Key Considerations When Selecting an Intelligent PDU

Intelligent PDU provide sophisticated monitoring and control of energy consumption. They can provide data center managers with relevant information to streamline power infrastructure and eliminate unnecessary expenses. Other important considerations when selecting an intelligent PDU are its ability to ensure reliability, functionality, and adaptability.
Reliability
While carrying advanced features, an intelligent PDU should not detract from or hinder its core functionality. Whether you are using a basic or smart PDU, it is important to purchase your PDU from a manufacturer that values quality and reliability. Not all manufacturers test 100% of every power distribution unit that ships. It is recommended that selected manufacturers not only test each power distribution unit, but also strive to test the reliability of the unit’s core functions throughout the product development process.
High temperature level
The company’s drive to improve efficiency has resulted in data centers raising the temperature of their thermostats, which reduces energy consumption. As a result, the temperature of the facility in the data center increases. This change requires manufacturers to design PDU to operate at higher temperatures. Depending on the manufacturer, the maximum PDU operating temperature range is 45°C to 65°C. High temperature rated PDU should be considered in high temperature environments to ensure reliability and availability in power distribution.
Alternate socket
As rack density increases, cable management and load balancing become a challenge. If loads are not properly balanced between circuits and phases, data center managers can risk overloading circuits or losing power. To simplify circuit/phase balancing and cable management, PDU manufacturers offer color-coded alternate outlets that greatly simplify the deployment process.
Locking socket
An outlet locking mechanism protects the physical connection between IT equipment and the PDU, ensuring that the power cord cannot be accidentally pulled out of the outlet, causing inadvertent load dumps. Worldwide, the most common standards for receptacles used in PDU are IEC320 C13 and C19. The IEC receptacle is internationally compatible and handles output voltages up to 250V. There are a variety of options on the market ranging from anti-slip receptacles to lockable receptacles.
Feature
Intelligent PDU measure, manage, and report the energy usage of data center equipment in real time. With precise levels of metering and administrative control, data center managers can optimize energy usage and more easily support equipment and capacity changes. At the same time, after knowing the power consumption of each IT equipment, they have more reasons to purchase more advanced technology.
Data center managers can use intelligent PDU to remotely schedule power cycling of unused IT equipment to reduce energy consumption. They can streamline power infrastructure to eliminate unnecessary capital expenditures, enforce chargeback based on actual energy consumed, and proactively manage energy consumption to increase efficiency.
Smart PDU provide proactive notification of problems before they arise. Once warning and critical threshold settings are violated, users are alerted to address critical issues, such as an intelligent PDU experiencing an overload condition that could trip circuit breakers and connected loads. All notifications are received in standard formats such as SMS, SNMP traps or email. Intelligent PDUs can be integrated with centralized management software, making them easy to manage.
Adaptability
Rack-level flexibility is an important factor in helping data centers adapt to constant change, which often means higher density and the need for greater efficiency and control.
Smart PDU are proactively designed to replace previously oversized infrastructure systems that were inefficient in terms of capital and energy costs. Using the upgradeable Basic and Smart PDU, data center managers can easily update their hot-swappable monitoring equipment to incorporate new technologies and adapt to changing business needs without having to replace entire power strips or interrupt power to critical servers.
Intelligent PDU are strategic assets for ensuring high availability in the data center. They provide the best view of IT power consumption within the rack. They also provide intelligent power monitoring and control for data centers. They should be flexible and adaptable to rapid change. Business organizations should consider intelligent PDUs that are reliable, provide a variety of features, and can meet today’s and tomorrow’s needs. They should benefit from OEM-provided PDU service, reducing deployment time and cost.