19" 8 Way Vertical IEC C13 PDU
At a glance
Key specifications
- Rack format
- 19" / 0U
- Outputs
- 8 × IEC C13
- Power input
- UK plug + lead
- Lead
- 3m
- Switching
- Switched
Overview
This 8-way vertical power distribution unit is designed for use in 19-inch data cabinets, network racks and equipment enclosures. It provides IEC C13 outlets and is supplied with a 3 m captive 3-core 1.5 mm² mains lead terminated in a UK BS 1363 plug.
The aluminium PDU is master switched, operates at a nominal 230 V / 50 Hz and mounts vertically using rack cage-nut fixing ears, so it does not consume horizontal rack-unit space. It is not surge protected.
In the box
What’s included
Mounting hardware and accessories supplied with this PDU.
Technical data
Specifications
Configuration
- Rack standard
- 19"
- Orientation
- Vertical
Electrical
- Nominal voltage
- 230 V
- Frequency
- 50 Hz
- Surge protection
- No
Mechanical
- Material
- Aluminium
Identification
- SKU
- PLX-C-IEC8V-1U
Connections & switching
- Output sockets
- 8 × IEC C13
- Power input
- UK plug + lead
- Lead length
- 3m
- Switching
- Switched
Cable
- Conductors
- 3-core
- Conductor size
- 1.5 mm²
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Questions & answers
Helpful information gathered across closely related product variants.
Browse Power & Rack PDUs helpFeatured questions
What is a rack PDU used for?
A rack PDU takes one incoming mains supply and distributes it to several pieces of equipment inside a cabinet or rack.
It keeps the power distribution with the equipment rather than allowing a collection of ordinary extension leads to acquire a life of its own in the bottom of the cabinet.
Are these smart or managed PDUs?
No. The current range consists of basic power distribution units.
They do not provide network management, remote monitoring, power metering or remote outlet control.
What is the difference between a horizontal and vertical rack PDU?
A horizontal PDU mounts across the rack in the usual way and occupies rack space. A vertical PDU mounts down the side of the cabinet and consumes no front rack units.
Electrically they perform the same basic job; the distinction is mainly where you want the procession of power leads to live.
Does a PDU with more outlets provide more available power?
No. More outlets provide more connection points; they do not multiply the capacity of the incoming supply.
The total connected load still has to remain within the limit of the PDU and its input connection.
What is the difference between UK and IEC outlet PDUs?
UK versions provide BS 1363 mains sockets for ordinary UK plugs. IEC versions provide C13 outlets for rack-equipment power leads with C14 plugs.
Mixed versions provide both.
The best choice is usually the one that matches the leads already used by the equipment rather than introducing adapters simply for the sake of variety.
Are all of these PDUs surge protected?
No. Surge protection is only present on models specifically identified as surge protected.
Do not assume it is included simply because a product is a rack PDU.
Browse by topic
General product questions
What is a rack PDU used for?
A rack PDU takes one incoming mains supply and distributes it to several pieces of equipment inside a cabinet or rack.
It keeps the power distribution with the equipment rather than allowing a collection of ordinary extension leads to acquire a life of its own in the bottom of the cabinet.
Are these smart or managed PDUs?
No. The current range consists of basic power distribution units.
They do not provide network management, remote monitoring, power metering or remote outlet control.
What is the difference between a horizontal and vertical rack PDU?
A horizontal PDU mounts across the rack in the usual way and occupies rack space. A vertical PDU mounts down the side of the cabinet and consumes no front rack units.
Electrically they perform the same basic job; the distinction is mainly where you want the procession of power leads to live.
Does a PDU with more outlets provide more available power?
No. More outlets provide more connection points; they do not multiply the capacity of the incoming supply.
The total connected load still has to remain within the limit of the PDU and its input connection.
What is the difference between UK and IEC outlet PDUs?
UK versions provide BS 1363 mains sockets for ordinary UK plugs. IEC versions provide C13 outlets for rack-equipment power leads with C14 plugs.
Mixed versions provide both.
The best choice is usually the one that matches the leads already used by the equipment rather than introducing adapters simply for the sake of variety.
Are all of these PDUs surge protected?
No. Surge protection is only present on models specifically identified as surge protected.
Do not assume it is included simply because a product is a rack PDU.
