A power distribution unit (PDU) is a standard electrical device designed to power various electrical devices in various environments. They are supplied to provide remote access capabilities and real-time monitoring by managing and distributing power supplies to electrical equipment. The PDUs are required for environments where power is needed for a more considerable amount of time than office or home power strips or surge protectors.
Furthermore, they provide an easy installation with either an AC or DC source. In addition, they can come from a utility power supplier, a generator, a UPS, or other power sources.
What Do Power Distribution Units Do?
PDUs supply power to various devices simultaneously in various environments, such as data centers, where it is difficult to plug multiple items into a single power supply. They provide power to various devices depending on the type, model, and manufacturer of PDUs. They provide power to devices such as servers, networking and storage devices, computers, and telecommunication devices. They can be rack mounted or mounted in equipment rack enclosures such as servers, routers, and switches.
Benefits of PDUs
There are various benefits of PDUs depending on the type used, including:
- Dependable
- Space Saving
- Cost-effective
- Ergonomic design, protective contacts
- High Efficiency
- Easy installation
- Better control over power.
- Improved data center management
- Reduced energy consumption
- Energy consumption data
Types of PDUs
Basically, PDUs are available in floor-mounted, cabinet, rackmount, and portable forms; there are also other various types available on the market.
- Portable PDUs: These units are portable, non-mounted devices designed for consumer applications in offices and homes.
- Floor-mounted PDUs: They offer an alternative to the main office data center power and equipment racks.
- Rackmount PDUs: They are directly mounted to an equipment rack for monitoring and controlling power to specified switches, data centers, and servers by assisting a balanced power supply.
- Cabinet PDUs: These are supplied with main and individual circuit breakers and power-monitoring electrical cabinets designed to provide power to various racks. They are needed for environments where multiple and high current power is required.
Crucial Factors when Choosing the Right PDU
There are various factors when considering the right PDU for any organisation. They include the PDU type and other specifications, including:
- The place of installation
- The amount of input power needed.
- Thy power type required for PDU.
- The number of outlets.
- Plugs types.
