06 November 2025
Dami Munter, Marketing Manager, Schleifenbauer Products B.V
Power distribution is often overlooked when upgrading or expanding an IT network. Yet the right Power Distribution Unit (PDU) can make a big difference to reliability, visibility, energy efficiency and overall cost control across server rooms, network closets and hybrid infrastructures.
1. Match the PDU to your environment: Start with the basics: understand your network’s total power draw and outlet types. A PDU designed for continuous full-load operation and higher ambient temperatures will provide more headroom for future hardware.
2. Prioritise flexibility and scalability: Choose PDUs with configurable outlet types, flexible mounting options, and hot-swappable controllers. A build-to-order design is an excellent choice, allowing you to customise protection types (breakers, surge protection), outlet layout, cable length, and power entry position, whether feeds come from above or below, ensuring the unit fits your rack and power topology while easily adapting to changing requirements.
3. Choose PDUs with accurate, fast metering: Granular metering at the input, branch and outlet level, ideally refreshed every second, helps IT teams track consumption, detect anomalies and optimise energy use. This visibility is increasingly important for compliance with new European Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) reporting requirements.
4. Don’t overlook retrofit options: You do not always need to replace existing PDUs to meet new energy-monitoring standards. Inline Meters can be installed between the power feed and your current PDU, effectively upgrading it to a smart, metered solution.
5. Check integration, connectivity and management options: Your PDU should work seamlessly with existing monitoring tools or building-management systems. Standard protocols such as SNMP, Modbus/TCP and REST API ensure interoperability and simplify future integration. Also consider how efficiently PDUs can be networked together. Some next-generation models allow you to link dozens - or even up to a hundred — PDUs under a single IP address. If your facility uses a DCIM or BMS platform, verify that the PDU supports standard MIBs, REST endpoints or MQTT protocols.
6. Assess software and licensing costs: The PDU is only one part of the total solution: you will also need software to monitor and manage energy data. These tools can add significant costs over time, especially when licence fees are tied to the number of connected PDUs or data points. Compare carefully. Some vendors charge ongoing fees, while others include comprehensive energy-management software at no extra cost. Understanding the long-term software model from the outset can prevent unpleasant surprises later.
7. Evaluate reliability and serviceability: Avoid unnecessary downtime. PDUs with hot-swappable communication modules, bi-stable relays and intelligent switching delay simplify maintenance and ensure continuous operation, even during upgrades. Consistent firmware updates and accessible service channels also help to keep your power infrastructure reliable over its full lifecycle. For large-scale installations, look for PDUs that support centralised configuration and firmware management. Features such as batch configuration, remote firmware updates and configuration backup/restore greatly reduce setup time and improve network-wide consistency.
8. Factor in sustainability and delivery times: Sustainability now matters in every IT procurement decision. Locally built PDUs, recyclable materials and short delivery cycles help reduce environmental impact and project risk, particularly when supply chains are under pressure.
9. Consider total cost of ownership: Cheaper PDUs can become expensive if they lack measurement accuracy, flexibility or upgrade options. Look at long-term value, not just purchase price, including efficiency gains, reliability and lifespan.
10. Consider security, environmental insight and long-term support: A modern PDU is a connected device, so cybersecurity and operational visibility are essential. Choose PDUs that use encrypted communication, secure web interfaces (HTTPS) and role-based access control to protect your network from unauthorised access. For audit and compliance readiness, opt for PDUs that maintain event logs, alarm histories and encrypted data export options. These features simplify ISO 27001 and EED documentation and ensure full traceability of power and environmental data. If possible, integrate power and environmental monitoring by connecting sensors for temperature, humidity or door status.
Final thoughts
For modern enterprises, the PDU is more than a power strip. It is a key enabler of uptime, visibility, sustainability and cost efficiency in every connected environment, from server racks to edge infrastructure.