Are these PDUs suitable for outdoor use?
No. They are intended for indoor use in data cabinets, network racks and similar equipment enclosures.
We do not specify them as weatherproof or for exposed outdoor installation.
Is rack mounting hardware included with the PDU?
Yes. The horizontal and vertical PDUs are supplied with four cage nuts, screws and washers for mounting the unit in a compatible rack or cabinet.
Input Power
Is the mains lead captive on the BS 1363 plug-input models?
Yes. The BS 1363 plug-input models use a captive mains lead rather than a detachable inlet.
Most use a 3m lead, with a longer 5m version where specifically stated.
What fuse is fitted in the UK mains plug?
The captive BS 1363 supply plug is fitted with a 13A fuse.
What is the maximum load on the BS 1363 plug-input PDUs?
The product label states a maximum total load of 13A for the BS 1363 plug-input models.
That is the total load across the PDU, not 13A for every outlet.
Does a 13A PDU mean I can draw 13A from every socket at the same time?
No. The 13A figure is the maximum total load on the BS 1363 input models.
Six sockets do not conjure six independent 13A supplies out of one mains plug.
Add the connected equipment loads together and keep the combined figure within the PDU limit.
Load
What is the maximum current for each individual PDU outlet?
We do not currently publish a product-specific per-outlet current figure for this PDU range.
Use the verified overall PDU load limit where one is specified and observe the ratings of the connected equipment, connectors and cables.
Can I add the theoretical ratings of all the sockets together to work out the PDU capacity?
No. The limiting factor is the complete PDU and its incoming supply, not the arithmetic sum of a row of socket faces.
A bank of outlets is a distribution point, not a small power station.
Use the product-level load limit rather than multiplying one imagined socket rating by the outlet count.
How do I stay within the 13A maximum load on a UK-plug PDU?
Add the input current of the equipment that will be powered from the PDU and keep the combined load within 13A.
If the equipment load is unclear, check its rating information rather than relying on the number of free sockets as an indication that more load can be added.
What supply voltage and frequency are these PDUs designed for?
The range is specified for a nominal 230V, 50Hz supply.
What are the PDU bodies made from?
The PDU bodies are aluminium, providing a rigid enclosure suited to rack mounting and other indoor installations.
Mounting
How do the vertical PDUs attach to the cabinet?
The vertical models have their mounting ears at the rear of the body rather than at the front like the horizontal units.
In a cabinet, those ears secure the PDU to suitable side mounting points using the supplied cage nuts, screws and washers.
Will a vertical PDU block equipment positions at the front of the rack?
No. The vertical units mount at the side and do not consume front 19-inch rack units.
That is the principal advantage of the vertical orientation: the power distribution uses cabinet side space rather than competing with switches, patch panels and servers for the front rails.
Can I mount a vertical PDU under a desk, on a wall or on a workbench?
Yes. The fixing ears are mounted at the rear of the PDU body, which makes surface mounting particularly practical.
It can be fixed under a desk, to a worktop, to a wall or to another suitable indoor surface using appropriate fixings for that material.
The result can be considerably tidier than leaving a large multi-socket extension lead wandering around on the floor.
Which way should I orient a vertical PDU?
Mount it on whichever cabinet side and in whichever practical orientation gives the power leads a natural route.
There is little virtue in creating a neat vertical installation and then making every mains lead perform an unnecessary detour to reach it.
How many rack fixings are supplied?
Four cage nuts, four screws and four washers are supplied with the PDU.
Are the supplied cage nuts and rack screws suitable for mounting the PDU to a desk or wall?
No. The supplied cage nuts, screws and washers are intended for rack mounting.
If you are fixing the PDU to timber, masonry, a worktop or another non-rack surface, use suitable screws and fixings for that surface instead.
Outlets
What type of plug connects to an IEC C13 PDU outlet?
The PDU outlet is IEC C13, so the plug inserted into it is an IEC C14 male connector.
A common rack jumper lead therefore has a C14 plug at the PDU end and a C13 connector at the equipment end.
Can the individual outlets be switched separately?
No. The current range does not include individually switched or remotely controlled outlets.
Switched models use one master switch for the complete PDU.
Does each outlet have its own share of the PDU load capacity?
No. Think of the outlets as branches from one incoming supply, not as separate little power allocations.
