sticking a normal 13amp plug on 16amp and 32amp APC Basic PDU

[Anonymous user]

Hi

I Have a question about this APC PDUs. We have just purchased 16amp and 32amp version of these PDUs but the non metered ones. I think they are called Basic PDUs. They have about 20 C13 sockets on them and 6 of the bigger ones. I think they called C16.

My question is we are in the process of installing cable tray with 16amp and 32amp commando sockets which will then go back to a distribution board wheres feed will be coming from a UPS backed system.

At the moment though we dont have this and part of power resiliency work is to get rid of all the extensions that are currently in the back of our racks. Install these PDU's and start wiring with these rather using extension sockets.

Problem is because the ends of these PDUs have 16amp and 32amp commando sockets. I want to temporarily just use these on the mains until the UPS are installed. Which could at least another month or two.

I can take of the commando sockets as its seems to be modular in design and I can see the normal plug wiring like earth, nuetral and Live.

Would I be able to do this as long as I don't over provision the sockets.

I have 2 x 16amp PDU's and 2 X 32 amp PDUs. I noticed that the 32amp version as much more of a thicker cable. I am assuming because it probably has more resistance but I could stick a 13 amp plug on this as well?

As you can tell from my questions, my knowledge on electrical is non existent so any helpful advice that you can advise would be great.

Thanks

[BillP · Accepted solution]

i think you mean you have a basic PDU with C13's and C19's (versus C16).

anyway, take a look at our policy on modifying plugs -> http://nam-en.apc.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/9668

this [second article|http://nam-en.apc.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/184] goes over the same idea for UPSs but makes a good point - you can most likely do this temporarily as long as you make sure you don't overload your circuit since the PDU can most likely handle it but your circuit cannot. secondly, you need to make sure you won't get in trouble and adhere to your local electrical code.