Metered vs Switched PDUs: Which Do You Need?
Rack PDUs range from basic to intelligent. Metered PDUs measure power at the inlet or per outlet, helping you balance circuits, plan capacity, and bill by usage, but they do not control outlets. Switched PDUs add remote on/off control and sequencing of individual outlets, enabling remote reboot and lights-out management. The right choice depends on whether you need visibility, control, or both.
What We Provide
Related Solutions
PDU Selection
We match basic, metered, monitored, or switched rack PDUs to each rack's visibility and control needs.
Learn moreCapacity and Billing
We deploy per-outlet metering for accurate capacity planning and colocation billing.
Learn moreDCIM Integration
We integrate intelligent PDUs with DCIM for unified per-rack and per-outlet visibility.
Learn moreVisibility, Control, or Both
Match PDU Intelligence to How You Operate Each Rack
Not every rack needs the same PDU. Metered units give the data to balance load and plan capacity; switched units let you power-cycle a hung server remotely and manage lights-out and edge sites; combination units do both.
Comp-Utility specifies the right level of intelligence per rack so you get the capability you need without overpaying where you do not.
The Comp-Utility Difference
Why Comp-Utility?
Engineer-Owned and Operated
Comp-Utility is owned and operated by engineers, with licensed Texas Professional Engineers (P.E.) on staff. That rigor anchors every design, specification, and installation.
Long-Standing Distribution Partner
As a long-standing distribution partner of Eaton, Schneider Electric, and Vertiv, we specify best-in-class systems and back them with factory-grade service.
Trusted Since 1992
We have designed, installed, and maintained mission-critical power and cooling infrastructure across Central Texas since 1992, through every generation of the technology.
Turnkey, Single-Contract Partner
We sell, design, install, and maintain complete infrastructure end to end. One accountable team and one contract for power, cooling, distribution, and cabling.
Licensed, Certified & Recognized
We hold ourselves to the standards of the institutions we serve, from professional licensure and jobsite safety to the industry organizations that set the bar for mission-critical work.
Licensed Professional Engineers
State of Texas (TBPE)
OSHA 30 Certified
Field Technicians
AFCOM Member
Data center industry association
7x24 Exchange Member
Mission-critical infrastructure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a metered PDU?
A metered PDU measures power consumption, either at the inlet (unit-level) or per outlet, and displays or reports it. This data lets you balance loads across circuits, prevent overloads, plan capacity, and, with per-outlet metering, bill by usage in colocation. Metered PDUs provide visibility but do not switch outlets on or off remotely.
What is a switched PDU?
A switched PDU adds remote control of individual outlets, letting you turn outlets on or off and sequence startup, and power-cycle a hung device without sending someone on-site. Switched PDUs are valuable for remote, edge, and lights-out sites. Switched metered-by-outlet units combine remote control with per-outlet metering.
What is the difference between metered and switched PDUs?
Metered PDUs measure power for visibility and capacity planning but cannot control outlets. Switched PDUs add remote outlet on/off control and sequencing. If you only need data, metered is sufficient and cheaper; if you need remote reboot or lights-out management, you need switched. Combination units provide both metering and control.
Do I need outlet-level metering?
Outlet-level (metered-by-outlet) metering is valuable when you need per-device power data for precise capacity planning, stranded-power recovery, or per-tenant billing in colocation. If inlet-level metering is enough to balance circuits, you may not need per-outlet detail on every rack. Comp-Utility recommends the metering granularity that fits your operations.
When are switched PDUs worth the extra cost?
Switched PDUs pay off where remote power control saves truck rolls or downtime, such as remote sites, edge locations, and lights-out data centers, or where staged startup sequencing is needed. For staffed facilities where physical access is easy, metered PDUs may be sufficient. Comp-Utility weighs the operational benefit against cost per rack.
Can PDUs integrate with DCIM?
Yes. Intelligent metered and switched PDUs report data over the network and integrate with DCIM platforms for per-rack and per-outlet monitoring, capacity planning, and alerting. This turns PDU data into actionable visibility across the floor. Comp-Utility integrates PDUs from Schneider, Eaton, and Vertiv with your DCIM environment.
Can I mix PDU types across my racks?
Yes, and it is common. Critical or remote racks may use switched or combination PDUs, while others use metered units, optimizing cost and capability. Standardizing within tiers simplifies management. Comp-Utility designs a rack power strategy that assigns the right PDU type to each rack based on its role.
Who can specify and deploy rack PDUs in Central Texas?
Comp-Utility, a distribution partner of Schneider Electric, Eaton, and Vertiv, specifies, deploys, and integrates basic, metered, monitored, and switched rack PDUs across Central Texas, including A/B distribution and DCIM integration. Call (512) 346-0999 or email sales@comp-utility.com.