What is a Switched PDU (remote outlet switching)?

Unlike:

• a Monitored PDU (measurement without control)

• a Metered PDU (input-level insight only)

a Switched PDU focuses on control at outlet level, allowing IT teams to manage power remotely.

What does a Switched PDU do?

A Switched PDU combines three core functions:

1. Distributes electrical power safely within the rack

2. Measures total rack power consumption at input level

3. Allows remote switching per outlet

With a Switched PDU you can:

• remotely power-cycle servers and devices

• switch unused equipment off

• perform controlled restarts without physical access

• near zero voltage switching with Schleifenbauer switched PDU

• outlet switching delay to avoid inrush current

The Switched PDU does not provide outlet-level energy metering.

Its primary purpose is operational control, not detailed measurement.

When do you need a Switched PDU?

A Switched PDU is the right choice when:

• physical access to racks is limited

• remote reboots are required to reduce downtime

• fast intervention is critical for operations

• travel time and on-site work should be minimised

• outlet-level energy data is not required

Common use cases include:

• colocation data centres

• unmanned or remote locations

• edge data centres

• racks with restricted physical access

Who is a Switched PDU for?

The Schleifenbauer Switched PDU is used by:

• data centre operators

• IT and operations teams

• colocation providers

• managed service providers

• organisations operating 24/7 environments

It is ideal for anyone searching for remote power control in server racks.

Why remote outlet switching matters

With remotely switchable outlets, you can:

• resolve incidents faster

• avoid unnecessary site visits

• improve operational efficiency

• reduce downtime caused by simple resets

In many cases, a remote reboot is enough to restore services.

Switched PDU vs Monitored PDU

KenmerkFeatureKenmerk	Monitored PDU	Switched PDU
Power distribution	✔	✔
Input-level metering	✔	✔
Outlet-level metering	✔	✖
Remote outlet switching	✖	✔

A Switched PDU is ideal when control is more important than detailed insight.

Schleifenbauer: every Switched PDU configured for your rack

Schleifenbauer does not offer fixed PDU models.

Each Switched PDU is:

• configured to match your power input and capacity

• equipped with the required number and type of outlets

• adapted to your rack layout and application

• supplied in any required quantity

Configuration is included at no additional 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)

Fast delivery from the Netherlands

With in-house production, Schleifenbauer provides:

• short lead times

• flexibility for changes

• consistent quality across deployments

Suitable for both single racks and large data centre projects.

Summary: when should you choose a Schleifenbauer Switched PDU?

Choose a Switched PDU if you need:

• remote outlet switching

• controlled restarts without physical access

• reliable rack-level power distribution

• flexibility without a fixed product portfolio

The Schleifenbauer Switched PDU delivers control where it matters most.

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

Switched PDUs are often searched for as:

• remote power switching server rack

• switched power strip for data centres

• remotely controlled outlets in server cabinets

• rack power distribution with remote reset