APC Smart-UPS C SMC3000I 3000VA 2100W UPS – Pure Sine Wave, LCD & AVR

APC Smart-UPS C SMC3000I 3000VA / 2100W UPS – Pure Sine Wave Battery Backup with AVR

The APC Smart-UPS C SMC3000I is a high-capacity 3000VA / 2100W line-interactive uninterruptible power supply designed to protect servers, network equipment, business desktops, NAS systems, VoIP infrastructure, retail point-of-sale equipment and other critical electronics against power cuts, brownouts, voltage fluctuations and electrical disturbances.

Rated at 3000VA / 2100W, the SMC3000I provides pure sine-wave output while operating from battery, helping it support modern active-PFC power supplies and sensitive IT equipment. Its built-in Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) can correct supported high and low mains-voltage conditions without immediately switching to battery power.

The tower-format UPS provides eight IEC C13 outlets plus one IEC C19 outlet, with an IEC C20 mains input. A multifunction LCD provides access to UPS status and operating information, while USB and serial connectivity support communication with compatible APC PowerChute software for monitored and graceful system shutdown.

Model: APC Smart-UPS C SMC3000I   |   MPN: SMC3000I   |   EAN: 0731304310105   |   Capacity: 3000VA / 2100W   |   Topology: Line Interactive

Key Features of the APC SMC3000I

• 3000VA / 2100W maximum output capacity
• Line-interactive UPS topology
• Pure sine-wave battery output
• Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR)
• Nominal 230V input and output
• Supports 220V and 240V operating configurations
• Normal input-voltage range approximately 180–287V
• Adjustable input range approximately 170–300V
• 8 x IEC C13 outlets
• 1 x IEC C19 outlet
• IEC C20 mains input
• Multifunction graphic LCD
• USB communication
• Serial communication
• Compatible with APC PowerChute Serial Shutdown
• Internal lead-acid battery
• APCRBC150 replacement battery
• Approx. 3-hour typical battery recharge time
• Typical battery service life approximately 3–5 years, depending on conditions
• 300J surge-energy rating
• Full-time multi-pole noise filtering
• Approx. 6ms typical transfer time
• 45dBA rated acoustic level
• Tower form factor
• Approx. 43kg product weight
• 2-year APC repair-or-replace warranty, subject to manufacturer terms

3000VA / 2100W Power Capacity

The APC SMC3000I is rated at 3000VA and 2100W.

VA and watts are related but they are not interchangeable. For this UPS, the most important practical limit when sizing connected equipment is the 2100W maximum real-power rating.

Can the APC SMC3000I Power a 3000W Load?

No. The 3000VA rating does not mean the UPS can supply 3000 watts.

The SMC3000I is rated for a maximum output of 2100W. The combined real power consumption of connected equipment should remain within that limit.

For reliability and useful battery runtime, it is also sensible to leave capacity headroom rather than designing a system that continuously operates at the UPS's absolute maximum load.

What Does 3000VA Mean?

VA, or volt-amperes, describes apparent electrical power. Watts describe real power actually consumed by connected equipment.

The SMC3000I is therefore best described as a 3kVA UPS with a 2.1kW maximum output.

Pure Sine-Wave Battery Output

The SMC3000I provides a sine-wave output when operating from battery.

This makes it particularly appropriate for modern IT equipment using active power-factor-correction power supplies, including many servers, workstations, business PCs and network devices.

Why Is Pure Sine Wave Important?

Some sensitive or active-PFC power supplies can behave poorly with lower-cost UPS systems that generate a stepped or simulated waveform during battery operation.

A sine-wave UPS provides a waveform much closer to normal mains electricity, making it a stronger choice for business and IT equipment where power quality is important.

Line-Interactive UPS with Automatic Voltage Regulation

The SMC3000I uses a line-interactive topology.

During normal operation the UPS supplies power from the mains while monitoring voltage conditions. Its built-in Automatic Voltage Regulation can compensate for supported voltage fluctuations without using battery power unnecessarily.

What Does AVR Do?

AVR helps correct mains voltage that is too low or too high while keeping the UPS connected to utility power.

This can reduce unnecessary battery usage during brownouts and voltage fluctuations, helping reserve the battery for actual outages or conditions that cannot be corrected by AVR.

Wide Input Voltage Range

APC specifies a normal input operating range of approximately 180V to 287V, with an adjustable range extending approximately 170V to 300V.

This allows the UPS to tolerate significant mains-voltage variation before switching to battery operation, depending on its configuration.

Why Is a Wide Input Range Useful?

In locations where mains voltage frequently runs high or low, a wider acceptable input range can reduce unnecessary transfers to battery.

This can be particularly useful in business environments affected by repeated voltage dips, brownouts or unstable mains supply.

Line Interactive vs Online Double-Conversion UPS

The SMC3000I is a line-interactive UPS, not an online double-conversion UPS.

