A rack power distribution unit will come in handy when you want to distribute power to networking equipment within cabinets and racks. However, as the need and requirements of data centers keeps on changing, so do your options for rack PDU performance. It is for this reason that you should always exercise caution before you can finally select rack PDUs that work perfectly with your data center application. In this article, we will take you through some of the important things to consider when choosing a rack PDU unit.
- Type of Mount
First things first, you will have to consider the type of power distribution unit rack mount
mount that is going to serve you perfectly. Depending on where you want to install it, you can either mount a rack PDU vertically or horizontally. If you do not want to take up any space, you should consider mounting the PDU vertically on the side or back of the enclosure. In most cases, you will see one vertically PDU data center mounted on the right side and one on the left side of a data center cabinet. Keep in mind you can still mount rack PDUs on either side as long as it fits your preference.
- Amperage
Your power rating will go a long way in determining the amperage level you’ll need. Some might wonder why this is so important. Well, you should never expect a PDU with a 30A fuse to sustain the power if it is more than 30A for an extended period. Actually, it is always going to blow up thus forcing you to incur additional costs when buying a new one. It is therefore important to check the amount of sustained power amperage a pdu can handle before doing anything else.
- Power Cord Length
Last but not least is the power cord length even thought it tends to vary from one manufacturer to another. The good news is that the power cord length can also be a customizable option. For you to limit power loss, it is important to maintain the connection points to the data center power distribution system as close to the cabinet as possible. Of course, the length of your power cord id determined by the distance it has to reach before connecting. If you want to go with a longer cord, then it would be better to equip the rack power distribution unit with a terminal block. Furthermore, you should make sure the cord is installed onsite by an experienced electrician.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the best rack power distribution unit does not have to be stressful as long as you understand what works perfectly for you. Simply make use of the above-mentioned tips and you will find it easy in choosing a rack PDU. It is also necessary to work with a reputable dealer if you are to get good value for your money. One such dealer is the renowned Enlogic Company.