PDU power distribution units supply electricity to servers, network equipment and storage inside racks and cabinets. Our range has over 280 models: horizontal 1U and vertical 0U units with C13, C19 or Schuko outlets. APC, MAXTRACK, INLINE and DSIT have the most products, so you can choose anything from a small office cabinet unit to a data centre rack unit.
How to choose a PDU
Mounting format. A 1U unit mounts horizontally and takes one slot in a 19-inch rack, while a 0U unit attaches vertically to the side and uses no equipment space. Most of our range is 1U or 0U, with a few 2U models. In a crowded rack 0U is usually easier to work with, and in a small office cabinet 1U is often enough.
Outlet type and number. C13 outlets suit most servers, switches and other IT equipment, C19 outlets are for more powerful servers and UPS units, and Schuko (Type F) outlets take ordinary household plugs. Our range runs from 6 to 42 outlets, with 8 and 24 outlet units the most common. Count all your equipment and leave a few spare outlets.
Input plug and voltage. A C14 or C20 inlet connects by cable to a UPS or similar output, a Schuko plug goes into a normal wall socket, and an IEC 60309 industrial plug needs a matching socket, which an electrician often has to install. Input voltage in our range includes 230 V, 200 - 240 V and 100 - 240 V, and some units are made for a 400 V supply. Most models run at 50 - 60 Hz.
Load and control. Check the maximum current in amps and make sure the combined power of your connected equipment stays within it. Basic units only distribute power, metered units show consumption, and switched units let you turn individual outlets on and off remotely. Whether a model has these functions is stated in its product description.
Brands in our range
- APC: a Schneider Electric brand best known for UPS systems and rack PDUs, so its units are easy to pair with APC uninterruptible power supplies.
- CyberPower: a UPS manufacturer that also offers rack PDUs, which makes it simple to buy both from one brand.
- Rittal: a German manufacturer known for server racks and enclosures.
- Bachmann: a German company specialising in power outlet strips and distribution units.
- DIGITUS: an ASSMANN group brand known for network cabling and rack accessories.
Also in our range: MAXTRACK, INLINE, DSIT, EQUIP, QOLTEC, EFB and LogiLink.
Frequently asked questions about PDUs
How is a PDU different from a normal extension lead?
A PDU is built to be mounted in an IT rack and to power several devices continuously. It has a rack-ready housing, often C13 and C19 outlets, and some models add current metering or remote control. A standard extension lead usually has none of these features.
What is the difference between 1U and 0U PDUs?
A 1U PDU mounts horizontally and takes one slot in the rack, while a 0U PDU fits vertically along the side and leaves all the equipment slots free. 0U is often chosen for larger racks that need many outlets. 1U suits smaller cabinets with only a few devices.
Are C13 and C19 outlets interchangeable?
No, the two outlets have different shapes, so a C13 cable will not fit a C19 outlet. C19 is rated for a higher current than C13, which is why more powerful servers and UPS units use it. If you need to join different types, use a cable made for the purpose and rated for the device's current.
Can I connect a PDU to a UPS?
Yes, many PDUs can be connected to a UPS with a cable that has a C14 or C20 plug, as long as the UPS has a matching output. The combined power of the connected equipment must stay within both the UPS capacity and the PDU current rating. It is worth comparing the specifications of both devices before buying.
