Capacity: The capacity of a PDU is a critical specification that defines the total electrical load it can handle.
It is usually measured in terms of kilovolt-amperes (kVA) or kilowatts (kW). The capacity should be selected carefully based on the total power requirement of the connected devices, allowing for future expansion.
Design: PDUs come in various designs, including basic PDUs, metered PDUs, switched PDUs, and intelligent PDUs. Basic PDUs offer simple power distribution without advanced features. Metered PDUs add the ability to measure power consumption at the outlet level, providing valuable energy usage data. Switched PDUs offer remote power control, allowing administrators to turn outlets on or off remotely. Intelligent PDUs go a step further, providing more detailed monitoring, environmental sensors, and advanced management capabilities.
Input and Output Connections: PDUs can have various input and output connection types. Common input connections include NEMA (North American), IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), and others. Output connections can include NEMA, IEC, C13, C19, and others, catering to different types of equipment and power cord standards.
Mounting Options: PDUs can be rack-mountable or floor-standing. Rack-mount PDUs are designed to fit into standard server racks, maximizing space utilization, and simplifying cable management. Floor-standing PDUs, also known as vertical PDUs, are commonly used in environments where rack mounting is not feasible.
Input Voltage and Phase: PDUs are available in various input voltage and phase configurations, such as single-phase or three-phase. The input voltage should match the available power source to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
Circuit Protection: PDUs often include circuit breakers or fuses to protect against overloads and short circuits.
Proper circuit protection helps safeguard connected equipment and the PDU itself from electrical faults.
Monitoring and Management: Advanced PDUs offer features like remote monitoring, power usage analytics, and environmental monitoring (temperature, humidity). Some PDUs can be integrated with network management systems, allowing administrators to control and monitor power remotely.
Redundancy and Failover: High-availability environments may require PDUs with redundant power inputs to ensure continuous power supply even if one power source fails.
Environmental Considerations: PDUs designed for data centers and server rooms should adhere to specific environmental standards, such as temperature and humidity operating ranges, to ensure reliable performance in these controlled environments.
Safety Certifications: PDUs should comply with safety standards and certifications, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories), CE (Conformité Européene), and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), to ensure safe operation and compliance with regulations.
