The power distribution unit (PDU) market is projected to grow exponentially alongside the expansion of the global data center market from 2026 through 2030. Driven by the growth of hyperscale cloud, edge computing, and AI workloads, rack-level power distribution has become a strategic priority. 

PDUs are now emerging as intelligent infrastructure components that facilitate monitoring, control, and optimization of energy use. Their installation is becoming critical for meeting specific rack design goals.

This fresh perspective on both types of PDU and supplier capabilities is important for data center stakeholders. In this article, we will examine the different PDU types available to data center operators.

Understanding PDU Types in Modern Data Centers

Below, we explain the various types of PDUs and their use across diverse data center applications. These are principally the common PDU types to start with.

Basic PDU

This type offers simple power distribution without control or monitoring capabilities, making it suitable for low-density or non-critical environments.

Metered PDU

This model delivers real-time load monitoring to help prevent overload and enhance capacity planning.

Monitored PDU 

This device serves remote tracking of power consumption and integrates with Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) tools for centralized visibility. Explore more on DCIM solutions and market trends

Switched PDU

This kind is equipped to permit a remote on/off control feature at the outlet level, increasing uptime via remote reboot capabilities.

Use Case

Eaton emphasizes the enabling of remote outlet control and energy decision-making at the rack level.  

Intelligent PDU

This one is also called Smart PDU, which is employed with advanced analytics and automation and environmental integration, all for an AI-powered high-density environment.

Use Case

Vertiv, with its modern PDUs, supports remote monitoring and management to ensure peak performance in high-density environments. 

Global PDU Suppliers Powering Data Centers

In this section, we cover some of the major players and their product mix for operators to choose from, based on customer requirements. Major power distribution unit manufacturers are responding with monitoring features, remote management capabilities, and scalable architectures for high-density racks, which require efficient data center cooling systems to maintain performance. 

Schneider Electric – Intelligent PDU Leadership

Schneider Electric specializes in energy management and intelligent PDUs. Its PDU portfolio comprises intelligent, switched, and metered rack PDUs, with integrated digital energy platforms. The strategic focus of this company is on integrating smart energy ecosystems with DCIM and automation platforms. 

This section pertains to their deployments and supplies. They are more interested in hyperscale and enterprise deployments. Their rack-level power distribution solutions are well-suited for large-scale facilities. In the paragraphs below, you will find multiple types of APC basic PDUs. 

Schneider Electric has different types of Rack PDUs (e.g., APC Rack Mount PDU Basic). 

• APC Easy Basic Rack PDUs 

• APC Easy Custom Rack PDUs 

• APC Easy Metered Rack PDUs 

• APC Easy Switched Rack PDUs 

• APC NetShelter Advanced Rack PDUs 

• APC NetShelter Custom Rack PDUs 

• NetShelter Switched Metered Outlet PDUs 

• APC NetShelter Switched Rack PDUs 

• APC NetShelter Metered-by-Outlet Rack PDU 

• APC NetShelter Metered Rack 

• APC NetShelter Basic Rack PDUs` 

Latest Update

NetShelter Rack PDU Advanced has been updated to support the high-current power needs of AI servers. Designed for efficient rack layouts, offering compact vertical and horizontal models with higher counts of dedicated circuits. Intelligent operational features are now enabled to enhance security and provide seamless integration to EcoStruxure IT.

Vertiv – High-Density & AI-Ready PDUs

Vertiv offers high-density, AI-ready PDUs across its portfolio, including basic, switched, and monitored rack PDU. Vertiv's strategy for data center supplies prioritizes high-density and edge environments, designing solutions for scalability and reliability.

On top of that, from basic to intelligent, there is an RPDU for every application with robust features to improve IT performance, and these go beyond the standard with configure-to-order capabilities.

Vertiv’s types of Rack PDU

• Vertiv Geist Basic Rack PDUs

• Vertiv™ Geist™ Metered Rack PDUs

• Vertiv Geist Monitored Rack PDUs

• Vertiv Geist Switched Rack PDUs

Maximizing AI and HPC performance with switched rack PDUs

Switched rPDUs are at the heart of intelligent power management, delivering capabilities to enhance performance in demanding environments, including remote management, overload prevention, and operational, energy, and cost efficiencies.

Recent Development

In September 2025, the company announced the new Vertiv™ PowerIT rack power distribution units (PDU), an extension of the Vertiv PowerIT product line, designed to address the rising power needs of data-intensive workloads, including AI and high-performance computing (HPC), enabling data centers to seamlessly scale power in response to growing IT demands.

Basic, monitored, and switched models are now available in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). The company offered high-capacity, advanced PDUs for AI workloads up to high kW levels.

Highlight: Vertiv™ PowerIT rack power distribution units (PDUs) are now available in power ratings up to 57.6 kW.

Eaton – Intelligent Rack-Level Control

Eaton falls under the umbrella of intelligent rack-level control PDUs. Their portfolio includes basic, metered, and managed (also called switched) PDUs.

The principal capabilities consist of outlet-level monitoring, remote switching, and rebooting. However, to support global deployments, they supply universal input PDUs.

Eaton offers a full range of PDUs for everything from basic rackmount models in distributed IT networks to advanced models for comprehensive monitoring and control in enterprise and colocation data centers.

Eaton's basic PDUs have form factors and various output receptacle choices for reliable, cost-effective power distribution and branch circuit protection for all connected equipment in your server racks.

Basic PDU models feature Eaton's patented IEC outlet grip plug retention prevents accidental equipment disconnects, has color-coded outlet sections for quick visual identification, a low-profile form factor, and a high operating temperature threshold.

