APC Smart-UPS Ultra Tower Isolation/Step-Down Transformer, 5kVA, 8x 5-20R & 2x L6-20R & 1x L6-30R & 1x L14-30R NEMA outlets

The APC Smart-UPS Ultra Tower Isolation/Step-Down Transformer is a high-performance power accessory designed to unlock maximum versatility from your Smart-UPS Ultra SRTL 5kW system. Built for data centers, server rooms, lab environments, and demanding office deployments, this transformer lets you run equipment with different voltage requirements from a single UPS protection system. With a compact 3U rack/tower form factor, it fits neatly into existing IT spaces, providing essential voltage conversion, isolation, and outlet diversity without compromising uptime or protection. The unit combines rugged construction with precise voltage control, enabling you to protect mixed-volt appliances—from sensitive network gear to high-demand power-hungry servers—while maintaining clean power delivery and reliable performance. If your facility hosts devices that require multiple voltages, this APC transformer is designed to simplify installation, reduce wiring complexity, and improve overall power quality across your critical infrastructure.

• Flexible voltage output for diverse equipment: User-selectable output voltage options (110V/120V/208V/240V) allow you to accommodate devices with varying voltage needs directly from your existing SRTL5K power protection. This feature minimizes the need for separate power transformers or additional power conditioning gear, keeping your rack space efficient and your equipment protected under a single protective umbrella. When you select a voltage, the UPS output and switch position align to deliver the appropriate power level to connected devices, reducing the risk of voltage mismatch and equipment damage.
• Extensive NEMA outlet configuration for organized deployment: The transformer provides a carefully engineered mix of outlet types to suit mixed-load environments. It includes (2) L6-20R outlets for higher-current connections, (8) 5-20R outlets for general-purpose gear, along with (1) L6-30R and (1) L14-30R for higher-capacity or specialized equipment. This arrangement gives you the flexibility to power servers, storage devices, networking gear, workstations, and lab instruments from a single transformer, while keeping critical loads grouped and easy to manage during maintenance or expansion.
• 3U rack/tower convertible design for flexible deployment: The Smart-UPS Ultra Transformer is engineered to fit both rack-mount and tower installations. Whether you’re consolidating space in a compact data closet or expanding a server room footprint, the 3U form factor enables rapid configuration changes. The transformer can be mounted in a standard IT rack or used as a standalone tower, providing versatile placement options that adapt to evolving floor plans and equipment layouts.
• Transformer isolation and clean power for sensitive equipment: As a dedicated isolation/step-down transformer, it helps reduce electrical noise, ground loops, and common-mode disturbances that can affect sensitive electronics. By isolating the load from the main UPS output, it enhances power quality for critical devices such as network switches, NAS appliances, control systems, and precision instruments. This isolation improves uptime and reduces the risk of nuisance trips, brownouts, or performance fluctuations caused by harmonics or stray voltages in the facility wiring.
• Designed for seamless integration with APC Smart-UPS Ultra ecosystem: This transformer complements the Smart-UPS Ultra SRTL line, delivering a cohesive solution for mixed-volt deployments. The combination provides centralized protection, streamlined cable management, and simplified maintenance, all while preserving the protective benefits of the UPS system. With the transformer in place, you can confidently expand your data center or office network to accommodate diverse devices and heavier loads without sacrificing reliability or protection.

Technical Details of APC Smart-UPS Ultra Tower Isolation/Step-Down Transformer

• Power rating: 5 kVA (apparent power) capable of supporting a broad range of connected equipment while preserving UPS protection and efficiency.
• Output voltage options: User-selectable 110V, 120V, 208V, and 240V depending on the UPS output and the switch position, enabling compatibility with equipment across multiple voltage standards.
• Form factor: 3U rack/tower convertible design for flexible deployment in either a traditional rack environment or a standalone tower configuration.
• Outlet configuration: (2) L6-20R, (8) 5-20R, (1) L6-30R, (1) L14-30R NEMA outlets to accommodate a wide mix of devices and power roles within a single transformer bank.
• Isolation/step-down architecture: Built-in isolation transformer to improve power quality, reduce noise, and protect sensitive equipment from common-mode disturbances and voltage fluctuations.
• Compatibility: Specifically designed for integration with the APC Smart-UPS Ultra SRTL 5kW family, enabling a unified protection strategy for mixed-volt environments.
• Construction and durability: Rugged chassis designed for data centers, telecom closets, and demanding environments, with attention to grounding, safety clearances, and serviceability.

