APC by Schneider Electric AP8659NA3 Vertical 0U Metered Power Distribution Unit
Overview
The APC by Schneider Electric AP8659NA3 is a vertical, zero-rack-unit (0U) metered power distribution unit designed for high-density data center cabinets and server rooms where rack space is at a premium and power visibility matters. Rated at 20A on a NEMA L6-20P input connection at 200–230V nominal, it delivers 16A usable per phase — standard practice for keeping circuits below the 80% continuous-load threshold that NEC and most data center standards require. Twenty-four outlets across C13 and C19 couplers handle the full spread of server, storage, and networking equipment without requiring separate outlet adapters for high-draw devices. Browse the full APC by Schneider Electric catalog for complementary rack power and infrastructure products.
Key Features
- 24 Outlets — C13 + C19 Mix: With C13 couplers for standard 1U/2U servers and C19 couplers for high-draw devices like blade chassis or large UPS outputs, the AP8659NA3 supports mixed equipment populations in a single PDU run. No need to source a separate high-amp PDU for one or two heavyweight devices.
- LCD Current Monitoring: The integrated LCD display shows real-time current draw at the PDU level — no SNMP card, no network connection required to read load. For installers commissioning a new cabinet, this lets you confirm you're operating inside the 16A per-phase limit before you hand off to the customer.
- 20A / 200–230V Input (NEMA L6-20P): The L6-20P input plug means this PDU targets 208V three-phase or split-phase utility feeds common in US data centers — not a standard 120V NEMA 5-20 circuit. Verify your cabinet's whip or floor box supplies a compatible L6-20 receptacle before ordering. The 200–230V nominal range accommodates both 208V US utility and 230V international feeds on the same SKU.
- 16A Maximum Per-Phase Draw: Rated at 20A input but governed to 16A continuous load — the 80% derating built into the PDU design. This gives you a clear ceiling for load planning: at 208V, that's roughly 3.3kW usable. Size your cabinet load plan accordingly and you won't trip the breaker under sustained operation.
- 0U Vertical Form Factor: Mounts vertically in the side channel of standard 2-post or 4-post cabinets, consuming zero rack units. In fully populated 42U cabinets running dense compute, this matters — a 1U or 2U horizontal PDU eats directly into usable server space. Pair with compatible power distribution accessories for a clean installation.
- 3-Meter Cord Length: The 3m (approximately 10 ft) power cord gives enough reach from floor-level PDU panels or overhead busway to the cabinet without straining the connection or requiring an extension. Shorter cords create cable tension issues in tall cabinets; longer cords generate excess slack to manage.
- RoHS Compliant: Meets RoHS hazardous-substance restrictions — relevant for enterprise deployments with environmental compliance requirements or government procurement standards that mandate RoHS certification on rack infrastructure.
- Wide Operating Temperature Range (-5°C to 45°C): Handles ambient temperatures from near-freezing to 45°C — useful for edge deployments in telecommunications closets or industrial environments where HVAC isn't always reliable. Most data center equipment is rated to 35–40°C; the AP8659NA3 gives you a bit more margin.
- 50–60 Hz Input Frequency: Compatible with both North American (60Hz) and international (50Hz) grid frequencies on a single unit, simplifying procurement for organizations with facilities in multiple countries.
Integration & Compatibility
The AP8659NA3 operates as a standalone metered PDU — current monitoring is local via the LCD, not networked. It does not include a network management card slot or SNMP reporting in this configuration. If you need per-outlet switching, remote monitoring, or integration with a data center infrastructure management (DCIM) platform, evaluate the AP8659 series variants with network management card support. The NEMA L6-20P input requires a matched L6-20 receptacle at the cabinet feed point — verify compatibility with your facility's power distribution before installation. C13 outlets are rated for standard IEC 60320 C14 plugs; C19 outlets accept C20 plugs for higher-current equipment up to approximately 16A per device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What input plug does the AP8659NA3 use, and what circuit does it require?
