Top 10 tips for choosing the right rack PDU for your data center

Watch this video to learn the top 10 tips to choosing the right rack PDU (power distribution unit) for your data center. Learn more: www.eaton.com/...
1. Select your rackmount PDU form factor:
Determine the form factor or combination of them that work best for your environment. Having empty rack space can lend itself to more of a 1U or 2U deployment. However, if your rack enclosures are packed, you can go the more traditional route with 0U rackmount PDUs in the back.
2. Select your rack PDU technology
Whether it’s a Metered PDU or a Managed PDU (otherwise known as a switched PDU), you’ll need to determine what level of control you need on a daily basis. Metered Input PDUs offer branch-level metering, while Metered Outlet PDU offerings provide outlet-level metering. If you’re looking for the most advanced capabilities, go for Managed PDU technology that provides outlet-level switching (i.e. you can turn it off and on remotely) in addition to outlet-level monitoring.
3. Select your rackmount PDU input cord
Having enough electrical power to adequately supply your data center deployment is a big deal. When selecting an input cord and plug, research the amount of power it provides to the rack PDU along with the total power consumption of your IT equipment.
4. Select your rackmount PDU outlets
The type of outlets and overall quantity you select are important. More than making sure all your plugs have the right receptacle, having the proper balance of C13 (15 amps) and the higher power C19 (20 amps) outlet types ensures that there is enough power for all your connected devices.
5. Select your rackmount PDU breaker
The industry standard for rack PDU breaker protection
is 5 kAIC. If you’re looking for something with higher breaker protection, Eaton offers 10 kAIC breaker and fuse options on our built-to-order High Density Rack PDU offering.
6. Consider the rack PDU operating temperature
Depending on the temperature of your data center, having a rack PDU with a high operating temperature capability can keep your PDUs and connected devices operating at full functionality. PDUs with higher operating temperatures-such as those rated for 140°F (60°C)-also reduce cooling costs.
7. Take advantage of rackmount PDU colors
If you’ve ever had to configure IT equipment in the back of a dark cabinet, you’ll know that the right color can enhance visibility. You can take advantage of various rack PDU colors, labelling and cabling to clearly identify which PDU is your A side and which one is your B side.
8. Consider the ease of installation for rackmount PDUs
Before selecting a rackmount PDU, you should consider weight and mounting capabilities. Look for options such as tool-less mounting, low profile form factors and a lightweight aluminum chassis to ease your deployment woes.
9. Ensure the physical security of your rackmount PDUs
Avoiding accidental disruptions and keeping unauthorized users out are keys to maintaining a safe data center environment. Look for rackmount PDUs that enable you to turn off unused outlets with outlet switching technology to control unauthorized use. Also, take advantage of integrated IEC outlet grips to prevent accidental disconnects that are typically caused by human error or over time by vibrating equipment.
10. Cybersecurity and monitoring with rack PDUs
How will you manage rack PDUs remotely for multiple rows of equipment and/or multiple sites? Having the proper software solution like Eaton Visual Power Management (VPM) or Eaton Visual Capacity Optimization Manager (VCOM), as part of the Brightlayer Data Centers suite, can allow you to manage and monitor the day-to-day as well as handle mass firmware updates.