2012-05-16
Looking at racks and cabinets, most people focus on the high-end equipment inside — servers, routers and the like. But for professional buyers, choosing the rack power outlet is a serious decision.
A purpose-built rack power outlet is usually called a PDU, short for Power Distribution Unit — some also expand it as Designated Power Distribution Unit for Cabinet. Thanks to its highly professional design and strict material standards, a PDU's overall current-carrying capacity is far greater than that of an ordinary strip.
First, work out what equipment your rack holds (or may hold in the future) and calculate how many outlets you need. What plugs does the equipment use? Match plugs to sockets: a GB2099.3 universal socket accepts IEC60906 American plugs, GB1002/10A three-flat-pin plugs and BS1363 British plugs — but although GB2099.3 is highly compatible, dedicated matching sockets are better for high-current work. Only accurate calculation avoids both waste and shortfalls.
Second, consider which control and protection functions you want the PDU to have (overload protectors, surge protection, filtering and so on), how you want it installed in the rack (standard 19-inch or vertical extended PDUs are common), and how much space and which mounting method it needs.
Third, from the rated operating state of all equipment in the rack, calculate the capacity the PDU should carry (a rough estimate of 2A per server is sometimes used — treat it with caution), then choose a suitably configured PDU (current models reach 64A / 16KW).
PDU input forms
There are generally three:
1. Single-feed input
2. Dual-feed input
3. IEC320 input
PDU output options
Universal outlets, Chinese-standard outlets, British-standard outlets, German (European) outlets, IEC320 American outlets, American-standard outlets, French-standard outlets, South African-standard outlets, signal outlets and more.
I. Technical features of rack PDUs
1) The housing effectively resists radio-frequency and electromagnetic interference and stays firm after vertical installation.
2) All socket modules and function modules use flame-retardant PC material that withstands temperatures up to 750°C, with heat-deflection temperature above 120°C and UL94-V0 flame resistance — effectively preventing fire accidents caused by socket wiring inside the rack.
3) All socket sleeve assemblies use phosphor-bronze with good elasticity, wear resistance, anti-magnetic and corrosion resistance — precision-machined and integrally stamped for high contact reliability, with a single-pole plug life tested beyond 5,000 cycles: safe, durable, no loosening and no ignition, ensuring highly reliable conductivity and connectivity.
4) Internal socket modules connect to the various function modules through special terminal connections.
5) The input cable material meets flame-retardant requirements — it does not burn when exposed to fire and complies with the certification standards of many countries.
6) Designed and manufactured to the international 482.6 mm (19-inch) standard rack structure, especially suited to installation and use in all kinds of 482.6 mm (19-inch) standard racks.
1) Installation requires no modification to the rack and no extra accessories: align the product with the corresponding holes on the rack frame and tighten the screws and nuts with a screwdriver until firmly seated.
Usage guidelines
1) Uncoil the power cord during use to avoid abnormal heating from induced charge;
2) Do not place it in damp locations;
3) Keep it out of children's reach;
4) Plugs must be fully inserted into sockets — never left exposed;
5) The total power of all connected appliances must not exceed the rated power;
6) Do not disassemble the base unit yourself; contact professionals or the manufacturer if necessary.
