ADvanced features of a rack pdu
Common Features of a Rack PDU
The primary function of an rPDU is to ensure critical power is delivered to IT equipment. Today’s intelligent and adaptive rPDUs have gone beyond power distribution, offering features to enhance business agility, efficiency and availability. When selecting the rPDU, these key features should be considered.
Combination Outlets
The Combination Outlet C13 / C19 is a 2-in-1 receptacle functioning as both an IEC C13 and C19. Simplify the rack PDU buying process and accommodate ever-changing rack power requirements with the flexibility to connect C14 and C20 plugs in the same outlet.
Alternating Outlets
As rack densities increase, cable management and load balancing become a challenge. If loads are not properly balanced across circuits and phases, data center managers risk overloading circuits or stranding power. To simplify circuit/phase balancing and cable management rPDU manufactures offer color coded alternating outlets that significantly streamline the deployment process.
Locking Outlets
Outlet locking mechanisms secure the physical connection between the IT equipment and the rPDU to ensure power cords are not accidently pulled out of the outlet, causing an inadvertent load drop. Globally, the most common standard for outlets used in rPDUs are the IEC320 C13 and C19. IEC receptacles are internationally acceptable and handle output voltages up to 250V. There are a number of options ranging from retention to locking outlets available on the market.
Small Footprint with low profile breakers
As space in the rack becomes increasingly scarce, the rPDU should be compact so it can be installed in tight spaces. Depending on the power configuration, a vertical rPDU can be as small as 2in (51mm) wide by 2in (51mm) deep. The low profile breakers ensure the PDU can be installed without causing any obstructions.
Daisy Chaining
Save on network ports by daisy chaining up to 64x PDUs, or configure in RNA mode (redundant network access) to allow two separate networks to access (landlord and tenant).
User Customisable Display
This feature allows users to configure and customise the PDU display to easily identify PDU power sources. It is the most cost-effective solution on the market for PDU customisation.
Environmental Monitoring
IT equipment is susceptible to environmental conditions such as heat and moisture. Intelligent rPDUs have the ability to incorporate environmental sensors to proactively monitor environmental conditions within the rack to ensure optimal operating conditions without the need to deploy a separate monitoring solution.
Remote Connectivity
Intelligent rPDUs also provide data center managers with the ability to access the rPDU remotely through the network interface or serial connection to monitor power consumption and configure user-defined alert notifications to prevent downtime.
DC Power Sharing over daisy chained PDUs
Redundant rack PDUs share power over the same ethernet cable used to daisy chain, so that even if a PDU loses AC power, it can still receive DC power from the connected PDU. This allows the PDUs to maintain network communication, sensor functions, and security operations.
Future-Proof Design
Data center managers with upgradable basic rack PDUs and intelligent rack PDUs can update their hot-swappable monitoring device easily to leverage new technologies and accommodate changing business needs without having to replace entire power strips or interrupt power to critical servers.
