PDU vs power strip

Joined
Feb 22, 2012
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I'm trying to decide between getting a power strip or a PDU. For reference, I've already measured my total wattage consumption, and it is only around ~500w when everything is powered on, so I don't think I'll be overloading anything.

The power strip I'm looking at is this:

https://www.amazon.com/AXTRA-12-Outlets-Commercial-Industrial-Environments/dp/B07KSLQ9GS/

And the PDU I'm looking at is this:

https://www.amazon.com/Trenztek-Outlets-Distribution-Aluminum-Rack-mount/dp/B06WWRJ1SL/

One reason I'm considering a PDU at all is because at some point I might want to have my devices connected to a UPS, and per this link:

https://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA158852/

PDUs are supposed to more evenly distribute amps to devices as opposed to power strips and overall be better for UPSes in general.

My question is, do all PDUs ensure even distribution? Or is it only the more expensive ones? Do I even need a PDU?

Thanks.
 
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Those PDU's you listed are just glorified power strips, I made my own with a 4 gang junction box and 4 duplex receptacles (not the cheap $0.67 residential grade junk) I bought the better Leviton 5252 ones).
If you want use a power strip that is just a power strip (like I made) no surge protection that will come from the UPS
If you want to go a PDU route get one with two seperate feeds (usually 2 circuits A & B each with it's own cord).
 
I have my UPS directly into the wall and I prefer it over just a generic power strip. I'd suggest you just start off with the UPS if you were gonna go that route eventually.
 
I have my UPS directly into the wall and I prefer it over just a generic power strip. I'd suggest you just start off with the UPS if you were gonna go that route eventually.

Yes so do I but my UPS only has 6 outlets (and the wall-warts take up 2) so I made a few of my own power strips with no surge protection (as the UPS has this already) so I can plug more items in (like my router & Modem) just don't exceed the UPS maximum rating in my case 1,000 Watts or the branch circuit & outlet rating 20A in my case.
 
I've bought several Lantronix SLP8's over the last few years dirt cheap on eBay. They rarely pop up but when they do the price is usually good. They are switched and metered PDU's with a network interface and are fully controllable remotely. And last but not least, they are rocks and built like a tank. The last 2 I bought were $20 each delivered. The seller obviously didn't know what he had. Both are flawless.
 
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