UPS power plug is not long enough to reach wall outlet

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-30

Hi,

We have an APC Smart-UPS X 3000VA; the model is SMX3000RMLV2U. Just racked it today and discovered unfortunately that the power plug on it wasn't long enough to reach the wall outlet.

Additionally the power plug is NEMA L5-30P, so it can plug only into the two L5-30R that are available, which are high up on the wall.

The UPS that it is replacing is an HP R3000 XR and its power cord does reach -- so I assumed it was a standard length for these devices.

Is it safe to get an extension cord for this. Will it void the warranty?

Thanks,

Tom

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-30

Okay just to close out this thread, we did not need the extension cord, we ended up hiring an electrician to install an additional outlet close enough to the UPS. It wasn't too expensive.

In case anyone is curious, I talked to APC tech support via email as well, and they said you can change the input cord -- this is if you want to use a different connector, but I guess you can change the length as well. From their email:

"Yes , you can change the input power cord on the UPS. But kindly ensure that licensed electrician to do this."

Hope that helps anyone.

See Answer In Context

BillP · ‎2021-06-30

Hi Tom,

It is advisable that UPS are either plugged directly into an outlet or hardwired into the cicuit.

BillP · ‎2021-06-30

You Can Use One And 30 Amp Requires 10 Gauge (AWG) Dont Use An Extension Over 6 Feet ( For Safety)

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-30

Thanks, wwallender. I'm thinking of getting the following extension cord (3 foot version). Should this be OK?

http://www.lockingpowercords.com/Products/81-30a125v-locking-power-cords.aspx

Another question...

I found this in the APC KnowledgeBase about changing the input plug for these models of Smart-UPSes:

http://nam-en.apc.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/184/kw/input%20cord

I don't want to change the connector type of the input cord, of course, but if APC says you can replace the input cord I assume you could replace the cord with the same connector but slightly longer cord. Are there instructions on how to do this? I wouldn't mind getting an electrician to do this if it's not too expensive. Is this something an electrician should know how to do?

Thanks.

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-30

Okay just to close out this thread, we did not need the extension cord, we ended up hiring an electrician to install an additional outlet close enough to the UPS. It wasn't too expensive.

In case anyone is curious, I talked to APC tech support via email as well, and they said you can change the input cord -- this is if you want to use a different connector, but I guess you can change the length as well. From their email:

"Yes , you can change the input power cord on the UPS. But kindly ensure that licensed electrician to do this."

Hope that helps anyone.