In a full rack, every U counts. A horizontal PDU takes a rack slot you could have used for a server. Stack two of them and you have given up two slots just to plug things in.
A vertical PDU mounts in the channel along the side or back of the rack instead. It uses zero rack units, which is why it is called 0U. The Valiant Power 30A Vertical Rack PDU gives you 20 outlets that way: 16 C13 and 4 C19.
Why go vertical?
- You keep every U. All your rack slots stay available for equipment.
- Shorter cords. Outlets run the full height of the rack, so each device plugs into an outlet right next to it. Less slack, cleaner cable management.
- More outlets. A vertical strip has room for 20 outlets, where a 1U strip usually tops out around 10 to 12.
16 C13 plus 4 C19
The 16 C13 outlets cover standard servers, switches, and storage, connected with C13 to C14 cords. The 4 C19 outlets handle bigger loads with C20 inlets, like GPU servers, blade chassis, and larger UPS units, using C19 to C20 cords.
20 outlets does not mean 20 big loads
This is the part people skip. The PDU is rated at 30A. Equipment in a rack runs continuously, so plan around 80% of that, 24A. At 240V that is about 5,760 watts for the whole strip.
So 20 outlets is about flexibility, not about running 20 high-power devices. Twenty 1U servers at 250W each fits. Four GPU servers at 2,000W each does not. Add up the actual draw, then use the built-in meter to confirm.
The meter and surge reset buttons
The display shows the live load, so you can see how much capacity is left before adding hardware. There are also two surge protection reset buttons on the unit, which give you a quick way to restore power after a surge event without pulling the PDU.
Specs
| Form factor | 0U vertical |
| Outlets | 16 x C13, 4 x C19 |
| Rating | 30A, 240V |
| Input | NEMA L6-30P |
| Cord | 10 ft |
| Metering | Real-time display |
| Protection | Surge protection with two reset buttons |
Before you buy: check your rack
Vertical PDUs need a place to mount. Most full-height server cabinets have vertical channels or mounting points at the rear for exactly this. Open frame racks and short wall-mount racks often do not. Measure the inside height of your rack and confirm it has a rear vertical mounting area before ordering. If your rack does not, a 1U unit like our 30A metered PDU with 10 C13 and 2 C19 is the better fit.
Where it works best
- Full-height data center cabinets
- Dense server racks
- AI and GPU infrastructure
- Mining facilities with enclosed racks
Frequently asked questions
What does 0U mean?
It means the PDU does not use any of the rack's horizontal mounting slots. It mounts vertically along the side or back.
What receptacle do I need?
An L6-30R twist-lock receptacle on a 30A, 240V circuit.
Can I use two of these in one rack?
Yes, and in many cabinets that is the norm: one on each side, each on its own circuit. That is also how you get redundant power for servers with two power supplies.
Questions about fit? Email support@valiantpowerco.com with your rack model. Or see the 0U Vertical PDU.