240VAC NEMA L6-30P plug to L14-30R adapter for a 6000VA Smart UPS

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-26

I ordered a UPS that would connect to a NEMA L14-30R (according to the salesman) and supply 120V/240VAC.
I have configured the UPS for 240V output but there are only NEMA L6-30R receptacles.
What are my options? Can I buy an adapter to convert the 3 wire to 4 wire?
Is there a PDU that has the 30Amp 4 wire locking receptacle?

upsguy_apc · ‎2021-06-26

There is no adapter for L6-30 ---> L14-30R for the exact reason you outlined. L6-30 has three prongs which are considered to be Hot Hot Ground or L1 L2 G. the L14-30 has 4 wires, Hot Hot Neutral Ground. If you utilized a device that has a L14-30 connection it could operate multiple devices a 240VAC L-L or 120VAC L-N. The L6-30 can only operate devices 240VAC L-L and doesn't require a neutral as return path to source. If you attempted to convert a L6-30 into a L14-30 you would have to tie the Neutral wire to the ground wire for 120V circuits to work and this is very dangerous and would probably just trip the UPS off the first time you tried to use it. The ground wire cannot carry current and therefore no L6 - L14.

See Answer In Context

BillP · ‎2021-06-26

did you buy http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=SURTD6000RMXLP3U?

or if not, which model UPS did you buy? then we can see what options are available. you can check the exact model number on the back of the UPS on a little white sticker.

upsguy_apc · ‎2021-06-26

There is no adapter for L6-30 ---> L14-30R for the exact reason you outlined. L6-30 has three prongs which are considered to be Hot Hot Ground or L1 L2 G. the L14-30 has 4 wires, Hot Hot Neutral Ground. If you utilized a device that has a L14-30 connection it could operate multiple devices a 240VAC L-L or 120VAC L-N. The L6-30 can only operate devices 240VAC L-L and doesn't require a neutral as return path to source. If you attempted to convert a L6-30 into a L14-30 you would have to tie the Neutral wire to the ground wire for 120V circuits to work and this is very dangerous and would probably just trip the UPS off the first time you tried to use it. The ground wire cannot carry current and therefore no L6 - L14.

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-26

MFG#: AME-SURT6000RMXLT3U,
I notice the UPS SURT6000RMXLP3U has the correct connector. I will talk to the APC salesman that sold it to see why I have the wrong UPS.

BillP · ‎2021-06-26

yeah, you need the split phase one for 120/240 out, which is the link i sent.

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-26

I have portable generator that has a 3 wire 240v outlet. Can I replace it with a 4 wire (so i can use both 120 legs) by grounding to the generator frame? Thanks in advance. Tom

BillP · ‎2021-06-26

Hi,

You should contact the generator manufacture and I also recommend you check local electrical code.

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-26

Thanks for the advise. Do you know if what I proposed is typical? That is my question. Thanks, Tom