Rack PDUs for Server Racks, Computer Rooms, Server Rooms & Data Centers
Rackmount Power Distribution Unit Manufacturers
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What is a Rack PDU?
A rack PDU is a power distribution device designed to fit into an IT rack in either a vertical (0U) or horizontal (1U or more) position. Rackmount PDUs are offered in many sizes and configurations depending on voltage, current, number and type of connections, as well as remote access and monitoring functionality.
Rackmount PDU Applications
A Rack PDUs main application is to supply AC power to multiple pieces of IT equipment within the rack. This can be as simple as a basic power strip with no internal intelligence, that simply provides AC power to the connected IT equipment, or as advanced as an outlet-level PDU that can remotely monitor, control and report on the status of every outlet contained in the power distribution unit.
Which RACK PDU is best for your application?
Rackmountable PDUs are available in four conventional designs:
- Basic PDUs simply supply IT equipment with multiple AC outlets. It can be used in an A/B circuit configuration but does not supply any extra features other then power distribution. These basic power strips are typically the least expensive units.
- Metered PDUs have a LED status display built into the unit itself. This feature allows at-the-rack current monitoring for each unit as a whole. This feature becomes very valuable when one wants to make sure they do not overload a circuit or when load balancing an A/B feed installation.
- Monitored PDUs typically include the feature sets of the metered and switched PDU in a single unit. It also has the ability to remotely monitor the state of the distribution unit, and in some models, the ability to see the current draw down to the outlet level and report history trends. Access to these models is typically accomplished through dedicated remote access software, direct web interface, SNMP or serial (RS232) menu. This type of PDU becomes very valuable in situations where up to the minute monitoring of power draw within a rack is required.
- Switched PDUs typically includes the features of the Metered PDU as well as the ability to remotely control the on/off state and reboot capabilities of each outlet contained in the unit through a web interface or a serial (RS232) menu. Certain Models of Switched PDU allow the user to “lock off” any number of outlets to prevent unwanted connection of equipment that might overload the circuit.
Outlet-level PDUs are a subset of both switched and monitored rack PDUs. These intelligent PDUs are often the most sophisticated rack power distribution products. They will offer outlet-level monitoring, outlet-level switching or both.
Rack PDU Classification Quick Reference
| Classification | Basic PDUs | Metered PDUs | Monitored PDUs | Switched PDUs | Outlet Level PDUs |
| Installation | |||||
| Horizontal Mount | X | X | X | X | X |
| Vertical Mount | X | X | X | X | X |
| Monitoring | |||||
| Local Amp Meter | X | X | X | X | |
| Remote Monitoring | X | X | X | ||
| Environmental Monitoring (Rack Temperature & Humidity) | Some Models | X | X | ||
| Measure Consumption at Individual Outlets | X | ||||
| Remote Control | |||||
| Set SNMP Thresholds and Alerts | Some Models | X | X | ||
| Remotely Reboot Servers | X | Some Models | |||
| Turn Off Outlets/Groups of Outlets | X | Some Models | |||
| Group Outlets for Dual-Corded Devices | X | Some Models | |||
| Intelligent Load Shedding | X | Some Models | |||
| Outlet Power Up Sequencing | X | Some Models | |||
| Consider this product: | To power equipment at a low cost | To reliably load and balance circuits | To monitor remote sites without the cost of control | To manage a distributed network of data centers and remote offices | To precisely quantify and trend your IT load |
42U has established relationships with the preeminent power manufacturers in the industry, including APC, Avocent and Eaton. 42U's power distribution experts can help you find the right rackmount PDU for you current and future power distribution needs
Key things to consider when purchasing a RACK PDU
IT requirements drive the need for IT technology. This is true for power distribution as well. The next five points highlight some of the decision making process for choosing a Rack PDU.
- Need for voltage/current draw per circuit
Sizing of the unit is critical for supporting the IT equipment it will support. Rack PDUs come in many voltage/current configurations. It is important to analyze your current IT requirements as well as future requirement when choosing a power distribution unit. - Need for remote outlet control
Remote outlet control is a unique feature that allows authorized users to control the state of an outlet. While used typically in remote access situations, it is a very valuable feature for anyone who needs power control of their IT device. Security and access control are critical with this type of PDU. - Need for advanced monitoring of circuit/outlet
While this type of power distribution unit is the most advanced on the market, it can be used anywhere from a server closet to a data center rack installation. Its ability to monitor current flow per circuit and/or outlet becomes very valuable to server rooms that need an up to date status of the state of the power to the IT equipment. Typically, these types of Rack PDUs also support historical trending as well as alert notifications for values that fall outside predetermined thresholds. This is usually accomplished through dedicated software management applications, direct web interfaces or SNMP. - Size and form factor
While horizontal PDUs are universal across standard racks, care must be taken when choosing a vertical, or 0U rack mount PDU. It is critical that the vertical PDU be compatible with the data center’s rack configuration. As vertical PDUs vary in dimension, configuration should be carefully considered. - Voltage/current needed per outlet
Much like the ability to choose a unit based on circuit size, many PDUs offer the option of having multiple outlet configurations within the strip. The decision on choosing this type of PDU is dependent on the type of IT equipment the rackmount PDU will support. These types of PDUs can typically support multiple amp circuits as well as 120v to 208 volt circuits.
Intelligent Software
Intelligent Rack Mounted PDUs (including monitored, switched, and outlet monitoring versions) are sold with proprietary power management software products that provide detailed visibility into the power distribution architecture. Monitoring, trending, reporting, and even billing are facilitated through this software interface.
Rack PDUs - Server Rack Power Distribution Units
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