November 21, 2009

A tale of two APC 3 phase UPS systems


Now that we offer both the APC Symmetra PX and the VT lines of refurbished UPS systems, I need to quickly learn and explain the differences and advantages.

You would think that APC like most businesses would make any differences in product lines clear.  Yet, a quick compare between the 20k PX and 20k VT shows only a few differences.

The PX offers better power factor (100 v 80%), a larger frame, more BTU burned, a louder operation and oddly a better operating elevation.   Power capacity, modular flexibility, runtime, extended runtime options, electrical specs are virtually the same.

So for these minor differences why does APC charge almost twice the price ($28.5K versus the VT's 17.1k)?

Looking over the two units... one factor is upgrade-ability.  The 20k PX model can be upgraded with the addition of more power suitcases to 40k.   Also on the PX, if one of the power suitcases fails, you can configure a N+1 redundancy.  

So is that worth $11,000.00?
I dont think so.... but at least if you buy it from us refurbished the difference is only about $5000.