Different types of
rack pdus
Types of Rack PDUs
An rPDU can be classified as basic, metered, monitored, or switched. At the core, the rPDU offers reliable power distribution at the rack while more intelligent rPDUs add remote monitoring capabilities, energy management, and future proof design platforms.
Basic Rack PDU
Basic rPDUs provide reliable power distribution to critical IT equipment within a rack or cabinet. They are entry-level solutions that are low cost. They meet a broad range of requirements with different electrical and receptacle configurations available. They should have regional compliance (i.e. UL in North America and CE in EMEA), which is a requirement for many data centers and insurance providers.
Metered Rack PDU
Metered rPDUs allow data center managers to view power consumption metrics instantly from a local display. This is ideal when deploying or moving equipment to monitor power usage and prevent overloads. Metered rPDUs are best suited for highly secure data center environments that must keep power infrastructure air-gapped from the local network.
Monitored Rack PDU
Monitored rPDUs provide a comprehensive view of power usage, both at the rack and via remote access while continuing to provide reliable power distribution to critical IT equipment. Monitored rPDUs are available in unit-level and outlet-level remote monitoring configuration options. They offer quick access to critical information to evaluate energy usage trends as well as provide alarming capabilities to alert users of breaches in user-defined power thresholds. They are recommended for high-density data centers that want to monitor or improve power usage effectiveness (PUE).
Switched Rack PDU
Switched rPDUs provide a comprehensive view of critical IT equipment power usage, both at the rack and via remote access with the added ability to remotely turn on, turn off, or reboot power at each outlet. Switched rPDUs are also available with unit-level and outlet-level remote monitoring configuration options. Switched rPDUs are ideal for data centers needing to limit power usage at the outlet to avoid accidental overloads as well as remote data centers. They are extremely useful for data centers that require a quick and easy way to power cycle equipment in a large facility or, in some cases, an entire network of facilities.