how to install APC Smart-UPS Ultra Tower Isolation/Step-Down Transformer

Installing the APC Smart-UPS Ultra Tower Isolation/Step-Down Transformer is straightforward when you follow best-practice electrical guidelines. Start by choosing a stable, well-ventilated location with adequate clearance for airflow, access to outlets, and safe cable routing. Ensure the installation area complies with local electrical codes and that your facility’s electrical service can accommodate the transformer’s load alongside your UPS system. If you plan to mount in a rack, verify rack compatibility and secure mounting rails as required. If used as a tower, place the unit on a solid surface that resists tipping and provides sufficient space for cooling around the enclosure.

Next, verify the voltage switch position on the transformer and ensure it matches the voltage you intend to supply to the connected devices. This selection should reflect the UPS output and the equipment’s voltage requirements (110V/120V/208V/240V). Once the voltage setting is confirmed, connect the transformer to the UPS output with the appropriate power cords or cables supplied or recommended by APC for your configuration. Do not exceed the outlet ratings or mix high-load devices across outlets that share a single branch circuit. Organize cables to minimize strain, keep high-current devices on the two L6-20R outlets, and reserve the general-purpose 5-20R outlets for lower-load equipment if needed.

Grounding is critical: ensure the transformer chassis is properly grounded in accordance with electrical codes and the UPS system’s grounding strategy. If your facility uses a dedicated grounding bar or a shared ground path, connect it as required to maintain safety and optimal performance. After wiring, perform a cautious power-on test. Start the UPS, allow it to boot, and observe the transformer’s indicators for normal operation. Use a multimeter to verify that the output voltages at representative outlets correspond to the selected setting. Finally, rollout a controlled load test by powering a representative mix of equipment and verifying that the UPS maintains stable voltage, with graceful response to any interruptions or transient events. If you encounter unexpected readings or warning codes, consult the APC installation guide and verify all connections, switch positions, and grounding to restore proper operation.

Post-installation considerations include documenting outlet assignments for future expansions, auditing load distribution to prevent overloading any single branch, and scheduling regular inspections of cables, cords, and the transformer enclosure. Periodic checks help sustain optimal performance, prolong the life of connected devices, and minimize downtime. For mission-critical environments, pair the transformer with a robust monitoring strategy that tracks voltage, current, and temperature metrics, enabling proactive maintenance and rapid response to anomalies.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What voltages can the APC Smart-UPS Ultra Tower Isolation/Step-Down Transformer output?
A: It offers user-selectable output voltages of 110V, 120V, 208V, and 240V, depending on the UPS output settings and the switch position. This flexibility is ideal for environments with devices that require different voltage standards, reducing the need for multiple transformers or power distribution units.

Q: How many outlets does the transformer provide and what outlet types are included?
A: The unit features a total of 12 NEMA outlets arranged as (2) L6-20R, (8) 5-20R, (1) L6-30R, and (1) L14-30R. This combination supports a broad range of equipment, from high-current devices to general-purpose power needs, all within a single protective footprint.

Q: Is this transformer compatible with the APC Smart-UPS Ultra line?
A: Yes. The transformer is designed to integrate with the Smart-UPS Ultra SRTL 5kW family, providing isolated, step-down power protection to enable mixed-voltage deployments while preserving UPS protection and reliability.

Q: Can the transformer be used in rack-mounted and standalone tower configurations?
A: Absolutely. The unit is a 3U rack/tower convertible design, allowing flexible deployment in either a standard IT rack or a standalone tower setup to fit your space and workflow requirements.

Q: What kind of protection does the isolation transformer offer beyond voltage conversion?
A: Beyond voltage transformation, the isolation transformer reduces electrical noise and mitigates ground-loop issues, helping to preserve sensitive equipment performance. It supports cleaner power, which can translate into improved uptime, reduced equipment stress, and safer operation of connected devices in mixed-volt environments.

Q: How should I plan for maintenance and monitoring after installation?
A: Plan for periodic inspections of all connections, cables, and outlet usage. Maintain a documented load profile for critical devices and consider integrating the transformer into your data center infrastructure management (DCIM) or monitoring system to track voltage stability, current draw, and temperature. Regularly verify that the voltage setting aligns with the current equipment mix, especially if you add or replace devices with different voltage requirements.