how much power does my rack take

[Anonymous user]

Hi everyone hope this is not a repost somewhere but a quick search did not show any results. I am trying to figure out how much our data center cost (power wise). We have a Symmetra 20K with 3 lines out to racks. We also have 2 inline AC units. Can someone please educate me on how I can find what each rack draws in power and what the devices draws per rack? Not sure if this is even doable. Power is not my thing just trying to help a co-worker out. Thanks in advance!!
-m

[BillP · Accepted solution]

well, in the racks, how is the power distributed from the UPS? i know APC makes metered rack PDUs that show the amperage draw of each PDU so something like that would help so you could see the current.

worst case, you'd have to check the power supply sizes/ratings on the equipment you in the rack you are using for a "worst case" figure since the manufacturers usually list the maximum draw rather than the average draw of the item. i dont think this would be accurate but would account for the maximum amount of power that could be drawn from the rack i guess.

another idea is to turn off all the racks and turn on one at a time and check the UPS output power in watts and VA to see what it is measuring via the powerview or network management card in the symmetra.

maybe this will give you some ideas to start or pose more questions depending on your answers. hope it helps though.