Power Distribution Units (PDUs) Key Terms

Protect your businesses network equipment with a PDU -- but learn the terminology first

A power distribution unit (PDU) is essentially a power strip that has several outlets for plugging in multiple devices. Businesses rely on PDUs when they have networks, servers or other sensitive equipment that can be damaged by power outages or interrupted power flow. Before investing in power distribution units to protect your equipment, it is helpful to understand the terminology or owner distribution units key terms you are likely to come across.

 

Basic PDU

A basic PDU offers simple, but highly reliable, power distribution to several pieces of equipment simultaneously. Most start with a minimum of 16 outlets in order to plug in your networking devices and come with a long cord to extend very far into an office space.
Try: Zasmos sells a wide selection of basic PDUs, where buyers can choose how many amps they need to support, the number of outlets and even the type of input cord.

Switched PDU

A switched power distribution unit has the added ability to turn each outlet off and on again using a remote control system, that is operated via an Ethernet network connection. This is ideal for networking equipment that is stored at multiple locations. A switched PDU can help save battery life for the less sensitive equipment that can handle being turned off rather than switching to backup battery power.
Try: Leviton sells switched meters that vary according to input voltage as well as the number of outlets.

Metered PDU

A metered PDU is unique in that it can monitor the amount of amps that flow through it, giving IT network managers the ability to know the total current amperage being generated across a network. This knowledge allows them to make changes or upgrades to allow for more power.
Try: Raritan sells a number of metered PDUs and includes a list of metered PDU benefits as part of its product description.

Dual circuit PDU

A dual circuit PDU can be purchased as a basic or metered unit, but comes labeled with black and white input cords, as well as black and white colored outlets. This color coding system allows you to organize your devices, using the black outlets to plug in items that receive their power from the black cord and the white outlets for items that will be powered from the white cord.
Try: PC Connection's product overview of the Tripp Lite dual circuit PDU further explains the benefits of this type of power distribution unit.

Auto transfer switch

An auto transfer switch (ATS) is a feature that comes with any PDU with two input power cords. The automatic transfer switch will transfer power from the working source in the event of a power failure on one cord in order to keep the plugged devices working.
Try: Server Technology highlights its Sentry Fail-Safe transfer switch for PDUs, which further explains the many benefits of using an auto transfer switch for your PDU.

Environmental sensor

An environmental sensor provides detailed information about what is going on inside the PDU remotely to the network manager. Details about temperature and humidity are readily provided. Some models also feature remote alarms and security devices.
Try: Tripp Lite's Envirosense environmental sensor is for use on Tripp Lite PDUs, but its product description is applicable to many environmental sensors produced by other manufacturers.

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