Rack PDUs are power distribution units that mount in a 19-inch server or network cabinet and share one mains feed between several devices. The category suits server rooms, comms cupboards and small offices that need tidy, rack-mounted power. Leading brands in our range include APC, MAXTRACK, INLINE and DIGITUS.
How to choose a rack PDU
Input plug. Start with the socket or UPS output the PDU will connect to. Our range includes C14 and C20 couplers, IEC 60309 (also written IEC309) industrial plugs, and Type F Schuko plugs for ordinary wall sockets. A C14 inlet is rated for lower loads than a C20, so match it to the total draw of your equipment.
Total load. Add up the power draw of every device and leave headroom for growth. The PDU's rated current, its input plug and the output of any UPS feeding it all set the real limit, so check all three.
Outlet type and count. Most servers and network switches use C13 sockets, while high-power equipment often needs C19. Schuko outlets suit devices with standard mains plugs. Count the outlets you need today, then add a few spare ones.
Monitoring and switching. Rack PDUs generally range from basic units that simply distribute power to metered, monitored or remotely switched models. Metering shows the current drawn, and switching lets you reboot a frozen device without visiting the site. This is worth having for unattended cabinets.
Mounting and cable length. Horizontal 1U units take up rack space, while vertical 0U units sit along the side rail and keep all the rack units free. Check the cabinet depth and make sure the supply cable reaches the socket or UPS without strain.
Rack PDU brands we carry
- APC: part of Schneider Electric and best known for UPS systems, with rack PDUs designed to sit alongside them in the same cabinet.
- ATEN: known for KVM switches and remote management, which is why its PDUs often appeal to admins who want to control power over a network.
- CyberPower: a UPS specialist that also makes rack PDUs, so it is a natural match for its own battery backup units.
- DIGITUS: a brand focused on network cabling and server cabinet accessories, with PDUs that fit a standard 19-inch rack build.
- Bachmann: a maker of mains sockets and power distribution products, with a background in office and installation equipment.
- Lanberg and Qoltec: Polish brands that supply network and power accessories for small server rooms and offices.
Also in our range: MAXTRACK, INLINE, DSIT, EQUIP and Liebernetz.
Rack PDU questions and answers
What is a rack PDU?
A rack PDU is a power strip built for a server or network cabinet. It takes one power feed and splits it across many outlets, usually in a 1U horizontal or 0U vertical format. Some models add metering or remote switching on top of basic distribution.
What is the difference between a rack PDU and a normal power strip?
A rack PDU is made to mount in a 19-inch rack and usually carries higher loads with sturdier construction. It often uses C13 or C19 outlets, which grip server power cables better than household sockets. Many models also offer current metering, which ordinary power strips lack.
Which input plug do I need on a rack PDU?
Choose the plug that matches your power source. Use a C14 or C20 inlet if the PDU connects to a UPS or another PDU with an IEC cable, an IEC 60309 plug for industrial supplies, and a Type F Schuko plug for a standard wall socket. Always check the rated current of the plug against your total load.
Can I connect a rack PDU to a UPS?
Yes, a rack PDU can be fed from a UPS, which then protects every connected device from outages. The UPS must be able to supply the combined load of all equipment, and its output socket must suit the PDU's input plug. C14 and C20 inlets are the usual choice for this setup.
