Power management company Eaton has introduced its new advanced range of rack power distribution units (PDUs), ePDU G3, in India. Featuring Eaton’s third-generation (G3) technology, the ePDU G3 platform combines best-in-class efficiency and reliability with innovative technologies such as the new Eaton patented grip feature for International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) connectors that make operations safer. Offering a variety of capabilities to fulfill IT requirements, the range of ePDU G3 models support a wide-array of applications ranging from small/medium businesses to enterprise data centers.
In India, Eaton’s ePDU G3 range will initially be available in three different models. The Basic model provides reliable and cost effective power distribution, enabling load balancing with colour-coded outlet sections that match the corresponding circuit breakers. The Metered model helps conserve energy by additionally monitoring and measuring critical factors such as voltage, current and power consumption at the branch breaker and outlets, and delivers true IEC ±1 percent billing-grade metering accuracy. The third variant is the Managed model, which combines both outlet switching and metering functionality, offers advanced power management and precision control, enabling administrators to operate remotely with lights-out control, including remote re-booting, scheduled shut downs and restarts.
The unique grip feature for IEC connectors featured on all variants of the new ePDU puts an end to the common and often costly problem of plugs falling out of IEC outlets due to bumps or vibrations. Eaton’s patented IEC outlet grip plug retention feature works with standard cables, eliminating the need for special power cables and cable management brackets that can increase the overall cost of a rack PDU system by as much as 50 percent.
“Rack power distribution units are at the core of effective power management in today’s data centers,” said Shailendra Shukla, director, Sales and Service – India, Electrical Sector, Eaton. “The new ePDU G3 products incorporate state-of-the-art technology to provide an unbeatable combination of reliability, flexibility and value for money.”
In the current times, most IT equipment use between 2-6 power supplies over different feeds. Eaton’s new ePDU G3 also allows outlets to be grouped by IT equipment across multiple PDUs. The metered model sporting a menu-driven liquid-crystal graphic display (LCD) interface clearly shows the capacity and usage for IT equipment across multiple feeds thereby allowing the administrator to accurately load balance. The managed model also allows switching individual outlets or equipment with multiple inputs.
Network-connected ePDU G3 models allow users of Eaton’s Intelligent PowerTM Manager software to automatically discover, monitor, mass update and mass configure multiple PDUs whilst also integrating with virtualization platforms that include VMware vCenter ServerTM. The new patented daisy chain network feature allows up to eight of the PDUs to be connected to a single internet protocol (IP) network port, providing cost savings of up to 87.5 percent compared to conventional distribution units that need individual ports.
Eaton’s new ePDU G3 models can also operate continuously at temperatures up to 60 degrees Celsius, making them an ideal choice for use in modern data centers with elevated temperature profiles. The low-profile 0U design of the new power units means that they occupy a minimum of enclosure space and are compatible with all rack enclosures. Side and rear mounting options allow unimpeded access to IT devices in the rack with the option of either button mounting or a unique variable mounting system for fast, simple installation.
Eaton’s electrical business is a global leader with expertise in power distribution and circuit protection; backup power protection; control and automation; lighting and security; structural solutions and wiring devices; solutions for harsh and hazardous environments; and engineering services. Eaton is positioned through its global solutions to answer today’s most critical electrical power management challenges.
