VAC Ranges and Power Supply Maximum Wattage

Document Scope:

This article covers the basic explanation of power supply specifications and the importance of ensuring the correct power supply is plugged into the correct power outlet.

Introduction:

HPC workstations and servers are higher on the VAC (volts alternating current) range. There is no such thing as VAC power - it is just AC power. For example, when you see 110 VAC on an appliance, it means 110 volts AC power, which is the "pressure" that pushes electricity.

• You would want to match the appliance's VAC range with the outlet's VAC range; however:
  • Higher VAC appliance can plug into lower VAC outlet, but will draw less power.
  • Lower VAC appliance can plug into higher VAC outlet, but it will most likely cause burning, fire or even explosion.

Disclaimer:

Exxact is NOT responsible for ensuring that you have adequate electricity for your systems. You should consult with your building's manager or electrician to evaluate power needs before sale.

Exxact's Support members are not trained electricians and therefore can only offer general guidance as to what our systems needs to run adequately.

You should ask seek your building's manager or electrician if you do not know the rating for your power outlets.

Matching VAC Appliance to Outlet:

1500W Power Supply Example

In the example below, the appliance power supply has an 'AC Input' voltage range of 115-240VAC, which means you can plug it into pretty much any outlet and the power supply will supply a maximum of ~1500W.

Higher VAC Appliance to Lower VAC Outlet:

2000W Power Supply Example

In the example below, it has 3 ranges of VAC. It will supply a maximum of:

• 1200W on 100-115Vac
• 1500W on 115-200Vac
• 2000W on 200-240Vac

Plug Requirements for 2000W+ Power Supplies:

C19 plugs instead of C13

Newer heavy-duty power supplies, redundant or standalone, have been using C19 to NEMA 5-15P instead of C13 to NEMA 5-15P. The C19 can handle higher amperage than C13.

NEMA 5-15P and 5-15R (3-prong plug typically seen in US)

C13, and C13 to NEMA 5-15P

Handles up to 10A/250V

C19, and C19 to NEMA 5-15P

Handles up to 16A/250V

Lower VAC Appliance to Higher VAC Outlet:

Plugging an appliance with AC input voltage lower than the outlet's VAC risk fire or explosion

This heat gun example clearly states 120V ~ 60Hz, no range. You can plug this into any US plug that's 110V, but plugging this into 220V PDU will short out the heat gun. 

OK

NOT OK

Typical Outlets in USA:

• Residential use is typically 120/240 VAC 60Hz, low being 120, and larger appliances using 240
• There is no real difference between 110V and 115V circuits. Outlets in your home are standardized to 120V, but due to a number of factors like line length and distance from the grid, you may only get 110V to 115V.
• In most of the world, household outlet voltage is 220 volts. In the United States and neighboring countries, however, household outlets run at 110 or 120 volts.

If it says something like "100-240V, 50/60 Hz", it will work anywhere in the world with the right plugs.