Can I Plug My APC Rack PDU Directly into a Wall Outlet?

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Issue:
Users are unsure whether it is safe or recommended to connect an APC Rack Power Distribution Unit (PDU) directly to a wall outlet without using an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).

Product Line:
APC Rack PDUs (Basic, Metered, Switched, Metered-by-Outlet)

Environment:
All Serial Numbers

Cause:
There is confusion about whether a UPS is required for the operation of a Rack PDU and whether plugging it directly into a wall outlet is safe or advisable.

Resolution:
Yes, APC Rack PDUs can be plugged directly into a wall outlet, provided that the wall outlet meets the voltage and current requirements of the Rack PDU. The PDU is not expected to provide surge protection or power conditioning as most APC Rack PDUs do not include these features. However, it is not recommended to plug a PDU directly into an unprotected power source. Doing so may expose the connected equipment to power anomalies such as surges, spikes, or brownouts. For optimal protection and uptime, APC recommends connecting the PDU to a UPS or a surge-protected circuit.

For any further questions or clarifications, please contact our Customer Care Center at https://www.apc.com/us/en/support/