Rack mountable power distribution apparatus

Abstract

Power distribution apparatus include a rack mountable housing, an electrical power input assembly and an electrical power output assembly including a plurality of external circuits adapted for hardwired to remote equipment and a plurality of internal circuits each adapted to receive a plug of electrical equipment and to provide power thereto. The plurality of internal circuits may include differently configured receptacles adapted to receive differently configured plugs.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 730,689, filed Dec. 6, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 469,978 filed Dec. 21, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,608,406, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety herein by this reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to electrical power distribution apparatus, and more particularly relates to low cost, multi-function, rack mountable electrical power distribution apparatus and systems. [0003] Research and development of computer technology has continually produced smaller and more compact systems. However, electrical power distribution units and systems for supplying power to electrical devices, such as computers and other critical equipment, in a building or other facility have remained bulky and sometimes difficult to work with. [0004] Conventionally, electrical power coming into a facility...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a new electrical power distribution apparatus that is compact, cost-effective, and labor-saving. It is designed to meet the needs of both large and small facilities. The apparatus is easy to install and maintain, and it can be hardwired or connected through receptacles for both direct and remote power distribution. It is also adaptable for use with single-phase or three-phase power. The apparatus includes a housing and an electrical power input assembly, as well as multiple output assemblies that can be hardwired or receptacle circuits. The system also includes a transformer for safe and effective power distribution. The invention provides flexibility and versatility in meeting the electrical power needs of various facilities."

Problems solved by technology

However, electrical power distribution units and systems for supplying power to electrical devices, such as computers and other critical equipment, in a building or other facility have remained bulky and sometimes difficult to work with.

However, in many cases, a power strip is not appropriate or sufficient for large scale changes in electrical needs, or for accommodating additional pieces of critical equipment which requires hard-wired connections to the power source.

The process of re-cabling electrical output circuits from the PDU, for example, to more strategic locations within the facility, is a costly, labor intensive task, which typically requires the work of outside contractors who specialize in electrical cabling and rewiring.

Because of the inherent difficulty of accessing a specific wire or cable from the numerous, and sometimes tangled masses of cables and wires concealed within walls or floors of the facility, obsolete and unusable cables are often left in place adding to the confusion and difficulty of maintaining or controlling such wiring.

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