Raritan introduces Intelligent PDUs

Raritan has introduced a range of Residual Current Monitoring (RCM Type B) options for intelligent PDUs. These new RCM modules include a patented self-test functionality designed to avoid the need for manual RCM testing by electricians in the data center, causing potential downtime of the equipment.

  • Thursday, 7th February 2019 Posted 5 years ago in by Phil Alsop

According to Michael Suchoff, chief engineer and Inventor of the self-test patent for Raritan, “We wanted to simplify the way users deploy Residual Current Monitoring at the rack level by making it easier to test and maintain the circuitry, and ultimately comply with electrical standards.” and, “Adding RCM to the Rack PDUs is the most efficient way to manage potential leakage current risks from the IT equipment” added Suchoff.
 
Data Center Inspections
 
Not surprisingly, some European countries such as Germany, and France have made periodic inspection of data centers compulsory to protect its workers and facilities, according to Raritan. The expectation in the IT industry would be that across Europe and beyond, an increasing number of countries will follow RCM standards to monitor Residual Current in data centers to improve efficiency, better protect workers, IT equipment, and ultimately avoid electrocution and fires.
 
In parallel to RCM, European data center standards such as EN 50600 are also defining the need for neutral current monitoring. EN 50600 8.2.1 defines the need for neutral current monitoring as a mean to prevent overloading and overheating of the neutral wire.
 
According to Nicolas Sagnes, Global Product Marketing for Raritan, “it’s our continuous mission to launch products that improve efficiency and uptime, whilst lowering operational cost in the data center”. “With this philosophy in mind, our engineers designed 3 types of RCM sensors as well as a neutral conductor monitoring solution to provide our customer with a more reliable infrastructure, and keep the data center a safe working environment” Sagnes continued.
 
All Raritan’s PX PDUs with the highly accurate RCM sensor embedded enable users in data center environments to set configurable RCM thresholds for optimal efficiency and early detection of critical conditions. Alerts can be configured through Xerus firmware and be sent to a dedicated maintenance contact for quick intervention through email, SMS, and SNMP traps.
 
The types of residual current monitoring that Raritan now offers on its power products with RCM option are:
 
* RCM Type A - detecting AC and pulsating DC leakage
* RCM Type B single channel - detecting both AC and DC leakage for all lines
* RCM Type B three channel - detecting both AC and DC leakage on each line