Raritan PX4 Frequently Asked Questions

 

Question

Answer

What is the default username and password for the PX4?

Username: admin
Password: legrand


What are the differences between the controller in the PX4 and previous models?
Will the previous generation PX3 continue to be supported?

We will continue sales of most PX3 models, including providing support on PX3 models that are not discontinued or end-of-life. Customers will be given advanced notice before any changes to sales or support. To learn more about Raritan’s discontinued and end-of-life power distribution products and policies, please see the Power EOL Page.


Can PX4 PDUs be cascaded?

Yes. Cascading is the physical connectivity of rack PDUs, connecting rack PDUs via the Ethernet port or USB A/B port (e.g., physically chaining PDU 1’s USB-A port (the Primary PDU) to PDU 2’s USB-B port (the Expansion PDU)) across multiple racks/cabinets. You need to define 1 PDU as the Primary PDU, then you can cascade 31 additional Expansion PDUs from the Primary, totaling 32 PDUs in the cascade/daisy chain. 

There are 2 different types of cascading modes to choose from after physically connecting the PDUs, they are bridging mode and port forwarding mode. Bridging mode allows for each PDU in the chain to have a separate IP address. Port forwarding mode reduces the number of IP addresses, where every PDU in the chain has the same IP address. That means 1 IP address for up to 32 PDUs, where each PDU in the chain gets assigned its own port number. Cascading is the physical connectivity of devices that reduces the number of network ports used on network switches and reduces the number of IP addresses required.


Can PX4 PDUs be linked?

Yes. Linking is the logical connectivity of devices, using the PDU Link port within the same rack/cabinet. Where you can link a single Primary PDU with multiple Link PDUs for more efficient power management. Linking connects multiple PDUs, where PDU 1 is defined as the Primary PDU and then you can link up to 7 additional PDUs, called Link PDUs, totalling 8 PDUs. Once PDUs are linked, you can log into Primary PDU and use one single interface to then select any PDU that is linked and see the data collected.


Can I link the PX4 with PX3?

No. All devices in the chain should be the same models and must be running the same firmware version.


Where can I find the MIB?
Where can I find firmware updates?
How do I manually reset my Rack PDU back to factory defaults?

With the known admin password, open the Web UI then go to > Maintenance > Unit Reset > Reset to Factory Defaults or CLI command reset factory defaults


What happens to communication if power is lost to the Primary PX4?

PX4 controllers have a PDU Link port that also provides power sharing. Link PDUs downstream from the Primary PDU that are cascaded with the Link port will provide controller power redundancy. If the source power to the Primary PDU is lost, the controller will remain powered on to send configured notifications via power sharing from connected link units.


Does PX4 support KVM remote power control?

The PX4 does not have a feature port, so the connection to a Power CIM peer can be achieved through a USB dongle (DSER-PWR-USB-G4 and DKX3-PWR-USB-G4) and the USB-A port. You can use the SNMP protocol to communicate with the Raritan KVM or serial devices. Note: Power CIM peer stands for either a Raritan KVM switch (KX2, KX3 via D2CIM-PWR) or a Raritan serial switch (SX, KSX2).


Are there alerts when breaker/fuse branch circuit protection trips?

Yes. The PX4 controller will display a visual and sonic alarm when the breaker trips and the branch associated outlets will flash multi-color. These alarms are also logged in the PDU event log and sent via SNMP traps and SMTP notifications when configured in the PDU Event Rule setting.


What is the operating temperature rating?

The PX4 has been tested and approved for safe and reliable operation in environments from 0°C to 60°C / 32°F to 140°F. 


Can I leverage third party management software to manage the data collected by the PX4 PDUs?

Yes. The PX4 is built on the Xerus Technology Platform, Intelligent PDUs provide an SNMP MIB or open API that interoperates with third-party software such as DCIM or BMS.
 


What does a “true hot-swappable” iX controller mean?

The iX Controller is hot-swappable:

  • It’s interchangeable between like models.
  • It can be purchased independently, does not require any special programming, and can be stocked as spares.
  • It enables "live replacement" with no power interruption to connected equipment.
  • The PDU does not need to shut down or restarted for the controller to be swapped in/out.
  • The outlet states don’t change when a card is swapped.
  • The iX controller will reprogram itself once seated using data stored "inside" the PDU chassis.

 


What sensors and accessories are compatible with the PX4’s Sensor port? 

The PX4 supports daisy-chained DX2-series SmartSensors, each with the ability to send SNMP-based alerts and email notifications.


Are custom options supported? 

Yes. Custom options include:

  • PDU Color: full-color chassis or color labels
  • Line Cord Type/Length/Entry Location
  • Plug Options
  • Outlet Numbering (Outlet #1 closest to or furthest from the input cord)
  • Form Factor & Dimensions
  • Outlets
  • Overcurrent Protection
  • High kAIC or Fuse Options

 


What is so special about the controller’s multi-color LCD? 

It displays the PDU's configuration and allows easy access to all power and monitoring data locally at the rack; the display rotates to a vertical or horizontal orientation; and the display changes color to indicate an event or alarm notification such as circuit breaker trips, alarms/alerts, and other user-defined configurations.


What are the outlet power distribution options for PX4 three-phase PDUs? 

Alternating Branch is standard on Raritan PX4 PDUs. Alternating Branch is a traditional power distribution method to distribute alternating phase power to a group of outlets, or a branch of outlets. One branch is used for each phased pair. This means that a minimum of three branches are required to fully distribute the available power. An equal quantity of outlets is used on each branch. By dedicating a branch for each phased pair, the end-user reduces the risk of overloading any single phase.