Question 1

What is the difference between a basic PDU and a switched PDU?

Accepted Answer

A basic PDU simply distributes mains power to multiple outlets with no monitoring or control — it's essentially a rackmount power strip. A switched PDU lets you remotely power individual outlets on and off via a network interface, which means you can hard-reboot a hung server without being physically present. For any unmanned or remote deployment, the switched capability is worth the extra cost. Metered PDUs sit in between, offering power consumption monitoring without outlet-level control.

Question 2

Do I need a PDU with UK sockets, or are IEC C13 outlets fine?

Accepted Answer

For a standard server rack, IEC C13 outlets are the correct choice — virtually all rack-mount servers, switches, and storage units use IEC C13 or C19 power leads. UK BS 1363 sockets on a PDU are only useful if you're powering consumer or office equipment (monitors, desktop PCs, etc.) directly from the rack. Lindy offers a good range of UK-socket PDUs for mixed environments. If in doubt, IEC C13 is the professional standard.

Question 3

How many outlets do I actually need on a PDU?

Accepted Answer

A good rule of thumb is to count your current devices, then multiply by 1.5 to allow for growth. Most 1U servers and switches use a single C13 connection, though some high-availability setups use dual PSUs — meaning two outlets per device. An 8-outlet PDU comfortably handles a small rack of 4–6 devices with headroom. For denser racks, 12- or 16-outlet units (or a 0U vertical PDU with 20+ outlets) are more appropriate.

Question 4

Can I plug a PDU directly into a standard UK wall socket?

Accepted Answer

Only if the PDU has a UK BS 1363 plug or a compatible inlet — and many rack PDUs do not. Most professional PDUs use an IEC C14 or C20 inlet, designed to connect to a UPS output or a dedicated PDU circuit, not a standard 13A wall socket. Attempting to use an adapter is not recommended for permanent installations and may void warranties or breach electrical safety regulations. Always check the inlet type before purchasing.

Question 5

Is APC always worth the premium over cheaper brands?

Accepted Answer

For switched and managed PDUs, yes — APC's ecosystem integration, firmware support, and long-term parts availability justify the cost in professional environments. For basic rackmount strips, the premium is harder to defend. Digitus, Lindy, and Cablenet all offer solid basic PDUs at a fraction of the APC price, and for a home lab or small office rack, the difference in reliability is negligible. Our advice: buy APC or Eaton for anything with management features, and shop on price for purely passive distribution.

Question 6

What does 0U mean on a PDU, and is it better than 1U?

Accepted Answer

0U refers to a vertical PDU that mounts in the side channel of a rack cabinet, consuming zero rack units of usable space. A 1U PDU mounts horizontally like a standard rack unit, taking up one slot. For dense racks where every rack unit counts, 0U is almost always preferable. The trade-off is that 0U PDUs are typically longer and may not fit all rack depths. APC's AP8853 (42 outlets, 0U) is a good example of how much capacity you can pack into a side-mount format.

Question 7

What pitfalls should I avoid when buying a cheap PDU?

Accepted Answer

The biggest risk with budget PDUs is inadequate overcurrent protection — some very cheap units have no fusing whatsoever, meaning a fault in one connected device can damage everything else on the strip. Always check for CE certification as a minimum, and look for a pre-fuse or thermal circuit breaker. A second common mistake is buying a PDU with too-tight socket spacing: if the outlets are crammed together, a standard IEC connector with a locking collar or a slightly oversized plug body will block adjacent ports. Check the outlet spacing spec before buying, especially on compact 10-inch units.

Power Distribution Units (PDUs) Price Comparison

APC NetShelter power distribution unit (PDU) 42 AC outlet(s) 0U Black

APC PDM2316IEC-3P30R-1 power distribution unit (PDU) 3 AC outlet(s) Black

APC Basic Rack PDU power distribution unit (PDU) 24 AC outlet(s) 0U Black

APC Rack PDU,Basic,Zero U,12.5kW power distribution unit (PDU) Black

APC AP7911B power distribution unit (PDU) 16 AC outlet(s) 2U Black

APC IT Power Distribution Module 3 Pole 5 Wire 32A IEC309 80cm power distribution unit (PDU)

APC PDM1332IEC-3P-2 power distribution unit (PDU) 3 AC outlet(s) Black

APC IT Power Distribution Module 3 Pole 5 Wire power distribution unit (PDU)

APC IT Power Distribution Module 3 Pole 5 Wire 32A IEC309 200cm power distribution unit (PDU)

APC IT Power Distribution Module 3 Pole 5 Wire 32A IEC309 920cm power distribution unit (PDU)

APC IT Power Distribution Module 3 Pole 5 Wire power distribution unit (PDU)

APC IT Power Distribution Module 3 Pole 5 Wire 32A IEC309 740cm power distribution unit (PDU)

APC PDM1316IEC-3P power distribution unit (PDU) Black, Grey

APC IT Power Distribution Module 3 Pole 5 Wire 32A IEC309 500cm power distribution unit (PDU)

APC AP6032A power distribution unit (PDU) 4 AC outlet(s) 0U/1U Black

APC IT Power Distribution Module 3 Pole 5 Wire 32A IEC309 1040cm power distribution unit (PDU)

LogiLink PDU4B01 power distribution unit (PDU) 4 AC outlet(s) 1U Black

LogiLink PDU7C02 power distribution unit (PDU) 7 AC outlet(s) 1U Black

connektgear 3m 12 Way Surge Protected Vertical Rack Mount Power Extension Block - UK Plug to 12 x UK Sockets - Black

Vertiv MUU5MGB0-24L137-2C20A9A00-S power distribution unit (PDU) 24 AC outlet(s) Black

APC AP7820B power distribution unit (PDU) 8 AC outlet(s) 0U/1U Black

Cablenet 6 x (3.15Amp) Individually Fused UK Sockets (West,N,N,N,N,East) PDU

Eaton EVBAF116A power distribution unit (PDU) 24 AC outlet(s) 22.5U Black

Middle Atlantic Products 646813 power distribution unit (PDU) 8 AC outlet(s) 1U Black

Power Distribution Units (PDUs) Price Comparison