Light pipes for status display

The human need for information continues to expand at record pace, while continual advancements in information and communications technology (ICT), strive to keep pace with this demand. New data centres continually appear in the most unconventional of places to support this growing demand. These data centres are under constant pressure to improve upon efficiency and reliability under growing regulatory requirements to reduce energy use and cost. Meanwhile, the demand for reliable transmission with increased speed must keep pace.

At the base of this modern day economic demand and supply phenomena is an intelligent, reliable power supply and - at the base of that - a simple connector. Schurter is introducing its IEC outlets with integrated light pipes, which bring a simple yet improved option to intelligent power distribution.

Today, PDUs often use LEDs mounted in between outlets to display a current status. The high packing density of servers in modern data centres demands the same of power distribution units. With Schurter's appliance outlet, the integrated light pipes provide space and assembly cost savings over conventional strip designs. Service technicians are able to clearly see which systems are working properly, or respond to required maintenance adjustments. The triggering of the LEDs is freely configurable, wherein each state can be clearly and independently represented. An outlet could, for example, signal an outage with a red LED, or a critical power consumption pattern with a yellow LED. Optionally the Schurter 6600-5 is also available with only one or without light pipe.

In order to prevent against unintentional removal of a power cord, the new sockets offer a pull-out safety device. Depending on the arrangement of the sockets in the bar - horizontally or vertically - the Schurter V-Lock or other cord retention systems with side latches can be used. Both systems are possible with outlets the 6600-5.

The outlet's snap arms are currently designed for front panel dimensions of 1.7 or 2.0mm. Versions for 1.0, 1.5 and 2.5mm will follow shortly. And a 16A version of the device socket with up to four light pipes will be launched in the near future as well.

Technical data:

• Ratings IEC 10A / 250V AC; 50Hz
• Ratings UL/CSA 15A / 250V AC; 60Hz
• With one, two or without integrated light pipes for status display
• Compatible for V-Lock cord retention and other systems with side latches
• Operation temperature -25degC to 70degC
• Snap-in mounting and PCB terminals

Follow the links to learn more about the Microsite lightpipe or to download the Datasheet 6600-5.