Eaton introduces best-in-class rack power distribution unit portfolio with IEC outlet grip feature

Power management company Eaton announced the launch of the Eaton ePDU® third-generation (G3) platform, its newest portfolio of rack power distribution units (PDUs) engineered for best-in-class efficiency and reliability with a new patent-pending IEC grip feature. Building on Eaton’s strength in acquisitions and diverse portfolio of power infrastructure solutions, the ePDU G3 is designed to streamline the power distribution needs of today’s information technology (IT) and data center managers with next-generation power monitoring capabilities. The rollout of Eaton’s ePDU G3 platform will begin with Basic and Metered Input models, which are currently available in the Americas.

In modern data center environments managers are striving to balance technological innovation with functionality and cost. Eaton’s ePDU G3 combines these capabilities into one cohesive solutions portfolio. The ePDU G3 features a new IEC outlet grip designed to eliminate the common, and often costly, problem of plugs falling out of IEC outlets due to bumps or vibrations. Eaton’s patent-pending solution can protect data center managers from incurring additional expenses related to cable trays or special power cords, which can increase rack PDU purchase costs up to 50 percent.

“Validating Eaton’s commitment to innovation, our new ePDU G3 platform boasts a variety of technological enhancements aimed to deliver the flexibility and reliability that data center and IT managers need, balanced with a value-oriented pricing structure,” said Hervé Tardy, vice president and general manager of Eaton’s Distributed Power Quality Division. “The new product line also showcases Eaton’s industry-leading solutions, integrating best-in-class features and the latest advancements into one, robust portfolio.”

Eaton’s ePDU G3 product line pairs its dependable grip feature with energy efficient technology aimed to reduce cooling costs and extend the life of hardware for added reliability. Eaton’s ePDU G3 models have a high operating temperature, up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which helps data centers meet new temperature guidelines for cooling set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers. ePDU G3 Metered Input models also offer a hot-swap network meter module so that, in the unlikely event of a failure, users can replace the module without shutting down servers; therefore maintaining business continuity and enhancing serviceability.

Network connected ePDU G3 models offer advanced capabilities that allow users to auto discover and monitor multiple ePDUs through virtualization platforms like VMware® vCenter Server™ with Eaton’s Intelligent Power Manager™ (IPM) software.

The ePDU G3 offers simplified installation with tool-less mounting options and provides a low-profile form factor compatible with a variety of rack enclosures, including the Eaton S-Series Rack. Additionally, ePDU G3 models have color-coded outlet sections that match their corresponding circuit breakers for easy load balancing. ePDU G3 Metered Input models include a menu-driven LCD pixel display for easy setup and troubleshooting.

Eaton