Power distribution unit
A Power distribution unit (Commonly abbreviated to PDU) is a device that distributes electric power.
Large industrial units are used for taking high voltage and amperage and reducing it to more common and useful levels, for example from 220V 30A single phase to multiple 110V 15A or 110V 20A plugs. They are used in computer data centers, stage shows, by DJs, and in other electrically intensive applications. Some have features like remote monitoring or control down to the individual plug level (see: remote power boot switch below).
A 240 volt circuit (120 volts x2 plus neutral and ground) has two legs at 120 volts. A distro switches and provides circuit protection for the taps off of the phases/legs. A PDU allows for a solidly bonded neutral, and a safe grounding system.
Remote power boot switches
Remotely controllable units (smaller units also known as: remote control power strip or intelligent power strip), are a type of PDU that can switch power outlets on and off 'per outlet' on command.
Datacenter usage
Computer and telecom network equipment and servers sometimes hang on configuration changes (when they should either continue working or automatically failover) a manageable PDU allows for reseting them over an RS-232 serial c.q. administrative TELNET link.
See also
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