Power distribution units (PDUs) operate through an input and several output systems, such as electrical outlets. PDUs help power devices or facilities that require consistent power operations, such as IT department computer networks and server equipment, lighting supplies or building security systems. When looking for a custom power distribution unit, protection and configuration features are common capabilities to consider. Protection features for PDUs include fuses, circuit breakers and sensors, while configuration features determine whether PDUs can be powered with an on/off switch, an AC adapter, remote control, a battery backup or a twist lock plug.

Power distribution units (PDUs) types and styles range from desktop to cabinet to wall mount. PDU manufacturers also design and build modular, plug strip, hard wire mount, monitor, rack and vertical mount for power applications. Industrial power distribution units include basic rack, which supplies power from one source to multiple outputs. Metered-rack power distribution units provide real-time alerts to prevent overloads. Switched-rack PDUs are equipped to offer controlled on/off switching to recycle power.

1. Read brochures or guides to evaluate PDU supply requirements.

2. Find power distribution units capable of handling multiple loads under certain voltages.

3. Work with industrial PDU suppliers to customize power distribution units and accessories.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Do your homework on industrial power distribution units

Learn about product solutions regarding power distribution units (PDUs) types and styles. Decide on the type of device that fits best with your power sources.

I recommend: View power distribution unit brochures and application notes at American Power Conversion. Gruber Power Supplies offers information on electrical equipment such as battery backup systems, rack-mount power distribution units, single-phase and three-phase PDUs. Eaton also features electrical solutions such as power distribution units.

Look for PDUs that are capable of carrying an adequate power load

Choose power distribution units types and styles based on factors such as operating temperatures and voltage capacity to avoid power surges.

I recommend: Energy Technologies manufactures industrial PDU applications equipped with circuit breakers, switches and relays that operate in normal and extreme conditions. Tripp Lite stocks power distribution units ranging from 120 volts to 240 volts.

Customize PDUs or find other equipment, accessories and services

PDU manufacturers often provide testing, cleaning and battery recycling services.

I recommend: SYSTAT Services provide preventative maintenance services for products like power distribution units. Steven Engineering manufactures power distribution units and components. Services include enclosure modification, labeling and meter configuration. Accessories from Interpower include power strips, power cable connectors and rack-mount power distribution units.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure that power distribution units types and styles are supported by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) standards. PDU manufacturers should also be certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

An industrial PDU is used in nearly all business with computers. A household might use a power distribution unit in the form of a power strip. They not only reduce high voltage to more usable levels for common equipment, they also allow business owners and individuals to protect their equipment from power surges. Industrial power distribution units help business owners save time and money by allowing staff to switch off energy-utilizing equipment at the end of the day with one fell swoop.

Whether you're looking to buy industrial PDUs for your small business or multimillion dollar corporation, considering the following options would be wise:

1. Sellers of industrial power distribution units;

2. New and top-notch PDUs for an update or expansion; and

3. A lease or lease-to-own option for your power distribution units.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Rely on a sturdy, refurbished power distribution unit

Power distribution units have a long life and are typically pretty sturdy. Their exteriors are made to withstand the wear and tear of numerous bumps and thumps of cleaning crews or scheduled maintenance. Contacting sellers of refurbished or used PDUs can offer a huge savings to your business.

I recommend: Find refurbished commercial PDUs at Bostoncps.net. Request quotes on popular PDU brands such as Cisco and Nortel through Network Liquidators.

Buy power distribution units with all the bells and whistles from the experts

A custom power distribution unit made by trusted PDU manufacturers is a high-end option for a well-established business or one with extra to spend--even used units can run well into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the size.

I recommend: Download product and service specs from North America's largest independent designer of PDUs, Power Distribution, Inc.. Browse complete PDU infrastructures and individual accessories through both APC and Cyberex.

Lease universal power distribution units

A PDU supplier will sometimes offer a lease or lease-to-own option for PDUs. Leasing is a great option since it lets you easily get rid of obsolete equipment and allows you the freedom to upgrade or expand should you start doing more business. It is also the only option for those who don't have a big chuck of change to spend all at once. Keep in mind that the leasing company will conduct a personal credit check or a credit check based on your business name before lending you money.

I recommend: Contact the popular Hewlett-Packard for their leasing options. Or turn to Total Concept Sales for their expertise in PDU lease options, expansion planning and relocation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you talk to all prospects about the cooling needs of your industrial PDU. PDUs handle a ton of power and are constantly redirecting that power, making the unit likely to stay warm, even overheat. Most PDUs have a cooling system built in, but you want to make sure a cooling unit is a part of whatever package deal you get.

Power Distribution Units (PDUs) pricing and costs depend on several factors, including the type of PDU, its capabilities and its brand name. Even for a small business, all the equipment contained within its data center requires at least one power distribution unit for distribution of electric power and for taking high voltage and current and reducing it to more useful levels.

