Rack power
Rack PDUs
Rack PDUs, the power distribution units in the rack, configured by input, outlet mix, mounting and metering, and checked against what standard ranges build.
Choose the input the floor provides, then the outlet mix the equipment needs. A 1U horizontal unit carries up to about twelve outlets; above that, a 0U vertical unit runs the height of the rack.
The configurator warns where the outlets outrun the input, for example several C19 sockets on a 16 A single phase input.
The input plug is an IEC 60309 industrial connector, the standard for plugs and sockets up to 1000 V and 125 A; the UK edition is BS EN IEC 60309-2:2022, identical to IEC 60309-2:2021. The floor box or overhead socket has to be the matching connector of the same series, pole count and rating.
In Great Britain the PDU falls under the maintenance duty of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, regulation 4(2), and the Health and Safety Executive leaves its inspection routine to a risk assessment rather than a fixed interval. Portable appliance testing is not compulsory under those Regulations.
A three phase unit splits its outlets into groups, one per phase. Spread the equipment evenly across the groups, or one phase trips while the others still have headroom.
Configure
Building or expanding a facility?
Send the whole equipment schedule as one project, each item with its own requirements.