About Power Distribution Units (PDU)
What is a PDU?
A Power Distribution Unit (PDU) takes a single high-current input feed (typically NEMA L5-30, L6-30, or hard-wired) and distributes the power to multiple outlets in a server rack — typically C13 / C19 IEC for IT equipment. Modern PDUs add metering (input-current monitoring), switching (per-outlet remote control), and environmental sensing (temperature, humidity).
UPSPLUSBATTERY.CA stocks rack-mount PDUs from major UPS-brand catalogs (APC, Eaton, Tripp Lite, CyberPower, Vertiv) plus Xtreme Power Conversion (XPDU series) — typical pairings with our UPS catalog. PDUs are typically installed downstream of the UPS, distributing the UPS-protected power to rack equipment.
PDU types
| Type | Function | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Basic PDU | Power distribution only — no monitoring | Cost-effective rack power split |
| Metered PDU | Input-current readout (analog or LCD) | Capacity planning, breaker monitoring |
| Switched PDU | Per-outlet remote on/off (network-managed) | Remote reboot, controlled startup sequence |
| Metered + Switched (intelligent) | Per-outlet metering + switching, environmental sensors | Data centre, colocation, full visibility |
| Maintenance Bypass PDU (MBP / XBDM) | Allows UPS bypass for service without dropping load | Critical UPS deployments, planned UPS swap |
How to choose
Input voltage and plug
Match input to UPS output: 120 V NEMA L5-30 for 120 V UPS at 30 A; 208 / 240 V NEMA L6-30 for 208 V UPS; hard-wired terminal for high-current UPS. Confirm the UPS output spec before ordering PDU.
Output count and type
Most rack equipment uses IEC C13 inlet (2.5 A typical IT load). High-current devices (servers above 1500 W, blade chassis) use C19. Common rack PDUs ship with 16–24 C13 outputs and 2–4 C19. NEMA 5-15R / 5-20R available on 120 V PDUs.
Monitoring level
Basic PDU for budget builds. Metered for capacity planning. Switched for remote reboot. Intelligent (metered + switched) for data-centre visibility. Per-outlet metering enables billing in colocation environments.
Maintenance Bypass PDUs
MBP / XBDM units allow safe UPS replacement or service without dropping the protected load. The bypass switch transfers load directly from utility (bypassing the UPS) for the duration of the service window, then back through the UPS once it's reinstalled. Standard requirement for any business-critical UPS deployment with formal change-management.
Installation and warranty
Plug-in PDUs (NEMA 5-15 / 5-20 / L5-30 / L6-30 input) install without electrician work — match plug to UPS output receptacle. Hard-wired PDUs require licensed electrician per CSA. Manufacturer warranty per brand on individual product pages; UPSPLUSBATTERY 1-year support coordination.
FAQ
PDU vs power strip?
A power strip distributes utility power without monitoring or rack mounting. A rack PDU adds rack-mount form factor, locking IEC outputs, current ratings up to 30 A, and (on monitored / switched models) network-management visibility. Don't substitute a power strip for a PDU in a server rack.
PDU before or after UPS?
After. UPS protects the load; PDU distributes UPS-protected power across rack equipment. Putting a PDU before a UPS adds nothing useful and can cause issues with UPS overload sensing.
Monitored PDU is worth it?
For data centre and colocation: yes — capacity planning, billing, breaker-trip troubleshooting all rely on metered data. For SMB single-rack: basic or metered is usually sufficient.
Switched PDU for remote reboot?
Yes — switched PDUs enable remote on / off per outlet via SNMP / web, useful for remote sites where a hung server needs a power cycle without a truck roll.
How many C13 outputs do I need?
Count the rack equipment that takes C13 inlet plus 25 % buffer for growth. Typical 1U server: 1× C13. 2U server: 1× C13 (single-corded) or 2× C13 (dual-corded). 24-port switch: 1× C13. NAS: 1× C13. A typical small server rack with redundant power needs 16+ C13 outputs.
Maintenance bypass — when?
Any business-critical UPS deployment where the UPS must be serviceable without dropping load. APC XBDM and similar MBP units route load through bypass during UPS service.
Warranty?
Manufacturer warranty per PDU brand. UPSPLUSBATTERY 1-year support coordination on every unit.