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PDU Monitoring in Data Centres Using Accuenergy Power Meters
Modern data centre PDU (Power Distribution Unit) monitoring requires layered visibility from the utility entrance all the way down to individual rack branch circuits. In high-density AI and hyperscale environments, power transparency is critical for uptime, redundancy validation, and capacity planning. A PDU in a data center is a combination of devices that distribute conditioned electric power from an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or generator to IT equipment like servers, switches, and storage. Acting as sophisticated, industrial-grade power strips, they manage high-amperage, multi-phase power to ensure reliable, monitored, and efficient energy distribution, minimizing downtime.
This guide explains how to monitor a PDU in a data centre using specific Accuenergy metering models available through Mod-Tronic’s electrical power meter solutions .
Layer 1 – Utility & Main Switchgear Monitoring
Recommended Meter: Acuvim 3 Advanced Power Quality Analyzer
At the service entrance, the Acuvim 3 is installed to monitor incoming power from the utility or MV switchgear.
The Acuvim 3 (available through our revenue-grade power meter category ) provides:
- Class 0.1S accuracy
- Class A power quality compliance
- 1024 samples per cycle
- Waveform capture & disturbance detection
- EN50160 & IEEE519 reporting
- 32GB onboard data logging
- Modbus RTU/TCP, BACnet, DNP3, SNMP
This layer ensures grid disturbances are identified before impacting UPS systems or PDUs.
Layer 2 – UPS & PDU Mains Monitoring
Recommended Meter: Acuvim IIV3
The Acuvim IIV3 is ideal for monitoring:
- UPS output
- PDU mains
- Generator feeds
- Transformer secondary
This meter is available through our advanced energy meter solutions page.
Key features include:
- Class 0.1 accuracy
- Waveform capture
- Time-of-Use (TOU) monitoring
- Neutral current measurement
- Modbus RTU & BACnet MSTP
Monitoring at the PDU mains validates A/B redundancy paths and prevents overload conditions.
Layer 3 – Branch Circuit Monitoring (Rack-Level Visibility)
Recommended Meter: AcuRev 2100/4100 Multi-Channel Sub-Meter
For granular branch circuit monitoring inside PDUs, the AcuRev 2100/4100 is the ideal solution.
This 24-channel configurable sub-meter allows facilities to monitor individual rack circuits and RPP panels.
- 0.2% class accuracy
- 24 configurable circuits
- Dual voltage reference
- Built-in WEB2 communications module
- RSTP scalability
Accurate branch monitoring requires high-quality current sensors such as:
- Split core current transformers
- Solid core high-accuracy CTs
- 333mV CTs for BCM applications
Properly sized branch circuit monitoring CTs ensure precise rack-level measurements.
DC PDU Monitoring in Modern Hybrid Data Centres
Recommended Meter: ACUDC 262
For facilities using DC distribution panels, battery storage systems, or rectifiers, the ACUDC 262 DC sub-meter provides accurate monitoring.
- 60V–1000V direct DC input
- 0.1Wh resolution
- Shunt or Hall sensor compatibility
- Modbus RTU & TCP communication
See our DC-compatible monitoring solutions via our DC power metering category .
Centralized Monitoring & Data Aggregation
Recommended Interface: ACUHMI Data Aggregation Platform
The ACUHMI centralizes all connected meters for:
- Real-time monitoring
- Alarm management
- Historical data logging
- Remote web access
- BACnet / Modbus / MQTT / AWS IoT integration
For turnkey integration, Mod-Tronic also offers custom metering panels and UL508A builds for complete PDU monitoring assemblies.
Complete Data Centre PDU Monitoring Architecture
A properly engineered monitoring system includes:
- Acuvim 3 at the service entrance
- Acuvim IIV3 at UPS and PDU mains
- AcuRev 2100 for branch circuit monitoring
- ACUDC 262 for DC distribution
- High-accuracy current transformers
- ACUHMI centralized gateway
This layered approach provides full visibility from utility to rack.
Work With Mod-Tronic on Your Data Centre Monitoring Project
Mod-Tronic supplies complete PDU monitoring solutions, including:
- Revenue-grade power quality meters
- Branch circuit monitoring hardware
- High-accuracy CTs
- DC metering solutions
- Custom-built monitoring panels
If you're designing a new data centre or retrofitting an existing PDU system, we can help specify the correct metering architecture.
See our complete PDF guide here Accuenergy Product Guide for PDU Monitoring
Request a Quote for PDU Monitoring Solutions
Or call us at 1-800-794-5883.
