Uninterruptible power supplies are becoming increasingly important for many businesses in a wide range of sectors, and Eaton’s latest solution, the 5PX Gen2, is a great addition to the market.
With ever-more mission critical functions for businesses in many sectors being carried out online or in the cloud, reliable power supplies become ever more of an imperative.
The costs of a power outage, even if it is just for a short period of time, can be huge. Eaton reckon that for a small- to medium-sized business, the average cost of an hour of downtime is €930 – something that can be ill-afforded. If the power outage is prolonged, it can go on to adversely affect sales and the business’ reputation for much longer than the time the power is out.
So uninterruptable power supplies (UPS) are, understandably, increasing in popularity. One of the newer entrants to the market is Eaton’ 5PX Gen2 UPS. The device provides enterprise networks and edge IT equipment with line-interactive power protection maximising IT space and service continuity. Eaton 5PX Gen 2 offers powerful tools to remotely monitor, integrate with IT architecture and remotely deploy/maintain large installed base of UPSs.
The Eaton 5PX Gen2 has a range of features, such as increased standard runtime by at least 25% on 1.5 and 2 kVA models compared to the original 5PX UPS. It also boasts enhanced surge protection designed to keep branch offices and IT closets equipment safe.
The device also has enhanced power density thanks to power factor 1 (W=VA) performance, providing 11% more power in the same rack space as the previous iteration.
When operating in battery mode the 5PX provides a high-quality output signal for any sensitive equipment connected, such as active PFC (power factor corrected) servers.
Each 5PX Gen2 battery configuration provides the best size/runtime ratio.
Sustainability
In addition, for those looking towards sustainability, the 5PX Gen2 is Energy Star 2.0 certified, as well as offering best-in-class efficiency performance to reduce energy consumption and cooling costs.
It is also easy to monitor its energy usage. The 5PX Gen2 meters energy consumption right down to the managed outlet groups and kWh values can be monitored using the LCD or Eaton’s Intelligent Power Software, which seamlessly integrates with leading virtualisation environments and cloud orchestration tools.
Security
Of course, as with all networked solutions, cybersecurity is paramount, with cybercriminals becoming increasingly sophisticated and looking for any potential weaknesses in a network. The 5PX Gen2 has an optional Gigabit Network Card (NETWORK-M2), which is the first UPS connectivity device to meet UL and IEC cybersecurity standards – UL 2900-1 & IEC 62443-4-2 – according to Eaton.
The 5PX Gen2 can also be connected to Eaton Cyber Secured Monitoring solutions.
Together with 5PX Gen2, Eaton Gigabit network management card allows remote UPS settings and remote firmware upgrade to ensure easy deployment (fleet management) and reduced maintenance cost.
Ease of use
Eaton has also spent time to ensure the solution is easy to use for customers. For instance, the 5PX Gen2 has a graphical LCD display that brings all operating information at first sight. It also enhances commissioning and configuration capabilities, so it can be optimised to each individual business’ requirements.
Tips for resellers
While the 5PX Gen2 has selling points in the features detailed above, there are other aspects that resellers can highlight when talking about UPS solutions to customers, says Sara Maazouz, field product marketing manager at Eaton.
For instance, resellers should attach services for every hardware sale. “Whether it’s the warranty extensions that are available for UPS, PDUs and our Tripplite series products,” she says.
“Additionally, remote monitoring services that are ideal for customers with multiple UPSs in different locations, to monitor the performance and availability of their Eaton UPS.
“Battery pack replacements are also a good option for customers who have already bought a UPS a couple of years ago and they can propose to change the battery in order to prolong the lifetime of their UPS.”
There are also opportunities to upsell with the 5PX Gen2. “Resellers can upsell the warranty extension by offering a longer period or by adding remote monitoring,” she says. “For remote monitoring, customers need to have UPSs equipped with comm cards, so you add the comm cards to the sale.”
In terms of the sectors that resellers should look to sell the 5PX Gen2 into, Sara says that it covers a broad range, including residential, retail, education and commercial and industrial.
What’s in the box
• Network Management Card
• Input cable
• Rack-mounting kit
• Supports for tower mounting
• Cable locking system
• USB cable
• Serial cable
• IEC-IEC cables
• Quickstart guide
• Safety instructions
• BS input cord
Our News in the Channel Editor – Dan Parton’s Verdict:
The importance of UPS solutions is growing all the time as more business is conducted online – and the statistics about how much a power outage costs a business are stark – so solutions such as the Eaton 5PX Gen2 are much needed.
An upgrade on the popular first generation of this product, it covers all the bases that customers will want; peace of mind against power outages, along with security from cyberthreats but also ease of energy consumption for those keeping an eye on their sustainability.
With its ease of use, as well as the wide range of sectors it is ideal to be sold into, the 5PX Gen2 would be a great addition to a reseller’s portfolio as it should be popular with end users.
