The Basics of Selecting Rack-Mount Power Distribution Units and Power Strips

Almost every Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) equipment rack used to store compute, storage or network equipment requires a rack-mount Power Distribution Unit (PDU) or power strip to distribute power to equipment. But, if you are unfamiliar with electrical power distribution systems or even the differences in industry jargon, selecting rack-mount power distribution units or power strips can be challenging.

Definitions in this White Paper

• Rack(s) refers to information and communications technologies equipment racks and cabinets—any 19” EIA rack-mount support structure for computer servers, data storage or network switches.
• Rack-mount is used to describe attachment of PDUs or power strips and ICT equipment into data center cabinets and racks.
• Rack-level is used to describe the placement of PDUs or power strips in both cabinets (cabinet-level) and on racks (rack-level), and the monitoring of conditions inside and immediately around the cabinet or rack.

This white paper, by Chatsworth Products (CPI), presents an overview of the basics of selecting PDUs and power strips. It covers the key questions to ask about the site, rack and equipment to help simplify the selection process and quickly identify the right PDU or power strip. It concludes with additional resources that will help you select the right PDU or power strip for your application.