The most common power outage in a small rack is not the utility. It is somebody reaching behind the cabinet and knocking the power strip plug half out of the wall. Everything goes dark, and it usually happens while someone is "just moving one cable."
A twist-lock plug fixes that. The Valiant Power 8-Outlet Rack PDU with L5-20P plug locks into its receptacle with a quarter turn, so it stays put no matter who is working in the rack.
What is an L5-20P?
NEMA L5-20 is a 120V, 20A locking connector. The "L" means locking, the "5" means 120V with a ground, and the "20" is the amp rating. The plug end is the L5-20P. It needs an L5-20R receptacle on the wall, which an electrician can install on a 20A circuit in a few minutes if you do not already have one.
You push the plug in and twist it clockwise. Now it cannot be pulled straight out. To remove it, twist it back.
What plugs into the outlets?
The eight outlets are NEMA 5-20R. That is the outlet with one slot shaped like a sideways T. It accepts:
- Standard 5-15P plugs, the regular three-prong plug on almost everything
- 5-20P plugs, which have one horizontal blade and show up on some higher-draw equipment
So everything you already own plugs straight in, and the occasional 20A device will too.
How much can it run?
The unit is rated for 120V at 20A. For equipment that runs all day, plan around 80% of that, which is 16A, or about 1,920 watts of continuous load. Enough for a full network closet, a stack of AV gear, or two or three modest servers. If you need a lot more than that, a 240V PDU is the better move.
Specs
| Outlets | 8 x NEMA 5-20R |
| Input plug | NEMA L5-20P twist-lock |
| Voltage | 120V AC, single phase |
| Max current | 20A |
| Cord | 10 ft, heavy gauge |
| Surge protection | 4,500A |
| Rack fit | Standard 19 inch |
| Mounting ears | Rotate 360 degrees |
| Switch | On/off rocker |
The 10 foot cord helps more than you think
Racks rarely sit right next to the receptacle. A 10 foot cord lets you put the PDU at the top of the rack and still reach a receptacle on the wall or under the floor without an extension cord. Extension cords in a rack are a bad habit anyway.
Good fits for this PDU
- Network closets and IDF cabinets
- AV and broadcast racks
- Telecom equipment
- Workbenches and garage setups
- Commercial equipment that runs on 120V
Twist-lock vs a standard plug
If your rack is plugged into a normal wall outlet and you do not want to add a new receptacle, our 8-outlet 120V rack PDU with a standard plug is the simpler choice. If you can add an L5-20R receptacle, the locking version is worth it for anything you cannot afford to have knocked offline.
Frequently asked questions
Will an L5-20P plug fit a regular outlet?
No. It only fits an L5-20R twist-lock receptacle. That is intentional, since it keeps the PDU on a proper 20A circuit.
Can I plug regular devices into it?
Yes. The 5-20R outlets accept standard 5-15P plugs.
Is it surge protected?
Yes, with 4,500A of surge protection.
Can I mount it vertically or on a wall?
Yes. The 360 degree ears let you mount it in a rack, on a wall, or under a bench, facing whichever way works.
Questions about your setup? Email support@valiantpowerco.com. Or see the L5-20P Rack PDU.