Metered & Switched DC PDU

With reliable metered and switched DC PDUs to fewer AV and IT failures

Active switched and metered PDUs generally refer to IP power distribution units that provide AC supply voltages. In the GUDE Systems portfolio, most power distribution units belong to this category.

Furthermore, remote power switches can also provide direct current (DC) supply voltages. This is especially interesting if consumers from the IT or AV area are to be connected to the IP power strip: Many of these end devices require an extra-low voltage of 5V, 12V or 24V and can be supplied directly by a DC PDU.
Particularly practical: The problem with the individual clunky power supply units of the end devices can then be solved.

The following is an overview of the reliable metered and switched DC PDUs available from GUDE. These have the features described above.

Switched and Metered PDUs: What Do These Terms Mean, Explained Simply?

Switched PDU

A switched PDU has a switching function that allows devices connected to each outlet to be turned on and off individually. This enables isolated power cycling of the devices to identify any issues that arise. Additionally, turning off individual outlets can reduce electricity costs if a connected device is not needed.

An integrated watchdog enables an automated and appropriate switching sequence (self-healing function). The quality of the integrated switching relays plays a key role in the trouble-free operation of the PDU. Ideally, so-called high inrush relays are used here.

Metered PDU

A metered PDU has a metering function that allows the power consumption of the connected devices in the individual outlets to be measured. The measurement data can be retrieved remotely to determine current consumption. Functions vary by model, but in general, metered PDUs measure the following electrical parameters:

• Voltage
• Current
• Phase angle
• Power factor
• Frequency
• Active power
• Apparent power
• Reactive power

In addition to electrical parameters, a metered PDU can measure the fault current, which is important for operational safety. Users can utilize advanced functions to set limit values for detecting thresholds. These thresholds automatically trigger an alert—for example, via email—to notify the user in a timely manner if a limit is exceeded. There are three types of power measurement:

Unit-metered PDU (input-side)

A Unit-Metered PDU monitors the power consumption of all connected devices at the PDU’s input, i.e., at the input or per bank. The Unit-Metered PDU is always used in data centers or IT environments to monitor and measure total power consumption.

Outlet-Metered PDU (output-side)

An outlet-metered PDU monitors the power at each individual outlet on the power distribution unit. There, the outlet-metered PDU monitors the power consumption of all individual connected devices and identifies trends in power consumption. This allows administrators to determine whether they can reduce energy costs and comply with energy policies.

Inline-Metered PDU (interconnected)

An inline-metered PDU measures power consumption between the power source and the connected devices. In doing so, inline-metered PDUs monitor and manage both individual devices and groups of devices to provide visibility into power consumption.

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