Whether it’s video streaming, online banking, or cloud software — servers are working behind the scenes 24/7. But when a server draws too much power or gets overloaded, the consequences can be serious.
Behind everything you do online, there’s a server. Data centres run thousands of powerful computers that make it possible to video call, email, bank, or stream content. These machines process your data and keep everything accessible, 24/7.
But what happens when a server becomes overloaded? This can occur when too many users are active at the same time, when the server overheats, or when it draws too much power. Just like at home, if you plug too many devices into one socket, the fuse might blow.
An overloaded server may:
• Fail to respond to data requests
• Shut itself down to avoid damage
• Disrupt connected servers, causing service-wide outages
You may not immediately notice an overloaded or failed server — but you’ll definitely feel the effects:
• A WhatsApp message won’t send and stays stuck on “sending”
• Your Netflix film stops playing or won’t start
• An online shop won’t load or displays an error message
• You can’t open or send emails
• A video call cuts out unexpectedly
• Your phone seems offline, even though it’s functioning normally
Behind the scenes, the cause is often simple: a server in the data centre has failed or become overloaded.
On a larger scale — in businesses or healthcare facilities, for example — the consequences can include:
• Delays in processing patient records
• Loss of access to customer databases
• Failure of critical systems like security gates or cloud-based software
To prevent this, data centres accurately measure how much power each server consumes. If a device suddenly starts drawing more energy than usual, administrators can:
• Intervene early — before a failure occurs
• Distribute energy smartly across multiple servers
• Temporarily shut down idle equipment to save energy
• Remotely restart servers without having to stand in front of the rack
This is done using PDUs (Power Distribution Units): intelligent power strips that measure, switch, and monitor electricity usage.
By monitoring how much power each server uses, data centres can prevent systems from failing — and ensure that your apps, connections, and digital services keep running smoothly at home.
It may seem like a technical detail, but it’s vital to keeping our digital world reliably online.
Schleifenbauer is a 100% Dutch technology company focused entirely on the development and production of high-end power products for data centres. We design and manufacture everything in-house, with a strong emphasis on reliability, flexibility and innovation.
PDU’s (Power Distribution Units): we leveren diverse typen PDU’s, van eenvoudig tot volledig intelligent:
• EnerTree Software: Our proprietary energy management platform for data centres. With EnerTree, operators can:
• Monitor server energy consumption in real time
• Set alarms based on thresholds or anomalies
• Analyse historical data to trace faults
• Switch servers on or off via connected PDUs
• Measure and invoice per-client usage (for colocation services)
• Calculate PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) for sustainability insights
• Generate reports for audits and energy management
• Stream real-time data from PDUs and Inline Meters
• Centrally manage and compare multiple data centre locations
At Schleifenbauer, we help data centres build reliable, scalable, and sustainable infrastructures — giving operators full control over energy use and uptime.
Would you like tailored advice or a demonstration? Feel free to contact us for a personal consultation.
Schleifenbauer Products BV
Het Sterrenbeeld 52
5215 ML ‘s-Hertogenbosch
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 73 523 0256
Email: info@schleifenbauer.eu
What, Why, and How? At Schleifenbauer, we specialize in the production of high-quality Power Distribution Units (PDUs). These essential devices play a crucial role in data centers and other environments where reliable power distribution is a necessity. In this blog, we cover everything you need to know about PDUs – from the basics to advanced […]
At Schleifenbauer, direct communication with our customers is paramount. Collaboration is at the core of everything we do. Our company is built on flexibility, not only evident in our Power Distribution Units (PDUs) but also in our internal processes. All teams, from engineering and procurement to sales, production, assembly, and logistics, work side by side […]
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