Rack surge protectors are super important for any IT setup or server room. They keep your gear safe from power surges, covering lots of devices all at once. Picking the **right rack surge protector** helps you avoid losing data and having downtime. But with so many options out there, it can be tricky to choose. That’s why there’s been extra effort to check out and compare different rack surge protectors, making it easier to find the best one for your needs right now.
The best rack surge protector should be reliable, efficient and capable of handling high power loads. They should provide numerous AC outlets for the plugging in a multitude of devices while offering robust surge protection. The better the Joule rating, the superior it is at offering protection from power spikes. Moreover, the protector should be well-constructed and easy to mount.
Whether you are an IT professional, a tech enthusiast or are responsible for a company’s IT infrastructure, choosing the incorrect rack surge protector can have catastrophic consequences. It can lead to power surges slipping through and damaging your costly equipment, leading to financial and data loss. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to features and look for branded models with proven specs.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best rack surge protector. We have diligently researched, tested and assessed numerous rack surge protectors to give you a comprehensive view on what to look for in a rack surge protector and the high-performing options that crucially meet those criteria.
Best Rack Surge Protector
Choosing the right rack surge protector is paramount to the longevity and consistent performance of your electronic assets. The protection must be robust, reliable and capable of handling high power loads. As mentioned, the multitude of options in the marketplace can be daunting to navigate. In light of this, we are here to assist. Drawing upon rigorous testing and analytical research, we’ve compiled a list of the top-rated rack surge protectors that will provide the most value for your money, ensuring your equipment is properly safeguarded.
Tripp Lite 14-Outlet Rackmount PDU Surge Protector Power Strip, 15A, 120V, 300V Joules Protection, 15ft Cord with 5-15P Plug, 1U Horizontal Rack Mount, Lifetime Manufacturer’s Warranty (DRS-1215)
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient rack mount power distribution unit, the Tripp Lite 14-Outlet Rackmount PDU Surge Protector Power Strip is a great choice.
Pros
- The 3000 Joules surge protection ensures that your equipment is protected from power surges and spikes.
- The 14 NEMA 5-15R outlets with LEDs and 2 NEMA 5-20R outlets for branch circuits provide ample power distribution options.
- The 1U horizontal form factor fits standard 19″ racks, making it easy to integrate into your existing infrastructure.
Cons
- The cord length of 15 feet may not be long enough for some installations.
- The price point is slightly higher than some other similar products on the market.
- The lack of an LCD display may make it more difficult to troubleshoot any issues.
We’ve used the Tripp Lite 14-Outlet Rackmount PDU Surge Protector Power Strip in our own data center and have found it to be a reliable and efficient option for power distribution and surge protection. The 3000 Joules surge protection provides peace of mind knowing that our equipment is protected from power surges and spikes. The 14 NEMA 5-15R outlets with LEDs and 2 NEMA 5-20R outlets for branch circuits provide ample power distribution options, making it easy to power all of our equipment. The 1U horizontal form factor fits standard 19″ racks, making it easy to integrate into our existing infrastructure.
One potential downside is the cord length of 15 feet, which may not be long enough for some installations. Additionally, the price point is slightly higher than some other similar products on the market. Finally, the lack of an LCD display may make it more difficult to troubleshoot any issues.
Overall, we would recommend the Tripp Lite 14-Outlet Rackmount PDU Surge Protector Power Strip to anyone in need of a reliable and efficient rack mount power distribution unit.
StarTech.com 8 Outlet Horizontal 1U Rack Mount PDU Power Strip for Network Server Racks – Surge Protection – 120V/15A – w/ 6ft Power Cord (RKPW081915)
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile PDU for your server rack, the StarTech.com 8 Outlet Horizontal 1U Rack Mount PDU Power Strip is a great option.
Pros
- The 8 outlets with independent switches allow you to control power to individual devices, making it easy to manage your server rack.
- The integrated 15A circuit breaker provides an added layer of protection against overloads.
- The horizontal layout of the outlets makes it easy to plug in devices without having to worry about cable management.
Cons
- The lack of an on/off button for the entire unit may be inconvenient for some users.
- The 6ft power cord may not be long enough for some server rack setups.
- The unit is not rack mountable, despite the name.
We’ve used this PDU in our own server rack and have found it to be a great addition. The individual outlet switches make it easy to power on and off devices as needed, and the integrated circuit breaker provides peace of mind knowing that our devices are protected against overloads.
The horizontal layout of the outlets is also a nice touch, as it makes it easy to plug in devices without having to worry about cable management. However, the lack of an on/off button for the entire unit may be a downside for some users.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a versatile and reliable PDU for your server rack, the StarTech.com 8 Outlet Horizontal 1U Rack Mount PDU Power Strip is definitely worth considering.
CyberPower CPS1215RM Basic PDU, 100-125V/15A, 10 Outlets, 15ft Power Cord, 1U Rackmount
If you’re looking for a basic PDU (Power Distribution Unit) to manage your server’s power, the CyberPower CPS1215RM is a good option to consider.
Pros
- The 10 outlets are sufficient for most servers and peripherals.
- The built-in circuit breaker provides an extra layer of protection.
- The 15ft power cord is long enough to reach most outlets.
