From ChatGPT to self-driving vehicles, technologies that utilize artificial Intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing are transforming many industries. The rise of these and other data-intensive applications has had a profound impact on data centers, which must evolve to accommodate higher power densities.

The rapid expansion of data centers in response to the AI boom is, in turn, influencing the plugs and connectors that continuously supply power to rack system power distribution units (PDU), servers, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and data storage devices. Here’s a quick overview of this new AI landscape, including the way it’s affecting the requirements for electrical components.

Transforming Data Center Power Consumption and Infrastructure 

Advanced AI tasks, such as those that involve deep learning and large language models, require substantial computational power, leading to an increase in the use of high-density server racks. These racks consume much more power than traditional setups, driving overall power demands in data centers around the world. In fact, the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that electricity demands in global data centers will more than double from 2022 to 2026, with AI playing a significant role in this growth.

To meet these exploding AI workloads, hyperscale data centers are also on the rise. Designed for large-scale computing tasks, these facilities house high-density server clusters that consume a lot of power and produce a lot of heat. Because traditional air-cooling methods are insufficient for high-density AI servers, many data centers are beginning to incorporate liquid cooling technologies, further reshaping the data center landscape.

In short, the increase in power demand, along with the need for high-density computing and advanced cooling methods, is transforming data centers around the world. At the same time, the plugs, connectors and other power devices used in these centers must provide all the high-density equipment with the same levels of dependability.

Your Single Source for Data Center Power Devices

AI servers, high-density racks and other systems require more amps to run properly. As these amperages increase, the plugs, connectors and other power devices must be able to keep up. Failure to do so could cause delays, unplanned downtime and productivity losses. 

As a global leader in pin and sleeve devices, plugs, connectors and wall-mounted receptacles, MENNEKES has your data center needs covered. All our units are in stock and ready to ship, enabling us to quickly satisfy your requirements — even as the amperages rise. Our products are commonly used in the following data center applications:

• Drop cords
• Power whips
• Rack PDUs
• Remote power panel (RPP) power cables
• Power distribution cables
• Busway systems
• Tap-off boxes — and more

Whether for underfloor or overhead cable installations, our power devices are adaptable and easy to use. For example, all MENNEKES plugs and connectors feature backed out terminal screws, while our 60A units include a threaded two-piece housing that facilitates assembly. In addition, our female cord connectors have NPT cable entry, allowing you to directly install a flex conduit fitting without the need for a costly adaptor fitting. Reliable and heat-resistant, female devices also include high-temperature UL 94-VO inserts for safe and reliable long-term use.

To learn more about how MENNEKES products meet the needs of both present and future data centers, visit our industry page. You can also download our brochure.