Q: How do UPDUs differ from the current managed PDUs, and what are the advantages of a UPDU?

A: The UPDU has a unique design with more flexibility than any traditional corded PDU can offer. The detachable, interchangeable power cables are what determine the power rating on the unit, and we currently offer 17+ cable options from 5 to 23kVA. This is part of what makes it “universal” – you can purchase one PDU chassis and select the appropriate power cord for your facility or desired power rating. There are also cable options with global certifications, so users can standardize on one PDU for global projects.

Q: What is a universal input cable? Is it Eaton specific?

A: The universal input cables are stand-alone Eaton power cables that match up with the UPDU. We offer single-phase, 3-phase Delta and 3-phase Wye cable options from 5 to 23kVA. This covers connectors ranging from NEMA L6-30P up to IEC 60309 415/240V WYE 32A-type power to meet a wide range of end-user requirements. The connector is the robust Eaton Souriau UTG series, which has been used in military and aerospace applications.

The power cables are stand-alone tested and rated for disconnect under load, meaning you can unplug while power is applied. There are 15+ different plug options available today, with more coming. Other manufacturers have offered PDUs with the same connector, but the Eaton version uses an over-molded back shell. This is a solid injection-molded connector that is more durable and lower-profile than competitors’ wire-on connectors.

Q: Will the UPDU replace built-to-order HD rack PDUs?

A: No, the HD configurable units will still be available. The HD rack PDUs offer some unique options that are still not available on the UPDU, though the UPDU does offer high outlet density and stock availability, which could make it a good option when the other features are not needed and lead time is a primary concern.

Q: What is the difference between outlet high contact retention and outlet grips?

A: The high-retention contacts are extra metal contacts inside the outlet that grab the plug’s pins to create more resistance when the plug is inserted and removed, preventing them from falling out or vibrating out. The high retention performs as well or better than the grip retention outlet feature found in some of our other products.

If true locking capability is required, the receptacles are compatible with P-lock locking cables.

Q: Is there a swivel or end-feed input option?

A: There are front and end entry options available for off-the-shelf models. Cable entry configuration can be changed by certified electrician if needed.

Q: Are the UPDUs and their cables UL, CSA and/or CUL listed?

A: The UPDU carries the cTUVus mark, which is listed to the ANSI/UL 62368-1. The power cords are UL817 recognized and are listed on the UPDU report.

Q: How many outlets are included?

A: The UPDU has a high-density 24 (12 C13 + 12 C39 combo) or 42 (24 C13 + 18 C39 combo) outlets in a 42U chassis and high-density 24 (12 C13 + 12 C39 combo) outlets in a 32U chassis.

Q: What technologies are available with the UPDU?

A:  The universal input rack PDU G4 is available for basic, metered and managed

• Basic (EVBAGU23X-E): Simple and cost-effective power delivery—no interface 
• Metered (EVMIGU23A-E, EVMIGU23X, EVMIGU23X-E): Network interface; metering at breaker level and remote or on-site monitoring 
• Managed (EVMAGU23A-E, EVMAGU23X, EVMAGU23X-E): All the features above at the individual outlet level.  

Q: What is outlet-level metering and switching? Why is this beneficial to me?

A: Available on the managed rack PDU, offering Eaton’s full-featured technology set with both outlet metering and outlet switching. This means you have on/off control, as well as metering, down to the outlet level. This gives users the ability to power-cycle equipment on a precise schedule, shut off unused or locked equipment and understand the power consumption of every individual piece of hardware plugged into their PDU. With outlet metering, you can detect whenever a power supply is connected and powered on. You can analyze power consumption of a specific server to benchmark performance.

Q: What is revenue-grade metering (and can the UPDU do it)?

A: Revenue-grade metering (AKA “billing grade accuracy”) is highly accurate metering, within 1% of actual reader, typically for customer billing purposes. Yes, the UPDU offers revenue-grade metering.

Q: Does the UPDU auto-detect the cord set you are using, or does it have to be programmed?

A: You must set the appropriate plug type when first connecting it to the UPDU.

Q: What is the operating temperature for the UPDU?

A: The UPDU is safety tested and rated full load at 140°F/60°C.

Q: Do you find that MTDC (Colo) owners like the interchangeable cord set?

A: Yes, co-location environments typically require more power options than other data centers, and colo operators end up deploying all sorts of PDUs from multiple vendors. Sourcing from a consolidated SKU set is extremely appealing.

Q: Do the universal cables work exclusively with the UPDU?

A: Yes

Q: Do we have a protected IP position on the connector?

A: No, the concept of the “universal input connector” has been used for decades in Eaton OEM products. This means the technology is not proprietary, but it is well-tested in the market and highly reliable.

Q: Can the Pigtail have more than one voltage on it?

A: The pigtail power cord (CBL357-10) is rated for 208V Delta power input only and (CBL369-10) is rated for 240-15V WYE power input only.

Q: Can you explain the 5% energy savings per 1°F temperature rise study?

A: This EPA study concluded that raising the cold-aisle temperature in a data center by 1°F could result in up to 5% energy savings, due to the significant cost of cooling a data center. This is why many data centers have moved to containment, spot cooling and outside air cooling. Simply turning the temperature up can have significant cost savings. Here is a link to the full study:

Server Inlet Temperature and Humidity Adjustments | ENERGY STAR

Q: What is the warranty for the UPDU?

A: 3-year warranty with registration and available options, up to 5-year total extended warranty.

Q: Can I control my UPDU as a device on my network?

A: Yes. There is a gigabit network module (GNM) that will allow remote management via web or SNMP protocol. This works with either third-party software or using the Eaton Brightlayer Data Centers Suite of software. Eaton has been integrated for use with every major third-party software offering. Even without third-party software, the UPDU can be managed with direct connection through a web browser or using command line interface (CLI) text commands.

Q: Can I replace the network module myself?

A: Yes, we have detailed instructions, along with images, in our user manual that tell you how to replace or upgrade the network module. The module is hot-swappable, which means outlets will not be affected or change state during the process. All that is required to replace the network card is two screws and one connector.

Q: Does the universal connector lock to the PDU? Is there a way to secure them?

A: Yes, it's a twist-locking mechanism. You align a white line on the cord with a slot in the connector, push in and turn to lock.

Q: Is the UPDU TAA compliant?

A: No

Q: Can I install the UPDU into Tripp Lite by Eaton server racks and cabinets?

A: Yes, any standard 42U or larger Tripp Lite by Eaton cabinet is ideal for housing the UPDU.