Audio Video Racks

A PDU is the professional version of the common extension lead used to provide electrical power to equipment around the home or office; particularly where the equipment is too far from an electrical socket or where additional outlets are required. This blog explains the many versions of basic pdus available for server rack power distribution to equipment mounted in 19 racks. In future blogs I will discuss intelligent pdus which can provide information on the power usage of equipment in the rack.

The basic pdus described here can be vertical pdus, which are mounted down either or both sides at the rear of the rack, or horizontal pdus, which are mounted horizontally across the rear of the rack. Using the correct pdu not only provides the required number of power outlets for all the equipment mounted in the rack but also assists in keeping the cables tidy. Because the width of the rack is usually far less than the height, the number of outlets available on horizontal pdus is far less than the number possible on vertical pdus, which can have up to 24 separate outlets.