Key Highlights –
Dual PDU Benefits
- 2 x Standard PDUs
- Offers N+1 power redundancy for equipment with dual power sources
- Allows for simpler cabling while reducing EMI and erratic data transfer
- Allows for easier serviceability of attached rack mounted equipment
- 1 x Dual Feed PDU
- Offers N+1 power redundancy for equipment with dual power sources
- Allows for simpler cabling while reducing EMI and erratic data transfer
- Allows for easier serviceability of attached rack mounted equipment
- Offers two separate PDUs in one chassis for a simpler & more compact installation
- Increased simplicity of managing attached rack mounted equipment
Dual PDUs for Power Redundancy
Dual power supply design further enhances data center IT system stability by ensuring reliable power distribution.
Primary and secondary power supplies in rack enclosures ensures simultaneous power serviceability for the rack mounted equipment.
If the equipment or device is integrated with dual power supplies, it will continue to operate even if one power supply is turned off.
For this reason, modern data centers utilize ‘Dual’ PDUs in every rack. PDU I (or PDU A) and PDU II (or PDU B) connect to primary and secondary power source respectively.
The primary PDU distributes power to run the IT equipment regularly, whilst the secondary PDU acts as a role of redundant power distribution.
Along with a wide range of standard PDU configurations that can be used in Dual PDU application, Austin Hughes also offers Dual Feed PDUs with both PDU units integrated into one chassis for a more compact and easier to manage solution.
Dual PDUs for Cabling
Traditionally, data center racks are equipped with two PDUs positioned in the rear left and right side respectively. However, in more modern data centers it becomes a cabling best-practice to separate power and data cables inside a rack to minimize erratic data transfer and EMI (electromagnetic interference). Dual PDU configuration easily distinguishes the power and data cabling for better cable management.
Dual PDU Installation
Vertical 0U
For Vertical 0U PDU installation, users can use tool-less button mounting kits with the racks that include key hole mounting cut-outs. In case there is no key hole mounting cut-outs on the rack, some universal mounting kits, for example a vertical bracket mounting kit, can be applied.
Horizontal 1U / 2U
In case there is no more spacing available to mount vertical PDUs, horizontal 19” rack mount 1U / 2U PDUs can be considered. Power & data cables can also be separated when applying the rackmount PDU.
Selection of PDUs for Dual Power Redundancy
For power redundant applications, the overall configuration for PDUs A & B are generally the same. In order to make sure that PDU B can fully substitute the role of PDU A while minimizing the effect of power source switching, the dual PDUs apply the same technical specifications – the model, outlet type, outlet number, inlet type, inlet number, cordset thickness & length, safety devices, etc all match.
However, to enable the user to distinguish between PDU A & PDU B easily for power management and cabling management, different chassis color can be applied to each PDU to increase their distinguishability visually.
A slim vertical 0U PDU chassis design allows for efficient installation by mounting the dual PDU to one side in the rack for one sided power cabling orientation. For smaller outlets (e.g. industrial grade IEC C13 / C19, US NEMA), Austin Hughes PDU chassis is designed in a 54mm width slim profile. For bigger outlets (e.g. UK BS1363, German Schuko Type F CEE 7/3), PDU chassis is 60mm in width.
Austin Hughes offers Basic, MD Metered & Intelligent W series InfraPower PDU models for different power requirements.
Basic PDU
Cost efficient and reliable power distribution in the data center. Customers can meet end-to-end equipment and management requirements whilst also meeting budget and application demands.
Metered MD PDU model
MD meter provides a local 3-digit RMS current measurement with an accurate RMS ± 3% of the reading + 5 last digits. The blue LED display is easy-to-read from a distance and allows rapid access to the aggregate load on the circuit. It prevents circuit overloads during equipment installation and allows users to plan the capacity based on actual real time current monitoring.
Metered MK PDU model
MK PDU is bundled with 1.8” color LCD. It provides billing grade meter accuracy within +/- 1% for the local metering of energy consumption (kWh), power (KW), power factor, current (Amp), Voltage (V).
It allows users to plan the capacity based on actual real time power monitoring and thus prevents overloads during equipment installation or operation.
Intelligent W Series PDU models
W Series PDUs include a 2.8” meter with touchscreen, providing billing grade meter accuracy within +/- 1% for the metering of energy consumption (kWh), power (KW), power factor, current (Amp), Voltage (V). The sophisticated meter not only allows local & remote monitoring for 2 PDUs, but also supports up to 32 cascade levels therefore saving networked IP addresses.
4 W series models available:
W – Circuit monitoring
Wi – Circuit monitoring & outlet monitoring
WS – Circuit monitoring & outlet switching
WSi – Circuit monitoring, outlet monitoring & outlet switching
Austin Hughes offers MD Metered & Intelligent W series InfraPower Dual Feed PDU models for different power requirements.
Metered MD Dual Feed PDU model
Dual meter available for local current metering for PDU A & B. Each MD meter provides a local 3-digit RMS current measurement with accuracy ± ( 3% of the reading + 5 last digits ) RMS. The blue LED display is easy-to-read from a distance and allows rapid access to the aggregate load on the circuit. It easily prevents circuit overloads during equipment installation and allows user to plan the capacity based on actual real time current monitoring.
Intelligent W Series Dual Feed PDU models
W bundled with 2.8” meter with touchscreen. Billing grade meter accuracy within +/- 1% for the metering of energy consumption (kWh), power (KW), power factor, current (Amp), Voltage (V). The sophisticated meter not only allows local & remote monitoring for 2 PDUs, but also supports up to 32 cascade levels and hence saves networked IP addresses.
4 W series models available:
W – Circuit monitoring
Wi – Circuit monitoring & outlet monitoring
WS – Circuit monitoring & outlet switching
WSi – Circuit monitoring, outlet monitoring & outlet switching
Austin Hughes Dual Feed PDU
Two PDUs in One Chassis
A Dual Feed PDU is an advanced rack PDU designed to house two PDUs together in a single chassis. The two PDUs feature the same configuration but different colors. The benefit of such a design is that you can find ‘duplicated’ PDU outlet groups and two power feeds in a single PDU.
In a dual feed PDU space-saving form factor, the total width of the two PDUs is further reduced. Moreover, only one PDU chassis is required for mounting. Using Dual Feed PDU is the most practical configuration for environments with dual power sources.
With InfraPower Dual Feed PDU, power & data cable separation is easily achieved. In addition, the standard Red + Blue color layout helps distinguish power sources and contributes to well-organized rack cabling.
It simplifies PDU setup, saves valuable rack space, facilitates easier and cleaner rack cabling, and increases efficiency of device management.
For applications where there is no more spacing available for mounting vertical PDUs, Austin Hughes also offers Horizontal 2U Dual Feed PDUs.
Horizontal 19” rackmount Dual Feed PDU also provides the benefits of power & data cable separation, Red + Blue distinguishable layout and well-organized rack cabling.
Explore Austin Hughes PDUs
All Austin Hughes Solutions are available for global supply with customer specific versions. Please contact your local office for further details.
