Power Management Components

Power Management - Components

Power Management Software

Visibility and access to power information is so critical that many enterprise companies have developed internal tools and software to have this information available to them. In recent years, many power strip manufacturers have developed sophisticated software solutions to provide customers with visibility and control of their power strips at the cabinet level.

Considerations when selecting a power management software solution:

  • Can it handle different manufacturer power strips?
  • Does it provide for redundancy?
  • What is the ease of importing power strip information?
  • Security features? Does it integrate with LDAP, TACACS?
  • What kind of report does it provide?
  • Does it provide for mass configuration and mass updates?
  • Does it tie in with my building management system?
  • Does it tie in with my data center infrastructure management (DCIM) solution?

Cabinet Power Strips

Cabinet power strips go from dumb power strips with no LED to the fully IP addressable power strip with individual outlet metering and switching. They also go from 120 volts to 3 Phase to DC power strips to fails safe transfer switches.



Considerations when selecting a power strip:

Type of power strips:

  • Basic
  • Metered with LED display
  • Metered with Ethernet
  • Switched
  • With individual outlet monitoring and switching
  • Fail safe transfer switches<
  • 48VDC power strips

Specifications

  • Form factor
  • Types of receptacles
  • Types of output plug
  • Voltage
  • Amperage- physical dimensions (How and where will be racked on the server cabinet?)

Trade off analysis

  • If just getting a power strip with NO LED, what is the price differential from a power strip with LED, to one that is IP based with switchable outlets? Would the benefits of a switched strip justify the cost difference? How much does remote hands costs? How much does 1 hour of downtime costs?
  • Does it make sense to go 208V? Does it make sense to go 208V 3 phase? How many more servers can you connect with a 3 phase feed? How much does your colo charge for a 3 phase feed? Would there be any cost savings?

How does it fit in with the rest of your infrastructure? Can I integrate my remote power management with my console server and KVM access?

Power Cords

These jumper cables are often overlooked. If ordered correctly, they are a non-issue. If ordered incorrectly or without a proper fit, power cords can be messy in your rack, block airflow, delay installations, and potentially even cause unnecessary downtime.

Considerations when selecting power cords:

  • What are they rated at? 250V? 10Amps, 15Amps?
  • Will the mold fit your outlet well?
  • Will it fit your retainer clip on the strip?
  • Do the power cords come coiled or bunched?

Many of you already know the difference between a C13 and C14 or C19 and C20. But what is a C15? And, what are Y cables used for? To help decipher the power cord nomenclature, we put together a chart of the most commonly used power jumpers/cords so you have it handy. View this handy chart we've put together to help you identify each power cord.

Overview

Power management gives you the ability to make business decisions

Monitor power usage

Ensure proper capacity planning

Identify problem areas such as power consumption spikes, zombie servers, failing power supplies
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Benefits

It is SMART to have power management. It provides for business and operational efficiencies — saving money.
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Resources

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Next Steps

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