Rack Power Distribution Revolutionized

(This blog post from Vertiv explores their new rack power solutions. Check it out! -Teddi) 

As technology continues to evolve, the world begins to transition into what many refer to as the new era of innovation. This new era requires every industry to develop agile processes and products to adapt rapidly to changing technology. Vertiv is leading the charge in rack power distribution innovation and has revolutionized the rPDU with the introduction of the Universal Power Distribution Unit (UPDU) and the Combination Outlet C13 / C19. Before jumping into how the Vertiv Geist UPDU and the combination outlet is transforming the rPDU landscape, let’s first discuss the industry related factors that contributed to the ideas behind the new design.

A World Without Limitations

Everyday more and more data flows through the world wide web. Businesses and people communicate across vast distances and companies have multiple locations spread out around the world. While technology has reduced many of the limitations placed on companies to create a successful global footprint, it requires data centers and edge computing sites to expand and get closer to the consumer. This creates a business challenge as power requirements vary around the world. A company headquartered in the United States but with additional locations in Europe and Asia will need to source rPDUs in various power configurations creating potential procurement and deployment challenges. Complicating matters further, rack equipment needs are also likely to vary from one rack to the next and from location to location. Add in rapidly changing technology and business needs, and the company now has a significant challenge on their hands to ensure their power infrastructure can meet their needs not only today but into the future as well.

Innovation for the Future

The Vertiv Geist UPDU introduces versatility into what has historically been a “buy exactly what you need today” type of product. As business needs change, traditionally, a new rack PDU would be specified, purchased, and scheduled into a “rip and replace” procedure at the data center. That is no longer the case. The Vertiv Geist UPDU provides the highest level of rack power flexibility to accommodate all initial deployment needs and any future equipment adds, moves, or changes. How is that possible? The versatility lies in the design. The UPDU can support all common global AC power configurations, so the same model can be purchased and deployed in every rack around the world. The magic lies in the Facility Side Cable (FSC). Each location selects the FSC unique to the facility or rack based on the available power or per rack needs. The FSC determines the input power configuration and enables the UPDU to support a wide range of power configurations. The FSC breaks out the AC input power into the appropriate output configuration. Simply change the FSC to change the input power configuration of the UPDU. The UPDU requires no additional configuration or manual changes to instantly adjust to the new input power configuration.

The UPDU expands the universal capabilities one step further with the addition of the Combination Outlet C13 / C19. The 2-in-1 receptacle functions as both an IEC C13 and C19 simplifying the rack PDU buying process and accommodating ever-changing rack power requirements. A user can now connect C14 and C20 plugs in the same outlet eliminating the need to determine the number of C13 and C19 receptacles required at the time of rPDU purchase based on equipment power needs.

The Vertiv innovation did not stop there, the UPDU is also part of the Upgradeable product line. The Interchangeable Monitoring Device (IMD) also known as the intelligence or network card is hot-swappable allowing consumers to add or upgrade the intelligence on rack PDUs without taking down connected equipment. Upgrade your rack PDU within minutes by simply swapping out the IMD.

With the Vertiv Geist UPDU and Combination Outlet C13 / C19, you can purchase what you need today, adapt tomorrow, and be prepared for the future. 

• Amperage Range: 16A to 63A
• Voltage Range: 100V to 415V
• Power Input: Single and Three Phase
• Power Capacity: 11kW or 22kW max

Contact your local Accu-Tech representative to learn more.