Rack PDUs for High-Density GPU Racks
A rack PDU is the last link in the power chain — the strip that distributes conditioned facility power to every server in the rack. For dense GPU racks that means high-amperage, three-phase, per-outlet-metered units, deployed in redundant A+B pairs so a feed can fail without dropping the rack.
What it is
A rack power distribution unit (rPDU) takes a whole-rack feed — typically three-phase at 208 V or 415 V — and splits it across the outlets that power each server’s PSUs. Beyond simple distribution, modern rPDUs meter power (per-inlet or per-outlet), report over the network to DCIM, and in switched models let operators cycle individual outlets remotely. A 0U vertical form factor runs the full height of the rack and keeps outlets close to the equipment.
For GPU racks the decisive specs are current and voltage. A metered 415 V, 60 A three-phase rPDU delivers far more power per strip than a legacy 120 V unit, which is what a 40–130 kW rack needs. Racks are almost always fed by two PDUs on independent A and B power paths, so each strip carries roughly half the load and either feed can fail — or be maintained — without an outage.
When you need it
Every rack needs PDUs; a GPU rack needs the right ones. The trigger is density, redundancy and the visibility a metered unit gives you.
- High-density GPU racks (40 kW+) that need three-phase 415 V or 208 V distribution, not 120 V strips.
- Dual A+B redundant feeds — two rPDUs per rack so either power path can fail or be serviced live.
- Per-outlet or per-inlet metering to track real draw, balance phases and bill or cap power.
- Networked monitoring into DCIM/BMS for capacity planning and alerting.
- Enough outlets (C13/C19) to match the PSU count of 8-way DLC GPU servers at full density.
Quick facts & specs
Vertiv · Rack PDU 415V 60A
| Type | Metered vertical rPDU |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 415 V (3-phase) |
| Current | 60 A |
| Outlets | 42× C13 / C19 |
| Monitoring | Per-outlet, networked |
| Mount | 0U vertical |
Rack PDU Sizing Calculator
Compute 3-phase line current, per-feed current on dual A+B feeds, and the derated PDU amp rating and count.
Source it
Add the equipment to your quote list — pricing, availability and lead times are confirmed after you ask, usually within a business day.
Rack PDU 415V 60A
415V · 60A · metered vertical
From $1,180 / unit
Min order 4 units
Galaxy VXL UPS 1500 kVA
modular · 3-phase · 1500 kVA
From $142,000 / unit
Frequently asked
What is a rack PDU?
A rack power distribution unit (rPDU) is the strip that distributes a rack’s power feed to every server’s power supplies. For GPU racks it is typically a three-phase, high-amperage, per-outlet-metered 0U vertical unit that also reports usage to DCIM over the network.
How do I size a rack PDU for a GPU rack?
Work from the rack’s total kW and the feed voltage to a three-phase line current, then apply the standard 80% continuous-load derate to pick the PDU amp rating — commonly 415 V/60 A for dense racks. Because racks run dual A+B feeds, each PDU carries about half the load. Our rack PDU sizing calculator does this for 208 V or 415 V racks.
Why do GPU racks use two PDUs (A and B feeds)?
Redundancy. Two rPDUs on independent A and B power paths let each strip carry roughly half the rack load, so either feed can fail — or be taken down for maintenance — without dropping the rack. Dual-corded servers plug one PSU into each feed. Size each PDU to carry the full load alone during a failover.
Metered vs switched rack PDU — which do I need?
A metered rPDU reports power draw (per-inlet or per-outlet) for capacity planning and phase balancing — enough for most GPU racks. A switched rPDU adds remote per-outlet on/off/reboot control, useful for lights-out sites and hard-rebooting hung nodes. Both come in the high-amperage three-phase ratings dense racks need.