UPS accessories are used to connect, monitor and extend uninterruptible power supplies: this category covers communication interfaces and other supporting items for a home office, network cabinet or small server room. Our range includes products from EQUIP, ENERGENIE, LEVELONE, FSP GROUP and EATON POWERWARE.
How to choose a UPS accessory
Compatibility with your UPS. Start with the UPS manufacturer and exact model. Communication cables, battery modules and management cards are often made for specific series only, so choosing by appearance or connector alone is risky. If possible, compare the part number with the one listed in the UPS manual.
Interface and connector. Our range includes accessories with a 9-pin connector and with Thunderbolt. A 9-pin connector is usually a serial communication port, while Thunderbolt only makes sense if your computer has that port. If the connectors do not match, you will need an adapter, so check the back panel of your device first.
Purpose. Decide whether you need monitoring and control or extra power. Communication accessories let a computer read the UPS status and shut down safely when the battery runs low. Power-related accessories do something different: they extend runtime or make it easier to connect equipment.
Length and installation. Choose the cable length according to the distance between the UPS and the computer or network cabinet, and leave some slack. In a cabinet it is worth measuring the distance beforehand, because a cable pulled tight soon damages the connector.
Brands we carry
- EATON POWERWARE: Eaton is known as a maker of UPS and power management equipment, and Powerware was formerly a separate UPS brand that Eaton later took over.
- FSP GROUP: a Taiwanese company known for computer power supplies and UPS units.
- ENERGENIE: a Gembird brand known for power strips and surge protection devices.
- LEVELONE: a network equipment brand known for switches and other networking devices that are often connected to a UPS.
Also in our range: EQUIP.
UPS accessories: frequently asked questions
What are UPS accessories for?
UPS accessories let an uninterruptible power supply communicate with a computer or network device, or let you expand it. Without a communication accessory, a UPS simply supplies power and the computer does not know that the mains has failed. With one, you can set up an automatic safe shutdown.
Will a UPS communication cable work with another brand of UPS?
Not always. Cables often use a pin layout specific to the manufacturer, so a generic cable with the same connector may not work. Before buying, check the UPS manual or the manufacturer's list of compatible accessories.
How can a UPS shut down my computer automatically?
You need a communication cable between the UPS and the computer, plus monitoring software, usually the one provided by the UPS manufacturer. When the mains fails and the battery is nearly drained, the software closes files and shuts the system down. The settings have to be configured to suit your needs.
What does a 9-pin connector on a UPS accessory mean?
A 9-pin connector is normally a serial (RS-232 type) port that the UPS uses to send status signals. Not every modern computer has one, so a USB adapter is sometimes used. Check which port both your UPS and your computer have.
