Li90 vs APC Smart-UPS Modular Ultra
The Xtreme Power Li90 and APC Smart-UPS Modular Ultra Online are both online double-conversion lithium UPS with ECO mode and hot-swappable components. They differ in scope: the Li90 reaches higher capacity (to 30 kVA), supports three-phase, and tolerates 50 °C, while the Modular Ultra is a single-phase modular platform with finer capacity granularity and N+1 redundancy at lower kVA. Each suits a different profile.
What the Li90 brings
- Higher maximum capacity (30 vs 20 kVA)
- Three-phase 208/120 V support (Modular Ultra is single-phase only)
- Longer overload ride-through (150% for 60 s vs 30 s)
- Lithium iron phosphate chemistry with integrated BMS
- Integrated maintenance bypass as standard
- Operation to 50 °C (122 °F)
Side-by-side specifications
| Specification | Xtreme Power Li90 | APC Smart-UPS Modular Ultra | Advantage / consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topology | Online double conversion | Online double conversion | Equal protection |
| Available capacities | 10 / 20 / 30 kVA | 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 kVA | Li90 – higher max (30 vs 20 kVA) |
| Overload | 150% for 60 s | 150% for 30 s | Li90 – longer overload |
| Voltage / phase | 208/120 V three-phase or single | 208/120 or 240/120 single-phase only | Li90 – three-phase support |
| Battery chemistry | Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) + BMS | Lithium-ion (unspecified) | Li90 – LFP thermal stability |
| Battery replacement | Hot-swappable lithium modules | Hot-swappable lithium modules | Equal serviceability |
| Maintenance bypass | Integrated (standard) | Optional | Li90 – integrated bypass standard |
| Operating temperature | Up to 50 °C (122 °F) | Up to 40 °C (104 °F) | Li90 – rated to 50 °C |
| Battery warranty | 5 years (LFP) | 5 years (lithium-ion) | Equal 5-year coverage |
Specifications based on publicly available manufacturer documentation; confirm against current vendor data. The Modular Ultra is a single-phase platform; comparisons across phase types should account for application fit.
Choosing between them
The Li90 leads on maximum capacity, three-phase support, overload ride-through, LFP chemistry, integrated bypass, and operating temperature; the Smart-UPS Modular Ultra offers finer single-phase capacity granularity and integrated N+1 redundancy at lower kVA. Both use hot-swap lithium modules with 5-year battery coverage.
Choose the Li90 if you need
- Online lithium protection up to 30 kVA
- Three-phase 208/120 V support
- Operation in high-temperature environments
- Longer overload capability for demanding loads
- Integrated maintenance bypass without external switchgear
The APC Smart-UPS Modular Ultra may fit if you need
- Single-phase modular architecture with fine capacity granularity
- Integrated N+1 redundancy at lower kVA levels
- Alignment with existing APC modular deployments
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Both are online double-conversion lithium platforms with hot-swappable modules and 5-year battery warranties. The Li90 specifies lithium iron phosphate (LFP) with an integrated BMS; the Modular Ultra uses lithium-ion. The main differences are capacity scope, phase support, overload, and temperature.
The Li90 supports 208/120 V three-phase (or single-phase); the Smart-UPS Modular Ultra is single-phase only (208/120 or 240/120). For three-phase installations the Li90 is the fit.
For single-phase deployments that benefit from fine 5 kVA capacity granularity or integrated N+1 redundancy at lower kVA, or where a site is standardized on APC modular architecture.
The Li90, rated 150% for 60 seconds versus 150% for 30 seconds on the Modular Ultra.
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