Data Center

Customizable data center rack PDUs streamline outlet, cord plug configurations

May 28, 2014

Eaton has introduced its ePDU G3 with new fast-turn customization capabilities.

Power management specialist Eaton has announced new customization capabilities for its ePDU third-generation (G3) platform in the Americas. Building on its existing portfolio of rack power distribution units (PDUs), Eaton says its customizable ePDU G3 models are designed for fast turnaround of outlet and cord plug configurations, providing the flexibility for data centers and colocation facilities to quickly address their specific power distribution needs.

The ePDU G3 is built with an aluminum chassis that is strong and lightweight; network connected ePDU G3 models can daisy chain with other PDUs, so that four devices can share one network port and IP address, reducing network connection costs by 75 percent. Additionally, the ePDU G3 features a new patent-pending IEC outlet grip designed to eliminate the common and often costly problem of plugs falling out of IEC outlets due to bumps or vibrations. The company maintains that this feature can protect data center and information technology (IT) managers from incurring additional expenses related to purchasing special power cords or cable trays, which can increase PDU costs up to 50 percent.

The Eaton ePDU G3 models EMI319-10 and EMI320-10 offer customization capabilities for 400-volt power distribution, ideal for optimizing energy efficiency in three-phase data centers and colocation facilities. Engineered for smaller data center deployments and medium-to-high-density IT equipment in computer rooms, Eaton ePDU G3 model EMI200-10 offers 120- and 208-volt distribution from the new Eaton 9PX SP split-phase uninterruptible power system (UPS).

According to a news release, the company has invested in three-axis routing and laser etching equipment to streamline the manufacturing of ePDU G3 custom-built models, which are built at Eaton’s facility in Youngsville, North Carolina. Eaton’s manufacturing platform also includes new automated test equipment that provides 100 percent functional testing to all ePDU G3 models, which is designed to eliminate human error and ensure quality and reliability. With an advanced blueprint to facilitate easy and efficient customization, the company says the platform is engineered to condense the order-to-installation timeline and increase agility for customers.

“Many data center managers are constantly expanding and transitioning to new equipment, which requires implementing power distribution solutions with the flexibility and speed to meet diverse requirements,” comments Hervé Tardy, vice president and general manager of Eaton’s Distributed Power Quality division. “Combined with Eaton’s engineering innovation and fast turnaround, the latest custom-built ePDU G3 portfolio provides flexibility and drives business value for customers.”

To learn more about Eaton’ ePDU G3, visit www.eaton.com/ePDUG3.

About the Author

Matt Vincent | Senior Editor

Matt Vincent is a B2B technology journalist, editor and content producer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in the full range of media content production and management, as well as SEO and social media engagement best practices, for both Cabling Installation & Maintenance magazine and its website CablingInstall.com. He currently provides trade show, company, executive and field technology trend coverage for the ICT structured cabling, telecommunications networking, data center, IP physical security, and professional AV vertical market segments. Email: [email protected]