Hardware4.09.2013

APC by Schneider Electric launches new Smart-UPS models in South Africa

APC by Schneider Electric, a global leader in critical power and cooling services, has launched its new Smart-UPS uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units to the South African market, the SMC series models 1000I, 1000I-2U, 1500I and 1500I-2U.

According to Gina Santos, distribution manager for southern Africa at Schneider Electric, with energy costs firmly on its customers’ minds, the products provide the most efficient offering in line with other Smart-UPS solutions.

“The new models are also compatible with Active PFC Power Supplies and so, are the ideal solution for the small and medium business segment,” she says.

In terms of features, the new units offer a more intuitive display, having progressed from a four-segment display to an LCD with LEDs and easy to read status information. “This provides key UPS statuses at a glance through multiple status indicators with load and battery bar graphs. It also provides clear and accurate information in multiple languages with the ability to configure the UPS locally with easy to use navigation keys,” adds Santos.

In addition, the models also provide USB support without the use of a converter and boast a true sine wave output on battery, as opposed to a step approximate sine wave. “This means that there is pure sine wave output on battery. It simulates utility power to provide the highest degree of compatibility for active power factor corrected servers and sensitive electronics,” explains Santos.

Further features of the models include:

  • Boost and trim automatic voltage regulation (AVR), which gives higher application availability by correcting low and high voltage conditions without using the battery.
  •  Intelligent battery management, maximising the performance, life and reliability of the battery through intelligent, precision charging.
  • Power conditioning to protect connected loads from surges, spikes, lightning, and other power disturbances, and temperature-compensated battery charging, which prolongs battery life by regulating the charge voltage according to battery temperature.

“An advantage is that the models automatically start up the connected equipment upon the return of utility power. Customers can also have peace of mind that a periodic battery self-test ensures early detection of a battery that needs to be replaced and the models send out a warning when a battery is not available to provide backup power,” adds Santos.

“Like all our UPS models, the SMC UPS units are safety-agency endorsed. This means that they have been tested and approved to work safely with the connected service provider equipment and within the specified environment.

“Reliable, economical, compatible and manageable, the new Smart-UPS models bring the reliability of the world’s most popular network and server UPS to entry level applications,” concludes Santos.

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