Power distribution FAQ | Server Rack PDU | Cabinet PDU | Rackmount PDU

Power distribution FAQs

Jun 05 , 2021

What is power distribution?

Power distribution is facilitated through different pieces of equipment that take the power conditioned by your uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and send it to your IT equipment. Power distribution solutions can manage and even control energy consumption in smaller environments as well as large data center applications. Distributing power efficiently results in reduced operating costs and increased reliability.

Whether you need integrated power distribution within a few server racks or power throughout your data center, there are many solutions to consider when building out your power infrastructure. Understanding your environment and power needs allows you to begin right-sizing your distribution equipment.

Single-phase PDU vs three-phase PDU

The phases of a PDU, such as a single-phase PDU or a three-phase PDU, describe the number of electrical phases that a PDU receives and transmits. Three-phase power is used by large power consumers, such as colocation data centers and hospitals, because that is the most efficient way to transport the large volumes of electricity required for those facilities. Single-phase power is used by smaller power consumers, such as small and medium businesses, schools and most office buildings.

Cabinet PDU vs rackmount PDU

Power distribution units come in two form factors: floor standing racks or cabinet PDUs and rackmount PDUs.

A floor standing PDU, or a cabinet PDU, is a large, three-phase power distribution unit that comes enclosed in its own cabinet. These PDUs are often used in large data centers for raised and non-raised floor applications to take incoming power and distribute it to an individual rack or groups of racks. A PDU can optimize utilization and availability down to the branch circuit level as well as address specific needs for isolation, voltage transformation, harmonic reduction, and voltage regulations. Cabinet-based PDUs should have monitoring capabilities as well. Because floor standing PDUs are most often found in large data centers, they are usually deployed in conjunction with managed rack PDUs that are placed in each server rack or enclosure.

Rack PDUs are used to effectively distribute power to racks where multiple outlets are necessary. Beyond the capabilities of a power strip, a rack PDU offers a range of intelligent features to help control the power distributed to IT devices. Rack PDUs are used in all types of environment sizes and come in a variety of plug and outlet configurations, including 120 and 200-240 volts. Whether it’s the only distribution unit or part of a whole distribution strategy, PDUs are a vital connection point and allow you to protect your entire IT investment.

Where do you mount a PDU in a server rack or enclosure?

PDUs can be mounted inside your server rack wherever you need a source of power for your equipment. You can mount them vertically along the side rails or in the back of the enclosure, or horizontally within the rack, in the same space as a server. Vertical mounting can save rack space and can utilize both the right and left side of the enclosure, while providing more outlet receptacles per unit. Horizontal mounting will take up “U” space. You can also mount PDUs so that the power cords exit the enclosure at the top or bottom. PDU installation is completely based on your preference, space requirements and the number of outlets required. Mapping out how you will set up your rack space before buying the equipment can save you time and money.

What functionality can I get from my rackmount PDU?

Rackmount PDUs offer a variety of capabilities to fulfill the needs of your IT environment. From the streamlined and cost-effective rack PDUs favored by cryptomining companies to the outlet-level billing grade accuracy needed by colocation data centers and even the fully configurable PDUs that enterprise data centers rely on, Eaton has a rackmount PDU to meet the particular challenges of your business.

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From data center to outdoor telecom infrastructure products, AZE has the right product for you. AZE designs and manufactures Server Racks and Enclosures, Outdoor Telecom Cabinets and Electronic Enclosures, Power Distribution (Basic Rack PDUs and Smart PDUs), KVM Switches and Fiber optics products to globe customers in the market.

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Power distribution FAQs