Power management company Eaton has added capabilities to its ePDU data center power distribution units, so they can monitor and measure voltage, current and power consumption at the outlet level, giving one percent billing accuracy, and allowing data center managers to make more accurate efficiency calculations. 

The new version products are aimed at colocation data centers and offer outlet level monitoring without an outlet switching component. Measuring power at the outlet level is important because this enables accurate Level 3 power usage effectiveness (PUE) calculations, says Eaton. 

Now it can daisy-chain 

The systems also now have a ’daisy-chain’ function so up to eight ePDUs can share the same network connection and IP address; Eaton says this can cut 87.5 percent off the network infrastructure costs of power distribution. A free firmware update can add this feature to existing installations.. 

Hervé Tardy, vice president and general manager, Eaton’s Distributed Power Quality Division said: “Eaton’s metered outlet models build on Eaton’s existing ePDU G3 platform, driving business value for end users with more precise power management and measurement capabilities at the outlet level.”

Network connected ePDU G3 models work with Eaton’s Intelligent Power Manager software,and can be monitored through virtualization systems like VMware vCenter Server.

Eaton’s ePDU G3 platform also offers a hot-swap network module so users can replace the module without shutting down servers, maintaining business continuity and enhancing serviceability.

Things that go bump in the rack

All Eaton ePDU G3 models feature a new patent-pending International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) outlet grip designed to eliminate the risks associated with the common and often costly problem of plugs falling out of outlets due to bumps or vibrations.

It will also save money on cable trays or proprietary locking power cords, which can increase purchase costs by several hundred dollars per unit.