UPS Power Cords & Whips

UPS power cords: the right plug, the right amperage, the right length

A UPS installation lives or dies on its cords. The input cord has to match the receptacle that feeds it, locking connectors have to lock, and server-side cordsets have to reach from the PDU to the server without a daisy chain of extensions. This collection holds the cordsets APC and Xtreme Power ship for their UPS systems, plus the accessory cords that connect racks cleanly.

Two families dominate the list: NEMA cordsets and whips for UPS inputs, from 20 A locking plugs to 50 A three-phase four-wire assemblies, and IEC locking C13 to C14 cordsets in 0.6 m, 1.2 m and 1.8 m, sold individually or in six-packs for full racks.

Cords at a glance

A representative selection. Lengths and connector kits for every model are in the product grid below.

Match the connector on both ends before ordering: the UPS input receptacle on one side, the branch circuit on the other.

How to choose

Read the receptacle, then buy the plug. A 5-20P straight blade goes into a standard 20 A outlet; an L5-20P locks into its twist-lock mate; an L6-30P serves 240 V at 30 A. The UPS manual names the input it expects, and the cord has to end in exactly that plug.

Respect the amperage. Cordsets are conductors first: a 50 A 3P-4W assembly exists because smaller cords cannot legally or safely carry that current. Never adapt a bigger plug down to a smaller circuit.

Length is a plan, not a guess. Measure the run from the branch circuit to the UPS, add service loop, then pick the nearest standard length. The 0M-5886 line runs from 7 to 55 ft in fixed steps so you buy once.

Locking C13/C14 for the rack. Server power supplies take C14; PDUs offer C13 outlets. The locking variants click and stay put, which matters when a bumped cord can reboot a host. Six-packs dress a full rack in one order.

Whips for hardwire-style runs. The L21-30 and L5-20 whip assemblies land power where receptacles are scarce, with wire gauge chosen by the circuit.

Why buy cords here

• APC factory cordsets matched to APC UPS inputs
• Locking C13/C14 kits in three lengths, individually or in six-packs
• NEMA locking and straight-blade types side by side, 20 A to 50 A
• Ships from Canada.

Quotes, configuration and shipping

Dressing a full rack or a row? Request a quote with the UPS model and PDU layout and we count the cordsets. Ships from Canada.

Related: rack PDUs and UPS accessories.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 5-20P and L5-20P?
The straight-blade 5-20P pushes into a standard outlet; the L5-20P twists and locks. Same 20 A circuit, different retention.

Why locking C13 cords?
They click into the outlet and resist the accidental pull that reboots servers. Racks that get walked past benefit most.

Can I extend a UPS input cord with a standard extension?
No. Use the factory cordset in the right length. Extensions add connections that heat and loosen.

What is a whip assembly?
A cordset with heavier gauge wire meant to land on a disconnect or panel rather than a plug-in outlet, wired by an electrician.

Do six-packs come in mixed colors?
Selected kits come in color variants; check the part listing. Color coding tracks A and B feeds.

Why do some kits come in packs of six?
A full rack dresses out at once: six cords cover a typical strip. Buying the pack also keeps the color and length identical across the row.