APC 3000VA Smart-UPS (SMC3000I)

The APC Smart-UPS SMC3000I delivers 3000VA/2700W of intelligent line-interactive power protection for servers, storage systems, and mission-critical network infrastructure. This tower-format UPS combines high-capacity backup power with automatic voltage regulation to safeguard equipment from power disturbances and outages. Designed for IT professionals managing small data centers and server rooms, the SMC3000I offers advanced monitoring capabilities and efficient operation for business-critical applications.

Technical Specifications

Power Capacity

• Output Power: 2700 Watts / 3000 VA
• Output Voltage: 230V nominal (adjustable ±10%)
• Topology: Line-interactive with AVR boost and trim
• Waveform: Pure sine wave output (simulated on battery)
• Efficiency: Up to 98% in Green Mode, 95% in normal operation

Runtime Performance

• Typical Runtime at Full Load: 3.9 minutes (internal batteries)
• Typical Runtime at Half Load: 12 minutes (internal batteries)
• Battery Type: Maintenance-free sealed lead-acid (VRLA)
• Recharge Time: 3 hours to 90% capacity
• Battery Expandability: Not supported (internal batteries only)

Physical Specifications

• Form Factor: Tower (non-convertible)
• Dimensions: 439mm H × 130mm W × 397mm D
• Weight: 35.8 kg (with internal batteries)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C
• Noise Level: <48 dBA at 1 meter

Connectivity & Management

• Output Receptacles: 8× IEC C13 (4 battery backup, 4 surge-only)
• Input Connection: IEC C20 inlet with detachable power cord
• Communication Ports: USB, serial (DB-9), SmartSlot for optional network cards
• Management Software: PowerChute Business Edition included
• Cloud Services: APC SmartConnect compatible (optional activation)
• Front Panel: LCD display with navigation buttons

Protection Features

• Input Voltage Range: 160-286V (with AVR boost/trim)
• Frequency Regulation: 50/60 Hz auto-sensing
• Surge Energy Rating: 640 joules
• Overload Protection: Circuit breaker protection
• Cold-Start Capability: Starts up without utility power present
• Short Circuit Protection: Automatic output disconnection

Environmental & Compliance

• Certifications: CE, cUL, TÜV, EAC, RCM
• MTBF: 386,000 hours (proven reliability)
• Warranty: 3 years including internal batteries
• Operating Humidity: 0-95% non-condensing
• Audible Noise Management: Configurable alarm settings

Use Cases & Applications

Server & Virtualization Infrastructure

Physical Server Protection: The SMC3000I provides reliable backup power for dual-socket servers running virtualization hosts or database systems. The 2700W capacity supports high-performance server configurations with multiple processors and storage controllers. Meanwhile, the pure sine wave output ensures compatibility with enterprise-class server power supplies.

Tower Server Deployments: Small businesses consolidating applications on powerful tower servers benefit from the high-capacity protection the Smart-UPS provides. The split receptacle configuration allows battery protection for the server itself. Surge-only outlets handle peripherals like external storage or backup devices.

Virtualization Host Systems: ESXi hosts, Hyper-V servers, and Proxmox systems running multiple virtual machines require stable power delivery and adequate backup time. For instance, the 12-minute runtime at half load provides sufficient time for graceful VM migration or orderly shutdown. This prevents data loss and ensures application integrity during power events.

Storage & Data Protection

Network Attached Storage: Enterprise NAS systems with multiple drive bays and high-capacity processors depend on consistent power to prevent data corruption. The automatic voltage regulation protects storage controllers during brown-out conditions. This ensures RAID rebuild operations and file transfers complete successfully without interruption.

Backup Appliances: Disk-based backup systems and deduplication appliances performing continuous data protection require uninterrupted operation during backup windows. The SMC3000I maintains power to these systems during brief utility outages. Additionally, the management software can trigger backup job suspension during extended outages to preserve system state.

SAN Controllers: Small Storage Area Network controllers and iSCSI targets benefit from the high-capacity backup power and voltage regulation. The 2700W output supports dual-controller configurations with redundant power supplies. This ensures storage availability for critical applications accessing shared storage resources.

Network & Communications

Core Network Infrastructure: Aggregation switches, distribution routers, and network security appliances in small data centers require reliable power protection. The Smart-UPS delivers adequate capacity for multiple network devices on a single unit. Meanwhile, the battery backup outlets prioritize critical routing equipment over secondary monitoring systems.

Unified Communications Systems: PBX servers, voice gateways, and video conferencing infrastructure supporting business communications depend on continuous uptime. The line-interactive topology with AVR provides protection without the heat generation of online UPS systems. This makes it suitable for installations in temperature-sensitive telecom closets.

Wireless Controller Arrays: High-density wireless deployments with multiple centralized controllers managing hundreds of access points need stable power delivery. For instance, the SMC3000I prevents controller failures that would cause mass AP disconnections. The SmartConnect monitoring alerts administrators to power quality issues before they impact wireless services.

Business-Critical Workstations

Engineering Workstations: High-performance workstations running CAD, simulation, or rendering applications benefit from clean power and backup protection during long-running computations. The 2700W capacity supports dual-processor workstations with multiple GPUs. Additionally, the automatic voltage regulation prevents unexpected reboots that waste hours of processing time.

Medical Imaging Systems: Diagnostic workstations processing CT scans, MRI data, or digital pathology images require uninterrupted operation in clinical settings. The pure sine wave output ensures compatibility with medical-grade computing equipment. Meanwhile, the battery backup provides time to save patient data during power interruptions.