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Data Centers

My Next Data Center: Power Distribution: Page 2 of 2

Now that we've resolved that I'm using AC power coming out of a modular UPS in my next data center, we can look at how I'll get power from the UPS to my server and storage racks. Over the years I've seen all sorts of solutions, from L5-20 twist-lock outlets in the ceiling and orange extension cords under the raised floor, to APC's pre-built whips running in cable troughs on top of the racks. After all that, I definitely know what I like, and don't.
Howard Marks
August 20, 2010

For a small datacenter of a dozen racks or fewer, the output of the UPS will either use APC's output breaker panel and bypass switch in a second rack along with their overhead power distribution whips to feed the server racks or Eaton's equivalent three-phase rack PDUs. In a larger, or more dynamic data center, I'd want busway.  

Busways, like Universal Electric's Starline, or similar systems from Square-D or Liebert/Siemens, are the data center version of track lighting. A single busway carries 100-225 amps of three-phase power on copper bus bars. Above each rack, you plug a drop into the busway that includes the branch circuit breaker and a connector into which you plug the rack PDUs.

Busways eliminate under-floor conduits and power cables, and they eliminate the need to spec out the power needs of each rack and run cables from a central breaker panel or PDU. No conduits, and once the system's installed, no electricians.

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