PDUs (Power Distribution Units) are widely recognised as a fundamental part of the electrical infrastructure within data centres and server rooms, IT environments, and equipment racks. They allocate electrical power from a main source to several pieces of equipment including servers, switches, storage devices, and communication hardware.

In environments where uptime is critical, PDUs support stable and reliable power delivery across IT systems. Without structured power management, equipment performance can be compromised.

How Do PDUs Work?

A standard power supply often connects to only one or two devices. Data centres, however, require electricity for dozens or even hundreds of units operating at the same time. PDUs resolve this issue by allowing a centralised supply to provide electricity to numerous outputs.

This allows IT teams to control power delivery across racks without the need for separate power supplies for each item. Consequently, infrastructure remains streamlined and simpler to oversee.

Rack Mounted PDUs

PDUs are typically installed within equipment cabinets. These units can be placed either in vertical or horizontal orientations, depending on the available space.

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• Vertical PDUs usually extend along the rear of the rack and provide power without occupying equipment mounting space.


• Horizontal PDUs are mounted within rack units where space is available.

Placement depends on rack configuration and overall load demands.

Different Types of Power Distribution Units

Standard PDUs

Standard PDUs offer simple electrical distribution without advanced functionality. These units are suitable where power management is handled through external systems.

Metered Units

Metered PDUs include built-in displays that show load levels and allow technicians to monitor power usage. This lowers the risk of overloads by offering insight into electrical demand.

Switched Units

These advanced units allow individual outlets to be controlled remotely. In the event of equipment failure, IT teams can restart devices without being physically present at the cabinet, minimising downtime and supporting maintenance.

Environmental Monitoring

Maintaining suitable environmental conditions inside server racks is essential. Some PDUs include sensors that measure heat and moisture levels. These readings help facilities teams detect potential cooling issues before equipment becomes damaged.

Regular observation helps maintain hardware performance and reduces the likelihood of system failure.

Load Balancing and Electrical Stability

Load balancing is another important function of PDUs. By distributing electrical demand across different circuits, PDUs help prevent one power source from becoming overloaded. Evenly distributed loads support system stability and lower the chance of electrical faults.

Integration with Backup Systems

Many organisations rely on uninterrupted system availability for daily operations. PDUs often form part of wider backup systems that may include uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and standby generators. When combined with these systems, PDUs help maintain continued operation during electrical interruptions.

Inspection and Compliance

Regular checks of PDUs helps ensure electrical safety. Technicians should examine input connections, outlet integrity, and cable management within each rack. Scheduled assessments supports compliance with workplace safety regulations and reduces the likelihood of electrical hazards.

Why PDUs Remain Essential

As data centres continue to expand, the role of PDUs remains fundamental. Reliable power distribution supports the performance of network infrastructure and protects equipment from electrical risk. With appropriate installation and monitoring, PDUs help maintain consistent performance within modern IT environments.