What is PowerZook?
PowerZook is a non-invasive power sensor that can be installed on single-phase, 2 & 3-core cables without system downtime (or the need to unplug equipment) to provide power usage readings via SNMP and the web-browser interface.
I know it’s possible to monitor live-only single phase cables using a traditional current clamp, but isn’t it impossible to monitor single phase 2 and 3-core cables using this method?
Traditional CT current clamps that are clamped around 2 and 3-core cables will provide a reading of zero (or close to zero) due to the cancellation effect caused by the same current flowing in opposite directions through the live and neutral wires. But the PowerZook has been designed to overcome the cancellation effect to provide current readings on 2 & 3-core 16/32A single phase cables.
Do I need to modify the power cable I wish to monitor?
No – you do not need to modify/cut/isolate the live wire in order to install the sensor.
Is downtime required for installation?
No – downtime is not required for installation.
Can PowerZook be used to help monitor power in Smart Cities and Buildings?
Yes, PowerZook is ideal for acquiring power usage information where it has been traditionally difficult to do so, eg. hard-wired single phase cables or dumb power strips/PDUs that can’t be disconnected due to the resulting system downtime.
Why does PowerZook use True RMS monitoring?
True RMS monitoring devices and sensors are the preferred choice in data centre environments due to their increased accuracy (compared to Mean Average monitoring) when measuring distorted waveforms typical of those found in IT Environments.
What cable types/sizes can be used with PowerZook?
2.5mm² and 4.0mm² core cable up to 13.6mm in diameter. Please refer to literature for detailed cable information.
What information can be obtained from the PowerZook?
Current (Amps – true RMS) and indicative Watts are the key metrics.
Can the PowerZook be used on 13A cables?
A new 13A PowerZook for use with smaller cables is due to be released shortly.
How do you configure PowerZook?
PowerZook is configured via its web-browser interface. Calibrate the device on the cable using the calibration tool & enter the network settings.
How is the PowerZook powered?
The sensor is powered via PoE (IEEE 802.3af).
How do I configure the PowerZook if I can’t easily connect to a PoE switch beforehand?
A Jacarta PoE injector is available so that the sensor can be powered via any USB port when configuring the device with a notebook/laptop. Once configuration is complete the device is powered using a PoE network switch.
Is any ongoing PowerZook maintenance required?
No – ongoing maintenance is not required.
Can the firmware be updated by the user?
Yes. Firmware can be uploaded quickly and easily via the network using the PowerZook’s web-browser interface.
Why use a PowerZook as opposed to a smart PDU?
The PowerZook can be installed into any environment without disconnecting power and can be used with existing PDUs minimising both network downtime and cost.
Does PowerZook present an additional point-of-failure on the network?
No. As the PowerZook is not an inline device it does not introduce an additional point-of-failure to your critical network systems and, in the unlikely event of a failure, a replacement sensor can be installed without any disruption.
How can the PowerZook be powered if I don’t have a PoE switch?
It is possible to use our PoE Injector to permanently power the PowerZook. Small PoE hubs can also be used.
Can the PowerZook work independently of an NMS?
Yes. Power usage readings can be obtained from the web-browser interface. For ongoing monitoring, logging and alerting we would advise using an SNMP monitoring platform.