Power distribution unit Rittal 7979.218 metered PDU 20x AC outlets (C13/C19), 230V 16A, 3700W, 3 m cable, grey

Rittal 7979.218 is a metered power distribution unit (PDU) designed for rack-mounted IT equipment. The unit supplies up to 230 V at 16 A and a maximum of 3700 W through twenty AC outlets (a mix of IEC C13 and C19 couplers). Housed in a grey aluminium and plastic enclosure and supplied with a 3 m power cable, this PDU is intended for installation in server cabinets and data centre racks where consolidated, monitored power distribution and basic energy measurement per phase are required.

Advantages

The PDU provides integrated metering with measurement accuracy of ±1% (kWh) compliant with EN 62053-21, enabling reliable energy monitoring and usage accounting. It supports tool-free vertical mounting in appropriate racks and includes features for phase colour coding and a tool-free divider kit where compatible. Built-in alarms, adjustable warning and alarm thresholds, an operating hours meter, and a real-time clock with battery buffering enhance operational visibility and fault awareness. The unit is self-supplied and designed for low intrinsic power consumption.

Suitable for

• Data centre and server room racks requiring consolidated monitored power distribution
• Network and telecommunication cabinets hosting mixed C13/C19 powered equipment
• IT infrastructure where per-phase energy measurement and alarm thresholds are needed
• Racks that allow vertical, zero-U mounting and need minimal installation tools

When it may not be suitable

This metered PDU is not designed as a switched or outlet-controlled unit; it provides metering and alarm functions but does not offer remote outlet-level switching. It also requires a compatible rack or cabinet for vertical mounting; use in non-rack or non-standard enclosures may require additional accessories or different mounting solutions.

Key specifications

• Input voltage: 230 V AC
• Maximum current: 16 A
• Maximum power: 3700 W
• Number of AC outlets: 20 (combination of IEC C13 and IEC C19 couplers)
• Cable length: 3 m power cable
• Housing materials: aluminium and plastic, grey
• Metering accuracy: ±1% (kWh) to EN 62053-21
• Real-time clock with battery buffering (battery replaceable)
• Acoustic alarm: integral electromagnetic buzzer
• Phase colour coding and adjustable limit values for voltage, current and output

How to use

Install the PDU vertically in a compatible rack or cabinet, utilising the zero-U mounting option if available for tool-free attachment. Connect the unit to a 230 V, 16 A supply using the integrated 3 m cable. Connect IT equipment to the C13 and C19 outlets, observing phase colour coding and load distribution recommendations to avoid overloading any single phase. Configure the metering display, set warning and alarm thresholds for voltage, current or power, and verify the real-time clock and operating hours settings. Replace the clock battery when required according to the maintenance schedule.

What to consider before purchase

• Ensure rack compatibility for vertical/zero-U mounting in your cabinet model
• Confirm that 20 combined C13/C19 outlets meet the connector types and quantity required by your equipment
• Verify your site supply can provide 230 V at up to 16 A and that 3700 W total is sufficient for the planned load
• Decide if metering-only functionality (no per-outlet switching) satisfies your operational needs

Usage recommendations

Distribute connected loads evenly across phases and monitor the PDU metering regularly to detect threshold violations. Use the integral alarms and adjustable limits to alert staff before overload conditions, and maintain the real-time clock battery to preserve accurate logging.