High-density rack PDU frequently asked questions

Colour PDUs provide instant identification from A or B source electrical feeds, preventing potential overloading and improving identification during maintenance windows. Used in conjunction with colour matching power cables, it is possible easily trace your source power feeds directly to the IT equipment.

Every outlet corresponds to a circuit breaker of fuse. Alternating phase outlets alternate which circuit is protecting an outlet in a pattern of A-B-C-A-B-C-A-B-C, instead of the pattern formed by branch phase outlets, which is A-A-A-B-B-B-C-C-C. Alternating outlet phases down the length of the PDU like this reduces cable runs by eliminating the need to run equipment at the top of the rack to the bottom set of outlets in order to balance the load. This will reduce cable clutter and improve airflow. 

A component is “hot-swappable” when that component – in this case the network communications module of the HD rack PDU – can be removed and swapped out while the rest of the unit is still “hot” or plugged in and operational. This eliminates the need for downtime due to routine maintenance or component failure. 

Yes. We have designed the HD rack PDU to simplify the manufacturing process. This means Eaton can easily produce one or one hundred units without exorbitant lead times. 

No. We’ve seen several applications outside your typical data centre where customers have unique input plug and outlet count requirements. Whether you’re consolidating a server room/network cabinet from several half-filled enclosures to one high powered enclosure or you’re moving into a colocation environment – HD gives you the flexibility required of any IT environment. 

Standard electrical protection requirements for PDUs are 5kAIC breakers. This meets both NEC (National Electrical Code) and UL requirements. For higher fault current applications, the HD platform also has configurable 10kAIC breaker and 100KAIC fuse options. Fault currents are calculated by site engineers, so if your environment requires a non-standard or higher rated level of protection, the engineer will make you aware. The risk of using underrated circuit breakers can result in personnel or equipment damage. The fuse option uses Eaton’s patented fuse disconnect, which integrates a disconnect switch with the fuse holder, removing the need to unplug the PDU to replace fuses. Fuses have the added advantage of being current-limiting. Not only can they withstand higher fault currents, but they also reduce the let-through current.

Depending on your application and the size of the enclosure being used in your environment, you can get up to 54 outlets. The high-density platform provides customers the option of mixing and matching the 10 outlet modules available to achieve the desired outlet count. Each vertical PDU can power as many as 54 outlets or as few as 24 outlets with various mixtures of C13, C19 and 5-20R outlets.

No, all outlet modules are installed in the unit at the initial time of production. Once in the field, they are not field-replaceable, which is necessary for safety reasons, due to high voltage hazard.

Yes. With introduction of the high-density platform, Eaton expanded upon the patented grip-retention outlet system previously launched on our standard platform. Our outlets now additionally support P-Lock locking cables to provide an extra level for security. The P-Lock cables are sold separately by online distributors such as Stay Online and Locking Power Cables.

Yes, both of Eaton’s high-density and standard PDU platform offer an environmental monitoring probe, capable of providing both temperature and humidity readings within the rack environment. Currently the PDU supports part number EMP001 for single probe and will support up to three EMPDT1H1C2 as of the April 2019 firmware update.

Each high-density PDU comes with pre-installed mounting buttons on the back of the PDU, allowing you to simply slide them directly into any industry standard PDU mounting bracket. The PDU also comes with the option of mounting holes on the side, which allows you to move the buttons for 90 degree side mounting. In this configuration, the outlets face the rear of the enclosure versus the centre. This prevents interference in the rail space. If you’re using one of our RS enclosures, the PDU brackets are already installed from the factory.  If not, no worries; here is the link. 

Eaton’s high-density PDUs also support the same clip feet mounting method as G3 PDUs. This highly versatile method involves securing two brackets onto the rack and then snapping the rear of the PDU into these plates. This way works brilliantly for those non-standard cases where you need a simple way to get the job done. Please order optional accessory kit with part number SPK032.

Eaton provides a full platform of monitoring and management options, including Intelligent Power Manager, Visual Power Manager and Visual Capacity Optimisation Manager. All provide the capability to easily monitor and manage our PDU product offering remotely. The PDU is also compatible with almost any third-party branch monitoring or DCIM software provider, using SNMP or SSH as an open protocol for communications.

Eaton’s high-density rack PDU are delivered in robust and environmentally friendly packaging. All packaging is made from recyclable cardboard. There is no foam used in the packaging. This makes the packaging extremely easy to flatten down and recycle. 

Eaton’s high-density managed rack PDUs offer the capability to meter and switch power at the outlet level. Some other manufacturers call this “switched with outlet metering” or “switched with per outlet power sensing.” This is a feature upgrade over traditional switched PDUs which have no outlet power metering. To find out more about the different features of Eaton's PDU technology, visit our overview page for power distribution units for server racks.

By metering power at the outlet level, you can measure exactly how much current or power each IT device is consuming. This information is valuable for load balancing, performance monitoring and power billing, and it can also be used to calculate Level 3 PUE. Another useful feature is the ability to do on-sensing through current alarms. Devices can be monitored to make sure they are plugged in and powered on. 

Power control at the outlet level has several advantages. The first advantage is the ability to remotely power cycle locked-up IT equipment. This is extremely useful for lights-out data centres or remote sites where you don’t have someone capable close to the device. The second advantage is the ability to turn off unused outlets. This stops someone from plugging in unauthorised equipment without proper permission. This improves security and prevents downtime caused by overloads. The third advantage of outlet switching is the ability to control power on sequence. For example, a network switch may need to boot up before a server does. It also prevents start-up current inrush, which occurs when multiple devices turn on at the same time. By staggering a start-up in sequence with delays in between, you can safely power up more equipment on the same circuit.

Eaton rack PDUs come with a standard three-year advanced replacement warranty, with the option to purchase an extension of up to five years. Eaton pays for delivery each way for a trouble-free experience. Read the complete warranty document here. 

The high-density rack PDU will operate in environments as high as 140° F (60°C). Unlike other manufactures, this is a UL-tested full-load operating temperature, with no power de-rating required. This ensures high reliability when hotter temperatures are present, such as high-power density or hot aisle containment environments. 

Power cable entry is configurable to accommodate various mounting situations. Sometimes the cable can interfere with structural supports in the rack enclosure. By offering the option for front entry, you can eliminate interference which helps in height-restricted rack enclosures. For normal situations, end entry is the typical configuration.