A: The AP8659NA3 uses a NEMA L6-20P input plug, which requires a 20A, 200–230V locking receptacle — typically a 208V circuit from a PDU panel or floor box in a data center environment. It is not compatible with standard 120V NEMA 5-20 circuits.
Q: Does the AP8659NA3 include remote monitoring or network management?
A: No. The AP8659NA3 provides local current monitoring via its integrated LCD display. It does not include a network management card slot or SNMP/web interface in this configuration. For remote monitoring capability, look at APC Metered PDU variants that support a network management card.
Q: What is the usable continuous load capacity of the AP8659NA3?
A: The AP8659NA3 is rated at 20A input but limited to 16A maximum continuous load per phase — the standard 80% derating. At 208V, this translates to approximately 3.3kW usable continuous power for the entire PDU.
Q: What outlet types does the AP8659NA3 have, and how many of each?
A: The AP8659NA3 provides 24 total outlets — a combination of C13 couplers (for standard IEC C14 server power cords) and C19 couplers (for high-current IEC C20 plugs used on blade servers, large UPS units, and similar equipment). The exact C13/C19 split count is not specified in available documentation — confirm with the datasheet before load planning in C19-heavy configurations.
Q: Is the AP8659NA3 compatible with international power grids?
A: The AP8659NA3 accepts 200–230V input at 50–60 Hz, making it compatible with both 208V North American utility feeds and 230V international grids. Note that the NEMA L6-20P input plug is a North American standard — international installations would require an appropriate receptacle or adapter.
Q: What is the operating temperature range for the AP8659NA3?
A: The AP8659NA3 operates from -5°C to 45°C (23°F to 113°F), giving it usable range for edge and telecommunications environments where ambient temperatures can exceed typical data center conditions.
The AP8659NA3 is the PDU I recommend when someone is building out a 208V cabinet and needs 24 outlets without burning rack space — the 0U vertical form factor is the right answer for dense compute rows where every rack unit is spoken for. The 16A continuous limit at 208V gives you roughly 3.3kW of real usable power, which covers most standard 1U/2U server deployments but will hit the ceiling fast if you're stacking GPU nodes or high-draw storage arrays in the same cabinet.
Technical Highlights:
- NEMA L6-20P / 200–230V Input: This PDU specifically targets 208V data center feeds — not a 120V circuit. That single fact eliminates a lot of field mistakes. The L6-20P is a twist-lock plug; you need a matching L6-20R receptacle at the whip or floor box, and that's a conversation to have with the electrician before the PDU ships.
- LCD Current Monitoring (Local Only): Real-time load readout without a network card is genuinely useful during commissioning — you can verify the circuit is loaded within the 16A ceiling before the rack goes live. The limitation is that it stops there: no SNMP, no alerts, no DCIM integration. If your ops team needs remote visibility, this isn't the right tier.
- C13 + C19 Mixed Outlets: The C19 couplers on the AP8659NA3 let you plug in high-current equipment directly without a C19-to-C13 adapter chain, which is both a safety and a cable management improvement. For cabinets mixing standard servers with blade chassis or large storage heads, this matters.
Deployment Considerations:
- Plan your load at or below 16A total — not 20A. The 20A rating is the breaker; the 16A figure is the continuous-load ceiling per NEC 80% rule. Build your cabinet load sheet to 16A and leave yourself margin for power-on inrush from cold-starting servers.
- The local-only LCD monitoring means this unit is a poor fit for unmanned remote sites or colocation deployments where someone needs to check load without physical access. If that's your environment, step up to an APC networked metered PDU with an embedded management card before purchase.
The AP8659NA3 is the right fit for a 208V data center row where the cabinet feed is confirmed, the load plan stays under 3.3kW, and the operations team has physical access for monitoring — a standard enterprise server room build, not a lights-out colo cage.
