Automated Test Equipment (ATE) racks are commonly used in various industries, including
electronics, aerospace, and automotive, to test electronic components and systems. These
racks are often made up of multiple components, including power distribution units (PDUs) that
are responsible for distributing power to the various test equipment.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards integrating emergency stop (e-stop)
functionality into PDUs used in ATE racks. In this blog post, we will discuss the advantages of
using a PDU with e-stop functionality in an ATE rack.
Enhanced Safety
Safety is a top priority in any industrial environment, and ATE racks are no exception. The
integration of e-stop functionality into the PDU provides an additional layer of safety, allowing
operators to immediately cut power to the equipment in the event of an emergency. This can
help prevent accidents and reduce the risk of injury.
Increased Efficiency
In addition to improving safety, a PDU with e-stop functionality can also increase the efficiency
of the ATE rack. By integrating the e-stop with the PDU, operators can quickly and easily shut
down power to all the equipment in the rack, rather than having to shut down each component
individually. This can save time and reduce the risk of damage to the equipment.
Simplified Wiring
The integration of e-stop functionality into the PDU can also simplify wiring and reduce the
amount of cabling required. Instead of having to wire separate e-stop switches to each piece of
equipment, the e-stop functionality can be integrated into the PDU, reducing the amount of
wiring required and potentially saving on costs.
Compliance with Industry Standards
Finally, the integration of e-stop functionality into the PDU can help ensure compliance with
industry standards and regulations. Many industries require that emergency shut down
switches be installed on all equipment, and by integrating this functionality into the PDU,
operators can be assured that they are meeting these requirements.
If you are looking for a PDU with e-stop functionality for your ATE rack, nVent SCHROFF
offers several highly configurable options to suit your specific needs. One such product is the
19”, 3U power distribution unit Rack Safety Plus.
This PDU supplies both AC mains power and DC power to electrical or electronic devices as a
central power switch with emergency stop function. It features a 400 V 3-phase, 230 V 1-
phase mains input with mains fuses, as well as 1-phase 120 V AC (phase to neutral) or 1-
phase 208 / 240 V AC (phase to phase or phase to neutral).
The AC outputs are available in a variety of connector types from Schuko, C13, C19, NEMA 5-
15R, and others, and can be switched on and off using an ON/OFF switch. The PDU also
includes permanent AC outputs (Service) and all outputs are protected by circuit breakers.
The emergency stop function in the Rack Safety Plus meets the requirements of EN 60947-5-1
and EN 60204-1, and is designed to be vandalism-proof for added durability and reliability.
One of the key benefits of nVent SCHROFF's PDUs is their configurability. Customers can
choose from standard configurations or quickly and easily create their own configuration from
predefined components. This flexibility allows the PDU to be tailored to the specific needs of
the application, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
In summary, nVent SCHROFF's PDU with e-stop functionality, such as the Rack Safety Plus,
offers a wide range of features and benefits for ATE rack applications. These PDUs are highly
configurable, can supply both AC mains power and DC power, and include circuit breakers for added protection. Additionally, the emergency stop function meets industry standards and is designed to be vandalism-proof.
Check out our product configurator
For more information, please contact us at Sales@odonnell.com
