A PDU (Power Distribution Unit) is more than just a glorified power strip. It is the backbone of your rack’s power management strategy. Choosing the right CyberPower PDU ensures your servers, switches, and storage stay online while giving you the level of control your IT environment demands.

Key Takeaways:

  • Basic PDUs: Simple, reliable power distribution.
  • Metered PDUs: Local load monitoring to prevent overloads.
  • Monitored PDUs: Remote monitoring via network (SNMP).
  • Switched PDUs: Remote control to reboot individual outlets.
  • ATS (Auto Transfer Switch): Redundant power for single-corded devices.

1. Basic PDU Series: Reliable Power Distribution

The entry-point for any rack setup. Basic PDUs distribute unfiltered AC power from a UPS or utility source to multiple devices.

  • Best For: Stable environments where remote management isn’t required.
  • Key Features:
    • Rugged industrial-grade metal housing.
    • Flexible mounting (Horizontal 1U or Vertical 0U).
    • Ultra-long input power cords.

2. Metered PDU Series: Local Load Management

Avoid the risk of “tripping the breaker” during peak usage. Metered PDUs include a digital display to show real-time load levels (Amps).

  • Best For: Preventing overloads in high-density racks.
  • Key Features:
    • Digital real-time load meter.
    • ±1% Measurement accuracy.
    • Easy load balancing at the rack level.

3. Monitored PDU Series: Network-Level Insights

Monitor your power environment from anywhere. Monitored PDUs provide the same local display as metered units but add an SNMP network interface.

  • Best For: Remote data centers and edge computing sites.
  • Key Features:
    • Remote Monitoring: Track voltage, frequency, and load via a web browser.
    • Automated Alerts: Receive email/SMS notifications when thresholds are exceeded.
    • Digital LCD: Colour-configurable and rotatable for easy viewing.

4. Switched PDU Series: Individual Outlet Control

The ultimate tool for remote troubleshooting. Switched PDUs allow you to turn individual outlets on or off over the network.

  • Best For: Unmanned sites where equipment occasionally needs a “hard reboot.”
  • Key Features:
    • Remote Rebooting: Power cycle unresponsive servers without a site visit.
    • Power Sequencing: Control the order in which devices turn on to prevent “inrush current” spikes.
    • Outlet-Level Control: Toggle specific receptacles as needed.

5. Switched Metered-by-Outlet (MBO) Series

This is the “Full-Featured” option, combining the granular monitoring of a metered unit with the control of a switched unit—all at the individual outlet level.

  • Best For: Colocation facilities and high-compliance data centers.
  • Key Features:
    • Monitor the exact power draw of a single server.
    • Identify “Zombie Servers” that are drawing power but doing no work.
    • Daisy-chain up to 8 units under one IP address.

6. ATS (Auto Transfer Switch) Series: Power Redundancy

For devices that only have one power supply (single-corded), an ATS PDU provides a second path to power.

  • How it Works: The PDU has two input power cords. If the primary source fails, it switches to the secondary source in milliseconds, keeping the equipment running without interruption.
  • Types available: Metered ATS and Switched ATS.

7. Maintenance Bypass PDUs

Essential for uptime during UPS maintenance or battery replacements.

  • The Benefit: Allows you to seamlessly transfer the electrical load from “UPS power” to “Utility power.” This means you can replace your UPS without ever turning off your connected servers.

Technical Selection Checklist

When ordering your CyberPower PDU from Comms Express, verify these four specs:

  1. Input Plug: Do you need a standard UK plug, a C14/C20, or a 16A/32A Commando plug?
  2. Output Sockets: How many C13 (standard) or C19 (high power) outlets do you need?
  3. Form Factor: Will it sit horizontally (1U/2U) or vertically (0U) at the back of the rack?
  4. Intelligence: Do you need a “dumb” PDU for distribution or a “smart” PDU for remote reboots?

