Online Lithium UPS vs Line-Interactive VRLA for Edge, IT, and Network Deployments
Both the Xtreme Power J90 and the Vertiv Liebert PSI5 1U from Vertiv are compact 1U rackmount UPS systems designed for edge IT, networking, and distributed infrastructure. While both support 1kVA and 1.5kVA power classes, they are built on very different power-protection architectures.
The J90 is a true online (double-conversion) lithium-ion UPS, while the Liebert PSI5 1U is a line-interactive UPS using VRLA batteries. Key differences appear in power quality, battery lifecycle, temperature tolerance, remote outlet control, warranty coverage, and long-term total cost of ownership.
For environments where uptime, heat tolerance, and long service life matter, the J90 is engineered to go further—particularly in network closets, retail locations, edge deployments, and unattended sites.
Learn more about the Xtreme Power J90
https://xpcc.com/products/j90/
Key Differentiators at a Glance
- LiFePO₄ (LFP) battery chemistry for safer, cooler operation
- Online double-conversion topology vs line-interactive
- Up to 50 °C (122 °F) operation vs 40 °C
- Longer runtime in a smaller, lighter footprint
- Remote outlet-level control with optional Web/SNMP
- Faster battery recharge after outages
- TAA compliance for government and regulated procurement
- 6-year full warranty covering electronics and battery
1kVA & 1.5kVA Feature Comparison
| Feature | Xtreme Power J90 | Vertiv Liebert PSI5 1U | J90 Advantage |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) with integrated BMS | Valve-Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) | Longer lifecycle, safer chemistry, lighter weight |
| VA / Watt Rating | 1000VA / 900W 1500VA / 1350W |
1000VA / 900W 1500VA / 1350W |
Comparable power class |
| UPS Topology | Online Double Conversion | Line-Interactive | Zero transfer time, continuous clean power |
| Form Factor | 1U rack-mount | 1U rack-mount | Equivalent mounting |
| Rack Depth | 18.8″ (1kVA) 20.1″ (1.5kVA) |
20.0″ (1kVA) 24.8″ (1.5kVA) |
Shallower footprint at higher power |
| Weight | 26.8 lb (1kVA) 36.4 lb (1.5kVA) |
27.8 lb (1kVA) 45.6 lb (1.5kVA) |
Lighter, easier installation |
| High-Temperature Operation | Up to 50 °C (122 °F) | Up to 40 °C (104 °F) | Reliable in hot edge environments |
| Battery Runtime (Full Load) | Up to 7 minutes | Up to 5 minutes | More usable runtime |
| Battery Recharge Time | ~4 hours to full | ~6 hours to 90% | Faster recovery after outages |
| Output Receptacles / Control | Individually controllable (with Web/SNMP) | Not controllable | Remote reboot reduces truck rolls |
| Monitoring & Communications | USB, RS-232, optional Web/SNMP | USB, Serial | On-prem network management |
| TAA Compliance | Yes | No | Eligible for federal procurement |
| Warranty | 6-year full warranty | 2-year warranty | Lower lifecycle cost |
Where the J90 Excels
- Online double-conversion protection in edge and network closets
- High-temperature or poorly cooled environments
- Distributed or unattended sites requiring remote outlet control
- Installations where battery replacement is costly or disruptive
- Government, defense, and regulated procurement
When the Liebert PSI5 1U May Be a Fit
- Basic IT or office environments
- Applications tolerant of line-interactive transfer time
- Facilities standardized on VRLA maintenance cycles
- Climate-controlled spaces with consistent cooling
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Xtreme Power J90 if you need:
- True online UPS protection for sensitive IT and network loads
- Long-life LiFePO₄ batteries with fewer replacements
- High-temperature operation up to 50 °C
- Remote outlet-level control to minimize service visits
- TAA compliance and a 6-year warranty
Choose Liebert PSI5 1U if you need:
- A basic line-interactive UPS
- Lower upfront cost for short-term deployments
- A UPS intended primarily for office IT environments
Download the Printable Comparison
Download the Xtreme Power J90 vs Vertiv Liebert PSI5 1U Comparison PDF
(Ideal for procurement reviews, specification packages, and internal approvals)
Compare J90 to Other UPS Alternatives
Evaluating multiple UPS platforms or standardizing across sites?
View all J90 UPS comparisons
https://xpcc.com/j90-ups-comparisons/
Plan with Confidence
Xtreme Power supports early specification, design-in, and lifecycle planning for edge IT, networking, AV, and regulated environments.
(800) 582-4524
sales@xpcc.com