9SX UPS frequently asked questions

The Eaton 9SX is intended to be a direct form, fit and function replacement of the Eaton 9130 Tower with some key enhancements:

• Updated 5-button graphical menu
• EBM detection cable
• NETWORK-M2 compatibility
• RPO/ROO/Signal Input port
• SHUT protocol (moving away from XCP) for direct serial/USB communications

There are multiple 9SX platforms, which each have their own configuration of internal batteries. The 9SX 700VA and 1000VA use (3) internal batteries, the 1500VA utilizes (4) internal batteries, and the 2000VA and 3000VA models use (8) batteries. All models except the 9SX 700VA have a compatible external battery module with twice the number of batteries as the UPS. Keep in mind that adding batteries increases the stored energy for more runtime and does not increase the load carrying capacity of the UPS. 

For more information about the runtimes of specific 9SX UPS models, visit Eaton's interactive runtime graphs library.

When the UPS is plugged in and connected to utility power, the UPS will charge the batteries according to the ABM charging technology. However, Eaton recommends recharging the UPS every six months to prevent batteries from being damaged through self-discharge during storage. Charging time should be 48 hours in an ideal case with a minimum recommended time of 24 hours. Plugging in the UPS to the local utility power is usually the easiest method for recharging the batteries and the 9SX will automatically begin charging the batteries once the units is plugged in.

No. Most customers prefer to put the external battery modules next to the UPS, but it is not necessary. Eaton does provide six foot 9SX battery extension cable accessories in order for the EBM to be placed up to five feet away from the UPS. 

The 9SX is compatible with both the legacy NETWORK-MS Web/SNMP card and the new NETWORK-M2 Web/SNMP Gigabit Card. Note that while the 9SX is designed to work with the legacy NETWORK-MS card, older versions of the card may not have complete compatibility or functionality. Eaton recommends upgrading your network connectivity card to the NETWORK-M2 for new models in order to prepare for evolving features and security enhancements.

The 9SX is designed to accept generator power in most applications without any special action. Some generator applications may have high THD due to an undersized generator or other electrical infrastructure challenges. For these applications, the RPO port can be reprogrammed through the front menu as an on-generator signal thereby opening up the input voltage parameters for increased compatibility. The 9SX manual can provide more detail on using the RPO port for on-generator signal. Read more on planning for UPS and generator compatibility.

The static bypass is a fast-acting semiconductor switch that enables a UPS to transfer back to utility power in milliseconds in the event of an overload or internal fault. The result is extremely high availability even when things may go wrong, such as an overload or an inverter failure. All Eaton 9 series product utilize online, double conversion topology and contain an internal static bypass.

No. While an internal static switch increases the reliability of the UPS, true mission critical applications should always consider redundant power solutions.

There are several load management and energy saving features built into Eaton products, including the 9SX.

   Load segments – These are outlet groups that are controllable and programmable through the front LCD menu or Web/SNMP card. Segments can be programmed to turn off after a certain amount of time on battery, saving runtime for more critical equipment. Timing is manually programmed through the Web/SNMP card. Additionally, load segments are often used to quickly cycle the power of a remote server or switch that is stuck, eliminating the need for a service call.

   VM management – For applications with servers and virtualization, Eaton can shutdown virtual machines through IPM software or even move virtual machines to other locations. This works much like load segmentation, but is done virtually through the network. Read more for more about virtual machine shutdown through IPM. 

The Remote On Off (ROO) functionality of the 9SX is an ideal solution to turn the UPS on and off without direct human intervention, particularly in OEM or industrial control applications. The ROO feature acts much like a Remote Power Off (RPO) feature, however the UPS will automatically restart when the external relay returns to its normally state. The ROO is programmed through the 9SX front LCD menu and can be set as either normally open or normally closed.