PDUs manage and distribute electricity and are normally installed directly onto a rack. The power source could be alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). It can come from an uninterruptible power supply, a utility power supplier, or a generator or other secondary power source. PDUs are also designed for power requirements that are typically much larger than home or office power strips and surge protectors.

Power distribution units ensure an organization’s IT infrastructure and data center are adequately powered. Organizations also use PDUs to monitor power efficiency and uptime.