Proper maintenance of socket strips in a server room - the key to stable and safe operation
PDUs are an essential component of any modern server room.
They serve as the electrical arteries that feed the critical equipment, from servers and switches to cooling and security systems.
Beyond power supply, the outlet strips enable efficient cable management, reduce clutter and improve air circulation in the room.
Proper maintenance of the outlet strips is critical to ensuring continuous, efficient and safe operation of the server room.
Without proper maintenance, electrical malfunctions, fires, or unplanned power outages may occur,
which may cause heavy damages to the organization, both financially and in terms of system reliability.
Therefore, understanding the importance of the socket strips and implementing a comprehensive maintenance plan are necessary steps in the proper management of modern IT infrastructures.
Here are some key points about PDU maintenance
1. Periodic inspections: Visual inspections for damage or wear must be performed at least once a month.
Look for scorch marks, deep scratches, or distortions in the shape of the sockets.
Checking for loose connections or worn connectors should be done carefully and only by a qualified technician.
Loose connections can cause sparks and be a fire hazard.
It is also important to measure the temperature of the sockets to detect overload using a thermal camera or a non-contact thermometer.
Temperatures above 50°C indicate a potential problem.
The Enlogic socket strips will work properly even at a temperature of 60 degrees.
2. Cleanliness: Regular removal of dust and dirt is essential. Use compressed air or a suitable vacuum cleaner,
But avoid using liquids near electrical components.
3. Load management: Make sure that the load on each socket strip does not exceed 80% of its maximum capacity, to leave a safety margin.
It is important to carry out a balanced distribution of the load between the socket strips to prevent hot spots and extend the life of the system.
Using smart power monitoring tools can provide an accurate picture of power consumption in real time and identify trends in usage.
4. Documentation: Recording all maintenance and testing operations, as well as tracking fault and repair history, is essential for effective management over time.
5. Preventive replacement: old or worn socket strips must be replaced before malfunctions occur, usually every 5-7 years or according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
You should consider upgrading to newer and more efficient models when possible, taking into account features such as energy efficiency,
Remote monitoring capabilities, and compliance with current standards. Advance planning of replacements and upgrades will help minimize downtime and ensure continuity in server room operations.
6. Security: Ensure that all socket strips are properly secured to prevent accidental disconnection and protect against unauthorized access.
7. Protection against power surges: Installing protection systems against power surges at the strip level and at the level of the entire facility is critical.
A periodic inspection of the protection systems must be performed, including the replacement of voltage protectors that have worn out or been damaged by previous voltage surges.
You should consider installing UPS systems (uninterruptible power supply) to provide additional protection and enable an orderly shutdown of the equipment in the event of a power outage.
Advice is a leading marketer of uninterruptible power units (UPS)
In summary:
Proper maintenance of PDU socket strips will ensure high reliability and reduce the risk of electrical faults in the server room.
Implementing an orderly maintenance program will help maintain optimal performance, extend the life of the system,
and will ensure the proper and safe operation of the server room over time.
To product page PDU-EN1337 - 32A, 200-240VAC, 1ph
To product page ES1325- 32A, 1ph, 230V (20)C13, (4)C19
To product page EN1602 - 2U, 1-phase, 32A, (12)C13, (4)C19
Article by: Avi Solomon, ADVICE company
IT infrastructure solutions