Vertiv I10171L Basic Upgradeable 1U Horizontal Rack PDU
Overview
The Vertiv I10171L is a 1U horizontal rack power distribution unit rated at 20A, 208V, 3.3kW — engineered for data centers and server rooms that need reliable, branch-level power distribution with a clear upgrade path. Carrying the model number MN01X1R0-10L138-2TL6A0H10-S, this unit ships as a basic PDU with no monitoring circuitry, but its Geist Upgradeable architecture means you can hot-swap in an Interchangeable Monitoring Device (IMD) later to gain metered or monitored functionality without pulling the PDU or rewiring the rack. Explore the full Vertiv power distribution catalog to see compatible IMD modules and accessories.
Every I10171L leaves the factory 100% electrically tested. The five-year limited warranty backs that commitment and is one of the longer standard coverage periods in the rack PDU category.
Key Features
- 20A, 208V, 3.3kW capacity: Sized for a mid-density rack running blade servers, storage arrays, or network gear. At 3.3kW, you have real headroom under typical 80% derate rules (effective 2.64kW), which is enough for most 1–2U compute-dense configurations without risking nuisance trips.
- 10 × Locking IEC C13 receptacles (U-Lock, Orange circuit ID): The U-Lock mechanism prevents accidental cord pull — a meaningful operational benefit in dense racks where cables are routed under tension. The orange color-coding on circuit 1 makes single-circuit identification immediate during audits or incident response.
- NEMA L6-20P Twistlock input plug: The L6-20P is the standard plug for 208V/20A circuits common in colocation and enterprise data centers. It locks under load, so vibration or cable management won't unseat it — important in raised-floor environments where PDUs see ongoing foot traffic nearby.
- 10 ft / 3m power cord, 12/3 AWG: 12 AWG wire is rated well above the 20A continuous load requirement and handles the full 3.3kW without thermal derating concerns. The 10-foot length gives you enough slack to reach a floor-mounted PDU outlet strip or overhead busway without strain-relief issues.
- Rear power entry: Power enters from the rear of the unit, keeping the front panel clean and cable routing consistent with structured cabling standards in most rack and cabinet deployments.
- Hot-swap IMD upgrade path (Geist Upgradeable): If power monitoring requirements increase — for DCIM integration, per-outlet load visibility, or environmental sensing — you can insert the appropriate IMD module without downtime. This protects the initial hardware investment and keeps the PDU serviceable as infrastructure requirements evolve.
- Scrolling/rotatable digital display: Even in the basic (non-monitored) configuration, a local digital display is present. This lets technicians confirm load conditions at the rack without needing to log into a monitoring system — useful during commissioning or troubleshooting.
- 1U horizontal form factor, 19-inch / 483mm chassis: Mounts in any standard 19-inch rack using the included adjustable brackets. At 1.72 in × 17 in × 8.5 in, it occupies a single rack unit, leaving the rest of your rack space for compute or switching gear.
- Maximum operating temperature of 60°C / 140°F: Qualifies for hot-aisle environments and high-ambient data halls where rack inlet temperatures may be elevated. This thermal ceiling is well above standard ASHRAE A1–A2 envelopes, giving you flexibility in warmer-running facilities.
- TAA Compliant and Buy American Act COTS Compliant, USA manufactured: Fulfills federal procurement requirements for government, defense, and education projects where country-of-origin documentation is mandatory.
- UL & c-UL Listed 62368-1, RoHS, FCC Part 15 Class A: Certified under the current ITE/AV safety standard (62368-1 replaces 60950-1), RoHS-compliant for material restrictions in regulated markets, and FCC-cleared for conducted/radiated emissions in commercial environments.
- 5-year limited warranty: One of the more generous coverage terms in horizontal rack PDUs — reduces lifecycle replacement risk and supports longer amortization schedules for capital budget planning.