A line-interactive UPS normally powers the load from utility mains while using AVR to correct voltage conditions. During a power failure it transfers the load to battery and inverter operation.

An online double-conversion UPS continuously powers the load through its inverter, providing electrical isolation from the incoming AC supply but generally at a higher purchase price and with different efficiency and cooling characteristics.

Does the SMC3000I Have Zero Transfer Time?

No. Because it is line interactive rather than online double conversion, there is a short transfer interval when changing to battery power.

Published specifications for the SMC3000I list approximately 6ms typical transfer time, with approximately 10ms maximum under specified conditions.

Most conventional servers, network devices and PCs are designed to tolerate this short transfer period, but applications requiring zero-transfer operation should consider a true online UPS instead.

Battery Backup During Power Cuts

When incoming utility power fails or moves outside acceptable limits, the SMC3000I uses its internal battery and inverter to continue supplying connected equipment temporarily.

The available runtime gives users or shutdown software an opportunity to:

• Save active work
• Gracefully shut down servers or computers
• Keep networking equipment running through brief outages
• Maintain communications during short power interruptions
• Avoid abrupt power loss to supported equipment

How Long Will the APC SMC3000I Run?

UPS runtime depends heavily on the connected load.

At or near the full 2100W maximum load, published APC-based runtime data is approximately 5–6 minutes. Significantly lighter loads can operate for longer.

Runtime also changes with battery age, battery temperature, charge level and equipment power consumption, so runtime figures should always be treated as estimates rather than guaranteed durations.

Will It Run for Hours During a Power Cut?

The SMC3000I is primarily designed to provide short-term battery backup and safe shutdown, not hours of continuous operation at high load.

APC lists no external extended-runtime battery capability for this exact SMC3000I model.

Internal Lead-Acid Battery

The SMC3000I contains an internal lead-acid battery system.

APC specifies an expected battery service life of approximately 3–5 years, although real-world lifespan depends strongly on operating temperature, number of discharge cycles, discharge depth, charging conditions and general environment.

What Replacement Battery Does the SMC3000I Use?

The official APC replacement battery cartridge is:

APCRBC150 – APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #150

Using the correct replacement battery cartridge helps restore the UPS battery system to the intended manufacturer specification when the original batteries reach the end of their service life.

How Long Does the Battery Take to Recharge?

APC specifies a typical recharge time of approximately 3 hours.

Actual recharge time can vary depending on battery condition, starting charge level, temperature and operating conditions.

User-Replaceable Battery Design

The replaceable battery system allows the UPS itself to remain in service after its original battery reaches the end of its useful life.

This is particularly useful for business environments where replacing the complete UPS every few years would be unnecessarily expensive and disruptive.

Does Battery Life Mean the UPS Only Lasts 3–5 Years?

No. The 3–5 year figure refers to the expected battery service life under typical conditions, not necessarily the life of the complete UPS.

The battery can be replaced using the compatible APC cartridge when required.

Eight IEC C13 Outlets Plus One IEC C19 Outlet

The rear of the SMC3000I provides:

• 8 x IEC 320 / IEC 60320 C13 outputs
• 1 x IEC 320 / IEC 60320 C19 output

This provides nine protected AC output connections in total.

Does the SMC3000I Have UK 3-Pin Plug Sockets?

No. The UPS uses IEC output connectors rather than BS 1363 UK household sockets.

Connected equipment therefore needs suitable IEC power leads or appropriate power-distribution equipment.

Always ensure that cables and distribution accessories are correctly rated for the connected load.

What Is the IEC C19 Outlet For?

The larger IEC C19 output is commonly used for higher-current IT equipment or compatible power-distribution equipment.

The device connected to it must still remain within the UPS's total 2100W capacity and the applicable connector and cable ratings.

IEC C20 Mains Input

The UPS uses an IEC 320 / IEC 60320 C20 input connection.

This differs from the smaller C14 input commonly found on lower-capacity UPS systems and computers.

Before installation, ensure that the supplied or separately selected mains lead and upstream electrical circuit are suitable for the UPS and local electrical requirements.

Multifunction LCD Status Display

The front-mounted multifunction LCD provides visual information about UPS operating status and allows access to supported settings and diagnostics.

This can make it easier to check conditions such as:

• Input and output status
• Battery condition
• Load level
• UPS operating mode
• Warnings and alarms
• Configuration information

Why Is the LCD Useful?

The display allows important UPS information to be checked directly at the unit without relying exclusively on connected management software.

This is particularly useful during troubleshooting, maintenance and power events.

USB and Serial Communication

The SMC3000I supports both USB and serial communication.

These interfaces allow compatible computers and servers to communicate with the UPS for monitoring and controlled shutdown.

Can the UPS Shut Down a Server Automatically?

Yes, with compatible APC software and configuration.

