pdu for data center

PDU for Data Center

At the macro level of a data center, a PDU typically refers to a large PDU deployed in a power distribution cabinet or serving as the 

backbone power distribution for a data center. It is sometimes also called a bus PDU or power distribution cabinet.

Core Role: They serve as the "power artery" of an entire data center or area, receiving high-voltage power from the main 

distribution system and distributing it safely and efficiently to the individual PDUs in the downstream cabinets.

Key Requirements:

High Current Capacity: Supports higher input currents (such as 63A, 100A, and even higher) to meet the total power needs of 

cabinets across the entire area.

Multiple Outputs and Phase Balance: With multiple output branches and intelligent monitoring capabilities, they monitor the load 

on each phase in real time, avoiding power waste and risks caused by phase imbalances.

Powerful Monitoring and Management: As a key node in Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM), intelligent distribution 

cabinet PDUs provide accurate branch-level power monitoring (voltage, current, power, and energy consumption), and integrate 

with the power supply system to achieve global power visibility and early warning. High Reliability: Utilizing industrial-grade 

components and featuring a redundant circuit design, this ensures flawless core power distribution.

Choice Key: The core value of a data center-grade PDU lies in visibility, controllability, and optimizability, making it key to achieving 

refined operations and reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

PDU for Rack

This is the most common PDU form factor, installed directly inside a standard 19-inch cabinet, providing power connections for the 

IT equipment within.

Core Role: Accurately and reliably distributes power from the rack or upstream power supply to every device within the cabinet, 

acting as the "capillaries" of power delivery.

Key Requirements:

Flexible Mounting Options: Typically, vertical mounting (0U, mounted on the cabinet's two columns) and horizontal 

mounting (1U, occupying cabinet space) are available. Vertical PDUs are increasingly popular because they minimize equipment 

space and facilitate cable management.

Connection Type and Density: Available in varying numbers and international specifications (such as national standard, American 

standard, and IEC C13/C19) based on equipment requirements. High-density PDUs provide more connections within a limited space. 

Local and Remote Control: Basic PDUs provide basic power distribution functions, while intelligent PDUs support remote power 

cycling of individual outlets (to address device software crashes), timed on/off, and monitoring of cabinet-level power parameters.

Key Selection Points: Choosing a cabinet-level PDU requires comprehensive consideration of the installation method, number/type 

of outlets, whether intelligent management is required, and the cabinet's physical space and power capacity.

PDU for Server Rack

Server racks are a type of cabinet, but because they carry core computing workloads, they place specific requirements on PDUs.

Core Role: Not only does it provide power, but it also ensures the continuity, stability, and manageability of server power.

Key Requirements:

Dual Redundant Power Supply: Critical servers typically utilize dual power supplies, connected to two independent PDUs for power 

redundancy. Therefore, PDUs within server racks are often deployed in pairs, each connected to a different UPS system or mains 

power routing.

High Power Density Support: With the prevalence of high-performance equipment such as GPU servers, the power density per 

cabinet has increased dramatically. The corresponding PDU needs to support higher currents (such as 32A and 63A) and use 

high-current outlets like C19.

Refined Management: Intelligent PDUs are particularly important in this scenario. Operations and maintenance personnel can 

remotely monitor the real-time power consumption of each server, providing timely warnings when power capacity is approaching 

its limit. They can also remotely power-cycle unresponsive servers, significantly improving O&M efficiency.

Choice Key Considerations: When selecting a PDU for a server cabinet, redundancy, high power handling capacity, and intelligent 

management features are three key considerations.

PDU for UPS

The UPS (Uninterruptible Power System) and PDU are inextricably linked, forming a golden combination for ensuring business 

continuity.

Core Role: As an extension of the UPS output, the PDU distributes clean, purified, regulated, and backed-up power to the most 

critical loads.

Key Requirements:

Input Matching: The PDU's input plug must perfectly match the UPS's output receptacle in terms of specifications (current, phase, 

and connector type). For example, a 40kVA UPS might have a 32A or 63A industrial connector output, and the PDU input must also 

be of the same specification.

Load Distribution and Monitoring: The total load on the PDU connected to the UPS must not exceed the rated capacity of the UPS. 

Smart PDUs provide real-time feedback on the total load, helping administrators ensure the UPS is always operating optimally and 

avoid overload.

Enhancing Reliability: While the UPS already provides power, the PDU's role is to ensure that this valuable power is reliably 

distributed. Therefore, its quality and reliability are crucial.

Choice Key Points: When configuring a PDU for a UPS, the primary priority is to ensure that the input and output specifications 

match. Smart PDUs can also provide transparent monitoring of the downstream load of the UPS.

Summary: How do you choose the right PDU for your scenario?

Selecting a PDU isn't a one-size-fits-all approach; it's a thoughtful process. You can follow this decision-making path:

Clarify the scenario level: Are you planning power distribution for the entire data center (data center level) or selecting a specific 

cabinet (cabinet level)? Analyze load characteristics: Are servers, network equipment, or storage devices located within the cabinet? 

What are their total and peak power draws? Do they require dual power feeds?

Identify key functions: Are remote monitoring, power metering, and individual port control required? These intelligent features will 

directly impact O&M models and costs.

Check physical and electrical specifications: Installation space (vertical/horizontal), outlet type/number, input current/phase, etc. 

must be fully compatible with existing infrastructure.

In short, PDUs have evolved from simple power interfaces to key nodes for intelligent and sophisticated management in modern 

data centers. Proper PDU selection and deployment not only ensures absolute power supply reliability but also provides a solid 

foundation for an efficient and green data center.