Clear DefinitionsPower Distribution Unit (PDU)
1 min read
Pronunciation
[pow-er dis-trib-yoo-shun yoo-nit]
Analogy
Like a multi‑outlet power strip with built‑in circuit breaker and energy meter for a server rack.
Definition
A hardware device that distributes electrical power to multiple components in a data center or mining facility, often providing monitoring, remote switching, and surge protection.
Key Points Intro
PDUs manage and monitor power delivery in high‑density computing environments.
Key Points
Outlet control: Individual receptacles can be switched on/off remotely.
Monitoring: Reports voltage, current, and power consumption per outlet.
Surge protection: Guards equipment against spikes and surges.
Form factors: Rack‑mountable units sized for server cabinets.
Example
A 42U server rack uses a 1U PDU to supply and monitor power to 20 blade servers, allowing remote reboot of individual outlets.
Technical Deep Dive
Enterprise PDUs expose SNMP and REST APIs for polling `iso.3.6.1.4.1.x` OIDs. They integrate with DCIM software to trigger alarms when amperage exceeds thresholds and support VLAN‑tagged network management.
Caveat
Improper PDU sizing can lead to circuit overload; calculate load per phase carefully.
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