APC specifically supports graceful shutdown using USB or serial communication with PowerChute Serial Shutdown.

This can help protect open files and operating systems during longer outages when battery capacity is approaching its configured shutdown threshold.

No Built-In SmartConnect Cloud Port

The SMC3000I should not be confused with newer APC Smart-UPS models that include a dedicated SmartConnect Ethernet/cloud-management port.

The current manufacturer specification for SMC3000I lists USB and serial connectivity.

Does the SMC3000I Include a Network Management Card?

No network management card is listed as included.

The model is designed around local USB / serial management rather than an integrated SmartConnect cloud-management interface.

300J Surge Protection

APC specifies a 300-joule surge-energy rating for the SMC3000I.

The UPS also provides full-time multi-pole noise filtering to help protect connected electronics against electrical noise and transient disturbances.

Does a UPS Replace Every Type of Surge Protection?

A UPS provides useful local power conditioning and surge protection, but complete electrical protection can also depend on the building's wiring, earthing, upstream protection and surge-protection design.

Designed for Servers and Network Equipment

APC specifically positions the SMC3000I for applications such as:

• Entry-level servers
• Network switches
• Routers
• Business desktops
• VoIP equipment
• Retail point-of-sale systems
• Edge-network infrastructure
• Other critical IT equipment

Suitable for NAS Systems

A NAS can benefit significantly from UPS protection because unexpected power loss can interrupt disk writes, services and storage operations.

When the NAS and software environment support compatible UPS communication, a properly configured battery backup can provide enough time to perform a controlled shutdown during an extended outage.

How Do I Size the UPS for a NAS?

Add the maximum expected power consumption of the NAS, any expansion units, network switches, routers and other equipment you intend to connect.

That total should remain comfortably below the SMC3000I's 2100W maximum output rating.

Suitable for Business Workstations

The pure sine-wave output also makes the SMC3000I appropriate for many higher-performance workstations and desktop systems using active-PFC power supplies.

When sizing the UPS, consider the maximum possible power consumption of the workstation, displays and any other connected equipment rather than using only average idle consumption.

Can the APC SMC3000I Be Used with a Gaming PC?

Yes, provided the total load remains within specification.

Its sine-wave output is appropriate for modern PC power supplies, but a high-performance gaming PC can draw substantially more power under load than while idle.

Include the PC, monitor and other devices when calculating the total UPS load.

Not a Rackmount UPS

The SMC3000I is a tower-format UPS.

APC specifies it as non-rackmountable in its standard configuration, so customers requiring a conventional 19-inch rack UPS should choose a rackmount Smart-UPS model instead.

Physical Size and Weight

The SMC3000I is a large and heavy UPS because of its 3kVA power electronics and internal lead-acid battery system.

Approximate dimensions are:

• Width: 197mm
• Height: 435mm
• Depth: 544mm
• Net weight: 43kg

How Heavy Is the APC SMC3000I?

The UPS weighs approximately 43kg without its shipping packaging.

Plan installation carefully and use appropriate manual-handling procedures. The packaged shipping weight is approximately 51kg.

45dBA Rated Acoustic Level

APC specifies an acoustic level of approximately 45dBA.

The SMC3000I therefore should not be assumed to be silent, especially in a very quiet office or home environment.

For server rooms, network cupboards and business environments, this is generally less important than in a bedroom or studio.

Operating Environment

APC specifies:

• Operating temperature: 0°C to 40°C
• Storage temperature: -15°C to 45°C
• Operating humidity: 0–95%
• Operating altitude: up to approximately 3,048 metres / 10,000ft

Battery life is affected by temperature, so installing the UPS in a cool, well-ventilated environment is preferable to placing it near heat-producing equipment.

Green Mode for Efficient Operation

APC describes the Smart-UPS C platform as supporting a Green Mode designed to achieve high operating efficiency when incoming power conditions are suitable.

Reducing unnecessary electrical conversion can lower heat generation and ongoing energy use while maintaining UPS protection.

Audible Battery and Low-Battery Alarms

The SMC3000I includes configurable audible notifications for important UPS conditions.

APC lists:

• On-battery alarm
• Distinctive low-battery alarm
• Configurable alarm delays

The LCD and software management tools provide additional status information for supported events.

Output Quality

APC specifies output harmonic distortion of less than 5% at full load.

Output frequency is nominally 50Hz synchronised to the mains for the SMC3000I's standard 230V configuration.

APC SMC3000I vs a Basic UPS

The SMC3000I is designed for substantially larger and more demanding loads than entry-level desktop backup products.

Key advantages include:

• 3000VA / 2100W capacity
• Pure sine-wave output
• AVR voltage correction
• Large internal battery system
• Nine IEC outputs
• C19 support for higher-current equipment
• LCD monitoring
• USB and serial communication
• Replaceable APCRBC150 battery
• Business-oriented Smart-UPS platform

Who Is the APC Smart-UPS C SMC3000I Best For?

