Review: Out-Of-The-Box Power

Tripp Lite's SmartOnline Hot Swappable Modular UPS System provides instant power transfer in the event of a blackout and can correct fluctuations by adjusting the power supply during brownouts and surges. Tipping the scales at almost 150 pounds, the SU6000RT4U model is solidly dependable.

The SU6000RT4U model is a 6000VA double-conversion UPS with dual-voltage output of 208/120 or 240/120V. The system converts raw input from AC to DC and stores it in battery packs. The battery power is inverted to AC output to power the connected equipment.

Since the equipment is always running off the UPS battery, there is no potentially dangerous voltage dip when the main power cuts out and the UPS shifts to battery power. The system also can correct overvoltages as high as 140V and brownouts as low as 65V. The resulting output is a perfect sine wave AC output free of surges and line noise.

The Tripp Lite system performed well without complexity. It is, after all, a UPS system, not a nuclear reactor. It does the job—it keeps devices running until the power is restored. If the battery packs die before power is restored or before the generators kick in, it tells the appliances to shut down safely before powering itself off.

For a 9-to-5 shop where it's not a catastrophe if servers are down for an hour or two, this may be overkill. On the other hand, if it is going to be hooked up to always-up equipment such as e-mail and Web servers, IP and traditional PBX telephony switches and routers, then this may be just what the doctor ordered.

The communications interface on the SmartOnline System is probably its best feature. The network interface supports simultaneous communications through the DB9 port, USB port and the SNMP/Web card slot. The DB9 port offers both enhanced RS-232-enabled monitoring data and contact closure monitoring ability. The USB interface integrates with the built-in power management and auto-shutdown features of Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X.

The SNMP/Web card turns the UPS into a managed device, allowing users on the network to remotely monitor and control the unit. When the card is installed, the user can configure the unit's IP address and gateway through a menu-driven interface. A user name and password also can be assigned to prevent unauthorized users from changing the settings.

Installing the SNMP/Web card gives authorized users the freedom to monitor and control the power supply directly from the Web browser. The Web interface does everything PowerAlert—a stand-alone monitoring software—does. PowerAlert runs on a PC connected directly to the unit and provides general data such as UPS mode, input voltage, output voltage, output load, output frequency, battery voltage and time-on-battery.

SmartOnline also has a nifty SNMP module called EnviroSense that can remotely monitor temperature and humidity. Additionally, it has a dry contact interface to control and monitor alarms, security and telecom devices.

The UPS can support connected equipment during blackouts for 24 minutes at half loads and for 9 minutes at full load. This can be expanded by attaching external battery packs to the rear panel or adjusting charge rates. The unit's inverter can produce temporary AC output during a power failure.

Now, it's one thing if power goes out and the servers shut down. But what if something happens to the UPS? Well, the SmartOnline UPS has a built-in automatic bypass that kicks in regardless of whether the system is overloaded or needs service. With the bypass, power continues to flow to the connected equipment. This means the unit can be serviced without disconnecting or powering down the equipment, minimizing downtime and a lot of headaches.

Next: The Bottom Line The independent power distribution unit (PDU) makes the UPS truly hot-swappable. Replacing the system is something the IT staff can handle without bringing in an electrician.

By mounting the outlets and input cord on a detachable backplate, Tripp Lite also made this unit easier to service. This particular model requires the NEMA L14-30P split phase, four-wire input connection, but other models in the SmartOnline series require a hard-wire.

An optional accessory will enable the hard-wire connection for the SU6000RT4U. The 12 load-optimized outlets on SU6000RT4U—two NEMA L6-30R type, two NEMA L6-20R type, and eight NEMA 5-15/20R type—can be independently switched on or off using PowerAlert. It's a small thing, but having to crane one's neck to read the horizontal display on an upright unit can get downright annoying. Thankfully, SmartOnline spared CRN Test Center engineers from that crick in the neck by incorporating a rotating LCD display on the front panel for easy viewing regardless of whether it's installed in a rack-mount or tower configuration.

The front panel has switches for powering the UPS on and off, self-testing and for canceling the alarms. It also has diagnostic LEDs offering visual confirmation of all major UPS functions and current site electrical functions.

The SmartOnline UPS is an easy product for solution providers to work with because the unit is shipped fully assembled with the internal batteries. It is ready to go straight out of the box, with no time wasted fiddling with connections.

While there are channel programs in place, Tripp Lite does not have a formalized structure with levels. The programs are individually tailored to meet the requirements and needs of each solution provider and are flexible.

Mark Chambliss, operations manager of the unified communications division of Troubadour, a Houston-based solution provider, said he recommends Tripp Lite products to customers for their reliability, features and competitive pricing.

The primary source of revenue for channel partners comes through margins, as professional service opportunities are limited.

Tripp Lite offers Web-based and on-site sales and technical training at no cost to the channel. The company also offers spifs, rebates, sales contests and warranty extensions.

The unit lists at $3,500 and comes with a two-year product warranty and $250,000 connected equipment insurance. Tripp Lite also offers a 50-percent demo discount.