The difficulty in buying from a PDU supplier or provider arises when you consider the trade offs between price and capability. When your budget's tight, you need the most affordable PDU that delivers on the capabilities you're comfortable with, and this guide focuses on the pricing of PDUs in three basic categories:

1. Basic power distribution units.

2. Metered power distribution units.

3. Switched power distribution units.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the lowest prices when you opt for basic power distribution units

Basic Power distribution units will typically cost the least. Much like a typical office power strip but designed for long service and demanding environments, they combine one power input, a circuit breaker or fuse and multiple power outlets. For the lower price and basic capability, however, you'll sacrifice any ability to manage circuit levels like you'd get with metered and switched power distribution units.

I recommend: For universal power distribution units, start with the Tripp Lite rackmount PDUNV at Office Depot for under $150. A basic power distribution unit from PDU manufacturers like Tripp Lite will vary greatly from about $125 to just over $400. Electrorack Enclosure Products sells single-phase 120V basic PDUs from about $120 to $250. The 208V PDUs cost between $130 and $260 and a three phase basic PDUs run between $240 and $660.

Order metered power distribution units for real-time monitoring of the PDU current draw

Metered PDUs cost more because they can display real-time current draw in amps by using digital or analog indicators, thereby eliminating any guesswork in deciding whether a PDU can handle additional devices.

I recommend: PROVANTAGE carries a great selection of metered PDUs ranging in price from about $60 up to $1,600. The company's website also lets you place products side by side to compare PDU pricing and features. If you're looking for a PDU wholesaler, start with PDUs Direct for metered industrial power distribution units costing roughly $200 to $300.

Invest in switched power distribution units for manageability

Switched PDUs provide users with a level of power management via load metering and by their ability to switch individual or groups of outlets on and off using remote controls or using controls directly on the industrial PDU. These PDUs prove useful to those operating equipment with high surge loads that power up close to the limit of downstream circuit breakers.

I recommend: Besides companies that specialize in PDUs and other power-related equipment, you can also find switched PDUs through providers of computer equipment and supplies. Dell offers a switched rack PDU for less than $600, and MacConnection switched PDUs cost roughly between $450 and $700 and include free shipping. To save money on switched and other types of PDUs while still getting the capability you need, search for surplus or used power distribution units from websites like Critical Power Exchange.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you find PDU pricing information from PDU manufacturers, don't assume that's the price you'll ultimately pay. The unit's distributors and resellers may actually determine their own pricing, and that pricing may or may not resemble the MSRP.

A power distribution unit (PDU) is essentially a power strip that has several outlets for plugging in multiple devices. Businesses rely on PDUs when they have networks, servers or other sensitive equipment that can be damaged by power outages or interrupted power flow. Before investing in power distribution units to protect your equipment, it is helpful to understand the terminology or owner distribution units key terms you are likely to come across.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Basic PDU

A basic PDU offers simple, but highly reliable, power distribution to several pieces of equipment simultaneously. Most start with a minimum of 16 outlets in order to plug in your networking devices and come with a long cord to extend very far into an office space.

I recommend: Zasmos sells a wide selection of basic PDUs, where buyers can choose how many amps they need to support, the number of outlets and even the type of input cord.

Switched PDU

A switched power distribution unit has the added ability to turn each outlet off and on again using a remote control system, that is operated via an Ethernet network connection. This is ideal for networking equipment that is stored at multiple locations. A switched PDU can help save battery life for the less sensitive equipment that can handle being turned off rather than switching to backup battery power.

I recommend: Leviton sells switched meters that vary according to input voltage as well as the number of outlets.

Metered PDU

A metered PDU is unique in that it can monitor the amount of amps that flow through it, giving IT network managers the ability to know the total current amperage being generated across a network. This knowledge allows them to make changes or upgrades to allow for more power.

I recommend: Raritan sells a number of metered PDUs and includes a list of metered PDU benefits as part of its product description.

Dual circuit PDU

A dual circuit PDU can be purchased as a basic or metered unit, but comes labeled with black and white input cords, as well as black and white colored outlets. This color coding system allows you to organize your devices, using the black outlets to plug in items that receive their power from the black cord and the white outlets for items that will be powered from the white cord.

I recommend: PC Connection's product overview of the Tripp Lite dual circuit PDU further explains the benefits of this type of power distribution unit.

Auto transfer switch

An auto transfer switch (ATS) is a feature that comes with any PDU with two input power cords. The automatic transfer switch will transfer power from the working source in the event of a power failure on one cord in order to keep the plugged devices working.

I recommend: Server Technology highlights its Sentry Fail-Safe transfer switch for PDUs, which further explains the many benefits of using an auto transfer switch for your PDU.

Environmental sensor

An environmental sensor provides detailed information about what is going on inside the PDU remotely to the network manager. Details about temperature and humidity are readily provided. Some models also feature remote alarms and security devices.

I recommend: Tripp Lite's Envirosense environmental sensor is for use on Tripp Lite PDUs, but its product description is applicable to many environmental sensors produced by other manufacturers.