STERLING, Mass. – Anderson Power™, a global leader in high-performance interconnect solutions, expands its popular Saf-D-Grid® Connector Series with the launch of the new Saf-D-Grid Three Phase 20A. Designed for the latest high-voltage data centers, this connector supports 480VAC three-phase power and delivers 6.65X the power output of a standard IEC C13/C14 connector within the same compact footprint.
“As design engineers seek to increase rack density, the need for connectors that support high-voltage three-phase AC power is growing,” said David Beach, Market Segment Manager at Anderson Power. “Our new Saf-D-Grid Three Phase 20A is designed to deliver the enhanced three-phase power that the latest data centers demand.”
Why Three-Phase Power Matters in Today’s Data Centers
As generative AI and machine learning models expand, data center rack power densities that once peaked at 20kW now exceed 100kW. 1MW is even on the horizon for the largest hyperscale applications. To meet this demand, some data centers are choosing to continue three-phase AC power all the way into their rack-mounted power supply units (PSUs), rather than converting it to single-phase power within the rack power distribution unit (PDU). Increasing the voltage has the advantage of boosting power densities without requiring the larger, unwieldy cables that increasing amperage demands.
However, this high-voltage approach is not without its challenges. Few traditional source plugs and appliance connectors support both the output and input of three-phase power, and even fewer can accommodate a 480VAC rating. The connector must also be sized appropriately to fit within the space limitations of the data rack.
Why Saf-D-Grid Three Phase 20A Is a High-Power, Compact Solution
Saf-D-Grid Three Phase 20A from Anderson Power provides a premium high-power and compact solution for leading data centers. The Three-Phase 20A fits within a standard IEC 60320 C13/C14 connector footprint while supporting standout voltage ratings up to 480VAC line-to-line and 277VAC line-to-neutral.
The state-of-the-art Saf-D-Grid Three-Phase 20A supports:
- Up to 16.63kW of three-phase power within the space of a standard IEC C13/C14 connector.
- ·Up to 6.65X the power of a standard C13/C14 within the same compact footprint.
- Up to 4.16X the power of a standard IEC C19/C20 connector while occupying less space.
Additional Saf-D-Grid Three Phase Features for Advanced Performance
Within a data center power train, the Saf-D-Grid Three-Phase 20A can be used anywhere where amperages are 20A or less (16.63kW or less). The applications include connecting the PDU to the switch, the PDU to the server, the PDU to storage, and more.
Other features of Saf-D-Grid Three-Phase 20A and the complete Saf-D-Grid family include:
- High Thermal Rating: Saf-D-Grid is ideal for hot-aisle environments with a thermal rating of up to 105°C, providing greater headroom for conducting current in higher ambient temperature environments. Most traditional connectors offer a 70°C rating.
- Integrated Latch: A mechanical tab on the connector prevents accidental disconnects by requiring a button press to disengage, avoiding power loss to critical equipment.
- Ground Contact: The ground pin is longer than the other contacts, so it will mate first and break the connection last. This automatically provides the safety of an earthing path before engagement.
- Touch-Safe/Shock Protection: Saf-D-Grid minimizes the risk of accidental contact with hazardous voltage by passing the UL and IEC finger probe (plug and receptacle) and 3mm probe tests (receptacle).
For data centers looking to support higher voltages while saving space and cable costs, Saf-D-Grid Three-Phase 20A provides a superior power density advantage specifically designed for three-phase applications up to 20A. Anderson Power is also actively developing additional Saf-D-Grid Three Phase connectors to support higher amperage applications.
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Benefits and Challenges of 480VAC Three-Phase Power