• Small and medium businesses
• Entry-level servers
• NAS and storage systems
• Network switches and routers
• VoIP infrastructure
• Business desktops and workstations
• Retail point-of-sale systems
• Edge-network equipment
• IT environments requiring pure sine-wave backup
• Users needing significantly more capacity than a basic desktop UPS

Important Things to Know Before Buying

• The exact model is SMC3000I.
• Rated capacity is 3000VA / 2100W.
• The maximum real-power load is 2100W, not 3000W.
• The UPS uses line-interactive topology, not online double conversion.
• Battery waveform is pure sine wave.
• The UPS has AVR for supported high and low mains voltage conditions.
• There is a short transfer time to battery; this is not a zero-transfer online UPS.
• Output connections are 8 x IEC C13 + 1 x IEC C19.
• There are no standard UK BS 1363 sockets built into the UPS.
• The mains input connector is IEC C20.
• Battery type is internal lead acid.
• The official replacement battery is APCRBC150.
• Typical recharge time is approximately 3 hours.
• Typical battery service life is approximately 3–5 years, depending on operating conditions.
• The unit weighs approximately 43kg.
• The SMC3000I is a tower UPS rather than a conventional rackmount model.
• Management connectivity is USB and serial.
• APC lists a 2-year repair-or-replace warranty, subject to warranty terms.

APC Smart-UPS C SMC3000I Technical Highlights

• Brand: APC by Schneider Electric
• Range: APC Smart-UPS C
• Model / MPN: SMC3000I
• EAN: 0731304310105
• Product Type: Uninterruptible Power Supply
• Topology: Line Interactive
• Form Factor: Tower
• Rated Power: 3000VA / 2100W
• Main Input Voltage: 230V
• Other Supported Input Voltages: 220V / 240V
• Main Output Voltage: 230V
• Input Frequency: 47–63Hz
• Output Frequency: 50Hz synchronised to mains
• Input Operating Range: Approx. 180–287V
• Adjustable Input Range: Approx. 170–300V
• Waveform: Sine wave
• Output Harmonic Distortion: Less than 5% at full load
• Typical Transfer Time: Approx. 6ms
• Input Connector: IEC 320 / IEC 60320 C20
• Output Connectors: 8 x IEC C13 + 1 x IEC C19
• Battery Type: Internal lead-acid battery
• Replacement Battery: APCRBC150
• Battery Energy: Approx. 552VAh manufacturer runtime rating
• Battery Charger Power: 183W rated
• Typical Recharge Time: 3 hours
• Typical Battery Life: 3–5 years
• Extended External Runtime Battery Support: No external runtime expansion specified
• Control Panel: Multifunction LCD
• Communication: USB and serial
• Software: Compatible with APC PowerChute Serial Shutdown
• Surge Energy Rating: 300J
• Noise Filtering: Full-time multi-pole filtering
• Acoustic Level: Approx. 45dBA
• Heat Dissipation: Approx. 135 BTU/h
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C
• Storage Temperature: -15°C to 45°C
• Operating Humidity: 0–95%
• Operating Altitude: Up to approx. 3,048m / 10,000ft
• Width: 197mm
• Height: 435mm
• Depth: 544mm
• Net Weight: Approx. 43kg
• Packaged Weight: Approx. 51kg
• Colour: Black
• Manufacturer Warranty: 2 years repair or replace, subject to APC terms

What's Included?

• 1 x APC Smart-UPS C SMC3000I UPS
• Internal lead-acid battery system
• USB communication cable
• APC documentation / supplied documentation package

Connected equipment, IEC output power leads, network-management hardware and replacement APCRBC150 battery are not included unless specifically stated separately.

Why Choose the APC Smart-UPS C SMC3000I?

The APC Smart-UPS C SMC3000I is designed for users who need substantially more protection and capacity than a basic desktop UPS but do not require a full online double-conversion system.

Its combination of 3000VA / 2100W output capacity, pure sine-wave battery power and AVR makes it suitable for a wide range of modern servers, network equipment, workstations and business systems.

The nine IEC outputs provide flexibility for multiple IT devices, while the dedicated C19 outlet supports compatible higher-current equipment. USB and serial communication also allow supported servers and computers to perform controlled shutdowns through APC PowerChute software rather than simply losing power when the battery is exhausted.

The replaceable APCRBC150 battery system helps extend the useful service life of the UPS, while the front LCD provides immediate access to operating information, warnings and system status.

For small businesses, server rooms, network installations, NAS systems and professional workstations requiring a 3kVA line-interactive UPS with 2100W real-power capacity, pure sine-wave output, AVR, LCD monitoring and APC's established Smart-UPS platform, the SMC3000I provides a robust business-grade power-protection solution.