UPS I've purchased needs to be hardwired. Can I do this?

[AB_IT]

Hey All,

 

Just wanted to check if it would be a problem, basically bought this big UPS that's going to help power some of the servers. It requires however a hardwired connection into the back so Positive, Ground, Neutral wires to be stripped and the screwed into the back.

 

Is there anything wrong with me using a Kettle Lead, stripping it and just wiring it in myself, plugging it into a UK 3 Pin Socket or is this a fire hazard etc...?

 

Maybe I'm being dumb but thought it was worth the ask

 

Thanks All

[CrootUK]

What model is the UPS usually it has specifc requirements in there doc? I would suspect if its big and requires hard wiring you need atleast a 4mm cable on a 32a circuit. 

You can wire this cable into a comando socket if you have them available. 

Edited November 26, 2025 by CrootUK

[pete]

This is one of the few times I let electricians (heavily supervised) into server rooms.  (It helps that we've got certified electricians on staff.)

 

We run a separate breaker box in the room from the main school feed with a dedicated breaker for the hard-wired UPS.  Commando sockets aren't a bad shout for future-proofing (add a couple).

 

The UPS should have come with an EPO relay that you can connect to a big red button (with mollyguard) mounted just inside the room so you can safely kill power in an emergency.

[dhicks]

1 hour ago, AB_IT said:

It requires however a hardwired connection into the back so Positive, Ground, Neutral wires to be stripped and the screwed into the back.

 

If it doesn't have a standard "kettle lead" (IEC C13, which technically only supports up to 10A, or you sometimes see IEC C19 (16A) connectors on servers / UPS equipment) connector, as @CrootUK points out, it's probably expecting a 16A or 32A connection, possibly on a dedicated mains circuit. I would advise getting an electrician to come and get it wired in - if nothing else, they have the proper insurance. I've had one of these go wrong before - there was a loud bang and everything stopped working, which wasn't a fun day.

[AB_IT]

Thanks All! So a proper electrician it is. Just a pain we'll be spending extra money out of my budget, was hoping I could save some cash lol.

 

 

[Davit2005]

13 hours ago, AB_IT said:

Thanks All! So a proper electrician it is. Just a pain we'll be spending extra money out of my budget, was hoping I could save some cash lol.

 

 

Honestly not worth it. An electrician will/should know if it needs a 32amp supply. Wire it into a 13amp socket and you are asking for trouble.

[TomHutchinson]

13 hours ago, AB_IT said:

Thanks All! So a proper electrician it is. Just a pain we'll be spending extra money out of my budget, was hoping I could save some cash lol.

 

 

 

Think of it that everyone above have saved you money, because I recon @dhicks would have paid a lot to not have loud bangs, especially if it was anywhere near live production servers. 
The happy days are when all the flashy lights are still flashing 🙂

[dmj]

when you say 'big'.. the last UPS we bought needed a three phase power supply, which required a three pole panel mount.

I'd also strongly recommend, and a good electrician will advise putting in a bypass switch - you don't want to turn off the servers when you replace the UPS batteries.