Small Business Battery Backup: Eaton's 3,000VA PW5130

Eaton Powerware PW5130, 3000 VA

Eaton’s Powerware PW5130 is a mid-range UPS product that is flexible enough to be used with multiple server systems at the same time. Eaton specifies a 2,700 W output for this model, which is made available through eight IEC-C13 ports and one IEC 320-C19 port. The latter supports up to 16 A, while the conventional ports are rated at 10 A. One of the key characteristics of the PW5130 is its ability to manage power and the status of important systems via the local network. The 3,000 VA unit provides a 12V, 9 Ah battery unit.

A Battery Heavyweight

The PW5130 is a true behemoth, weighing in at 34 kg (or 74.5 lbs.). Its huge box includes the UPS unit, several cables, and rails for mounting the unit into 19” racks. Eaton also adds two brackets for vertical orientation of the device, and we even found a screwdriver inside, which was nice to see. Before you use the PW5130 for the first time, you have to connect the battery units, which come disconnected for shipping. Connect and close the front panel, and you’re ready to go.

Efficiency, Cooling and Startup

The unit's data sheet claims an efficiency level of 94%, which translates into 180 W of power loss if you consider the total output of 3000 VA. As you can imagine, that 180 W is converted into heat, which has to be dissipated through three integrated fans—yes, even a UPS unit requires cooling.

We found that the batteries were almost fully charged when we started the device, so we could get to testing right away. There are eight power ports on the back side of the UPS, split into three segments: four ports belong to the main power segment, two ports are organized as load segment one, and two more ports belong to load segment two. These can be managed independently, depending on your requirements.

You will find the full specifications within the data sheet from Eaton's Web site. Product family information can be found here: http://powerquality.eaton.com/Products-services/Backup-Power-UPS/5130.aspx

Editor's Note: In Germany, where the PW5130 was reviewed, most standard plugs enable 16A on a 230V plug. That's plenty for a 3,000VA UPS. Here in the US, however, most plugs support 15A on a 120V line. In order to properly support this 3,000VA device, you'd need an available NEMA L5-30P socket able to deliver 120V/30A. Eaton does sell battery backup devices designed for smaller equipment loads. If you only have 15A circuits available, a 1,250VA unit plugs into a standard NEMA 5-15P socket. Or, a 1,750VA model plugs into the fairly-common NEMA 5-20P socket. 

Image 1 of 2