Abstract: An equipment-rack power distribution system is described which includes a PDU housing, a power input penetrating the housing, a plurality of power outlets disposed on a surface of the housing, circuitry enclosed in the housing interconnecting the power input and the power outlets, one or more air inlets associated with the housing, one or more air outlets associated with the housing, and an air flow device in fluid communication with one or more of the air inlets and the air outlets. An environmental sensor may activate the air flow device upon detection of predetermined environmental conditions, such as a temperature that is above a defined limit.

Abstract: An equipment-rack power distribution system is described which includes a PDU housing, a power input penetrating the housing, a plurality of power outlets disposed on a surface of the housing, circuitry enclosed in the housing interconnecting the power input and the power outlets, one or more air inlets associated with the housing, one or more air outlets associated with the housing, and an air flow device in fluid communication with one or more of the air inlets and the air outlets. An environmental sensor may activate the air flow device upon detection of predetermined environmental conditions, such as a temperature that is above a defined limit.

Abstract: Embodiments of a power distribution system for distributing power to one or more electronic components, such as electronic components mounted within an electronic equipment rack, can include a dedicated controller mountable within a power distribution rack and at least one power distribution unit electrically coupleable to the controller and mountable at any of various locations within the rack. In certain embodiments, the controller can receive power from a power source and intelligently distribute the power to power distribution units coupled to the controller. The power distribution units can include outputs or receptacles to which power cords of electronic equipment stored in the rack can be coupled and through which power can be transmitted from the power distribution units to the electronic equipment.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a power distribution unit having modular components. For example, according to one embodiment, a power distribution unit can include a component portion that comprises at least two modules selected from the group consisting of outlet modules, circuit protection modules, power input modules, communications I/O modules, and display modules. Each of the at least two modules of the component portion can comprise at least one connection element and can be removably secured to one or more other of the at least two modules via the connection elements. The power distribution unit can also include a housing that defines an interior cavity. The component portion can be removably secured to the housing at least partially within the interior cavity.

Abstract: A method of power administration includes monitoring at least one of a plurality of operating conditions relating to a plurality of outlets within a power distribution unit, determining whether a pre-determined operating condition threshold has been met, and, if the pre-determined threshold has been mete powering off less than all of the power outlets within the power distribution unit.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a circuit breaking link status and reporting system. The system includes a power source and a circuit breaking link in communication therewith. An electrical outlet is in interruptible power supply communication with the circuit breaking link. A sensor is in interruptible electrical communication with the circuit breaking link and configured to generate a signal indicating whether the circuit breaking link is open. A local processor communicates with the sensor and is configured to determine whether the circuit is open. A communications bus is in communication with the local processor and configured to receive signals from the local processor. A processor is in communication with the local processor through the communications bus and configured to receive information regarding the status of the circuit breaking link. A communications port is in communication with the processor and configured to send information regarding the status of the circuit breaking link over a network.