Best 19 Inch Power Distribution Solutions for IT Racks
Choosing the right 19-inch power distribution unit (PDU) helps manage power for servers, switches, and AV gear in rack-mount enclosures. This guide highlights reliable 19″ PDUs with multiple outlets, USB charging, surge protection, and compact 1U designs. Explore five solid options and a concise buying guide to compare features like outlets, cord length, safety protections, and mounting flexibility.
| Product | Outlets | Special Feature | Mounting/Design | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tecmojo 1U Rack Mount 19 Outlet PDU | 16 rear-facing + 3 front-facing | Built-in circuit breaker; USB ports | 1U, standard 19″ rack | Tecmojo |
| Pyle 19 Outlet 1U PDU (PCO865) | 16 rear, 3 front, plus USB | Detachable flanges; 15A protection | 1U, rack-mount/wall-mount/under-counter | Pyle |
| Cablix 1U 19″ PDU | 4 outlets | UL listed; 3G x 16AWG power cord | 1U, standard 19″ rack | Cablix |
| ThePoEstore 12-Outlet 1U PDU | 12 outlets (2 front, 10 rear) | 3600 Joules surge protection; 10KA | 1U, horizontal rack mount | ThePoEstore |
| StarTech 13-Outlet Rackmount PDU | 1 front, 12 rear | 8ft power cord; rugged steel housing | 1U, horizontal/vertical mounting | StarTech.com |
Tecmojo 1U Rack Mount 19 Outlet PDU
The Tecmojo 1U Rack Mount PDU provides dense connectivity in a space-efficient 1U form factor. It features 16 rear-facing outlets and three front-facing outlets, enabling flexible cable routing and easy access for devices at the front of the rack. A built-in 12-amp circuit breaker protects equipment from overloads, while four USB ports support simultaneous charging or powering peripheral devices. This combination makes it suitable for AV, network, and server environments in 19-inch racks.
Pyle 19 Outlet 1U PDU (PCO865)
The Pyle PCO865 1U rackmount PDU emphasizes flexible installation with detachable mounting flanges suitable for rack, wall, or under-counter use. It includes 16 rear-facing outlets plus 3 front panel outlets and four USB ports, allowing multiple devices to be powered simultaneously. A front-panel switch and a built-in 15-amp circuit breaker help protect connected equipment from overload and improve safety during maintenance or power fluctuations.
Tecmojo 1U Rack-Mount 8-Outlet PDU
This Tecmojo 1U horizontal PDU consolidates power distribution into a compact 1U footprint with eight NEMA 5-15R outlets. It includes clear status indicators for power, earth grounding, and surge protection, helping IT staff quickly verify safety. Its 1U profile is optimized for IT cabinets, allowing efficient rack space utilization while delivering reliable power to servers, switches, and network gear.
Pyle 19 Outlet 1U PDU (PCO860)
The Pyle PCO860 mirrors many features of other Pyle PDUs with a detachable 1U rack design and 16 rear outlets plus 3 front outlets. It incorporates USB charging and a 15-amp circuit breaker for overload protection. The unit supports flexible mounting options including rack, wall, and under-counter configurations, making it adaptable to various rack setups and space constraints.
Cablix 1U 19″ Rack Mount PDU
The Cablix 1U PDU offers a straightforward 4-outlet configuration in an aluminum housing, designed for EIA-310 racks. It provides 15A capacity with a robust 3G × 16AWG × 2m power cord, ensuring stable power delivery with minimal voltage drop. This option suits IT setups that require a compact, reliable power distribution solution with a lightweight build.
Hapidot 19 Inch Metered PDU
The Hapidot metered PDU provides six NEMA 5-15R outlets with a 15A rating and a 6-foot cord. It features an OLED-style power display to monitor voltage and current, enabling administrators to track load and prevent overloading critical lines. This metered configuration helps optimize energy use in rack environments with fluctuating demand.
ThePoEstore 1U 12-Outlet PDU
ThePoEstore 1U PDU consolidates 12 outlets in a 1U footprint, designed for 19″ rack mounts with 3600 joules of surge protection and 10KA lightning protection. It uses a 12AWG, 16-foot power cord and includes LED indicators to show power, protection, and fault status. Front and rear outlet distribution supports AV devices, servers, and telecom equipment in demanding environments.
StarTech 13-Outlet Rackmount PDU
The StarTech 13-Outlet Rackmount PDU provides centralized 120V power with one front-facing outlet and 12 rear ports. Its rugged SPCC steel housing pairs with a long 8-foot power cord for flexible deployment in larger racks. The unit is designed for both horizontal and vertical mounting, offering versatility in tight server rooms and office environments requiring tidy cable management.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Outlets and distribution: Match the number and arrangement of outlets (front vs rear) to your gear. More rear outlets help keep front panels accessible for devices and maintenance.
- Power capacity and safety: Check amperage (15A typically) and built-in circuit breakers or surge protection ratings. Ensure the PDU can handle peak load without tripping.
- Form factor and mounting: Standard 1U, 19-inch widths keep compatibility with most racks. Consider detachable mounting flanges for flexible placement (rack, wall, or under-counter).
- Cable management: Front outlets are convenient, but rear outlets reduce clutter. Look for a long, robust power cord (6–8 feet or longer) for distant outlets.
- Monitoring features: Metered PDUs with voltage/current readouts help optimize energy use. LEDs indicating power, surge protection, and fault status aid quick diagnostics.
- Special features: USB charging ports can power accessories; surge protection levels and energy filters can enhance critical equipment protection.
- Durability and compliance: Steel housings and UL or UL-listed ratings indicate reliability in professional IT environments. Consider rack compatibility with EIA-310 standards.
Choosing the right 19-inch PDU depends on required outlets, space constraints, and safety considerations. For densely populated racks, opt for PDUs with high outlet density, robust surge protection, and flexible mounting. For mixed environments, PDUs with USB ports and metering offer additional value by simplifying device charging and load monitoring.