The Raritan Blog

Rack PDU Power Rating vs. Load Capacity

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Greg More

There can be confusion about rack PDU power capacities vs. load capacity. The confusion stems from a misunderstanding of approval agency regulations and from some manufacturers who may use misleading terminology. In North America typical circuits have a maximum current carrying capability, and use circuit breakers or fuses rated at, 15A, 20A, 30A, etc. In other words, a PDU with a 20A fuse will blow or a 20A circuit breaker will trip if a 20A circuit experiences more than 20A of current for some period of time. The period depends on the magnitude of the current and the type of fuse or circuit breaker protecting the circuit.