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    Nodegrid Serial Console Plus - DC Power Connection Guide
    • 13 Aug 2024
    • 8 Minutes to read
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    Contents

    Nodegrid Serial Console Plus - DC Power Connection Guide

    • Updated on 13 Aug 2024
    • 8 Minutes to read
    • Print
    • Dark
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    • PDF
    Article summary

    Overview

    This connection and install guide is intended for an authorized service person who needs to safely rack mount and install a DDC Nodegrid Serial Console Plus (NSCP) in a rack.

    After you have completed the installation in this guide, refer to the Nodegrid User Guide for details on how to further configure NSCP.

    Verify the NSCP Part Number

    Check the part number of the shipment against the device. Part Numbers can be found either on the box containing the unit or underneath the appliance on the product label. The following are the covered part numbers for NSCP.

    • NSCP-T16R-STND-DDC 

    • NSCP-T32R-STND-DDC 

    • NSCP-T48R-STND-DDC

    • NSCP-T96R-STND-DDC

    List of Components and Accessories

    Component

    Included in the Box

    Quantity

    Comments

    NSCP DDC Appliance

    Yes

    1


    Rack Mount Ears and Screws

    Yes

    2


    Console Cable and Adapter

    Yes

    1


    DC Cables (4m)

    No

    2

    One side terminated with a terminal ring (connecting to NSCP) and the other end terminated appropriately for the available power supply.

    Screwdriver

    No

    1

    Philips size #2

    Cage Nuts

    No

    8


    Lacing Bars

    No

    1


    Velcro Strips

    No

    2+


    Warnings and Cautions

    Read all the following safety guidelines before proceeding with the connections to protect yourself and your Nodegrid Serial Console Plus.

    WARNINGS:

    • Do not operate your ZPE Systems Nodegrid Serial Console Plus with the chassis cover removed.

    • This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take appropriate measures.

    • The power source must support the DC power requirements of your Nodegrid. Make sure that the power source is the correct type and that the DC power cables are in good condition before proceeding. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or damage to the equipment.

    • Wiring to power from a DC supply may be confusing, especially in telecom racks, where the supply's positive wire (usually of blue color) goes to the ground, and the hot wire (usually of brown color) carries the -48VDC. Consult a certified electrician before proceeding with connections. Failure to do the right connections could result in personal injury or damage to the equipment.


    CAUTIONS:

    • To avoid shorting out your ZPE Systems Nodegrid Serial Console Plus when disconnecting the network cable, first unplug the cable from the Host Server, unplug external power (if applicable) from the equipment and then unplug the cable from the network jack. When reconnecting a network cable to the back of the equipment, first plug the cable into the network jack and then into the host server equipment.

    • To help protect the ZPE Systems Nodegrid Serial Console Plus from electrical power fluctuations, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or uninterruptible power supply. Ensure that nothing rests on the cables of the console server and that they are not located where they can be stepped on or tripped over. Do not spill liquids on the console server. Such action can cause electrical shock or damage to the device, Nodegrid Serial Console Plus may reboot with a surge of -2kV at the input power.

    • Do not push any objects through the openings of the ZPE Systems Nodegrid Serial Console Plus. Doing so can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.

    • Keep your ZPE Systems Nodegrid Serial Console Plus away from heat sources and do not block the host’s cooling vents.

    • The ZPE Systems Nodegrid Serial Console Plus DC models are to be installed with a maximum 20A Listed circuit breaker or branch-rated fuse.

    • The ZPE Systems Nodegrid Serial Console Plus DC powered models are only intended to be installed in restricted access areas (dedicated equipment rooms, equipment closets, or the like) accordance with Articles 110-18, 110-26 and 110-27 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 701, 1999 Edition.

    • Minimum Specific Breaker or Fuse Rating: 6A. Required conductor size: 18 AWG or 0.75 mm2 or above. Fuses must be provided with unambiguous cross-references to servicing instructions (F1).

    • To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or 0.14mm2 or larger UL Listed or CSA Certified Telecommunication Line Cord (for example, 24 AWG or 0.25mm2).



    Descriptions and Specifications

    Device Overview



    Key

    Description

    A

    Power Switch

    B

    RTN (Return)

    C

     (Ground)

    D

    48 VDC

    Specifications

    This section summarizes the physical and environmental specifications of the NSCP device.

    Physical

    • Front-Rear Mounting Brackets

    • Size (L X W X H): 443 X 312 X 43 mm (17.4 X 12.3 X 1.7 in), 1U

    • Weight: 5.265 kg (11.6 lb), depending on options

    • Shipping Weight: 8.745 kg (19.3 lb)

    • Shipping (L X W X H): 533 X 497 X 209 mm (21 X 19.6 X 8.3 in)

    Environmental

    • Operation: -20 to 55° C (32ºF to 140° F), 5-95% RH, non-cond.

    • Storage: -20 to 67° C (-4ºF to 153° F), 5-95% RH, non-cond

    Power Specifications

    • 40V-63 VDC dual power input (redundant)

    • Single or Dual AC: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz

    • Power consumption 45 W typical

    Power Module

    The NSCP DDC devices are all equipped with a dual power supply for redundancy. Each terminal block has three terminal connections, which are covered by plastic protection and can be slid to either side to gain access to the connections.