The combined load of everything connected to the PDU is what matters.
Are the IEC C13 outlets locking?
No. They are ordinary IEC C13 outlets and do not have an additional locking or retention mechanism beyond the normal fit of the IEC connector.
Can I use adapters if the PDU has the wrong outlet type for my equipment?
A suitable approved adapter may solve a particular connection problem, but choosing the correct PDU or equipment lead is usually cleaner.
Every extra adapter adds another connection, more bulk and another object to accommodate in a cabinet that is rarely short of things already demanding space.
Do any of these PDUs have USB charging ports?
No. The current rack PDU range is mains-power only and does not include USB charging ports.
Selection
Do I need a 10-inch or 19-inch PDU?
Choose the rack format that matches the cabinet.
The 10-inch horizontal models are intended for 10-inch racks, while the 19-inch range is intended for standard 19-inch cabinets and racks.
Why would I choose a vertical PDU instead of a horizontal one?
A vertical PDU is useful when front rack space is more valuable than side space.
It mounts down the side of the cabinet and leaves every front rack unit available for equipment.
In a crowded cabinet that can be a much more sensible bargain than sacrificing a useful U just to put the sockets in a horizontal line.
Can I use a vertical PDU outside a network cabinet?
Yes. Although the vertical models are designed with rack and cabinet installations in mind, they also work well as high-outlet-count indoor power strips in other locations.
The vertical description explains how the PDU fits a rack; it does not restrict the unit to cabinet use.
Does the 1U or 1.5U in a vertical PDU name mean it uses that much front rack space?
No. On the vertical models, that figure describes the physical height of the PDU body.
Because the unit mounts vertically down the side of the cabinet, it does not consume that amount of front rack space.
The figure describes the body itself, not a rack position that must be left empty.
Why would I choose a vertical PDU instead of a standard extension strip?
A vertical PDU is useful when you want a larger number of sockets spread along a long, rigid enclosure and would prefer the unit to stay neatly in position.
That makes it particularly handy under desks, on workbenches and in equipment areas where an ordinary extension strip can become a rather ungainly bundle of sockets, plugs and surplus cable.
It is still a basic indoor power-distribution unit rather than a managed or metered device; the advantage is mainly the form factor and the way it can be installed.
Can a vertical PDU be mounted on either side of the cabinet?
Yes.
It can be mounted on either side, so choose the position that gives the cleanest cable route and best access to the equipment power leads.
When is an IEC C13 PDU the better choice?
IEC C13 outlets are particularly convenient for rack equipment designed around IEC power connections.
They keep the power arrangement compact and let you use suitably rated IEC jumper leads rather than carrying UK plugs and socket bodies throughout the cabinet.
Switching
What does master switched mean?
One switch controls the complete PDU. Switching it off turns off all of the outlets together.
What is the translucent cover over the master switch for?
It is a removable guard intended to reduce accidental operation of the master switch.
Remove the cap to operate the switch, then replace it afterwards.
Because the guard is translucent, the illuminated switch remains visible while protected — a small piece of plastic doing a rather useful job.
Can I use the master switch to turn one piece of equipment off without affecting the others?
No. It is a master switch, so every outlet on that PDU changes state together.
It is useful when that is what you intend, but it is not a substitute for individual outlet control.
One switch, one consequence.
Is the master switch illuminated?
Yes.
The master switches are illuminated, and the light can be seen through the translucent protective cover while it is fitted.
Matching questions
What is a rack PDU used for? General product questions
A rack PDU takes one incoming mains supply and distributes it to several pieces of equipment inside a cabinet or rack.
It keeps the power distribution with the equipment rather than allowing a collection of ordinary extension leads to acquire a life of its own in the bottom of the cabinet.
Are these smart or managed PDUs? General product questions
No. The current range consists of basic power distribution units.
They do not provide network management, remote monitoring, power metering or remote outlet control.
What is the difference between a horizontal and vertical rack PDU? General product questions
A horizontal PDU mounts across the rack in the usual way and occupies rack space. A vertical PDU mounts down the side of the cabinet and consumes no front rack units.
Electrically they perform the same basic job; the distinction is mainly where you want the procession of power leads to live.
Does a PDU with more outlets provide more available power? General product questions
No. More outlets provide more connection points; they do not multiply the capacity of the incoming supply.
