UPS Connections

When you receive a UPS, you should be able to plug it in right away. If a UPS can’t be plugged into the wall socket, or their equipment can't be plugged into it, you’ve got a problem.

Any UPS with a rating of 1500 VA or below can be plugged into a standard household receptacle/socket. UPS models with ratings higher than 1500 VA use input plugs that can’t be plugged directly into a standard receptacle. Many higher rated UPSs (above 1500 VA) may also be hardwired directly into the electrical distribution panel at the installation location by a licensed electrician.

Many UPS models offer a fixed set of input and output receptacles. Other UPS models can be configured with a custom set of input and output connections.

For reference we’ve included the following chart to help you visually confirm input and output plug/receptacle options:

* 5-15P can plug into 5-20R
R = Receptacle, P = Plug, L = Locking
For the number before the hyphen:
5 = 125V, two-pole, three-wire (grounded)
6 = 250V, two-pole, three-wire (grounded)
14 = 125/250V, three-pole, four-wire (grounded)
The number after the hyphen indicates the amperage. For example, the L5-30R is a 30A receptacle.

5-15R	5-15P	5-20R	5-20P
L5-30R	L5-30P	6-15R	6-15P
L6-20R	L6-20P	L5-20R	L5-20P
IEC-320-C13 (female)	IEC-320-C14 (male)	IEC-320-C19 (female)	IEC-320-C20 (male)
IEC-309, 16A	IEC-309, 32A	Terminal Block (Hardwired)

Know your North American receptacles

In North American markets, most facilities utilize plugs and receptacles conforming to standards established by the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA), which uses a smart code to define what each part number represents. If you know the part number of your connector, you can find its voltage and amperage ratings. Always check with your local electrician to verify proper wiring and installation.

How big can I go?

A common question from IT managers is, “I have a receptacle at my facility; what is the biggest UPS can I connect to it?” If you’re looking at UPSs 6 kVA or lower, it’s a pretty straight forward question to answer as shown below:

1. Fixed
Smaller UPS models like the Eaton 9130 UPS provide a fixed
set of output receptacles

2. Customized
UPS models like the Eaton 9355 can be customized with a variety of output receptacles

3. Hardwired
Large UPS models like the Eaton 9390 are hardwired to incoming utility power though some models leverage output receptacles

4. Additional receptacles
Eaton ePDU products mount easily into racks and provide additional receptacles

Explore more information related to Uninterruptible Power Supplies and power protection.