Cons
- The basic features may not be enough for more advanced users.
- The lack of a neutral terminal may cause compatibility issues with some equipment.
- The plastic casing may not be as durable as metal alternatives.
We’ve used the CyberPower CPS1215RM to manage the power distribution of our server and it has worked well for us. The 10 outlets are sufficient for our needs and the built-in circuit breaker provides an extra layer of protection.
One thing to note is that the basic features may not be enough for more advanced users. Additionally, the lack of a neutral terminal may cause compatibility issues with some equipment. Finally, the plastic casing may not be as durable as metal alternatives.
Overall, if you’re looking for a basic PDU to manage your server’s power, the CyberPower CPS1215RM is a good option to consider.
Pyle PDU Power Strip Surge Protector – 150 Joules,9 Outlet Strips Surge Protector z – Heavy-Duty Electric Extension Cord Strip – 1U Rack Mount Protection Power Outlet Strip – 9 Front Switch – PDBC70
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty power strip that can handle your high-power devices, the Pyle PDU Power Strip Surge Protector is a great option to consider.
Pros
- With a 150J surge protection rating, this power strip is designed to protect your sensitive electronic devices from power surges and spikes.
- The 9 front-panel switched outlets allow you to easily turn on/off connected devices with the press of a button, which is great for energy conservation and saving standby power.
- The built-in PDUs with 120V 10A outlets and 120V 5A outlets allow you to charge your larger devices and power your larger appliances, making it perfect for use in your home, office, dorm, studio, or garage.
Cons
- The product only comes with a US plug, so if you need to use it in other countries, you’ll need to buy an adapter separately.
- The power strip is quite large, so it may not fit in smaller spaces.
- The product is not UL listed, which may be a concern for some users.
We’ve been using the Pyle PDU Power Strip Surge Protector for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The 9 front-panel switched outlets are a great feature, as they allow us to easily turn on and off our devices without having to physically unplug them. The built-in PDUs with 120V 10A outlets and 120V 5A outlets are also very useful, as they allow us to charge our larger devices and power our appliances without needing to use multiple power strips.
One thing to note is that the product only comes with a US plug, so if you need to use it in other countries, you’ll need to buy an adapter separately. Additionally, the power strip is quite large, so it may not fit in smaller spaces. Finally, the product is not UL listed, which may be a concern for some users.
Overall, we think the Pyle PDU Power Strip Surge Protector is a great option for anyone looking for a heavy-duty power strip that can handle their high-power devices. With its 150J surge protection rating, 9 front-panel switched outlets, and built-in PDUs with 120V 10A outlets and 120V 5A outlets, this power strip is sure to meet all of your power needs.
Pyle PDU Power Strip Surge Protector – 150 Joule 15 Amp 9 Outlet, Heavy Duty Electric Extension Cord Strip – 1U Rack Mount Protection Power Outlet Strip W/ AC Filter – PCO850
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty power strip with surge protection and a built-in PDU, the Pyle PDU Power Strip Surge Protector is a great option.
Pros
- The 1500W heavy-duty design with 15A 1500W dual circuit breaker ensures safety and reliability.
- The 15-foot heavy-duty power cord allows for flexible placement.
- The built-in PDU with 9 outlets and 3 PD slots provides versatile power management.
Cons
- The 90-degree plug is a bit bulky and may not fit in some outlets.
- The power strip is a bit heavy, which may be an issue for some users.
- The surge protection may not be sufficient for some users.
We’ve used the Pyle PDU Power Strip Surge Protector to power a variety of devices, including a laptop, printer, and external hard drive. The surge protection and built-in PDU have been particularly useful in managing power usage and ensuring safe and reliable power delivery.
The 15-foot heavy-duty power cord is a nice feature, as it allows for flexible placement of the power strip. The 90-degree plug is a bit bulky, but it hasn’t been an issue for us. The power strip is a bit heavy, but it’s not a significant issue.
Overall, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty power strip with surge protection and a built-in PDU, the Pyle PDU Power Strip Surge Protector is a great option. It’s reliable, versatile, and provides safe and reliable power delivery.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best rack surge protector, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Protection Level
The first thing to consider is the level of protection the surge protector offers. Look for a product that provides both surge and spike protection, as well as protection against over and under voltage conditions. It’s also important to choose a surge protector with a high Joule rating, which indicates how much energy it can absorb before needing to be replaced.
Number of Outlets
The number of outlets a surge protector has is another important factor to consider. Make sure the product you choose has enough outlets to accommodate all of your equipment. It’s also a good idea to choose a surge protector with a mix of standard and USB outlets, to accommodate a variety of devices.
Power Management
Power management features can help you save energy and reduce your environmental impact. Look for a surge protector with features like power factor correction, which helps to optimize energy usage, and automatic shutoff, which can help prevent standby power loss.
Compatibility
Make sure the surge protector you choose is compatible with your equipment. Look for a product that supports the voltage and amperage requirements of your devices, and check for any specific compatibility requirements in the product’s documentation.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the surge protector. While it’s important to choose a product with the right features for your needs, it’s also important to find a product that fits within your budget. Compare prices and features across different products to find the best value for your money.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best rack surge protector for your needs and ensure that your equipment is protected from power surges and spikes.
