Best 19-Inch Power Distribution Units for Racks
Looking for the right 19-inch power distribution unit (PDU) for server rooms, data centers, or IT closets? This guide highlights PDUs designed for standard 19-inch racks, helping buyers pick units with space efficiency, individual outlet control, and surge or circuit protection. Best fits include IT pros needing reliable rack power, small businesses expanding network gear, and home labs requiring organized cabling. The top picks prioritize compact 1U designs, multiple outlets, and practical safety features.
Summary of selected products:
| Product | Brand | Outlets | Special Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tecmojo 1U Rack Mount 19 Outlet PDU | Tecmojo | 16 rear, 3 front + 4 USB | Built-in 12-Amp circuit breaker | Small rack setups with USB-powered devices |
| Tecmojo 9-Outlet Rack Mount PDU, 1U | Tecmojo | 9 outlets | 2 USB, 2 Type-C, individual switches | IT closets needing independent control |
| StarTech RKPW081915 | StarTech.com | 8 outlets | 6ft cord, surge protection | Standard 19″ racks, easy installation |
| Pyle PCO865 | Pyle | 19 outlets | 4 USB ports, 15A circuit breaker | Versatile wall/mount and rack use |
| Tripp Lite RS-1215-RA | TRIPP LITE | 12 outlets | 15ft cord, locking on/off | Long reach in 1U racks |
Tecmojo 1U Rack Mount 19 Outlet PDU
The Tecmojo 1U Rack Mount PDU offers a compact 19-inch rack footprint with 16 rear-facing outlets and three front-facing outlets. Its built-in 12-Amp circuit breaker adds protection against overloads, supporting reliable operation in small to mid-size rack installations. Four USB ports enable simultaneous power delivery to USB devices, making it convenient for network gear, KVMs, and accessory peripherals. Best for compact data cabinets where space efficiency and quick access to USB-powered gear matter.
Best for: Small server/cabinet setups needing USB charging alongside standard outlets. Caution: USB ports should be used for appropriate USB-powered devices to avoid excess load on the USB rails.
Tecmojo 9-Outlet Rack Mount PDU
This 1U horizontal PDU provides nine outlets with two USB ports and two Type-C ports, plus independent switches for each outlet. It’s designed for IT racks and data centers, helping manage power to servers, switches, and storage gear while reducing outlet crowding. Best for IT closets that need granular outlet control and modern USB charging on the rack. Caution: Wider spacing may be required for larger plugs; plan cable routing to avoid interference with adjacent devices.
StarTech 8 Outlet Horizontal 1U PDU
The StarTech RKPW081915 provides eight 120V outlets in a 1U horizontal form factor with a 6ft power cord. It supports integration into 19-inch racks and includes LED indicators for ground and surge protection. Best for rack deployments that require straightforward installation and visible status indicators. Caution: Outlets are standard NEMA 5-15R; consider larger plug adapters if your gear uses non-standard connectors.
Pyle 19 Outlet 1U Rackmount PDU
The Pyle PCO865 consolidates 19 outlets across a 1U rack design, including 4 USB ports and a built-in 15-amp circuit breaker. It supports detachable mounting flanges for rack, wall, or under-counter installation. Best for versatile mounting options and cable organization in mixed equipment areas. Caution: Front-panel switches and covers should be kept intact to maintain safety features.
Tripp Lite 12-Outlet 1U PDU
The Tripp Lite RS-1215-RA features 12 outlets (6 front, 6 rear) in a 1U rack-mount format, a long 15-foot cord, and a resettable circuit breaker. It’s designed for home, office, and IT pro environments, with a rugged metal housing for durability. Best for users needing long reach and front/rear outlet access in a single unit. Caution: The included mounting hardware is optional and may need configuration to fit your rack arrangement.
Tecmojo 1U Rack-Mount Horizontal 8-Outlet PDU
The Tecmojo 1U horizontal PDU distributes 12A across eight NEMA 5-15R outlets, making it suitable for server racks and network setups. It includes LED indicators for power, earth, and surge protection, aiding quick status checks. Best for compact IT cabinets needing clear status visibility and reliable power distribution. Caution: Ensure your rack can accommodate eight outlets without crowding adjacent devices.
ElecVoztile 8 Outlet Rack Mount PDU
The ElecVoztile 8-outlet PDU includes surge protection and a 15A overload switch, with a 6ft cord and rear plug arrangement. It’s housed in a sturdy aluminum alloy casing and designed for 19″ racks, workshops, or cabinets. Best for protection-focused setups needing robust surge suppression. Caution: Verify that the mounting depth accommodates the rear plugs of larger adapters to avoid space issues.
CENTROPOWER 1U PDU Horizontal
The CentroPower 1U PDU provides 10 NEMA 5-15R outlets with a 6ft cord and compatibility with all 19″ racks. It emphasizes a fireproofed housing and heavy-duty construction for longevity. Best for users needing a larger outlet set in a trusted 1U format. Caution: Non-USB charging lines require separate adapters for USB devices; plan cable routing accordingly.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right 19-Inch PDU
- Rack compatibility: Confirm the unit fits a standard 19″ rack and whether the depth matches your cabinet.
- Outlets and layout: Count total outlets and note front vs. rear accessibility to minimize cable clutter.
- Power protection: Look for surge suppression, built-in circuit breakers, and indicators to monitor health of connected equipment.
- Controls and monitoring: Independent outlet switches are helpful for targeted devices; LED indicators improve quick status checks.
- Cord length: Choose a PDU with a cord long enough for your rack’s distance to the power source.
- Mounting flexibility: Detachable flanges or multiple mounting options can aid in versatile installations (rack, wall, or under-counter).
- USB charging: If USB-powered devices are common, pick PDUs with USB-A/USB-C ports to reduce wall-wart clutter.
- Build quality: Metal housings and rugged construction improve longevity in data centers or busy equipment rooms.
- Safety features: Ensure proper overcurrent protection and fire-safety compliant housing when available.
FAQ
- What is a PDU and why use one in a rack? A PDU distributes power to multiple devices in a rack, organizing cables, protecting gear, and enabling centralized power control.
- Should I choose a PDU with individual outlet switches? Yes, when you need to power-cycle specific devices without disrupting others.
- Is surge protection necessary in all PDUs? Surge protection helps guard sensitive network and server equipment from power spikes; consider devices in environments with unstable power.
- What’s the difference between 1U and larger PDUs?
- Can PDUs be mounted in wall or under a desk? Many PDUs include detachable mounting options for flexible installation beyond racks.
- Do PDUs require professional installation? Basic rack PDUs are usually user-installable; consult your facility guidelines if integrating into a data center.
1U PDUs save rack space and suit most standard racks; larger PDUs offer more outlets or special features but occupy more space.