{"id":10393,"date":"2025-11-06T18:06:25","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T22:06:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.andersonpower.com\/the-connector-designed-to-grow-with-your-data-center-2\/"},"modified":"2026-05-20T14:02:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T18:02:40","slug":"the-connector-designed-to-grow-with-your-data-center-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.andersonpower.com\/en-in\/the-connector-designed-to-grow-with-your-data-center-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Data Center\u2019s Power Solution: The Complete Guide to Saf-D-Grid\u00ae<\/sup>"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

1.<\/b> Power Demands and the Future of Data Centers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.<\/b> IT Professionals and the Need for Versatile & Compact Equipment<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.<\/b> Explore the Saf-D-Grid Connector Series<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.<\/b> What is the Original Saf-D-Grid\u00ae<\/sup> Connector Solution?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.<\/b> What is Saf-D-Grid?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6.<\/b> Powering the Future with New Saf-D-Grid Models<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. <\/b>Saf-D-Grid Max: Supporting High Amperage Applications<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

8.<\/b> Saf-D-Grid Three Phase 20A: Supporting High Voltage Data Centers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. <\/b>Saf-D-Grid Customization Options<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

10.<\/b> Take the Quiz<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Power Demands and the Future of Data Centers<\/h2>\n\n\n
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The demand on data centers is growing at an astonishing pace. Generative artificial intelligence and machine learning models require more power to train the AI models and perform inference operations. Rack power densities that once peaked<\/a> at 20kW now exceed<\/a> 100kW, with 1MW on the horizon for the largest hyperscale applications. These densities will only continue to grow at a rapidly increasing rate<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To keep up with demand, new data centers are breaking ground at a rapid pace. For example, Microsoft, BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partnership (GAIIP), and MGX announced<\/a> in fall 2024 they would partner to raise $100 billion to invest in new data center developments.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Data centers aren\u2019t just building bigger, either. Many are exploring new power distribution strategies. Some are adopting<\/a> high-voltage DC power distribution, a strategy that can lead to increased efficiency by reducing the number of required AC-DC conversions. Others are leveraging<\/a> high-powered AC alternatives to the traditional 415VAC three-phase or 240VAC single-phase distribution. Options like 480VAC three-phase power and 277VAC single-phase bring higher voltage directly to the PSU and offer multiple advantages<\/a>, including space savings, increased efficiency, and material cost reduction (since higher-gauge, thinner wires can be used). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

IT Professionals and the Need for Versatile & Compact Equipment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of the chosen power distribution method, every data center requires equipment designed to handle their voltage and current specifications. The receptacle and power cord that connects the power distribution units (PDU) in the racks to the servers or provides input power to the server units is an example of a small \u2013 but crucial \u2013 piece of data center architecture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These components must be rated for both the type of voltage (AC or DC) and the voltage magnitude \u2013 a somewhat complicated task for data centers that fall outside traditional 415 VAC configurations. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment engineers working with DC-powered data centers often encounter<\/a> issues finding DC-rated equipment and components (e.g. connectors and cables), while confronting with a lack of industry standards. In addition, those in high-voltage AC data centers may have trouble finding connectors that take full advantage of 480V power to maximize power transfer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another crucial consideration for modern data center equipment involves space-saving designs, particularly within developed markets where new construction cannot keep up with demand. For example, Northern Virginia’s data center vacancy rate dropped<\/a> from 1.8% in 2023 to 0.9% in 2024 \u2013 despite an 18% increase in inventory over the same period. In response to these challenges, data centers face increasing pressure to optimize rack space to meet demand.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One effective strategy involves adopting connectors and power cords with a power density advantage \u2013 meaning they pack the most power within the smallest possible footprint. This advantage can be determined by comparing the connector\u2019s size to its power (voltage and amperage) capabilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) formalized these sizes in its IEC-320 standard<\/a>. Most data center rack-mounted power distribution units (PDUs) rely on C13\/C14 sized connectors but \u2013 if more current is required \u2013 larger C19\/C20 connectors can also be used. Standard C13\/C14 connectors support 10A (IEC) and 15A (UL) at a 250VAC (AC only) maximum. Standard C19\/C20 connectors support 16A (IEC) and 20A (UL) at 250VAC (AC only) maximum. Any connector that provides greater power within the same footprint can be said to hold a power density advantage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Selecting the right connector that optimizes power density and versatility is an important method to meet the power demands of today and for the future. Anderson Power, an international leader in high power interconnect solutions, offers the Saf-D-Grid receptacle and power cord to meet this need.  Saf-D-Grid is available in three standard types: Saf-D-Grid, Saf-D-Grid Max, and Saf-D-Grid Three Phase 20A. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore the Saf-D-Grid Connector Series<\/h2>\n\n\n\n