Switching from 120v to 208v power

colocationelectrical-powerpower-distribution-unit

We are going to switch from 20 amp 120 volt to 20 amp 208 volt circuits in our colocation facility. I am new to dealing with anything other than standard 120v power, so I am unsure of some intricacies of this change.

We purchased APC AP7941 PDUs and these power cords: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10228&cs_id=1022805&p_id=6452&seq=1&format=2

I noticed those cords are rated 10 AMP / 125 Volt. Will they be incompatible with the PDUs listed above? I was unable to find C13/C14 cords that were rated for 208V power.

Secondly, for our servers with redundant power supplies, is it possible to power cut the servers over to the new 208v PDUs without shutting them down? For example, one power supply running off a 120v circuit and the other running off of a 208v circuit?

Finally, I'm sure others have experience with a similar project. I would appreciate any help or advice anyone can offer.

Thanks.

Best Answer

WARNING: I AM NOT AN ELECTRICIAN

That said, I have used C13/C14 jumper cables labled for 125V on the same APC AP7941 208V PDUs. It's probably not a great idea, but I've done it.

Maybe consider the raw power you're drawing? 125V@10amps is 1250 Watts. Is any of your gear likely to draw more than 1000 Watts? Consult an electrician to be sure and consider the impact of one of your cheaper cables catching fire.

I note that you got the 16 AWG product. This is slightly better than the 18 AWG product.

Usually the recommendations look like this:

  • 18 AWG - 10 amps@125V
  • 16 AWG - 13 amps@125V
  • 14 AWG - 15 amps@250V

CablesToGo sells 14 AWG cables spec'd for 250V.

http://search.cablestogo.com/?Ntt=250+Volt+power+extension+cord&N=0&vno=24

But unfortunately not in short lengths. (I really like the 2' options with vertical PDUs.)

Other tip: I used to take some gaffing tape and wrap a strip about 3U long and .5" wide around the end of the plug going in to the APC PDU. This helps secure the cable. They tend to pop out if you're not using the bracket and lots of zip ties. The gaffing tape can help hold it in place.


Generally you can swap over from 120V to 208V without a hiccup. Each PSU should be converting from AC to DC independently. (MAKE SURE YOUR PSUS are not somehow connected with AC failover to eachother)

Best of luck and be safe...