Best 19 Inch Power Strips for Server Racks and Workstations
Looking for a reliable 19 inch power strip to organize servers, network gear, or a busy workstation? This guide highlights top 19-inch power strips (PDU rack mounts) that balance durability, space between outlets, and easy installation. Best for data centers and IT setups are rack-mount PDUs with 1U design and surge protection. Best for small offices or workshops are compact 8-outlet options with independent switches. Read on to compare the five most relevant models and find the right fit for your rack, cabinet, or workbench.
Summary of selected products:
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit | Notable Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTU Power Strip Surge Protector Rack-Mount PDU | Commercial racks and garages | Wide-spaced 8 outlets and 6 ft cord | Metal housing adds weight |
| StarTech 8-Outlet 1U PDU (RKPW081915) | Professional IT racks | LED indicators and rugged steel chassis | Standard 6 ft cord |
| HHSOET 8 Outlet PDU Power Strip | Network rooms and studios | Independent switches for each outlet | Higher joule rating varies by model |
| Eaton Tripp Lite RS1215-RA | Critical equipment racks | 12 outlets, long cord, locking switch | Heavier metal housing |
| 8 Outlet Rack Mount PDU Power Strip (ElecVoztile) | Budget-friendly racks | 1U form factor, rear plug | Basic surge protection features |
BTU Store 6Ft 8-Outlet 1U Rack PDU
- Rack Mount Power Strip: Eight wide-spaced outlets (125V/15A) prevent large plugs from blocking nearby sockets, with a 6 ft cord for flexible placement.
- 1U Rack Mount Design: Fits all 19″ server racks and is suitable for rack enclosure setups, garages, workshops, or workbenches.
- Metal Wall Mount Power Strip: Rugged steel casing allows horizontal or vertical mounting with multiple mounting options.
Best for: IT racks and commercial installs that need accessible outlets without crowding. Choose this if you expect large plug profiles or plan to mount in a 19″ enclosure. Caution: Heavy steel construction may require secure mounting hardware and room for cable management.
StarTech 8-Outlet 1U PDU
- Power And Charge: Eight NEMA 5-15 outlets (120V/15A) with a 6 ft cord keep equipment powered while leaving the rack mobile.
- 1U Rack Design: Compatible with all 19″ server racks deeper than 4 inches; integrated power cord simplifies installation.
- Easy Installation: Rugged steel chassis with LED indicators for ground and surge protection; power state controlled via switches.
Best for: Professional IT racks needing integrated surge protection with clear status indicators. Better for: environments where quick access to power states is useful. Caution: Some users may prefer additional mounting hardware for complex racks.
HHSOET 8 Outlet 1U PDU
- PDU Rack Mount Power Strip: Swivelling and stowable mounting tabs fit 19″ server racks; 6 ft power cord for flexible placement.
- Metal Mountable Power Strip: Eight outlets with individual switches let you control devices separately.
- 1U Surge Protector: Built-in circuit breaker with reset keeps equipment protected against surges.
Best for: Offices and studios needing per-outlet control and surge protection. Better for: setups where independent device control reduces standby consumption. Caution: Independent switches may require extra planning to avoid accidental power-off of essential gear.
Eaton Tripp Lite RS1215-RA 1U PDU
- 1U Rack Mount Power Strip: 12 NEMA 5-20R outlets (6 front, 6 rear) for flexible server and AV setups.
- Advanced Features: Lighted on/off switch with locking covers; 15 ft (4.6 m) cord; resettable circuit breaker for overload protection.
- Space and Durability: Heavy-duty metal housing designed for long life and reliable power distribution.
Best for: High-density racks with many devices and longer run requirements. Choose this if you need a long cord and clear protection indicators. Caution: Heavier, which may require assistance for mounting in tight spaces.
8 Outlet Rack Mount PDU Power Strip
- Rack Mountable Design: Fits 19″ server racks with a 1U form factor and rear plug arrangement for organized cabling.
- 15A Overload Switch: Automatic trip protection helps prevent overloading the circuit.
- Construction: Heavy-duty feel with sturdy aluminum alloy casing for durability.
Best for: Budget-conscious environments needing a basic, reliable 1U PDU. Better for: less demanding deployments where rear plug design keeps cables tidy. Caution: May lack advanced surge metrics found in higher-end models.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Rack compatibility: Verify 19″ width compatibility and 1U height with your cabinet or rack. Ensure the mounting method (horizontal/vertical) matches your layout.
- Outlet spacing: Wider spacing helps accommodate large plugs and adapters without blocking adjacent outlets.
- Surge protection and joule rating: A higher joule rating offers stronger surge protection; check automatic reset features and indicator LEDs.
- Cord length and configuration: Choose a cord length that reaches power sources without excessive slack; consider rear vs. front outlets for cable management.
- Independent switches vs. centralized control: Individual switch outlets simplify powering down specific devices but may complicate total shutdowns; centralized switches reduce knobs to manage.
- Durability and enclosure: Metal housings generally offer better long-term durability in rack environments; look for robust mounting hardware included with the unit.
- Warranty and service: Consider brands with clear warranties and readily available replacement parts for 1U PDUs used in critical infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a 1U PDU and why is it used in racks?
- A 1U PDU is a power distribution unit designed for standard 19″ server racks, occupying 1U of vertical space and providing multiple outlets to power servers and devices while keeping cables organized.
- How many outlets should I choose for my rack?
- Choose based on device count and future expansion. Eight to twelve outlets cover most small to medium racks; larger deployments may require PDUs with more outlets or daisy-chaining capabilities.
- Is surge protection necessary for network equipment?
- Yes. A surge-protected PDU helps protect sensitive electronics from voltage spikes, which can occur from power surges or lightning events.
- What should I consider about cord length?
- Ensure the cord reaches your power source without creating a tripping hazard or excessive slack; longer cords improve placement but add clutter if not managed.
- Are independent outlet switches better than a single reset switch?
- Independent switches offer granular control for individual devices; a single reset switch is simpler for full-system power cycling but lacks per-outlet control.