Space and Power

Equinix enforces a strict Power allocation policy to ensure reliable colocation services and that every customer receives their contracted capacity. This policy guarantees that the Power you have been allocated is consistently available when you need it.

Here is what you need to know about how Space and Power are allocated, measured and billed:

Space and Power allocation

Both Space and Power are measured in kVA (kilovolt-amperes).

The Space kVA reflects the infrastructure capacity allocated to your deployment.

The Power kVA, also known as your draw cap, represents the maximum allowed usage included in your contract.

These two values are balanced, meaning they will be identical.

Please also read our Power policy (Section 4.6) for more information.

Cabinet equivalents (CabE)

In addition to kVA, your allocated Space is also expressed in cabinet equivalents (CabE), which indicates the physical footprint of your deployment.

Power allocation: Draw cap

You are not permitted to draw more Power than your draw cap. 

We will notify you via email and your account team will get in touch to resolve the overage. This may require you to:

• Upgrade your contract to increase allocated Power infrastructure and maximum included usage.
• Reduce your usage to stay within the draw cap if an upgrade is not desired or technically feasible.

Energy usage and overages

Any usage beyond your contracted draw cap will result in additional charges. Please review your billing statements and usage reports regularly to stay within your allocation. For all inquiries, please contact your account manager.

Demarcation for Power availability

The demarcation point, whether Power is available, is the IEC60309 socket at the end of the AC Power circuit coming from either the Room Power Panel (RPP) or from the Tap of Box (Power Infrastructure Unit/ PIU).

The powerstrips are not considered in any availability measurement.

Please see the SLA metrics for the definition of availability/unavailability of Power.