Power Distribution Unit
Buying PDUs: How to select the finest PDU for your server rack
25th April 2025
By Deepraj
PDUs (Power Distribution Units) distribute power to connected loads. They are commonly used in server racks to distribute power to multiple servers and other IT equipment in a data centre. Generally, PDUs, or Power Distribution Units, distribute electrical power in the form of alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) to multiple devices within a system. They are usually plugged directly into a power source to distribute power to the related equipment. PDUs manage and regulate power distribution in data centres, server rooms, network closets, and more.
It is essential to pick the right PDU for the server rack to ensure an adequate power supply and that the servers get the right power to perform optimally. The suitable rack power distribution unit also helps protect servers from power surges and outages and helps ensure the safety of data centre personnel.
Decide Your Needs: Before purchasing a rack PDU, you should decide what features and capabilities you need from your PDU. In addition to the basic function of distributing power, you will need intelligent distribution functions such as outlet monitoring, remote access, environmental monitoring, switched outlets, or other smart features. Knowing what parts or equipment you need to be powered is essential for selecting the right PDU.
Determine the size: PDUs come in different sizes and capacities. You need to determine the size and power distribution that your server rack requires. For instance, the number of outlets you need, the total amperage, and the total wattage will help determine the PDU feature set, rating and size you need.
Consider Form Factor: PDUs come in various form factors such as vertical (0U) and horizontal (1U, 2U), categorised as Single-Phase Rack Mount and a Three Phase Rack Mount. Generally, these designs are the most space efficient since they mount inside the server rack. Since the rack power distribution is a single input with multiple output receptacles, the receptacles ideally distribute the power from low-amperage single-phase circuits to a 3-phase circuit with a higher power.
Consider Smart Features: Smart PDUs feature offer advanced capabilities such as power metering, outlet switching, and remote/network access. Along with the ability to cater to various power distribution requirements, PDUs with such capabilities provide comprehensive support throughout the usage and consumption.
Use Quality Cables: Once you have selected the PDU for your server rack, you need to use quality power cables to connect the PDU to your server rack. Poor-quality cables can cause interruptions and damage your server and other equipment.
Follow Safety Practices: After selecting and installing your PDU, make sure you follow proper safety practices while working with the PDU. This includes having access to put the unit off and never working on the PDU while it’s powered.
By following these steps, you should be able to select the finest PDU for your server rack. However, it is essential to do thorough research and consider all your needs.
Assuring a quality PDU, designed precisely to fit the ideal solution, Elcom International, a leading electronic components manufacturer in India, provides top-quality basic rack PDU as well. The basic PDUs by Elcom International are easy to use with hassle-free plugs. The PDUs are designed to supply electric power to all IT devices, including a fully functional telecom infrastructure. The rack PDUs are engineered with precision to cater to a wide range of input connections based on the power consumption capacity.
Another advantage of the basic rack power distribution unit is the scope of customization. The rack PDUs by Elcom International can be customised based on the requirements, relevance to business operations, etc. The scope of customization in PDUs includes changes in the design of PDU type, socket type and colour, electrical parameters, and certifications based on the requirement and relevance to the nature of the business. As more data centres demand different customization, Elcom International, India’s leading electronics manufacturer for Smart and Basic PDUs is coming up with a new innovative range of ELGO hot-swappable sockets and also the hot swappable controller. Thus, now you can change the configuration of your sockets as per your changing needs and service your controller without affecting any downtime in the data centre.
Thus, by following guidelines spelled above, you should be able to select the finest Basic rack power distribution units or Smart PDUs for your server rack. It is essential to do thorough research and consider your overall electrical and management needs when choosing the PDU for the server rack. As Elcom International has all the manufacturing and software capabilities in house, we would be able to provide the best solution for your Data Centre anywhere in the world.
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