PDU

What is a server rack PDU?

Power distribution units in data centers and AV environments

A Power Distribution Unit (PDU) is a central element for structured power distribution within server racks and in audiovisual installations. Rack PDUs - often also referred to as modern power strips - take electrical energy from the main supply and distribute it to connected devices via multiple outlets. As a result, they are a fixed part of data centers, server rooms, technical systems, and office infrastructures. They are typically installed in 19-inch racks and can be mounted both horizontally and vertically, enabling space-saving installation and clean cable management.

PDUs can be seamlessly integrated into existing rack systems and ensure a stable and reliable supply for servers and other IT hardware. They support different connection standards such as IEC C13 and IEC C19 as well as classic Schuko sockets. This versatility makes it possible to supply a wide range of devices with power safely, which significantly simplifies the operation and management of IT infrastructures.

Active and passive Power Distribution Units

PDUs can generally be divided into two categories: intelligent, active PDUs and simple, passive models. Intelligent active PDU An intelligent or active PDU does much more than just distribute power. These devices include monitoring and remote control functions and can be integrated into existing IT systems via a network interface. Control is typically carried out over LAN using TCP/IP as well as common protocols such as SNMP, Modbus, or HTTP/HTTPS. This makes it possible to integrate the PDUs into monitoring systems in order to collect and evaluate consumption data and use it for energy management. IT administrators therefore gain valuable insights for optimizing energy efficiency.

In addition, depending on the configuration, environmental values such as voltage, current draw, temperature, or humidity can also be monitored via optional sensors. Many intelligent PDUs also allow threshold values to be defined, and when these are exceeded, automatic warning messages are triggered, for example by email. These advanced functions make a major contribution to operational reliability and stability in data centers.

Passive PDU

Passive PDUs are the simplest form of power distribution. They operate without additional electronics or network functions and are put into operation directly using the plug-and-play principle. Their task is limited to the pure distribution of the supplied power to multiple outlets. They are mainly used in smaller IT environments, offices, or data centers with lower requirements for monitoring and energy management.

Do you have any questions?

Our sales team will be happy to advise you.

Contact

Salutation

First name

Last name

Your email address

Phone

Subject

Comment

To continue, enter the characters shown above

Privacy

By selecting continue you confirm that you have read our and accepted our .

Fields marked with asterisks (*) are required.