ATEN PE8208A 1U Metered Rack Power Distribution Unit

Overview

The ATEN PE8208A is a 1U rack-mount power distribution unit delivering 20A input (UL-derated to 16A) at 100–120V across eight NEMA 5-20R outlets with per-outlet current metering. It ships with a 3-meter power cord, keeping the PDU self-contained for standard 2-post or 4-post rack deployments without additional cable management. Per-outlet metering is the operational differentiator here — you can monitor individual device draws directly, which matters in dense racks where a single overloaded circuit can cascade into unplanned downtime. UL safety verification is included; additional certifications are available on request. Firmware is actively maintained — the current release is v2.5.248 (April 2026) — so the unit remains compatible with evolving network management environments. PMonitor software is supported on both Linux (v1.1) and Windows (v1.0.081), giving you a consistent monitoring interface across mixed OS environments.

Compatibility

The PE8208A is designed for standard 19-inch rack enclosures and fits any rack that accepts 1U equipment. The eight NEMA 5-20R receptacles accept NEMA 5-20P plugs, making it directly compatible with rack servers, network switches, NVRs, and IP surveillance appliances that ship with standard 20A North American power cords. It is suited for US/Canada 120V circuits only — the 100–120V input range does not support 208V or 240V environments. PMonitor integration works with Linux and Windows hosts; verify your management server OS before deploying the monitoring stack.

Installation Notes

Mount in a standard 1U rack slot; the included 3-meter cord reaches a nearby PDU or UPS without extension cables in most rack configurations. Observe the 16A UL-derated continuous load limit — running above 80% of rated capacity (the industry standard for safe continuous operation) means staying at or below 16A aggregate, not the 20A nameplate. Operating humidity must remain between 0–80% RH non-condensing; avoid environments with condensation risk such as uncontrolled server closets near HVAC discharge points.