What is a Basic PDU (server rack power strip)?

A Basic PDU is a non-intelligent power distribution unit designed solely to distribute electrical power safely and reliably within a rack. Unlike a standard office power strip, a Basic PDU is built for continuous operation in data centre and IT environments, with a strong focus on electrical safety, thermal resilience and long service life.

It does not include any monitoring or switching functions, but provides a robust and stable foundation for power distribution in professional racks.

What does a Basic PDU do?

A Basic PDU provides safe and reliable power distribution from a single power input to multiple outlets within a server rack.

In practice:

• one incoming power connection (for example CEE) enters the rack

• the Basic PDU distributes power to multiple outlets

• servers, switches and IT equipment are connected securely

A Basic PDU contains no intelligence:

• no energy metering

• no network connectivity

• no remotely switchable outlets

This makes it a simple, robust and dependable solution.

When do you need a Basic PDU?

A Basic PDU is the right choice when:

• reliable power distribution is required without monitoring

• energy metering is handled elsewhere in the infrastructure

• simplicity and stability are prioritised

• remote switching is not needed

• cost and complexity should be kept low

Common use cases include:

• colocation racks

• enterprise IT environments

• edge and remote locations

• test and staging environments

The difference!

Feature	Basic PDU	Metered PDU	Monitored PDU	Switched PDU	Managed PDU	Inline Meter
Power Distribution	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✖
Input-level metering	✖	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Outlet-level metering	✖	✖	✔	✖	✔	✖
Remote switching	✖	✖	✖	✔	✔	✖
Retrofit, metering for existing PDU	✖	✖	✖	✖	✖	✔

Who is a Basic PDU for?

The Schleifenbauer Basic PDU is used by:

• data centres

• IT departments

• colocation providers

• system integrators

• server rack installers

For organisations searching for power distribution in server racks, a Basic PDU is often exactly what is required.

Why not use a standard power strip in a server rack?

A standard office power strip is not suitable for professional rack installations.

A Basic PDU for server racks offers:

• mounting options for 19-inch racks or 0U vertical installation

• industrial-grade components

• reliable outlet connections (IEC, CEE, CX)

• suitability for continuous high loads

• improved safety and durability

This makes a PDU the correct choice for power distribution in IT racks.

Schleifenbauer: no fixed portfolio, every PDU configured

With Schleifenbauer, you do not select from a fixed product catalogue.

Each Basic PDU is:

• configured to your specific requirements

• supplied with the required number and type of outlets

• adapted to your rack layout and power connection

• produced exactly as specified

And this configuration is included at no extra cost.

The PDUs are available in the following electrical configurations:

• Single-phase 16 A – up to 3.7 kVA (230 V)
• Single-phase 32 A – up to 7.4 kVA (230 V)
• Three-phase 16 A – up to 11.0 kVA (400 V)
• Three-phase 32 A – up to 22.0 kVA (400 V)
• Three-phase 63 A – up to 43.5 kVA (400 V)

Free configuration, fast delivery, any quantity

Schleifenbauer offers:

• free configuration of every Basic PDU

• fast delivery from the Netherlands

• production in any required quantity

• consistent quality across all projects

Whether you are equipping a single rack or an entire data hall, the approach remains the same.

A PDU (Power Distribution Unit) is commonly referred to as:

• power strip for server racks
• power distribution unit for server cabinets
• rack power supply unit
• 19-inch power strip
• power strip for IT racks
• electrical distribution unit for server environments