Eaton EPDU Horizontal 1U L5-30P 12 x NEMA 5-15R MI — Metered Input ePDU

The Eaton EPDU Horizontal 1U Metered Input (MI) is designed to deliver reliable, scalable power distribution with built-in monitoring for modern data centers and network closets. This compact, 1U horizontal power distribution unit helps IT teams gain granular visibility into power consumption across individual sections, enabling proactive capacity planning, smarter in-rack power management, and improved uptime. With its metered input architecture, you can aggregate power data from multiple ePDUs through integrated network connectivity and Eaton’s software solutions, providing a centralized view of critical loads across the rack. A local display makes quick at-a-glance monitoring possible even when the network is temporarily unavailable.

• Metred input with per-section monitoring: Track current draw on individual segments of the PDU to identify loads, prevent overloading, and optimize energy use across racks and rows. This capability supports proactive power management and detailed reporting for capacity planning.
• Data-center-ready 1U horizontal form factor: Engineered to maximize rack efficiency, the 1U height fits neatly into standard 19" racks while delivering a robust power distribution solution for dense server and network environments. The horizontal footprint ensures clean cable routing and easy integration into existing rack layouts.
• 12 x NEMA 5-15R outlets: A full complement of reliable, standard 5-15R receptacles provides flexible power distribution for a wide range of IT equipment, from servers to switches and storage devices, with ample outlet density for high-availability deployments.
• L5-30P input for high-capacity power: The twist-lock L5-30P inlet supports a secure, removable power connection suitable for data-center-grade installations, delivering dependable 120V power with stationary protection against accidental disconnection.
• Centralized monitoring and local visibility: Beyond local display, the MI configuration enables remote monitoring via network protocols, SNMP, and Eaton software platforms, enabling operators to monitor power metrics from a single console and integrate with facilities management systems.

Technical Details of [product]

• Form factor: Horizontal 1U rack-mountable enclosure designed for standard 19" racks.
• Input: L5-30P (30A, 120V) metered inlet for secure, high-capacity power supply.
• Outlets: 12 x NEMA 5-15R receptacles to support common IT devices and peripherals.
• Metering: Metered input with real-time current monitoring to track power usage at the unit and section levels.
• Monitoring and connectivity: Network-enabled monitoring to aggregate data across multiple ePDUs; supports centralized management via Eaton software and standard networking protocols.
• Local display: Built-in display for quick, at-a-glance power information without requiring network access.
• Construction: Rugged, rack-ready chassis designed for continuous operation in data centers and telecommunications environments.
• Compatibility: Designed to integrate with Eaton Power Management solutions and standard enterprise IT environments for scalable power distribution and reporting.

how to install [product]

Installing the Eaton EPDU Horizontal 1U MI is a straightforward process designed to minimize downtime and maximize reliability. Follow these general steps to deploy the unit in a standard data center rack environment:

1) Plan and prepare: Identify the appropriate rack location, ensuring adequate ventilation and clearance for cable management. Verify that the rack can support the weight and that there is an accessible power circuit for the L5-30P input. Prepare network connectivity if remote monitoring will be used.

2) Mount the PDU: Slide the unit into the 19" rack rails and secure it using the included screws or mounting brackets. Confirm a solid, vibration-free installation to prevent accidental disconnections or cable strain during maintenance.

3) Connect power: Connect the L5-30P input plug to a suitably rated power circuit that matches the PDU’s specifications. Ensure the circuit protection (breaker or fuse) is appropriate for the load and adheres to local electrical codes. Do not exceed the recommended amperage to avoid nuisance tripping.

4) Load distribution: Route power supply cables from the 12 NEMA 5-15R outlets to IT devices. Use cable management features to keep bundles tidy and separate high-energy devices from sensitive networking equipment to minimize interference and improve airflow.

5) Configure monitoring: Connect the PDU to the network using the Ethernet interface if available. Access the local display to verify basic readings and set up IP addressing, SNMP communities, or other monitoring parameters as required by your centralized management system.

6) Validate operation: Power on connected equipment and observe the metered readings for accuracy. Confirm that alert thresholds or data thresholds align with your data-center power policies. Integrate with Eaton’s Power Management software or your preferred monitoring platform to enable real-time dashboards and historical reporting.

7) Document and maintain: Record the PDU location, outlet mappings, and network configuration. Establish a maintenance schedule to review metering data, verify firmware or software updates when available, and re-check connections after any rack hardware changes.

The Eaton EPDU Horizontal 1U MI is designed to deliver reliable, scalable power distribution while providing actionable power data. This combination helps data centers optimize energy usage, anticipate capacity needs, and maintain uptime across critical workloads. By centralizing monitoring and offering a local display for quick checks, it serves both operators who prefer a hands-on approach and teams that rely on automated data for decision making. The result is improved operational efficiency, reduced risk of outages due to overcurrent conditions, and clearer visibility into how power is consumed at the rack level.

Frequently asked questions

• What is an ePDU with Metered Input? A metered input ePDU is a power distribution unit that not only delivers power to IT equipment but also monitors and reports electrical current draw. This enables centralized visibility, load balancing, and smarter capacity planning across multiple racks or rows.
• How many outlets does this unit have? This model provides 12 x NEMA 5-15R outlets, offering ample access points for standard IT devices while maintaining a compact 1U footprint.
• What inlet is used? The unit uses a L5-30P inlet, a secure twist-lock connection suitable for higher-capacity 120V power distribution in data-center environments.
• Can I monitor the power remotely? Yes. In addition to the local display, the MI configuration supports remote monitoring through network connectivity and Eaton’s software tools, enabling centralized dashboards and alerting.
• What software or management tools work with this ePDU? Eaton provides software solutions for centralized power management and monitoring, and the unit is designed to integrate with these platforms for scalable, enterprise-wide visibility into power usage and performance.