Integration & Compatibility
The I10171L is designed to integrate into any standard 19-inch open-frame or enclosed rack. The NEMA L6-20P source plug connects directly to 208V/20A twist-lock receptacles found on most colocation PDUs, in-row PDUs, and dedicated 208V branch circuits. The 10 IEC C13 outlets are compatible with the standard C14 power entry on 1U and 2U servers, switches, and storage controllers.
For sites planning future DCIM integration or power capacity reporting, the Geist IMD hot-swap architecture means this unit can grow from a basic distribution point to a metered or monitored PDU by adding the correct IMD module — no replacement procurement required. Pair with compatible managed network infrastructure if you intend to use the monitored IMD upgrade for SNMP-based power reporting.
The black powder-coat steel chassis is available in color options beyond the standard black — contact a sales representative for custom color configuration. Adjustable mount brackets ship with the unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Vertiv I10171L TAA compliant?
A: Yes. The I10171L is manufactured in the USA and is explicitly TAA Compliant and Buy American Act COTS Compliant, making it eligible for federal, defense, and GSA schedule procurements where domestic origin is required.
Q: Can I add monitoring to the I10171L later without replacing the unit?
A: Yes. The I10171L uses Vertiv's Geist Upgradeable hot-swap architecture. By inserting the appropriate Interchangeable Monitoring Device (IMD) module, you can upgrade from a basic PDU to a metered or monitored PDU without powering down the unit or replacing the chassis.
Q: What plug type does the I10171L use, and what circuit do I need?
A: The I10171L uses a NEMA L6-20P twistlock plug. You need a dedicated 208V/20A circuit with an L6-20R receptacle — standard in colocation facilities and enterprise data centers running 208V branch circuits.
Q: What is the warranty on the I10171L?
A: Vertiv provides a 5-year limited warranty on the I10171L, as stated in the product documentation.
Q: What receptacle type does the I10171L provide, and how many outlets are available?
A: The I10171L provides 10 × U-Lock (locking) IEC C13 receptacles, each rated at 208V. The locking mechanism prevents accidental cord disconnection under load.
Q: Is the I10171L RoHS compliant?
A: Yes. The I10171L carries RoHS compliance certification, along with UL & c-UL Listing under 62368-1 and FCC Part 15 Class A conformance.
The I10171L is the unit I recommend when a project calls for 208V horizontal distribution today but the monitoring conversation is still open — the Geist hot-swap IMD slot means you are not locked into a basic PDU permanently. At 3.3kW on a 20A/208V L6-20P circuit, this fits neatly into the power envelope of a mid-density compute rack, and the 10 locking C13 outlets cover most 1U server and switching configurations without leaving unused receptacles eating up cost.
Technical Highlights:
- U-Lock IEC C13 receptacles: The mechanical locking collar on each of the 10 outlets is a genuine operational advantage in high-density racks — vibration, cable tension, and accidental contact during hot-work won't unseat a server power cord mid-shift.
- 12/3 AWG, 10 ft cord: 12 AWG is conservatively rated for this load — you won't see thermal derating at sustained draw near the 3.3kW ceiling. The 10-foot length is the right call for most colocation cage layouts where the branch circuit receptacle is at floor level.
- TAA + Buy American Act COTS compliance: USA manufacture with documented compliance paperwork — important for federal contracts, DoD deployments, and education procurements under GSA schedule where country-of-origin is a pass/fail gate, not a preference.
Deployment Considerations:
- The L6-20P plug requires a matching L6-20R receptacle on the branch circuit — confirm your in-rack or in-row source PDU has this outlet type before ordering. Mismatched plug form is the most common installation delay on first deployments.
- There is no over-current protection on this unit — branch circuit protection relies entirely on the upstream breaker. Size your breaker correctly for the 20A rated load and plan for the 80% continuous derate (16A / ~2.64kW effective) per NEC guidelines.
This PDU is the right fit for a federal data center build-out or colo cage running 208V infrastructure where TAA compliance is non-negotiable and the team wants to preserve the option to add DCIM-connected monitoring later without a forklift replacement.