The total connected load still has to remain within the limit of the PDU and its input connection.
What is the difference between UK and IEC outlet PDUs? General product questions
UK versions provide BS 1363 mains sockets for ordinary UK plugs. IEC versions provide C13 outlets for rack-equipment power leads with C14 plugs.
Mixed versions provide both.
The best choice is usually the one that matches the leads already used by the equipment rather than introducing adapters simply for the sake of variety.
Are all of these PDUs surge protected? General product questions
No. Surge protection is only present on models specifically identified as surge protected.
Do not assume it is included simply because a product is a rack PDU.
Are these PDUs suitable for outdoor use? General product questions
No. They are intended for indoor use in data cabinets, network racks and similar equipment enclosures.
We do not specify them as weatherproof or for exposed outdoor installation.
Is rack mounting hardware included with the PDU? General product questions
Yes. The horizontal and vertical PDUs are supplied with four cage nuts, screws and washers for mounting the unit in a compatible rack or cabinet.
Do I need a 10-inch or 19-inch PDU? Selection
Choose the rack format that matches the cabinet.
The 10-inch horizontal models are intended for 10-inch racks, while the 19-inch range is intended for standard 19-inch cabinets and racks.
Is the mains lead captive on the BS 1363 plug-input models? Input Power
Yes. The BS 1363 plug-input models use a captive mains lead rather than a detachable inlet.
Most use a 3m lead, with a longer 5m version where specifically stated.
What does master switched mean? Switching
One switch controls the complete PDU. Switching it off turns off all of the outlets together.
Why would I choose a vertical PDU instead of a horizontal one? Selection
A vertical PDU is useful when front rack space is more valuable than side space.
It mounts down the side of the cabinet and leaves every front rack unit available for equipment.
In a crowded cabinet that can be a much more sensible bargain than sacrificing a useful U just to put the sockets in a horizontal line.
What type of plug connects to an IEC C13 PDU outlet? Outlets
The PDU outlet is IEC C13, so the plug inserted into it is an IEC C14 male connector.
A common rack jumper lead therefore has a C14 plug at the PDU end and a C13 connector at the equipment end.
What fuse is fitted in the UK mains plug? Input Power
The captive BS 1363 supply plug is fitted with a 13A fuse.
What is the translucent cover over the master switch for? Switching
It is a removable guard intended to reduce accidental operation of the master switch.
Remove the cap to operate the switch, then replace it afterwards.
Because the guard is translucent, the illuminated switch remains visible while protected — a small piece of plastic doing a rather useful job.
What is the maximum current for each individual PDU outlet? Load
We do not currently publish a product-specific per-outlet current figure for this PDU range.
Use the verified overall PDU load limit where one is specified and observe the ratings of the connected equipment, connectors and cables.
What is the maximum load on the BS 1363 plug-input PDUs? Input Power
The product label states a maximum total load of 13A for the BS 1363 plug-input models.
That is the total load across the PDU, not 13A for every outlet.
Can I add the theoretical ratings of all the sockets together to work out the PDU capacity? Load
No. The limiting factor is the complete PDU and its incoming supply, not the arithmetic sum of a row of socket faces.
A bank of outlets is a distribution point, not a small power station.
Use the product-level load limit rather than multiplying one imagined socket rating by the outlet count.
Can I use a vertical PDU outside a network cabinet? Selection
Yes. Although the vertical models are designed with rack and cabinet installations in mind, they also work well as high-outlet-count indoor power strips in other locations.
The vertical description explains how the PDU fits a rack; it does not restrict the unit to cabinet use.
How do the vertical PDUs attach to the cabinet? Mounting
The vertical models have their mounting ears at the rear of the body rather than at the front like the horizontal units.
In a cabinet, those ears secure the PDU to suitable side mounting points using the supplied cage nuts, screws and washers.
Does a 13A PDU mean I can draw 13A from every socket at the same time? Input Power
No. The 13A figure is the maximum total load on the BS 1363 input models.
Six sockets do not conjure six independent 13A supplies out of one mains plug.
Add the connected equipment loads together and keep the combined figure within the PDU limit.
How do I stay within the 13A maximum load on a UK-plug PDU? Load
Add the input current of the equipment that will be powered from the PDU and keep the combined load within 13A.
