1. Benefits of 208V Versus 110V Power in Server Racks
Regardless of the lot of server shelfs you manage, we have actually all seen a rise custom
pdu devices thickness over the past couple of years. This growth has triggered a lot of to
overload their 110v circuits, required additional circuits be added or even extra racks. For
little to mid size data facilities and IDF spaces, there are advantages to making use of higher
voltage (208V) power over the common Northern American low voltage 110V energy.
Compared to 110V power, 208V circuits enable you to nearly increase the quantity of
equipment on an electric circuit, enhancing your equipment ability. 208V power could even
minimize your complete power usage, saving both cash and the setting.
Nearly all devices today is manufactured with global power provides. These power products
identify the input voltage and readjust as necessary. However, the number of watts required
to run custom power units gadget continues to be fixed. Utilizing Ohms Legislation, in a really
simplistic type, watts = voltage x amperes, devices going for 200 watts would certainly call for
1.8 amps at 110V, while that very same piece of equipment would only use 0.96 amps on
208V power. A 20A circuit filled to the derated max, 16A, would permit 8-9 gadgets operating
at 110V, yet a comparable 20A circuit operating at 208V would certainly fit 16-17 of the exact
same gadgets. This effectively doubles the possible equipment thickness.
In a raised flooring environment, this will certainly permit you to work with fewer energy whips
under the floor. Less whips translate to fewer circuits to manage, and decreased mess here
the floor, which improves airflow. This boosted air movement lowers the cost of cooling down
the environment and lengthens the life your web servers and air cooling devices. Taking into
consideration each watt of energy made use of to work your tools needs virtually a watt of
cooling down energy, the renovation is substantial.
Operating at 208V additionally boosts the performance of the power provides themselves.
110V AC power contains a solitary live line and a neutral line with the voltage oscillating in
wave kind. On the other hand, 208V power is produced by 2 live lines. (see here) The 2
stages of 208V are offset 120o, to ensure that they are never ever at 0 volts at the same

2. time. This enables the power provide to work more successfully, and could make a power
savings of 4-6 %.
Higher voltage 208V power might not constantly rackmount pdu an alternative in the
environment you work in. And retrofitting your entire center would certainly be expensive.
Nonetheless, the additional shelf density, enhanced air conditioning and air movement, and
4-6 % energy savings should make 208V an option worthy of consideration where readily
available. As constantly, examine your devices to ensure proper operating specs and check
with your electrician and/or facilities supervisor for code requirements.