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White Paper
August 1999
ECG045/0299
Compaq Power Distribution Unit
Prepared by ECG Technology
Communications Group
Compaq Computer Corporation
Contents
Product Overview.......................3
High Voltage (30A) Power
Distribution Unit (Model
NA295365-003)........................4
High Voltage (16A) Power
Distribution Unit (Model NA
295363-002).............................5
Low Voltage Power
Distribution Unit (Model
295363-001).............................6
Space-saving Design..................7
Single point of connection......... 8
Overcurrent and Surge
Protection................................... 9
Advanced Power Distribution
Unit Application........................10
Tiered PDU Configuration .......10
Power Supply Redundancy.....11
Tips for Better Reliability..........12
Questions and Answers...........13
Information Guide
The new Compaq Power Distribution Unit's innovative “zero-U”
rack design provides managed power distribution for rack cabinets
without sacrificing valuable rack space needed for business critical
servers and storage requirements. External power cords connecting
AC receptacles plug directly into the Compaq Power Distribution
Unit, organizing otherwise haphazardly connected cords.
Several voltage models are available, including the distinctive new
high voltage, high ampere PDU that provides up to 30-amperes of
alternating current. Compaq Power Distribution Units provide a
space efficient and economical way to manage power cords while
offering additional security features such as surge protection and
circuit breakers.
Help us improve our technical communication. Let us know what you think
about the technical information in this document. Your feedback is valuable
and will help us structure future communications. Please send your
comments to: reena.dass@compaq.com
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Compaq Power Distribution Unit Information Guide 2
Notice
The information in this publication is subject to change without notice and is provided “AS IS” WITHOUT
WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. THE ENTIRE RISK ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS
INFORMATION REMAINS WITH RECIPIENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL COMPAQ BE LIABLE FOR
ANY DIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR OTHER DAMAGES
WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS
PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION OR LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION), EVEN IF
COMPAQ HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
The limited warranties for Compaq products are exclusively set forth in the documentation accompanying
such products. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting a further or additional warranty.
This publication does not constitute an endorsement of the product or products that were tested. The
configuration or configurations tested or described may or may not be the only available solution. This test
is not a determination or product quality or correctness, nor does it ensure compliance with any federal
state or local requirements.
Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective
companies.
Compaq, Contura, Deskpro, Fastart, Compaq Insight Manager, LTE, PageMarq, Systempro, Systempro/LT,
ProLiant, TwinTray, ROMPaq, LicensePaq, QVision, SLT, ProLinea, SmartStart, NetFlex, DirectPlus,
QuickFind, RemotePaq, BackPaq, TechPaq, SpeedPaq, QuickBack, PaqFax, Presario, SilentCool,
CompaqCare (design), Aero, SmartStation, MiniStation, and PaqRap, registered United States Patent and
Trademark Office.
Netelligent, Armada, Cruiser, Concerto, QuickChoice, ProSignia, Systempro/XL, Net1, LTE Elite,
Vocalyst, PageMate, SoftPaq, FirstPaq, SolutionPaq, EasyPoint, EZ Help, MaxLight, MultiLock,
QuickBlank, QuickLock, UltraView, Innovate logo, Wonder Tools logo in black/white and color, and
Compaq PC Card Solution logo are trademarks and/or service marks of Compaq Computer Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, Windows NT Server and Workstation, Microsoft SQL Server for
Windows NT are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
NetWare and Novell are registered trademarks and intraNetWare, NDS, and Novell Directory Services are
trademarks of Novell, Inc.
Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
Copyright ©1999 Compaq Computer Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
Compaq Power Distribution Unit Information Guide
White Paper prepared by ECG Technology Communications Group
First Edition (August 1999)
Document Number ECG045/0299
ECG045/0299
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Compaq Power Distribution Unit Information Guide 3
Product Overview
Figure 1. Compaq Power Distribution Unit ( Low voltage model shown)
Ê
Ë
Ì
Compaq Power Distribution Unit
Brackets for rack-mount installation
Six mounting screws
The Compaq Power Distribution Unit manages power distribution within Compaq rack cabinets
by providing 12 AC receptacles at one single input power cord for rack-mountable devices. Total
electrical current (measured in amperes and referred to as an electrical load) generated from all
connected devices can often consume more power than typically provided from a standard prong
15A commercial wall outlet. Such high capacity power requirements necessitate the need for a
Power Distribution Unit to distribute AC power to multiple devices and to ensure that each
connected device receives individual power required to function. With PDU assistance, power is
actually dispersed as needed to connected servers, storage units, and other peripherals. The
Compaq Power Distribution Unit is available in low and high voltage models.
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Compaq Power Distribution Unit Information Guide 4
High Voltage (30A) Power Distribution Unit (Model NA295365-003)
Figure 2. The New 30A Compaq High Voltage Power Distribution Unit
This high voltage Power Distribution Unit provides up to a 30-ampere capacity of alternating
current load at 208 volts. This new Compaq PDU is the source to accommodate more powerful
loads, and will support twice the load segments of the 16A model and is equipped with four
circuit breakers providing additional protection. This High Voltage Power Distribution Unit is
designed to operate at 275-320V for rack-mountable servers, and protects up to 50,000A per unit,
supporting electrical power distribution requirements of the Compaq rack environment. The High
Voltage PDU utilizes IEC320 (C-10) output connectors, whereas the input is provided by a 16A
IEC320 (C19) inlet connector to link the AC source to the rack cabinet.
