A rack power distribution unit is a device that distributes electrical power to other equipment or devices. It is typically used in data centers and other large facilities to distribute power from a central source, such as a power supply or generator, to multiple devices or pieces of equipment.
What are Power Distribution Units?
PDU is just an abbreviation for power distribution units. PDUs typically have multiple outlets, or receptacles, where other devices can be plugged in. They may also have features such as surge protection, remote monitoring, and circuit breaker protection to help ensure the safe and reliable distribution of power. Some PDUs are designed to be mounted on a rack or other structure, while others are designed to be freestanding or portable.
In general, PDUs are used to help manage and distribute power in a way that is safe, efficient, and convenient. They can help reduce the risk of power-related problems, such as surges, overloads, and outages, and can make it easier to monitor and control the power being used by different devices and equipment.
Types of Power Distribution Units
There are several different types of power distribution units, or PDUs, that are designed for different applications and environments. Some common types of PDUs include:
Switched PDU
A switched PDU, or power distribution unit, is a type of PDU that has built-in switches that allow users to remotely turn outlets on and off. This can be useful for managing power usage, troubleshooting, and rebooting devices remotely.
Switched PDUs typically have a central control unit, or “brain,” that can be accessed remotely via a network connection. This control unit allows users to remotely turn individual outlets on and off, or to control groups of outlets as needed.
Smart Power Distribution Units
A smart PDU, or intelligent power distribution unit, is a type of PDU that has additional features and capabilities for managing and distributing power. Unlike basic PDUs, which are designed for simple, low-cost power distribution, smart PDUs are more advanced and are often used in large, complex environments where detailed power management is required.
Smart PDUs typically have a range of additional features and capabilities, such as load balancing, remote access, and environmental monitoring. They may also have built-in switches that allow users to remotely turn outlets on and off, and may be able to provide detailed information about the power being used by connected devices.
Metered PDU
A metered PDU, or power distribution unit, is a type of PDU that has built-in meters that can measure the amount of power being used by the devices that are connected to it. This can help users monitor and manage their power usage more effectively.
Metered PDUs typically have sensors and other monitoring devices that can measure various aspects of the power being distributed, such as current, voltage, and power usage. This information is often displayed on a built-in screen or interface or can be accessed remotely via a network connection.
Monitored PDU
A monitored PDU, or power distribution unit, is a type of PDU that has built-in monitoring capabilities. This means it can provide real-time information about the power being used by the devices that are connected to it.
Monitored PDUs typically have sensors and other monitoring devices that can measure various aspects of the power being distributed, such as current, voltage, and power usage. This information is often displayed on a built-in screen or interface, or can be accessed remotely via a network connection.
Basic PDU
Basic PDU, or power distribution units, are simple, low-cost devices that is used to distribute electrical power to other equipment or devices. Basic PDUs typically have a single input, such as a power cord, and multiple outputs, or receptacles, where other devices can be plugged in.
Basic PDUs are designed to provide a basic level of power distribution, and may have features such as surge protection and circuit breaker protection to help ensure the safe and reliable distribution of power. They are often used in small or medium-sized environments where a more advanced PDU is not needed.
That being said, these devices distribute electrical power to other equipment. They are often used in data centers to distribute power from a central source to multiple devices. PDUs typically have multiple outlets and may have features like surge protection and remote monitoring. They help manage and distribute power safely and efficiently.
