Online Double-Conversion Lithium UPS Comparison for Critical Infrastructure

The Xtreme Power Li90 and the APC Smart-UPS Modular Ultra Online from APC are both advanced online double-conversion UPS systems designed to protect critical loads with high efficiency and reliability. Both platforms support lithium battery technology, ECO-mode operation, and hot-swappable components.

However, the two systems differ significantly in capacity range, phase and voltage support, overload capability, operating temperature tolerance, and deployment flexibility. These differences make each platform better suited to distinct application profiles.

For environments requiring higher power density, broader electrical compatibility, and operation in challenging thermal conditions, the Li90 delivers clear advantages.

Learn more about the Xtreme Power Li90
https://xpcc.com/products/li90/

Key Differentiators at a Glance

  • Broader power range up to 30kVA
  • Three-phase 208/120V support for higher-density installations
  • Longer overload capability for demanding loads
  • Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery chemistry with higher thermal stability
  • Integrated maintenance bypass as standard
  • Operation up to 50 °C (122 °F)

Online Modular UPS Feature Comparison

Feature Xtreme Power Li90 APC Smart-UPS Modular Ultra Online Li90 Advantage
UPS Topology Online Double Conversion Online Double Conversion Equal protection
Available Capacities 10kVA / 10kW
20kVA / 20kW
30kVA / 30kW
5kVA / 5kW
10kVA / 10kW
15kVA / 15kW
20kVA / 20kW
Higher maximum capacity
Overload Capability 150% for 60 seconds 150% for 30 seconds Longer overload support
Voltage / Phase Options 208/120V three-phase or single-phase 208/120V or 240/120V single-phase only Supports three-phase loads
Battery Chemistry Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) with integrated BMS Lithium-ion (unspecified chemistry) Higher safety and thermal stability
Battery Replacement Hot-swappable lithium modules Hot-swappable lithium modules Equal serviceability
Maintenance Bypass Integrated as standard Optional Lower installation cost and complexity
Operating Temperature Up to 50 °C (122 °F) Up to 40 °C (104 °F) Better for edge and industrial sites
Battery Warranty 5 years (LiFePO₄) 5 years (Lithium-ion) Comparable coverage

Where the Li90 Excels

  • Installations requiring three-phase power architectures
  • Higher-density applications up to 30kVA
  • Edge, industrial, or poorly cooled environments
  • Sites needing longer overload ride-through
  • Deployments seeking simpler service with built-in maintenance bypass
  • Long-term installations focused on lower lifecycle risk

When the APC Smart-UPS Modular Ultra May Be a Fit

  • Single-phase deployments requiring fine capacity granularity
  • Sites standardized on APC modular architectures
  • Environments prioritizing integrated N+1 redundancy at lower kVA levels

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose Xtreme Power Li90 if you need:

  • Online lithium UPS protection up to 30kVA
  • Three-phase 208/120V support
  • Operation in high-temperature environments
  • Longer overload capability for demanding loads
  • Integrated maintenance bypass without external switchgear

Choose APC Smart-UPS Modular Ultra if you need:

  • Single-phase modular UPS architectures
  • Smaller incremental capacity sizing
  • Alignment with existing APC modular deployments

Download the Printable Comparison

Download the Xtreme Power Li90 vs APC Smart-UPS Modular Ultra Comparison PDF
https://xpcc.com/wp-content/uploads/Xtreme-Li90-Modular-Ultra-Online-UPS-Comparison-1.pdf
(Ideal for specification reviews, project planning, and internal approvals)

Compare Li90 to Other UPS Alternatives

Evaluating lithium and VRLA UPS platforms for critical infrastructure?
View all Xtreme Power UPS comparisons
https://xpcc.com/comparisons/

Plan with Confidence

Xtreme Power Conversion supports early specification, design-in, and lifecycle planning for data centers, industrial facilities, healthcare, and regulated environments.

(800) 582-4524
sales@xpcc.com