CyberPower PDU Series Comparison The table below highlights the key features of each CyberPower PDU series available at Comms Express:

Feature Basic Switched Switched Metered-by-Outlet Metered ATS Switched ATS
Models Basic Switched Switched Metered-by-Outlet Metered ATS Switched ATS
Voltage (Vac) 200 ~ 240 200 ~ 240 200 ~ 240 200 ~ 240 200 ~ 240
Installed Rack Height (U) 1U 1U 1U 1U 1U, 2U
Outlet Type 12 x IEC C13 8 x IEC C13 8 x IEC C13 8 x IEC C13, 2 x IEC C19 16 x IEC C13, 12 x IEC C13, 8 x IEC C13, 2 x IEC C19
Local Monitoring – Yes Yes Yes Yes
Remote Monitoring (Unit-level) – Yes Yes Yes Yes
Remote Monitoring (Outlet-level) – – Yes – –
Remote Management (Outlet-level) – Yes Yes – Yes
Controllable Receptacles With Power Sequencing – Yes Yes – Yes
Power Redundancy (Dual-Input) – – – Yes Yes
Auto-Detect and Auto-Switch – – – Yes Yes
Quick Transfer Time – – – Yes Yes
Overload Protection Yes Yes* Yes* – –
Work Under High Temperature – Yes Yes – –
±1% Measurement Accuracy – Yes Yes – –
Ultra Low Power Consumption – Yes* Yes* – –
User-Configurable Colour LCD – Yes Yes Yes Yes
Hot-Swappable LCD Design – Yes Yes Yes Yes
Rotatable LCD Design – Yes Yes – –
Supports ENVIROSENSOR – Yes Yes – Yes
Supports PowerPanel Enterprise – Yes Yes – Yes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between a PDU and a standard power strip? A PDU (Power Distribution Unit) is purpose-built for 24/7 industrial use in server racks. Unlike consumer power strips, PDUs offer higher heat resistance, specific mounting hardware for 19-inch racks, and advanced options for remote monitoring and outlet switching that mission-critical IT environments require.

2. What is the difference between a Metered PDU and a Monitored PDU? The primary difference is connectivity. A Metered PDU provides a digital display for local load monitoring at the rack. A Monitored PDU includes that local display but adds a network interface (SNMP), allowing you to track power metrics remotely via a web browser or management software.

3. Can CyberPower PDUs work in high-temperature environments? Yes. Most CyberPower PDUs are designed to operate in temperatures up to 60°C (140°F). This high thermal rating makes them ideal for installation in the “hot aisle” of high-density data centers where equipment exhaust can significantly raise ambient temperatures.

4. How do I choose between a 1U and a 0U CyberPower PDU? This depends on your rack density. A 1U or 2U PDU mounts horizontally and occupies server space, which is great for small cabinets. A 0U PDU mounts vertically on the rear of the rack frame, saving valuable “U” space for servers and allowing for better cable management in full-height cabinets.

5. Do I need a special network card for remote monitoring? Many CyberPower Monitored and Switched PDUs come with a built-in RMCARD network interface. However, you should always check the specific model specifications, as some units feature “hot-swappable” slots where the Ethernet module can be added or upgraded later.

6. Can I reboot a server remotely using a CyberPower Switched PDU? Yes. A Switched PDU gives you individual outlet control. You can power cycle (reboot) a specific “frozen” server or switch from any remote location via the web interface, eliminating the need for an expensive on-site service call.

7. What is the benefit of an ATS PDU for single-corded equipment? An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) PDU provides power redundancy for devices with only one power supply. By connecting the PDU to two separate power sources, the ATS will automatically switch to the backup source in milliseconds if the primary fails, preventing equipment downtime.

8. Do CyberPower PDUs support environmental monitoring? Yes. Most network-enabled CyberPower PDUs support an optional ENVIROSENSOR. This allows you to monitor temperature and humidity levels within your rack alongside your power metrics, with the ability to send automated alerts if thresholds are exceeded.

Comms Express Can Help Our knowledgeable staff at Comms Express can assist you in selecting the ideal CyberPower PDU for your business requirements. We can answer any questions you may have and ensure you get the right PDU to optimize your power distribution and safeguard your valuable equipment. Contact Comms Express today to discuss your PDU needs!

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