The Network Equipment Solutions Blog | Hummingbird Networks

Top 6 Features Of A Tripplite PDU

Written by John Ciarlone | Jul 19, 2013 2:30:00 PM

As your network and server room grows in complexity, you're also going to find that the need for more specialized hardware increases as well. Power consumption, especially, becomes a significant issue as your network grows. Getting all the power you need to all your server racks and units becomes increasingly difficult as their power demands grow.

Plus, of course, at the same time it also becomes more urgent that you always have the power you need. Ten years ago, if your network went out, it was no big deal. It was something to be expected. Today, it can mean a disaster for even smaller businesses.

 

If power management is beginning to be an issue for you, it may be time to consider a TripplitePDU. These Power Distribution Units can be true lifesavers if you rely on your network in your day-to-day business.

What is a PDU?

For those not familiar with the technology, simply put, a PDU is a surge protector on steroids. Much like how the surge protector you probably have under your desk protects your various electronics from lightning strikes and other power accidents, a PDU splits power between multiple high-power networking units at once while keeping them safe.

Much like more advanced surge protectors, PDUs can also have additional ports on them for phone, network, and other non-power cables to ensure nothing accidentally gets blown in the case of a power outage.

What Makes A Tripplite PDU Special?

Tripplite is known to make some of the best power-related equipment in the industry, and we heartily recommend their products. The various models of Tripplite PDU have plenty of features to meet the needs of even the largest businesses.

  • Plenty of outlets: Even the most modest PDU offerings offer a dozen or more individual power outlets, so that your server rack has room to grow before you need to replace your PDU with a bigger one.

  • Hot-swapping: If you will have a need to take your UPS (Universal Power System) offline, this feature can be a real life-saver. A hot-swappable PDU takes in power from
    two different sources at once. If one source goes away, it automatically and seamlessly switches to the other until both sources are restored. When paired with two separate UPS units, these provide extremely reliable power.

  • Digital readouts: More advanced Tripplite PDUs include digital displays for easy
    monitoring of their power flow, voltage, and other pieces of information. While they can be controlled over the network, it's often reassuring to have a panel on a device that simply says what it's doing.

  • Three-Phase power: Larger server rooms and industrial applications sometimes require the use of three-phase power, which delivers three times as much electricity over the same lines. Not all businesses require this, and not all electric companies can supply it, so check with your provider before purchasing one.

  • Switched PDUs: Do you have a need to be able to remotely power devices on and off? Tripplite can handle remote power management with a switched PDU. These are useful both for security, giving you an easy cutoff switch in case of intrusion, as well as being useful for powering down unnecessary equipment to save money.

  • Envirosense support: If environmental concerns such as temperature or humidity levels are a concern for your business, pairing a Tripplite PDU with an Envirosense sensor allows you to keep close tabs on the atmosphere in your server room, even remotely. This is especially crucial for businesses involving high heat or humidity levels in their processes, since both can easily damage delicate computer equipment.

Whatever your power needs, there is likely a Tripplite PDU to ensure your power continues to flow without surges or interruption. From small rooms to warehouses of equipment, a good PDU is a necessity for those that rely on their network operations.