Note: The new 30A High Voltage, High Ampere Power Distribution Unit will be available
October 25, 1999 in North America.
Load Balancing
The Compaq 30A High Voltage Power Distribution Unit is divided into four sections. Each
section is protected with a 10A circuit breaker. The total load for this PDU cannot exceed 30A or
an internal fuse will open. Each section of the PDU has three outlets. The total current available
for each section is 10A. The loads should be balanced among the four sections such that the total
per section does not exceed 10A or a total of 30A for the PDU. Refer to Figure 2 for load
segmentation for the 30A Power Distribution Unit.
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Compaq Power Distribution Unit Information Guide 5
High Voltage (16A) Power Distribution Unit (Model NA 295363-002)
Figure 3. Compaq High Voltage (16A) Power Distribution Unit
This High Voltage Power Distribution Unit provides up to a 16A capacity, and is designed to
clamp at 208-240V for rack-mountable servers, and protects to 50,000A per unit, supporting
electrical power distribution requirements of the Compaq rack environment. This High Voltage
PDU utilizes IEC320 (C-10) output connectors, whereas the input is provided by a 16A IEC320
(C19) inlet connector to link the AC source to the rack cabinet.
Note: For more detailed information regarding Compaq Power Distribution Unit specifications,
please consult the Compaq website: www.compaq.com/products/servers/options/ups/pdu.
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Compaq Power Distribution Unit Information Guide 6
Low Voltage Power Distribution Unit (Model 295363-001)
Figure 4. Compaq Low Voltage Power Distribution Unit
Low Voltage Power Distribution Units provide all-path surge and spike protection, and feature
50,000A of surge current clamping at 180 volts. This PDU model provides up to 24A of
alternating current capacity to support demanding power distribution requirements of the Compaq
rack environment. The Low Voltage PDU utilizes NEMA 5-15R output receptacles that are
similar to standard wall outlet connections. The input is provided by a single 30A NEMA L6-30
input line connecting the AC source to the rack cabinet.
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Compaq Power Distribution Unit Information Guide 7
Space-saving Design
The Compaq Power Distribution Unit is “zero-U”, requiring no front-panel rack-mounting space,
and easily installs into the wall of Compaq 42U, 36U, and 22U rack cabinets. The Compaq PDU
is designed for mounting between the frame members of a rack to preserve interior and front
panel rack space for business-critical servers and other equipment. The Compaq PDU is hooked
into the frame members and secured with two screws. With the preservation of rack space, the
Compaq PDU facilitates the consolidation of power cords by managing the cords within the rack
and can even be added to a fully loaded rack.
Note: One U is equal to 1.75 inches and is the common unit for measuring rack cabinet space.
Figure 5. Compaq Power Distribution Unit’s Sidewall Rack Installation
Note: For more detailed installation instruction, refer to the Installation Card that accompanied
your Compaq Power Distribution Unit.
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Compaq Power Distribution Unit Information Guide 8
Single point of connection
The Compaq Power Distribution Unit connects up to 12 devices to a single outside connection,
eliminating multiple power cords connected to AC receptacles outside the equipment rack. This
single point of connection simplifies cable management and routing to minimize the risk of
inadvertent plug removal.
The customer can connect up to 12 power cords to the IEC-320 Power Distribution Unit
receptacles. It also reduces the risk of pulling the wrong plug when performing maintenance.
Figure 6. Sample Compaq PDU single point of connection convenience
Note: The 30A High Voltage Power Distribution Unit is not designed to connect to an
Uninterruptible Power System.
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Compaq Power Distribution Unit Information Guide 9
Overcurrent and Surge Protection
Compaq Power Distribution Units include overcurrent and surge protection for both low and high
voltage equipment requirements and are equipped with a Circuit Breaker function to protect any
connected system devices from damage in the event of an incoming electrical surge or external
equipment malfunction.
Low Voltage Power Distribution Units feature two 15A circuit breakers, the 16A High Voltage
Model features two 10A circuit breakers with each circuit breaker protecting six receptacles. The
30A High Voltage PDU is equipped with four 10A output circuit breakers and four 20A input
slow blow fuses, with each protecting three output receptacles.
Figure 7. Compaq Power Distribution Unit’s Circuit Breaker
Compaq Power Distribution Units are equipped with a surge suppression feature that clamps
power when the maximum allowed voltage is reached. For maximum current ratings for Compaq
PDUs, please refer to Table 1.
