Power distribution units (PDU) for server racks and network cabinets, from basic 1U strips to vertical 0U models with metering or monitoring. The range suits home labs, office comms cabinets and server rooms, with over 20 models from LANBERG, APC, Eaton and Brennenstuhl, among others.
How to choose a power distribution unit
Mounting format. A 1U PDU takes up a slot in the 19-inch rack, while a 0U unit mounts vertically along the side or back and leaves the rack space free for equipment. Both formats are in our range. If your rack is already full, 0U is usually easier to fit.
Number and type of outlets. Count every device you plan to connect and leave a few spare outlets. Our range includes units with 8, 24 and 42 outlets. C13 couplers suit most servers and switches, C19 couplers are used by larger servers and high-load equipment, and Type F and Type L outlets let you plug in ordinary mains cables.
Input voltage and load. Check the supply you have before ordering. Models in our range are listed for 230 V, 220 to 250 V and 110 to 240 V, and there is also a 400 V unit for three-phase supplies. Add up the power draw of your equipment and make sure the PDU's rated current covers it with some margin.
Basic, metered or monitored. A basic PDU only distributes power. A metered unit shows current or load on a built-in display, and a monitored one lets you read the values remotely over the network. Remote monitoring helps in unattended server rooms, but a basic unit is enough for a small home rack.
Protection and cabling. Look at the length and plug type of the input cable, and at whether the unit has a switch or overload protection. These details decide whether the PDU can connect to your wall socket or UPS without adapters.
PDU brands we carry
- LANBERG: a maker of network and rack accessories, including cabinets, patch panels and cables, so its PDUs fit naturally into a rack build. It has the largest share of our PDU range.
- APC and Eaton: both are known for UPS systems and rack power equipment used in server rooms, and their PDUs are often paired with their own UPS units.
- Brennenstuhl: a German manufacturer best known for extension leads and cable reels, which makes it a sensible source for simple, mains-style power strips.
Also in our range: SYNERGY21, LANVIEW, LogiLink, EFB Elektronik and Techly.
Frequently asked questions about PDUs
What is a PDU used for?
A PDU distributes power from one supply to several devices inside a server rack or network cabinet. It replaces a loose extension lead with a unit designed to be mounted in the rack. Some models also measure or monitor the electrical load.
What is the difference between a PDU and an ordinary power strip?
A rack PDU is built to be fixed in a 19-inch rack or along its side, and it often uses C13 or C19 outlets found on servers and network gear. An ordinary power strip is meant for the floor or a desk. Metered and monitored PDUs also add load readings that a standard strip does not provide.
Should I choose a 1U or a 0U PDU?
Choose 0U if you want to keep all rack units for equipment, and 1U if you prefer a simple unit that mounts in the front or back of the rack like any other device. A 0U PDU needs a rack with enough depth and mounting points at the side. A 1U unit is easier to fit in a small cabinet.
Do I need a metered or monitored PDU?
You need one only if you want to track power use or spot overloads. A metered PDU gives a local reading, and a monitored PDU lets you check it over the network. For a few devices in a home or small office rack, a basic PDU is usually enough.
