This category covers server racks and power distribution units (PDUs) for housing and powering servers, network switches and patch panels. It suits small offices, server rooms and home labs. At present the range is small, with DIGITUS the only brand listed, so the guidance below also helps you check any rack or PDU against your equipment before ordering.
How to choose a server rack or PDU
Height in rack units. Rack height is measured in U, where 1U is 44.45 mm of mounting space. Add up the U of every server, switch and patch panel, then allow roughly a quarter extra for growth. Small wall-mounted cabinets start at around 6U to 12U, while full-height floor racks are commonly 42U.
Depth and width. Most server equipment is built for the 19-inch standard, so the mounting width is rarely a problem. Depth is where mistakes happen: measure your deepest server, then add space at the back for power and network cables. Floor racks are often sold in depths such as 800, 1000 and 1200 mm, and deep rack servers may not fit the shallower ones.
Load capacity. Check the static load rating of the rack and, for a wall-mounted cabinet, the wall fixings as well. Rack servers and UPS units are heavy, and a full cabinet can weigh far more than expected. Keep the combined weight of your equipment well below the stated limit.
Airflow and cable management. Servers produce a lot of heat, so look for perforated front and rear doors, or space for fans, rather than solid panels. Cable entry points, cable rings and vertical cable channels keep airflow clear and make later changes much easier.
PDU type and sockets. A PDU should offer enough sockets for all your equipment, plus a few spare. Check that the socket type matches your power cables (servers commonly use IEC C13) and that the PDU's current rating covers the total load. Basic PDUs simply distribute power, while metered or switched models add monitoring or remote control, which matters more in larger installations.
Brands we carry
- DIGITUS: a brand of ASSMANN Electronic, known for network and server cabinets, structured cabling and connectivity accessories, which makes it easy to match a rack with patch panels and cables from the same maker.
DIGITUS is the only brand in this category at the moment.
Frequently asked questions
What size server rack do I need?
Choose a rack with at least 20 to 30 percent more U than your equipment needs today. Add up the height of all servers, switches and panels, then check that the depth suits your longest server. A rack that is too small is difficult to extend, so a little spare space is sensible.
What does U mean in a server rack?
U stands for rack unit, a standard measure of vertical space equal to 44.45 mm. A 1U server takes one unit, a 2U server takes two, and a 42U rack offers 42 units in total. The unit applies to the 19-inch mounting standard used by most servers and network equipment.
What is a PDU and do I need one?
A PDU is a power distribution unit, a strip of sockets designed to be mounted in a rack and feed several devices from one or two power inputs. You need one if you have more than a couple of devices in a rack, because it keeps cabling tidy and sits neatly beside the equipment. Advanced models can also measure power use or switch individual sockets remotely.
Can I use an ordinary power strip in a server rack?
You can for a very small setup, but a rack PDU is the better choice. It mounts in the rack, usually has sockets suited to server power cables and is built for a continuous load. Whichever you use, make sure the total power draw stays within its rated current.
