Network Communications News (NCN) November 2016 | Page 16
F E AT U R E
PDUs
When to PDU, that is the question
Clive Merrell of PDU Online explains the importance of purchasing a proper PDU.
T
here are some that think that
power distribution units (PDUs)
are just another fancy extension
socket. The reality is however that
PDUs are often required to be
fitted, powered up and left 24/7
for several years in many cases
under varying loads and conditions.
The build specification between the two
types of product should therefore reflect
the difference in use.
Furthermore, the nature of the
procurement and supply chains often
involved means that should a problem
occur then it is not only a problem to
you but also to your customer and, very
often, your customer’s customer.
When I buy a shirt for £10 and it lasts
only three washes it’s a salutary reminder
of the truism you get what you pay for.
But can you take that risk with a PDU?
Many PDUs are protecting personal
data, business transactions, indeed
people’s livelihoods depend upon them
when sitting in data cabinets the length
and the breadth of the land. A failure
on one of these units has far wider
implications than just your extension
socket not working on Sunday when you
want to vacuum the car.
The British company behind PDU
Online has been manufacturing for
over 45 years, discreetly developing
its business over the period via
the electrical trade and the OEM
market. Price is always important in
any commercial transaction but on
commodities such as PDUs it should take
its place alongside quality, reliability,
specification, service and delivery.
Whilst global sourcing is a reality
in most manufacturing businesses PDU
Online, based in the Midlands, have
actively mapped out its supply chain
to try and buy locally and by its central
location minimise its environmental
impact where possible.
Buying from trusted local partners
and operating a Quality System
to ISO9001:2008 PDU Online can
demonstrate a commitment to quality
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