What is an Inline Energy Meter (energy monitoring for existing server racks)?

An Inline Energy Meter is a standalone intelligent energy meter installed between the power supply and a PDU to measure the energy consumption of a server rack.

It is the ideal solution when:

• existing PDUs do not provide energy measurement

• PDUs with outdated intelligence are still in use

• racks should remain unchanged

• energy insight is required without replacing hardware

What does an Inline Energy Meter do?

An Inline Energy Meter measures input-level energy consumption of a server rack.

In practice:

• the Inline Meter is installed upstream of the PDU

• it measures current, voltage, power and energy

• the existing PDU continues to distribute power

The Inline Meter:

• does not replace the PDU

• does not switch outlets

• adds modern energy monitoring to existing installations

Inline Meter 5.0 retrofit PDU to intelligent
Inline Meter vertical 5.0

When do you need an Inline Energy Meter?

An Inline Energy Meter is the right choice when:

• Basic PDUs are already installed

• intelligent PDUs are technically outdated

• racks should not be replaced or reconfigured

• energy data is required for reporting or compliance

• fast insight is needed with minimal disruption

Common use cases include:

• existing data centres

• colocation racks

• enterprise server rooms

• retrofit projects

• phased upgrades

Who is an Inline Energy Meter for?

The Schleifenbauer Inline Energy Meter is used by:

• data centre operators

• IT teams with existing infrastructure

• colocation providers

• facility managers

• system integrators

It is particularly suitable for organisations looking for energy monitoring without replacing PDUs.

Inline Energy Meter vs Metered PDU: what is the difference?

FeatureInline MeterMetered PDU
Power distribution
Input energy metering
Outlet-level metering
Retrofit existing racks
New PDU required

An Inline Energy Meter is a retrofit solution, not a replacement for a PDU.

Inline Meter dual 19 inch - retrofit your PDU
Inline Meter 5.0 dual 19 inch

Upgrade existing PDUs with modern energy intelligence

Many data centres still operate:

• Basic PDUs

• older intelligent PDUs

• PDUs without modern communication options

With an Inline Energy Meter, you can:

• keep your existing hardware

• gain up-to-date energy insight

• make racks ready for current monitoring requirements

All without major infrastructure changes.

Schleifenbauer Inline Energy Meter: configurable and flexible

Like all Schleifenbauer products, the Inline Energy Meter is:

• configured to match your power connection and load

• suitable for single-phase and three-phase applications

• supplied with the correct connectors

• available in any required quantity

Configuration is included at no extra cost.

The Inline Meters 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)
Inline Energy Meter 5.0 & EnerTree DCEM software - New energy monitoring for existing installed base
Inline Meter 5.0 & EnerTree DCEM software – New energy monitoring for existing installed base

Fast delivery from the Netherlands

Thanks to in-house production, Schleifenbauer offers:

• short lead times

• flexible adjustments

• consistent quality

Ideal for retrofit and expansion projects.

Summary: when should you choose a Schleifenbauer Inline Energy Meter?

Choose an Inline Energy Meter if you need:

• energy monitoring for existing server racks

• a retrofit solution without replacing PDUs

• reliable input-level energy measurement

• flexibility without a fixed product portfolio

The Schleifenbauer Inline Energy Meter adds energy insight where replacement is not an option.

Standalone intelligent energy meter to retrofit Basic PDUs or legacy PDUs, enabling up-to-date measurement and monitoring.
Inline energy meter for data centres | Schleifenbauer

Schleifenbauer provides datacenters with real-time energy insight and control at rack level, combining next-generation PDUs with free, scalable DCEM software.

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