Optima™ Series Comparisons
Product SelectorStandard Optima Features ↑
In addition to Marway’s custom PDUs, we offer three standardized lines — Optima 8, Optima 5, and Optima 3. With over 260 models, there’s a lot to choose from, and even some areas of overlap.
It can be helpful to consider whether the similarity and familiarity of using a single product line is beneficial, or whether having the most feature and cost efficient product for each use is better for you.
Hopefully, we can help you sort through the options. Let’s start by identifying what features are common to all our standard Optima products.
What’s The Same
- Whether included by default or as an option, all standard models (including 0U) feature surge suppression and hydraulic magnetic circuit breakers.
- Whether included by default or as an option, all standard 1U, 2U, 3U models feature an EMI filter.
- The standard lines are focused on 15 A, 20 A, and 30 A capacities in single phase and three phase power sources in the 100–240 Volt range. Custom systems can be much larger.
- All standard models are powder coated 18ga steel.
- All standard models are designed and manufactured to meet UL 62368-1 (though not all models have completed certification as of this writing).
What’s Different ↑
The availability of certain power data, network connectivity, remote EPO, twist lock connections, and other details differ across the three Optima series. Each series has its advantages.
- Optima 8 Smart PDUs — Ethernet is the key difference of the 8 Series. With Optima’s standard industrial features, these are not your average data center PDUs. These units share many of the same capabilties of the 5 series with the addition of networking software. A focus on the most common configurations we are asked for means there’s a little less diversity in configurations compared to the 5 series.
- Optima 5 Basic PDUs — This is the work-horse series providing the widest selection of enclosure size and inlet and outlet connector options. Available in 1U, 2U, 3U, and two lengths of 0U enclosures, the 5 series alone has over 160 models. There’s no Ethernet, but the 1U series includes local power monitoring, and the ability to stagger two sets of outlets at startup. The 2U and 3U models include multiple breakered branches.
- Optima 3 Basic PDUs — These units are the simplest standard units we offer. The 3 series is a much smaller line focused on the most common essentials for single phase inputs. These models generally cost less and have shorter lead times.
- Custom PDUs — When specialized interlocking, connectors, controls, or power conditioning are needed, then a custom PDU will be the most effective. We can start with one of our standard models as a baseline, or create a dedicated design.
Optima 8 Advantages ↑
- Ethernet connectivity for web browser, command line, SNMP, and programmable access. Optima 5 and 3 do not have Ethernet or software controls.
- Programmable power data monitoring and outlet switching over RESTful API, Telnet, SSH, RS-232, and SNMP.
- More power data for the inlet phase(s) including V, A, W, VA, VAR, PF, Hz. Optima 5 1U models can show V, A, W, PF locally only. Some Optima 3 models can display V, A locally only.
- Can automatically alert users by SMS or email to current or voltage anomolies, when outlets are switched, and other events.
- User-defined on delay of each outlet for specialized startup sequences. Optima 5 has a fixed delay between 2 groups of outlets. Optima 3 has no delays.
- Optional temperature/humidity sensors for monitoring one or two locations. Optima 5 and 3 do not have T/H sensors.
- Remote On/Off/EPO connectivity to Marway’s Commander UCP control panels. Optima 3 does not have UCP connectivity.
Bottom line, if you’re looking for Ethernet connectivity in an industrial PDU, the Optima 8 is the place to start. If one of the standard models doesn’t have everything you need, consider a custom modified PDU based on an 8 Series unit.
Optima 5 Advantages ↑
- No Ethernet. The 5 series offers a classic manual control panel. Sometimes, there’s something to be said for simplicity.
- The 1U model power meter option has more power data (V, A, W, PF) than Optima 3 (V, A only) which can be useful for monitoring loads on upstream UPS units.
- The 1U models have an option for staggered start outlet groups to reduce total in-rush current. Optima 3 powers all outlets at the same time.
- Twist lock outlets in 2U and 3U models. The 5 series has a more diverse collection of inlet and outlet options than the Optima 8 and 3 series.
- A 2U configuration provides twist lock outlets.
- The 2U, 3U, and some 0U models include more breakered branch circuits than Optima 3.
- Remote On/Off/EPO connectivity to Marway’s Commander UCP control panels. Optima 3 does not have UCP connectivity.
If you’re looking for a range of products with similar features and operation to cover multiple applications, the Optima 5 provides numerous options all compatible with Marway’s Commander remote control panel. The 5 Series also serves as a great reference point for minor customizations as well.
Optima 3 Advantages ↑
- Lower cost and shorter lead times compared to similarly configured Optima 5.
- Some of the 1U models have more front facing outlets than the 5 series.
- Several models have two circuit breakers where the Optima 5 would have one.
- Display of Volts and Amps on 0U models which the Optima 5 does not have.
The Optima 3 is optimized for basic rackmount applications with common outlet connections where there’s a need for the protection of surge suppression and EMI filtering. It’s our most cost effective, and readily available solution for these applications.
