Which device is responsible for distributing power to servers and networking equipment?

The Power Distribution Unit (PDU) is the device that plays a crucial role in distributing power to servers and networking equipment in a data center environment. PDUs are designed to manage and distribute electrical power effectively within a facility, providing multiple outlets for connecting various types of equipment.

A standard PDU takes power from a single source, such as a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) or main power supply, and distributes it to multiple devices, ensuring that power needs are met for various components in a data center. This capability allows for a streamlined power management process, including monitoring and controlling power consumption and load balancing, enhancing overall energy efficiency and safety.

In comparison, an Automatic Transfer Switch primarily serves to switch power sources automatically between a primary source and a backup source, thus ensuring power reliability rather than directly dividing or distributing power among multiple devices. Feeders refer to the electrical conductors that connect the power source to the distribution points and thus are part of the power delivery system but do not manage or distribute power directly to equipment. A substation is a larger facility involved in voltage transformation and distribution at a higher level, typically used in utility power systems, rather than specifically within the environment of data center equipment.

Therefore, selecting the Power Distribution Unit reflects