readable format.

Administrators can navigate multiple information screens displaying detailed electrical parameters, load measurements, and configuration settings using front-panel controls. This local management capability eliminates the need to connect laptops or access management software for routine status checks during power events or capacity verification.

Single-button operations enable users to silence audible alarms during extended outages, initiate manual battery tests to verify readiness, and cycle through diagnostic screens showing voltage quality and historical data. This simplified interface reduces training requirements for staff managing distributed rack installations.

Automatic Voltage Regulation Technology

The APC SMC2000I-2U Smart-UPS C employs sophisticated boost and trim AVR circuitry that maintains stable output voltage despite significant input fluctuations. When utility voltage drops below acceptable thresholds, the boost circuit elevates voltage to protect equipment from brownout conditions that cause network instability, packet loss, or system crashes.

When input voltage exceeds safe parameters, the trim circuit reduces voltage to prevent overvoltage stress on sensitive networking components and server power supplies. This bidirectional correction operates across a wide input voltage window spanning 160-286V, accommodating challenging power quality conditions without draining battery reserves.

By handling voltage deviations electronically rather than switching to battery operation, the APC SMC2000I-2U preserves battery charge for complete power failures. This intelligent approach extends battery service life by minimizing unnecessary discharge cycles while ensuring full runtime capacity remains available during actual outages.

Rack-Optimized Outlet Configuration

Eight IEC 320 C13 outlets provide standardized connectivity for rack-mount equipment with common power cords. The APC SMC2000I-2U organizes outlets into two functional groups: four outlets delivering full battery backup with surge protection, and four outlets providing surge protection only.

This dual-group configuration allows network administrators to connect critical equipment—such as core switches, routers, servers, and storage controllers—to battery-backed outlets while utilizing surge-protected outlets for less critical peripherals like patch panels with active components, console switches, or management appliances.

The outlet placement accommodates typical rack cable management practices, with rear-panel positioning minimizing cable clutter in confined rack spaces. Adequate spacing between outlets prevents oversized power adapters from blocking adjacent receptacles, maximizing outlet utilization.

Software Management and Automation

USB connectivity enables comprehensive monitoring and automated shutdown coordination through PowerChute Personal Edition software. This application supports Windows, Linux, and various virtualization platforms, providing real-time UPS status monitoring, configurable shutdown parameters, detailed event logging, and proactive maintenance notifications.

The APC SMC2000I-2U Smart-UPS C orchestrates intelligent shutdown sequences when runtime approaches exhaustion, systematically closing network services, saving configuration files, and powering down systems to prevent data corruption or filesystem damage. This automation proves essential in remote installations or unstaffed locations where personnel may not respond immediately to power events.

Email and SNMP notification functionality alerts network administrators when power disturbances occur, battery tests indicate degradation, or replacement becomes necessary. These proactive communications enable timely maintenance scheduling and ensure the UPS remains operational for subsequent power events.

Energy metering tracks consumption patterns, providing data for capacity planning and cost allocation across departments or business units. This visibility helps organizations understand actual power requirements and identify opportunities for optimizing rack configurations or consolidating equipment.

Network Infrastructure Deployment Scenarios

Organizations deploy the APC SMC2000I-2U across demanding network and server environments:

• Core network switches aggregating building or campus connectivity
• Edge routers and firewalls protecting perimeter security
• Multiple rack-mount servers in branch office installations
• Telecommunications equipment including VoIP gateways and PBX systems
• Wireless controller systems managing enterprise access points
• Security and surveillance network video recorders
• Storage systems including rack-mount NAS devices
• Virtualization hosts running business-critical virtual machines
• Point-of-sale server infrastructure in retail environments
• Building automation and environmental control systems
• Industrial network switches in manufacturing facilities

Front-Accessible Battery Replacement

The APC SMC2000I-2U Smart-UPS C features front-accessible, user-replaceable battery modules enabling straightforward replacement without removing the UPS from the rack. The battery compartment releases via a simple mechanism accessible from the front panel, and battery modules connect through keyed connectors preventing incorrect installation.