    In case only a single power supply will be used to operate the appliance it is recommended to use Power Supply A. The NSCP DDC units can be powered by voltage ranging from +-40 to +-63VDC.

    Key

    Power Supply

    Marking on Unit

    Description

    A1

    1


    Power On and Off switch

    A2

    1

    RTN

    RTN (Return)

    A3

    1

    Ground

    A4

    1

    48 V

    +-48 VDC

    B1

    2


    Power On and Off Switch

    B2

    2

    RTN

    RTN (Return)

    B3

    2

    Ground

    B4

    2

    48 V

    +-48 VDC

    DC Cable Requirements

    The cables connecting the NSCP DDC must conform to local electrical, fire, and other security regulations. The requirements provided here are used as a guideline for the customer and do not replace existing rules.

    ZPE Systems recommends the use of a fire-resistant cable with a diameter of no more than 6.6 mm and a typical minimum bend radius of 40mm or more.

    IMPORTANT

    The cable-specific requirements, like bending radius, must be confirmed with the cable vendor.

    The cables should be terminated on the Nodegrid side with a wire ring connector to avoid unintended disconnection from the terminal block. The Terminal ring size should correspond to M3 (recommended) or M4 and must not exceed 6.6mm in width.

    Grounding

    The NSCP DDC devices must be appropriately electrically grounded. The NSCP appliance offers the following two grounding methods:

    • DC units should be grounded using the appropriate ground pins from both terminal blocks.

    • On the left-hand side of the appliance is the ground/earth screw. AC units use this option. DC units can use the same grounding method if desired, but this is not recommended.

    Device Installation


    Dual Power

     

    NSCP devices are designed to be installed into a data center rack. Modern racks offer various cable management options, and users can implement their specific cable management guidelines, like side cable management options or lacing bars. This guideline outlines a installation method using traditional cable management options, which use lacing bars to guide and affix cables. The lacing bar must be mounted directly below the NSCP.

    Single Power 

    Guidelines

    Users may decide to implement their guidelines, but the following general requirements should be observed for the installation of NSCP DDC:

    • Leave enough space below the unit; having 1 U below is recommended.

    • Observe the minimum bending radius for the used power cable for non-motion.

    For example, a fire-resistant 4m cable with a 6.6 mm diameter might have a typical non-moving minimum bending radius of 40mm.

    IMPORTANT

    Check the cable specification before the installation for cable-specific details.

    • Affix the DC power cables to a lacing bar or other appropriate mounting facility provided by the rack.

    • DC power cables should be guided to the left side and console cables to the right, separating power and other passive cabling clearly.

    Rackmount

    1. Attach ear mounts from the NSCP accessory box using the Phillips #2 screwdriver and provided screws to the unit.

    2. Install the cage nuts

    3. Install the NSCP unit with the power outlets and console connection facing the installer.

    4. Install the lacing bar below the NSCP.

    Connect NSCP to DC Power Source

    IMPORTANT

    Always follow local health and safety regulations, especially when working on electrical power lines.

    1. Make sure both power switches on NSCP are turned ON. This is the default setting, indicated by the flipped power switch to the right.

      WARNING

      Do not turn on or off an NSCP DC unit using the NSCP’s power on or off switch while the DC cables provide live power. Always disconnect the unit from power first.

    2. Make sure the DC main power source is turned off.

      WARNING

      Never work on powered wires.

    3. Starting with Power Supply A, remove the protective cover on the DC terminals. (Slide to the left or right to remove.):

    4. Loosen all DC power connection terminal screws.

    5. For +48VDC power sources:

      1. Connect the ground cable (yellow-green) to the GND Ground Symbol  terminal on NSCP.

      2. Connect the return cable (brown) to the RTN terminal on NSCP.

      3. Connect +48 VDC cable (blue) to the 48 VDC terminal on NSCP.

    6.  For -48VDC power sources:

      1. Connect the ground cable (yellow-green) to the GND   terminal.

      2. Connect the -48VDC cable (blue) to the RTN terminal.

      3. Connect the return cable (brown) to the 48 VDC terminal.

    7. Tighten the three screws back to each terminal with a torque of 1.3 to 1.8 N-m.

    8. Slide the DC terminal block protective cover back into place. 

    9. Run the power cable to the lacing bar, then go to the left side of the rack.

    WARNING

    Ensure the cable is not bent too tightly and follows the minimum bending radius

    10. Affix the cable to the lacing bar with Velcro to ensure that the cable can not be moved by mistake or accident.

    11. Repeat steps 4-11 for power supply B, utilizing the bottom lacing bar.

    12. Double-check that the DC power source is off, then connect the power cables starting with Power Supply A, followed by Power Supply B.

    13. If required for local configuration, connect any other cables to the appliance, such as device console cables, network cables, and a device console cable.

    14. Turn on both DC power sources.

    15. The unit will power on and boot up.

    16. Connect the console cable to a laptop or other applicable device.

    17. Open a terminal program and connect to the serial console port using the settings 115200,8,N,1,N.

    18. The console connection will display the boot process until the unit is fully booted and a login prompt is displayed.

    19. The unit is now ready to be configured; see the User Manual for more details at https://docs.zpesystems.com.

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