Eaton Types of PDU

Given below are details of Eaton’s PDU varieties, which are based on phase, form factor, input voltage, and amps. The Eaton managed rack PDU, also known as Switched PDU, enables monitoring and control of critical parameters such as voltage, current, and power factor.

PDU Types Varieties

As for strategic positioning, the focus is on standardization across global data centers, cybersecurity, and remote provisioning. Eaton is known for robust integration with DCIM and modular infrastructure.

Eaton’s Products

• Eaton’s Rack PDU G4 boosts efficiency, security, density, and flexibility

• Eaton’s ePDU® G3 rack mounted (PDUs) provide power distribution to information technology (IT) equipment within a rack.

• Eaton's new rack PDU G4 delivers highly secured power distribution and business continuity, critical in today's data center space.

• Basic G4 PDU provides a secure and built-in high retention system

• Switched G4 PDU combines advanced control features at the outlet level.

• Metered input G4 PDU streamlines power management and promotes efficient operations.

• Managed G4 PDU incorporates all the features of the switched model but also monitors and measures voltage, current, and power consumption at outlet level.

Legrand – Modular & Intelligent PDU Ecosystem

Legrand offers a modular, intelligent PDU ecosystem through its portfolio, including basic, metered, and intelligent PDUs.

The company is strategically moving to introduce universal input intelligent PDUs for multi-region deployments.

With a data center focus, it makes its presence felt through brands like Raritan & Server Technology, emphasizing flexibility and customization.

Power Distribution Designed for High-Density IT Environments

• Legrand PDUs deliver reliable and intelligent power at the rack level, linking upstream infrastructure and IT equipment.

• Designed to support from basic power distribution to advanced monitoring and remote control

• The PDUs, any kind, whether vertical PDU or horizontal PDU, help data centers improve uptime, enhance energy visibility, and simplify operations.

• Ideal for enterprise, colocation, and hyperscale data center deployments with modular configurations, high-density designs, and global standards compliance.

• Highlight: Their standalone PDU range integrates into installations and meets relevant standards.

Intelligent Rack PDUs for AI Data Centers

Legrand addresses the critical considerations for operators, with its intelligent rack PDU meeting the demands of high-power applications that require a stable, reliable power supply 24/7.

Catering to high-density data centers, hyperscalers, and colocation facilities, the company offers PDUs with high-density designs and advanced power management, metering, and monitoring capabilities.

Operators opt for high-density PDUs to support higher power loads. Legrand provides the Raritan PX4 Rack PDUs and Server Technology PRO4X PDUs, both featuring HDOT Cx outlets that support high-power loads. These advanced rack PDU solutions are designed to meet power requirements and are customized for voltage, input current, power capacity, and form factor.

ABB – Intelligent Power Systems Integration

ABB is known in the market for its intelligent power system integration, and thus its PDU strategy focuses on intelligent, modular power distribution.

With reference to its market standing, its presence is in industrial-scale and mission-critical infrastructure. They complement each other by integrating with broader electrification and automation systems in the data center.

ABB Products

ABB’s Cyberex PDU

ABB’s Cyberex PDU model offers a flexible power distribution product with unlimited panelboard and sub-feed breaker configurations to meet every load requirement. Multiple cabinet designs support up to 1.3MW ratings.

Also, the Cyberex PowerView monitoring system allows you to keep track of and control different branch circuits or subfeeds all from one device.

ABB TruFit™

This power distribution unit provides a rapid, space-saving solution for data centers for three-phase 50-800 kVA applications. The design meets the fast-paced project timelines of data centers and provides advanced protection for critical power applications.

Recent Developments

ABB invests USD 75 million in India to expand manufacturing and R&D for critical segments, including data centers across five locations. Mr. Morten Wierod, ABB’s Chief Executive Officer, sees a strong demand driven by country’s data centers' development, among others. Since the data center plays a crucial role in the economy, one can infer that ABB's PDUs would contribute to its profitability.

In another development, ABB and VoltaGrid extend their collaboration on data center power infrastructure. ABB will supply 35 additional synchronous condensers with flywheel technology and eHouses for major power generation projects globally for VoltaGrid.

The equipment will enable VoltaGrid to significantly expand its data center power platform, delivering the voltage stability required by next-generation AI infrastructure

ABB has been awarded additional large orders by VoltaGrid – a Texas-based microgrid power generation company – for data center power projects worldwide to support the growth of artificial intelligence (AI).

Conclusion

It is evident that PDU customization helps data center operators meet these dynamic demands and maintain a competitive edge. Besides, successful custom PDU deployment hinges on manufacturers of power distribution units who can deeply analyze unique customer challenges and deliver adaptable solutions.

Employing the above PDU types as per the customization requirement is a priority for suppliers. With so many players competing, the PDU landscape is getting as dynamic as it gets.

Major companies such as Schneider Electric, Vertiv, Eaton, Legrand, and ABB are overcoming the challenges of the data center PDU market by offering intelligent, scalable, and DCIM-integrated solutions. Innovativeness in outlet-level control, high-density design, modularity, and cybersecurity is altering rack-level power management.

Customization becomes critical, allowing PDUs to support AI-heavy racks, edge deployments, and global norms. In this dynamic data center market, success depends on the flexible solutions these PDUs provide that align with the data center’s requirements.

We can conclude that as data centers grow in scale, intelligent PDUs will remain crucial to increase effectiveness, visibility, and sustainable infrastructure growth.

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