Technicians can complete battery replacement in approximately fifteen minutes without disturbing rack wiring or disconnecting protected equipment. This front-serviceability proves particularly valuable in installations with rear-access limitations or high-density rack configurations where rear access proves challenging.

Automatic self-testing runs at configurable intervals to assess battery capacity, internal resistance, and overall health. When testing detects declining performance or approaching end-of-service, the APC SMC2000I-2U generates alerts through both the LCD display and management software, typically providing several weeks advance notice before replacement becomes critical.

Expected battery service life ranges from 3-5 years depending on operating temperature, discharge frequency, and environmental conditions. Climate-controlled network closets and server rooms that maintain stable temperatures optimize battery longevity and maximize intervals between replacement cycles.

Installation Requirements and Rack Integration

The rack-mount design measures 88 x 438 x 660 mm and weighs 29 kg fully equipped. Standard rack-mount brackets attach to any 19-inch equipment rack using cage nuts or threaded mounting holes. The unit ships with all necessary mounting hardware for immediate installation.

Proper ventilation remains critical for reliable operation—ensure adequate airflow through the rack and avoid blocking ventilation openings on the UPS. The APC SMC2000I-2U operates across a temperature range of 0-40°C, with optimal performance occurring between 15-25°C. Most climate-controlled network closets and server rooms maintain temperatures within this ideal range.

Front-to-back airflow design matches typical rack cooling patterns, drawing cool air from the front and exhausting warm air toward the rear. This airflow orientation integrates naturally with structured rack configurations and hot-aisle/cold-aisle cooling arrangements common in professional IT installations.

Comprehensive Protection Architecture

Beyond fundamental battery backup functionality, the APC SMC2000I-2U Smart-UPS C implements multiple protection layers:

• Surge suppression rated at 480 Joules minimum
• EMI/RFI noise filtering eliminating electromagnetic interference
• Overload protection with automatic circuit isolation
• Output short circuit protection preventing equipment damage
• Battery overcharge protection circuits
• Deep discharge prevention extending battery longevity
• Thermal monitoring with automatic shutdown at excessive temperatures
• Input overcurrent protection via integrated circuit breaker

Audible alarms provide immediate notification during various conditions including power failures, battery operation, low battery warnings, overload situations, and system faults. The alarm system employs distinct tones for different events, enabling identification without viewing the display panel.

Alarm configuration options allow administrators to customize notification behaviors, including temporary silencing during extended outages without disabling protection, adjusting sensitivity thresholds, or modifying alarm volume to match installation environments ranging from quiet offices to noisy equipment rooms.

Energy Efficiency and Operating Economics

Line-interactive topology achieves approximately 95% efficiency during normal operation, substantially reducing energy consumption compared to older double-conversion UPS designs. For network equipment operating continuously, this efficiency improvement translates to measurable electricity cost reductions over the UPS operational lifespan.

The APC SMC2000I-2U draws minimal standby power when batteries remain fully charged and no voltage correction occurs, typically under 30 watts. This low standby consumption makes continuous operation economically practical while providing immediate protection availability when power disturbances occur.

High efficiency also reduces cooling requirements in equipment rooms and network closets, providing secondary cost savings through decreased HVAC load. This thermal efficiency proves particularly valuable in space-constrained installations where heat dissipation challenges equipment placement and density.

Value for Distributed Network Infrastructure

The APC SMC2000I-2U Smart-UPS C addresses the specific requirements of distributed network infrastructure where rack space limitations, substantial capacity requirements, and budget constraints demand efficient solutions. The 2U form factor maximizes protection-per-rack-unit ratio while the substantial 2000VA capacity supports multiple critical systems.

Organizations standardizing on rack-mount infrastructure benefit from consistent installation practices, simplified spare parts inventory, and unified monitoring approaches across multiple locations. The combination of compact design, substantial capacity, front-accessible serviceability, and straightforward operation makes this UPS particularly suitable for network rollouts spanning multiple sites.