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Do you need help? Call us! (978) 568-8229
We’ve compiled some of our most frequently asked questions below. If you still have a question you need answered, you can contact us here.
AC General offers a 400 Hz three phase and single phase PDU rated at 20A service. The power input connector is Non-NEMA Hubbell Twist-Lock, commonly referred to as a “Variload TwistLock®” connector. The connector is UL498 Listed, and marked for 20A, 120/208V, 3PH, 400Hz service.
Note the single phase PDU also utilizes the same three phase connector, however only X-Phase, neutral, and ground wire are utilized.
For custom panels requiring more than 20A service, AC General will generally use an Amphenol MIL-5015 Type Standard Cylindrical Connector for the input and, often for the outputs.
A PDU equipped with a remote control option can be used without a remote control panel by connecting an AC General Bypass Plug into the REMOTE connector on the PDU rear panel.
Regardless of the PDU remote control configuration “R1” (momentary On and momentary Off switches) or “R” (single maintained On/Off switch), use Bypass Plug, P/N 400-029
When a Bypass Plug is used, all contactor-switched outputs are enabled whenever the main breaker is On.
Don’t hesitate to contact AC General with any questions in this area. There’s always a solution!
Absolutely. AC General specializes in adapting our products to meet your needs. Over the years, we’ve tailored our standard PDU products in hundreds of different ways. Most of the time, we can tailor a product with little or no NRE.
A Utility outlet (or Convenience outlet) is an output that provides power independent of the PDU control scheme. Generally, they are activated whenever the main breaker is switched ON. Utility outlets are used to power devices equipment that needs to remain ON such as computers, monitors, etc.
A branch is an electrical circuit taken from the AC Mains and controlled by one of two switching schemes.
A “Switched” branch is controlled by a contactor or power relay. Usually, the switching is controlled via a Remote Control Panel or other built-in means of opening/closing the branch.
An “Unswitched” branch is a circuit that remains ‘live’ whenever the main circuit breaker is active. It is independent of the contactor controlled switching scheme mentioned above. Typically, computers or other keep-alive equipment is plugged into an unswitched branch circuit.
Each circuit type is marked “Switched” or “Unswitched” on all PDU outputs.
Contact AC General via web, phone, or email and request a Return Material Authorization (RMA). The following items are needed before an RMA is granted:
A “U” is a mechanical measurement unit that equals 1.75 inches. 2U is 3.5 inches.
Generally, the serial number is located on the product side panel and/or the rear of the PDU.
Cables, Lockout Panels, and Control Panels don’t usually have a serial number
Our 20, 30, and 60A PDUs generally consume very little power and don’t need any special cooling. See PDU Specifications
60Hz PDUs can be operated at 50Hz provided the PDU doesn’t have a phase monitor.
Also, if the PDU is used outside North America, the connectors may not be compatible with host country connector standards. Contact AC General for guidance.
Phase rotation is the sequence of voltage or current phasors in a multiphase electrical system. AC General PDUs assume an ABC phase rotation, whereby the B-phase voltage lags the A-phase voltage by 120°, and the C-phase voltage lags B-phase voltage by 120°.
If the PDU is newly installed and AC Line Fault indicator is illuminated, consider swapping the B-phase wire with the C-phase wire in the facility power input connector. If that does not resolve the problem, there may be a sustained phase under-voltage (V phase-to-phase < 15% of nominal) or missing phase voltage.
If the problem persists, contact AC General.
Our web site does not currently list all AC General Part Numbers.
However more than likely, the part number is still available to order even if it a decade (or two) old! Most of the assemblies that we make (PDUs, Controllers, cables, etc.) are uniquely customized and designed for use on long term military contracts.
If you’re concerned about an obsolete part number, call us (978-568-8229) or use our Contact Us form to reach out with you specific request.
Currently, AC General does not accept credit cards. Please contact us directly for purchase options.
In general, AC General products are categorized as EAR99 goods and not subject to export control restrictions/licensing.
Because of frequent updates to export regulations and restrictions, buyers of AC General products who then export them must still perform due diligence to determine how your system is going to be used and by whom.
EAR99- An export classification regulation defined by Export Control Administration
Link US Munitions List: USML
Link to Commerce Control List: CCL
Yes, please see: ACG QMS Statement
AC General uses several different types of connectors for our power distribution panels (PDUs). Most connectors are so-called “locking devices” which prevent the connector from disengaging unless manually twisted.
The most common are:
AC General provides a variety of remote control panels uniquely suited for our PDUs.
However, if you need to operate our PDU with a different control scheme, contact us to discuss what you have for a control panel. It’s quite possible that we can adapt our PDU via a different cable to work with Marway’s Commander™ UCP EPO Panels by using their J4 / J5 Remote Status Interface connections.