If the equipment load is unclear, check its rating information rather than relying on the number of free sockets as an indication that more load can be added.
Does the 1U or 1.5U in a vertical PDU name mean it uses that much front rack space? Selection
No. On the vertical models, that figure describes the physical height of the PDU body.
Because the unit mounts vertically down the side of the cabinet, it does not consume that amount of front rack space.
The figure describes the body itself, not a rack position that must be left empty.
Can I use the master switch to turn one piece of equipment off without affecting the others? Switching
No. It is a master switch, so every outlet on that PDU changes state together.
It is useful when that is what you intend, but it is not a substitute for individual outlet control.
One switch, one consequence.
What supply voltage and frequency are these PDUs designed for? Load
The range is specified for a nominal 230V, 50Hz supply.
Will a vertical PDU block equipment positions at the front of the rack? Mounting
No. The vertical units mount at the side and do not consume front 19-inch rack units.
That is the principal advantage of the vertical orientation: the power distribution uses cabinet side space rather than competing with switches, patch panels and servers for the front rails.
Can the individual outlets be switched separately? Outlets
No. The current range does not include individually switched or remotely controlled outlets.
Switched models use one master switch for the complete PDU.
Can I mount a vertical PDU under a desk, on a wall or on a workbench? Mounting
Yes. The fixing ears are mounted at the rear of the PDU body, which makes surface mounting particularly practical.
It can be fixed under a desk, to a worktop, to a wall or to another suitable indoor surface using appropriate fixings for that material.
The result can be considerably tidier than leaving a large multi-socket extension lead wandering around on the floor.
Does each outlet have its own share of the PDU load capacity? Outlets
No. Think of the outlets as branches from one incoming supply, not as separate little power allocations.
The combined load of everything connected to the PDU is what matters.
Why would I choose a vertical PDU instead of a standard extension strip? Selection
A vertical PDU is useful when you want a larger number of sockets spread along a long, rigid enclosure and would prefer the unit to stay neatly in position.
That makes it particularly handy under desks, on workbenches and in equipment areas where an ordinary extension strip can become a rather ungainly bundle of sockets, plugs and surplus cable.
It is still a basic indoor power-distribution unit rather than a managed or metered device; the advantage is mainly the form factor and the way it can be installed.
Are the IEC C13 outlets locking? Outlets
No. They are ordinary IEC C13 outlets and do not have an additional locking or retention mechanism beyond the normal fit of the IEC connector.
Can a vertical PDU be mounted on either side of the cabinet? Selection
Yes.
It can be mounted on either side, so choose the position that gives the cleanest cable route and best access to the equipment power leads.
Is the master switch illuminated? Switching
Yes.
The master switches are illuminated, and the light can be seen through the translucent protective cover while it is fitted.
Which way should I orient a vertical PDU? Mounting
Mount it on whichever cabinet side and in whichever practical orientation gives the power leads a natural route.
There is little virtue in creating a neat vertical installation and then making every mains lead perform an unnecessary detour to reach it.
Can I use adapters if the PDU has the wrong outlet type for my equipment? Outlets
A suitable approved adapter may solve a particular connection problem, but choosing the correct PDU or equipment lead is usually cleaner.
Every extra adapter adds another connection, more bulk and another object to accommodate in a cabinet that is rarely short of things already demanding space.
What are the PDU bodies made from? Load
The PDU bodies are aluminium, providing a rigid enclosure suited to rack mounting and other indoor installations.
When is an IEC C13 PDU the better choice? Selection
IEC C13 outlets are particularly convenient for rack equipment designed around IEC power connections.
They keep the power arrangement compact and let you use suitably rated IEC jumper leads rather than carrying UK plugs and socket bodies throughout the cabinet.
How many rack fixings are supplied? Mounting
Four cage nuts, four screws and four washers are supplied with the PDU.
Are the supplied cage nuts and rack screws suitable for mounting the PDU to a desk or wall? Mounting
No. The supplied cage nuts, screws and washers are intended for rack mounting.
If you are fixing the PDU to timber, masonry, a worktop or another non-rack surface, use suitable screws and fixings for that surface instead.
Do any of these PDUs have USB charging ports? Outlets
No. The current rack PDU range is mains-power only and does not include USB charging ports.