Receptacles on a UPS Circuit

[Golfguy8]

Is it a code violation to hardwire multiple 20A receptacles from the output of a 2kVA, 120VAC UPS that has a 25A internal input breaker? The branch circuit feeding the UPS has a 30A breaker and #10 AWG wire. UPS manufacturer claims you can install a 30A upstream of the UPS as the UPS input breaker provides OCP for the loads. I understand the reasoning behind the 25A breaker to be sized for the full UPS load and the battery charging current, As well as the 30A panel breaker to protect the wires feeding the UPS.

However, My interpretation of the NEC is that you would need a 20A breaker at the panel and the 25A UPS breaker would not be allowed to be used as the OCP for the receptacles in order to meet the requirements in table 210.24(1). The receptacles will power multiple loads with a combined demand of 800W. Any feedback would be appreciated, I am an engineer who is relatively new to using the the NEC in my daily work.

 

[zbang]

Ignore the UPS's input breaker for this, if the UPS will only deliver 2kva then that's all the protected outlets will see (and 5-15 or 5-20 receptacles are rated for it) - an UPS of that size would usually come with 3-4 duplex 5-15's on the back.

What is the input connector to the UPS (or is it hard wired)? Every 2kva unit I've touched had a 5-20 plug, which would go on a 20a circuit.

I'd go with the manufacturer's instructions, it's easy to get tied in knots overthinking this sort of thing (which we seem to do often enough on these forums ).

Lastly, why the hard-wired part on the protected side? (It's always helpful to include context for the question, and equipment model numbers if available).

 

[ModbusMan]

Lastly, why the hard-wired part on the protected side? (It's always helpful to include context for the question, and equipment model numbers if available).

'Cause you don't want someone futzing with it because it's powering something like a security/access control panel.

 

[Golfguy8]

Ignore the UPS's input breaker for this, if the UPS will only deliver 2kva then that's all the protected outlets will see (and 5-15 or 5-20 receptacles are rated for it) - an UPS of that size would usually come with 3-4 duplex 5-15's on the back.

What is the input connector to the UPS (or is it hard wired)? Every 2kva unit I've touched had a 5-20 plug, which would go on a 20a circuit.

I'd go with the manufacturer's instructions, it's easy to get tied in knots overthinking this sort of thing (which we seem to do often enough on these forums ).

Lastly, why the hard-wired part on the protected side? (It's always helpful to include context for the question, and equipment model numbers if available).

Thank you for the advice, my thought was to disregard the UPS input breaker as well. The UPS is an ALPHA FXM HP 2000. Hardwire input & hardwire output.

 

[zbang]

'Cause you don't want someone futzing with it because it's powering something like a security/access control panel.

Which often use plug-in power supplies? If you're worried about someone futzing with the power there are physical security issues to fix first.

 

[ModbusMan]

Which often use plug-in power supplies? If you're worried about someone futzing with the power there are physical security issues to fix first.

Sometimes yes, sometimes no... With my current employer, because everything's inside controlled locations, it's easier for our security contractor to chop the end off a power cord and plug into wall outlets than to hard-wire the panel power supplies. Alternatively, a previous employer's customer decided to use several hundred of this size unit at a correctional facility, where everything had to be hardwired no matter where the UPS was located because there's no telling what an inmate might attempt.