PowerPDU 4C: IEC-320 C13 Metered Power Distribution Unit

Product detailed description

NETIO PowerPDU 4C can be mounted in rack cabinets (horizontally and vertically). Four different rack-mount brackets are available.

PowerPDU 4C offers an open M2M API with 13 different M2M protocols that can be used for energy consumption metering and control of individual outputs. NETIO 4x smart power outlets can be connected to multimedia AV systems, cloud services (e.g. MS Azure IoT hub), the Node-RED environment, or smart home apps.

• Power input: 1x IEC320 C14, 110/230V (10A)
• Power output: 4x IEC-320 C13 (max 10A)
• Energy metering: Yes (V, Hz + for each output: A, kWh, W, TruePF)
• Interface: 2x LAN / RS-232
• Industrial features:
  Wide range of operating temperatures, ZCS (Zero Current Switching), IOC, PowerUp state.

Each of the four power outlets (IEC sockets) can be switched on/off with a button at the device or from the device’s web interface. The manufacturer provides a mobile app; however, the open API also allows the use of recommended third-party apps. 

PowerPDU 4C offers highly accurate (<1%) energy metering for each output independently – current (A), energy (kWh), as well as TPF (True Power Factor).

Each of the 4 power outputs of PowerPDU 4C can be measured and controlled (On / Off / restart) using the open API (various M2M protocols):

• SNMP v1 / v3 for data centers and more
• URL API for switching sockets from IP video cameras and more
• XML over http/https for IT systems
• JSON over http/https for web services
• MQTT for cloud services (e.g. MS Azure)
• Telnet for simple applications
• SIP (VoIP) for controlling electrical outlets like a phone
• Modbus/TCP as the most popular industry protocol

With the NETIO Cloud service, the outputs can be controlled from anywhere. The NETIO Cloud service, provided for a fee, uses SSL security and servers in Europe. 

As a unique feature, Power PDU provides ZCS (Zero Current Switching) – each output is switched on or off when the current crosses the zero level. This reduces EMC interference, avoids problems in the long term and protects the controlled devices.

The RS-232 serial port can be used as a remote terminal (remote serial port). Another option is to control the RS-232 serial port with a Lua script. The NETIO AN18 Application Note shows a simple serial port protocol that can be used to control the electrical outputs over RS-232.

The Scheduler function switches each power outlet (110/230V IEC-320 C13) individually on and off at the specified times and days of week.

Delayed switch-on function prevents circuit breakers from tripping when power is restored after an outage. The PowerUp state parameter defines the power-on state of each output (On / Off / LAST).

The IP WatchDog function monitors a given device over the network (periodically sends a PING request), and if the connection fails, either turns the output off, or power-cycles it (“short off”) to restart the device. It can be used to autonomously restart servers or information booths.

As a unique feature, NETIO 4x products (4All / 4 / 4C) can be programmed from the web interface using custom Lua scripts. The manufacturer publishes tutorials as Application Notes (ANxx).

NETIO PowerPDU 4C supports a high level of network security. The configuration of the power distribution unit with electric meter is protected using a separate password, and HTTPs is supported. Individual M2M API protocols are enabled or disabled individually, and support either HTTPs, or at least IP address filtering.

AV drivers

• BrightSign: free plugin AN47
• CONTROL4: free driver to control outputs
• CRESTRON: free driver to control outputs
• ELAN: free driver to control outputs
• KRAMER: free driver to control outputs
• Neets: free driver AN44
• RTI: free driver to control outputs
• SAVANT: free driver to control outputs
  
  
• LOXONE: example AN53
• Home Assistant: drivers by community
• OpenHAB: drivers by community

 NETIO PowerPDU 4C features:

• LAN: 2x RJ45 (built-in switch)
• WiFi: No
• RS-232: Yes (3-pin)
• Online demo: http://netio-4c.netio-products.com (login: demo/demo)
• Web: Built-in web server
• FW upgrade: Yes (over the Web)
• Mobile app: Yes (iOS / Android)
• Control buttons: Yes
• LED indicators: Yes (for each output)
• M2M API protocols: SNMP v1/v3, Telnet, Modbus/TCP, SIP VoIP
• M2M API – HTTP(s): XML, JSON, URL API (http get)
• M2M API – Cloud: MQTT
• Lua support: Yes (user scripts)
• NETIO Cloud: Yes
• Control of outputs via RS-232: Yes, using a Lua script – NETIO AN18
• Scheduler function: Yes
• IP WatchDog function: Yes
• Sending e-mails: Yes (TLS)
• Enhanced security: Several password levels, HTTPS, IP filtering

• Power input: 1x IEC320 C14, 110/230V (10A)
• Power output: 4x IEC-320 C13 (max 10A)
• Switching element: 4x SPST-NO relay, ZCS
• IOC (output state independent on FW updates): Yes
• ZCS (Zero Current Switching): Yes
• Configurable default state of each output: On / Off / LAST state
• SPD – surge protection: Yes, type 3

• Energy metering: Yes, 18 parameters (2 + 4x4)
• Measured parameters: Grid frequency [Hz], Voltage [V] + for each output: Current [A] / Energy [kWh] / Input power [W] / TruePF [-]
• Measurement accuracy: <1%
• Internal consumption: 2 to 5W

• Mechanical characteristics: Metal housing, 220 x 40 x 120 mm
• Mounting position: Horizontal (1x / 2x) / vertical in a 19” rack
• Sound output: Yes
• Temperature range: -20 °C to +65 °C

More information: https://www.netio-products.com/en/device/powerpdu-4c