Eaton Line Interactive UPS

About Eaton Line Interactive UPS

What is Eaton line-interactive UPS?

Line-interactive UPS keeps the load on utility power most of the time and uses an autotransformer with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) to correct sustained low or high voltage without engaging the battery. On a true outage, transfer to battery is 2–4 ms — fast enough for any modern server, networking, or storage power supply. The right topology for the majority of SMB server, networking, and POS loads.

Eaton's line-interactive catalog covers three families: 5E for entry-tier business, 5P for the rack workhorse, and 5PX / 5PX G2 for high-PF and extended-runtime deployments. UPSPLUSBATTERY.CA stocks the line with matching Eaton replacement batteries. For loads that can't tolerate transfer time, see Eaton double-conversion online UPS (9PX / 9SX). For entry standby tier, see Eaton standby UPS. Full Eaton catalog: Eaton UPS.

Eaton line-interactive families

5P covers most rack deployments. 5PX adds higher PF and external battery support for extended runtime. 5E is the entry-tier tower for budget-constrained workstation and small-office deployments.

How to choose

5P vs 5PX

5P at 0.9 PF — 5P1500R delivers 1500 VA / 1440 W. 5PX at 0.9–1.0 PF — 5PX1500RT delivers 1500 VA / 1350 W with EBM support, 5PX G2 ratings approach unity. Choose 5P when stock runtime is sufficient. Choose 5PX when extended runtime via EBMs is needed or when high PF is the binding spec.

Sizing

Add nameplate watts of all loads, multiply by 1.25 buffer, pick UPS whose watt rating exceeds. Two 1U servers (~250 W each) + 24-port switch (~60 W) + NAS (~100 W) ≈ 660 W → 5P1500R / 1440 W fits. UPS sizing guide.

When to step up to online

Move to 9SX or 9PX online when load can't tolerate 2–4 ms transfer (medical, VoIP, precision lab, industrial control), when galvanic isolation is required, or when utility frequency drift exceeds line-interactive AVR correction range. Topology comparison.

Spec reference

5P, 5PX ship with Eaton IPM software. Network-M2 card slot for SNMP / Modbus / web monitoring on 5P and 5PX (optional add-on; standard on G2 NC variants).

Replacement batteries and EBMs

5P / 5PX use 744-A and EBM part numbers. 744-A3121 fits 5P1500R and 5PX1500RT. 744-A2992 fits 5P3000IRT and 5PX3000RT. EBMs (5PX EBM, 5P EBM) extend runtime — each pack roughly doubles runtime. Aftermarket replacements stocked as compatible — built to identical V, Ah, and terminal spec. 1-year UPSPLUSBATTERY warranty. See Eaton replacement batteries.

Installation and warranty

Up to 1500 VA: NEMA 5-15P or IEC C14 plug-and-play. 2200 / 3000 VA: typically L5-30P or IEC C20 (-i suffix). Warranty: 3 years electronics + 2 years battery (USA and Canada) on 5P and 5PX; 2 years on 5E. Coordinated through our Canadian team. Shipped from our Canadian warehouse. Replies within 1 business day.

FAQ

5P vs 5PX — which?

Same line-interactive topology. 5P at 0.9 PF, broad VA range, common rack workhorse. 5PX at 0.9–1.0 PF, supports EBMs for extended runtime, higher PF on G2 SKUs. For straightforward rack deployments where stock runtime is sufficient, 5P. For high-density loads or extended ride-through, 5PX.

Pure sine wave?

Yes on 5P and 5PX — pure sine on battery. 5E is simulated sine on lower SKUs. For any active-PFC server PSU, sensitive AV, or lab equipment, choose 5P, 5PX, or step up to online 9SX / 9PX.

Network management?

Network-M2 card slot on 5P and 5PX. Provides SNMP v1/v2c/v3, Modbus TCP, web management, RESTful API, integration with Eaton IPM software for fleet monitoring and graceful shutdown.

Add EBMs to 5PX?

Yes. 5PX supports EBMs via rear bus connector. Each EBM roughly doubles runtime; multiple stack on most 5PX SKUs. Hot-pluggable.

Hot-swap batteries?

Yes on every current 5P and 5PX. Front-panel cartridge swap while UPS continues to protect load. Reset install date via the front panel afterward.

Battery life?

4–5 years SLA in 20–25 °C climate-controlled. When to replace UPS battery.

Canadian warranty?

Yes — Eaton 5P and 5PX factory warranty terms cover USA and Canada. RMA coordinated through our Canadian team. Shipped from our Canadian warehouse.