Computer Components

Outlets Pdu

How PDUs Can Help Your IT Efforts Go Green

In an attempt to help conserve energy, many companies are exploring the addition of PDUs (Power Distribution Units) to their IT mix.  Not only are IT departments seeking ways to increase rack density, troubleshoot equipment more efficiently and decrease instances of potential risk, but more and more IT administrators are being asked to monitor energy usage in an effort to use electrical power more efficiently.

 

 

IT managers have identified several features to increase the efficiency of their data centers:

 

• Outlet-level power metering and switching:  Power metering needs to be available for both the rack PDU and the individual outlets.  A browser that provides easy monitoring and control - available anywhere - was one of the key factors.  Real-world accuracy – especially for power consumption – and compatibility with energy management software was high on the list of important attributes as well.
• Outlet switching – needed for remote control and shutting down of non-critical devices – has proven to be vital in the event of a power failure.
• Environmental monitoring (environmental monitoring sensors for temperature and humidity that were easily deployed were also required);
• User management;
• Thresholds and alerts (both critical and non-critical thresholds and alerts for both power and conditions need to be supported);
• A suitable rack PDU form factor.

 

 

IT managers have become responsible for identifying reliable power sources for all the equipment contained in their increasingly-complex networks.  PDUs - which are highly-reliable devices that distribute power to multiple pieces of networking equipment - typically feature multiple outlets to accommodate the growing power needs of today's densely-packed rack enclosures.  While technically not very complex, these units can dramatically increase a system's power availability and manageability, when selected and deployed properly.

 

 

The first step in the process is for IT managers to understand the options that are available to them, and then match the correct one to their application.    PDUs serve as vital components in maintaining network power availability, as well as delivering conditioned power.  Absent are the features found on standard power strips and surge suppressors that can serve as failure points and cut off power to critical equipment.

 

 

There are 3 main PDU categories:

 

 

Basic PDUs – which feature multiple outlets, a long input cord and a variable mounting housing - offer simple but reliable distribution to multiple pieces of equipment.

 

 

Metered PDUs provide a practical way for IT managers to avoid network downtime.  While offering the same features as the Basic PDU, they also offer a digital load meter which allows IT managers to monitor the total power consumption of the connected equipment.  As equipment is added, IT administrators can monitor the increased load and take proactive steps to increase input capacity.

 

 

Switched PDUs provide a practical way for IT managers to remotely reboot locked devices and eliminate costly service calls. They offer the same features as the Metered PDUs, but with the addition of a built-in network interface which allows managers to remotely control power to individual PDU outlets via a network connection. If power does fail, IT administrators can remotely shut down less critical devices in order to redistribute limited backup power.

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CPI Controlled PDU Overview