APC PDUs question. changing commando sockets to normal plug?

[ranj]

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.

 

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

[Chris_]

Yes. You could just wire 13a plugs on the end. You might have a problem getting a 13a plug to fit due to the gauge or wire so it might be easier to get some adapters like a 13a -> 16a and a 13a -> 32a.

[ranj]

I dont understand what you mean by the adapter. Do you have a picture??

 

Yes. You could just wire 13a plugs on the end. You might have a problem getting a 13a plug to fit due to the gauge or wire so it might be easier to get some adapters like a 13a -> 16a and a 13a -> 32a.

[Chris_]

13a -> 16a 16A, 240V SOCKET TO 13A PLUG - IS1053 - PRO ELEC

13a -> 32a http://www.vikinglighting.co.uk/catalogue/images//cable/13-32.jpg

 

Just means that you don't need to re-wire the plugs and try to get the 32a cable into a 13a plug.

[Oaktech]

how much current are you going to draw in reality?

 

work out how much current you are using worst case and then decide whether you can legitimately use an adapter, or if you need to get an electrician to fit some temporary power.

 

max rated amps is max rated amps, you can't suck more than that out of the cable,

 

16a is about 3800 watts, 32 is about 7600 watts roughly.