{"id":1810,"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":"2026-05-07T05:53:54","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T09:53:54","slug":"the-connector-designed-to-grow-with-your-data-center","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.andersonpower.com\/en-in\/the-connector-designed-to-grow-with-your-data-center\/","title":{"rendered":"The Connector Designed to Grow with Your Data Center"},"content":{"rendered":"

Power Demands and the Future of Data Centers<\/h2>

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. While hyperscale data centers currently require ~10\/14kw output per rack, a 2024 Newmark report<\/a> estimates that AI requirements will demand ~40-60kw per rack. The report indicates<\/a> that the total amount of power needed from data centers will nearly double from 17GW in 2022 to 35GW in 2030.<\/p>

To keep up with demand, new data centers are breaking ground at a rapid rate. Many are being constructed by some of the largest corporations on the globe. 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>

Data centers aren\u2019t just building bigger, either. Many companies 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>

Ict Engineers and the Need for Versatile & Compact Equipment<\/h2>

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>

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 confront a lack of industry standards, while those in high-power AC data centers may have trouble finding connectors that take full advantage of 480V power and avoid power losses from transformer conversions.<\/p>

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>

One effective strategy involves adopting receptacles 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 IEC size to its AC current capabilities.<\/p>

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 10-15A and 250V, so any connector that provides greater power within that same footprint can be said to hold a power density advantage.<\/p>

Saf-D-Grid: A Powerful Connection Technology Solution<\/h2>
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Selecting the right connector that optimizes power density and versatility is a small but meaningful way to meet the power demands of 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

Saf-D-Grid is UL-rated for disconnect up to 30A, delivering an impressive power density\u00a0advantage over the standard 10-15A. The connector technology offers up to 7.2X the power of a standard C13\/C14 connector within the same amount of space. Additionally, Saf-D-Grid is UL-rated for disconnect up to 400V. Using Saf-D-Grid, data centers can take full advantage of 380VDC or 480VAC power and avoid the power losses inherent in transformer conversions.<\/p>\n\n

The versatility of Saf-D-Grid is another key feature. The receptacle and power cord are compatible with data centers regardless of AC or DC power distribution, providing a quality option for those with rarer DC specifications. Saf-D-Grid also comfortably supports the growing number of data centers that rely on 277VAC single-phase power. Most standard connectors only support up to 250VAC.<\/p>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Other features of Saf-D-Grid include:<\/p>