Table 1. Compaq Power Distribution Unit maximum current ratings
Model Number PDU Amperes Voltage Range
NA 295365-003 High Voltage PDU 30 208 volts
NA 295363-002 High Voltage PDU* 20 208 volts
NA 295363-002 High Voltage PDU* 16 220 – 240 volts
295363-001 Low Voltage PDU 24 100 – 120 volts
* The High Voltage PDU can be run at either 20 or at 16A. Depending on the ampere
quantity, the voltage range will vary as demonstrated above.
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Compaq Power Distribution Unit Information Guide 10
Advanced Power Distribution Unit Application
Tiered PDU Configuration
The Compaq Power Distribution Unit can also be used in conjunction with a second Compaq
PDU to provide an additional twelve power connections with continued power surge protection.
Even when two Power Distribution Units are installed into a rack environment, the “zero-U”
space design is maintained. Each PDU can be mounted on opposite sides of the rack for optimal
space preservation. Refer to Figure 8 for tiered Compaq PDU configuration.
Figure 8. Sample Tiered Compaq PDU configuration
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Compaq Power Distribution Unit Information Guide 11
Power Supply Redundancy
Along with the addition of extra outlet availability, a second Power Distribution Unit coupled
with a second Uninterruptible Power System will create a redundant power supply to improve
reliability. Simply, install a second UPS into the rack environment to ensure enhanced power
protection and connect each PDU to their own individual UPS. In this configuration, if one UPS
goes down, a second power supply remains to protect mission critical devices in case of power
emergency of either electrical source.
IMPORTANT: The 30A High Voltage Power Distribution Unit is not designed to connect to an
Uninterruptible Power System.
Figure 9. PDU configuration to support UPS redundancy
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Compaq Power Distribution Unit Information Guide 12
Compaq R3000 Series Uninterruptible Power Systems
Compaq Power Distribution Units are specifically designed to interface with the Compaq R3000
Series Uninterruptible Power Systems. The Low Voltage PDU fits perfectly into the Compaq
R3000 UPS, and the 16A High Voltage PDU is specifically accommodated by the R3000H model
UPS. On the R3000 UPS models, Compaq provides a high current outlet that is part of the third
load segment of the UPS. By plugging the Compaq Power Distribution Unit into this high current
outlet, an additional twelve outlets are added to the UPS, which can be managed as part of load
segment three. Figure 10 depicts the Low Voltage PDU operating with the R3000 UPS.
Figure 10. Compaq Low Voltage PDU connected to load segment three of the R3000 UPS
Tips for Better Reliability
• Secure Line Cords – It is important to ensure that all lines connected to the Compaq Power
Distribution Unit remain stable. To guarantee line stability, it is recommended to secure line
cords with either Velcro straps or with cable ties. This will keep the line cords from becoming
tangled and also stabilize all connected plugs from movement.
• Thoughtful Positioning – Keep in mind that the Compaq Power Distribution Unit will
operate optimally when strategically positioned in the rack-cabinet. When possible, position
Power Distribution Units adjacent to devices that are on slide rails to facilitate ease in rack
component accessibility.
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Compaq Power Distribution Unit Information Guide 13
Questions and Answers
Q What is a Power Distribution Unit?
A A Power Distribution Unit, or PDU, is a device that distributes energy to multiple external
devices in increments to suit individual power requirements.
Q My system is running a full rack configuration. How can I add a Compaq Power
Distribution Unit?
A The Compaq Power Distribution Unit has an exclusive “zero-U” rack design that mounts into
the wall of Compaq rack cabinets, requiring no front-panel rack-mounting space.
Q How many system devices can be plugged into a Compaq Power Distribution Unit?
A Up to 12 single AC receptacles can be plugged into a Compaq Power Distribution Unit.
Q I have utilized all 12 AC receptacles on my Compaq Power Distribution Unit, what
option do I have to create additional power receptacles?
A Simply add a second Power Distribution Unit for an additional 12 AC receptacles while still
maintaining the “zero-U” space considerations.
Q In the event of power emergency, how does the Compaq Power Distribution Unit
prevent damage from incoming electrical surges to my externally attached equipment?
A The Compaq Power Distribution Unit comes equipped with a Circuit Breaker feature that
prevents damage to attached external equipment in the case of incoming electrical surges.
Q How can the Compaq Power Distribution Unit occupy “zero-U”?
A The Compaq PDU requires no front-panel rack mounting space as it installs easily between
the sidewall frame members of the rack cabinet.
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Compaq Power Distribution Unit Information Guide 14
Q How do I install a Power Distribution Unit?
A Refer to the installation documentation that accompanied the PDU.
Q Is it possible to have a power back-up supply when utilizing a Compaq Power
Distribution Unit?
A Yes. Simply add either another 16A High Voltage PDU or another Low Voltage PDU with a
second Uninterruptible Power System to the rack configuration. Plug each PDU into a
separate UPS, and then each UPS into individual power supplies.
Q I am unsure of which Uninterruptible Power System to use for my Compaq PDU?
A The 16A High Voltage PDU and the Low Voltage PDU are designed to be used with the
Compaq R3000 Series Uninterruptible Power System. The R3000 and R3000H both are
equipped with a high current outlet that is part of the third load segment of the UPS.
ECG045/0299
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