Power Distribution Unit
The Need For Power Distribution Units in Power Distribution Management in Data Centers
8th May 2025
By DeeprajA PDU (Power Distribution Unit) is a device equipped with multiple outlets IEC60320 or NEMA designed to distribute power to the various devices like servers in a server rack in DataCenters. Power is one of the most important assets to monitor in a data center environment. Managing power is essential to maintain both cost-efficiency and optimal output from the equipment. An efficient power monitoring system helps avoid server downtime and optimizes power usage, leading to better financial and computational results.
PDUs manage and distribute electricity and are usually installed directly onto IT server or network racks. The power is supplied from a utility power supplier, an uninterruptible power supply, a generator or a secondary power source. PDUs are also designed for power requirements typically much more extensive than office or home power strips and surge protectors. Power distribution units ensure that an organization’s IT infrastructure and data center is adequately powered. Organizations also use PDUs to monitor power uptime and efficiency.
What does a Power Distribution Unit Do?
A power distribution unit performs the identical task as a power strip, delivering current from a single source (such as a wall outlet) to numerous devices, like servers, networking peripherals, gear, and computers. PDUs are assembled for installation in special equipment racks, conveniently keeping power within reach of rack-mounted devices like routers, services, switches or cooling fans. PDUs are typically employed in data centers, VoIP phone systems, network closets, and industrial environments; beyond standard power distribution, PDUs offer in-depth power monitoring and management. The most common types of PDUs available include:
- Basic
- Metered
- Monitored
- Switched
- Switched Metered-By-Outlet
BENEFITS OF INSTALLING A POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT
- MAXIMIZED EFFICIENCY, MINIMIZED DOWNTIME
PDUs are an essential part of the functioning of data centers and right deployment of intelligent PDUs result in betterment of #PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness). PUE is the ratio of the total power used by the data center to the power used by the IT equipment installed therein. Data centers that use intelligent power management systems have 2% to 3% more efficiency and enhanced PUE therefore. With the proper distribution of power, data centers can ensure maximum uptime. This is partly because problems can be detected long before they have significant consequences, and excessive energy consumption can be avoided entirely when the power is monitored correctly.
- OPTIMIZE POWER CONSUMPTION OF RACKS WITHIN THE DATA CENTER
By allowing for more precise monitoring over the power usage of the IT equipment, smart PDUs can help to optimize the overall power consumption of the data center. In addition, they can be used to power down idle IT equipment or to power up equipment only when needed, further improving the energy efficiency of the data center. In summary, the use of smart PDUs in data centers can significantly improve the PUE and contribute to the overall energy efficiency of the facility. So next time you hear about PUE, think about the role that smart PDUs can play in helping to improve it.
Every network is unique, so a monitoring system must be designed to fit your space. The risk of buying too little or too much is very high regarding power distribution units. Elcom International is one of the leading specialized electronic components manufacturers that offer a wide range of Power distribution units exclusively for small-scale and large-scale data centers.
Nowadays, most data centers frequently face power protection and management solutions challenges. This is why power distribution units get extensively used in data centers to control, monitor and manage electrical power distribution effectively. Elcom’s cutting edge intelligent PDUs help empower IT professionals and data center facility managers worldwide to effectively and efficiently use and monitor available resources. It also provides flexibility to manage infrastructure resources without disrupting the data center’s day-to-day operations.
Looking for help?
Our team is ready to assist you and provide the support you need