Rack PDU: Complete Guide to Choosing Your Power Distribution Unit
Are you equipping a server rack, server room, or data center and looking for the right rack PDU? The power distribution unit (PDU) is the backbone of power supply for a 19-inch rack. At IT And Office, we offer PDUs and rack power strips from top brands (Raritan, APC, Eaton), both new and refurbished, at unbeatable prices. This guide helps you choose the right model.
Contents
- What is a PDU?
- The 4 types of PDUs: basic, metered, switched, managed
- Single-phase or three-phase, 16A or 32A?
- Form factor: horizontal 1U/2U or vertical 0U
- Outlet types: C13, C19, IEC 60309
- Top brands: Raritan, APC, Eaton
- PDU comparison by use
- 6 criteria for choosing the right PDU
- Rack PDU FAQ
1. What is a PDU?
A PDU (Power Distribution Unit) is a power strip designed for mounting in a 19-inch server rack. It receives a high-power electrical input (often via an industrial IEC 60309 connector) and distributes it to multiple outlets powering servers, switches, storage racks, and other rack equipment.
Also called a rack power strip, rack-mount power strip, or power bar. Not to be confused with a UPS (uninterruptible power supply), which provides battery backup power: the two are complementary.
2. The 4 types of PDUs
This is the most important choice. There are four levels of functionality:
- Basic PDU: simply distributes power without measurement. The most economical option.
- Metered PDU: displays total consumption (A/kW) on a screen to prevent overloads.
- Switched PDU: allows you to turn each outlet on/off remotely — ideal for rebooting a frozen server without having to be on site.
- Managed / intelligent PDU (monitored): measures consumption outlet by outlet and is monitored via the network (SNMP, web interface, REST API). Essential in data centers for billing and remote management.
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3. Single-phase or three-phase, 16A or 32A?
The rating determines the available power:
- Single-phase 16A PDU: ~3.7 kVA — small racks, a few servers.
- Single-phase 32A PDU: ~7.4 kVA — dense racks, demanding infrastructures.
- Three-phase PDU: distributes the load over three phases, ideal for high-density racks (up to 22 kVA and more).
Always check the available electrical supply in your room (type of circuit breaker and wall outlet) before choosing the rating.
4. Format: horizontal 1U/2U or vertical 0U
Two mounting formats for 19-inch racks:
- Horizontal (1U / 2U): occupies one or two rack units. Convenient for a moderate number of outlets and easy front access.
- Vertical (0U): mounts on the rear post of the rack without occupying a rack unit, freeing up space for servers. Ideal for tall racks with many outlets.
Also consider the depth of your rack or chassis and the length of your power cords.
5. Outlet types: C13, C19, IEC 60309
- IEC C13 outlet (10A): the standard, powers most servers and switches.
- IEC C19 outlet (16A): for high-power equipment (large servers, storage racks).
- IEC 60309 input: industrial connector for the 16A or 32A PDU input.
Many PDUs mix C13 and C19 outlets to adapt to a heterogeneous environment. Check the number and type of outlets according to your equipment.
6. The major brands: Raritan, APC, Eaton
Three manufacturers dominate the professional PDU market:
- Raritan: the reference for intelligent PDUs (iPDU) with billing grade ±1% measurement. Ex.: the Raritan PX3-1292R 32A 12×C13, ideal for datacenter monitoring.
- APC (Schneider Electric): the most widespread range, from basic to managed, very well documented.
- Eaton: excellent value for money, ranges from basic to managed ePDUs.
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7. PDU comparison by usage
| Usage | Recommended type | Rating | Outlets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small rack / SME | Basic or metered | 16A single-phase | 8× C13 |
| SME server room | Metered | 16-32A single-phase | C13 + C19 |
| Remote management | Switched | 16-32A single-phase | C13 |
| Datacenter / colocation | Managed (monitored) | 32A single or three-phase | 12× C13 + |
| High-density rack | Managed vertical 0U | Three-phase | 24× C13/C19 |
8. 6 criteria to choose the right PDU
- Control type: basic, metered, switched, or managed depending on your supervision needs.
- Rating and phase: 16A or 32A, single-phase or three-phase, depending on power and electrical supply.
- Number and type of outlets: count your equipment (C13 vs C19) with some margin.
- Form factor: horizontal 1U/2U for easy access, vertical 0U to save space.
- Input connector: check compatibility with your wall outlet (IEC 60309 16A/32A).
- Supervision: for datacenters, prefer SNMP, web interface, and per-outlet metering.
FAQ — Rack PDU
What is a PDU in IT?
A PDU (Power Distribution Unit) is a rack power strip that distributes power from a server rack to servers, switches, and other equipment. It mounts in a 19-inch rack, horizontally or vertically.
What is the difference between basic, metered, switched, and managed PDUs?
The basic distributes power; the metered shows consumption; the switched allows remote on/off of each outlet; the managed adds per-outlet metering and network supervision.
16A or 32A PDU: how to choose?
A 16A PDU provides ~3.7 kVA, a 32A PDU ~7.4 kVA. For a dense rack, choose 32A, often three-phase.
What is the difference between a C13 and C19 outlet?
The C13 (10A) powers most servers; the C19 (16A) powers high-demand equipment. Input is often via an IEC 60309 connector.
What is a vertical 0U PDU?
A 0U PDU mounts on the rear post of the rack without occupying rack units, freeing up space for servers.
Do you deliver to France and Europe?
Yes, shipping throughout France and Europe within 24 to 72 hours from our French stock, VAT invoice included.
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