APC by Schneider Electric PDPM138H-5U Modular Rack Power Distribution Panel

Overview

The APC by Schneider Electric PDPM138H-5U is a high-density, three-phase modular rack power distribution panel rated for 138 kW at 400 V and 200 A — built for data center rows, large-scale server environments, and enterprise infrastructure deployments where a single distribution point needs to handle serious aggregate load without becoming a single point of failure. At 48.3 cm wide and 22.9 cm tall, the PDPM138H-5U occupies a compact footprint relative to its capacity, making it a logical anchor for high-density rack rows or in-row power distribution architectures where floor and rack space are finite. For integrators designing rack power distribution infrastructure for dense compute or network equipment rooms, this panel sits at a scale well above branch-circuit PDUs.

The modular architecture is the core reason to specify this unit over a fixed-output alternative. Because the output configuration is not locked at the factory, the PDPM138H-5U adapts to evolving load profiles — a meaningful advantage in phased deployments where today's draw is not tomorrow's. Explore the full APC by Schneider Electric power distribution catalog for the broader family context.

Key Features

• 138 kW Load Capacity at 400 V Three-Phase: That's enough headroom to serve a substantial row of fully loaded high-density compute or storage racks. If your per-rack draw averages 10–15 kW across a 10-rack row, this panel handles it with margin — reducing the number of distribution points you need to engineer and maintain.
• 200 A Output Current: At 400 V three-phase, 200 A translates directly to the 138 kW ceiling. For UPS and power protection planning, this current rating sets the maximum size of the upstream UPS or transfer switch you'll wire to the panel — size your upstream source at or above 200 A at 400 V to avoid constraining this unit.
• 400 V Three-Phase Input and Output: Designed for European and international three-phase distribution infrastructure running at 400 V (IEC standard). This is not a 208 V North American panel — verify your facility's distribution voltage before specifying. Facilities running 400 V three-phase can feed this panel directly from a main distribution board without a transformer step-down.
• 50 Hz Nominal Operating Frequency: Matched to standard European and international grid frequencies. This confirms the PDPM138H-5U is designed for non-North-American electrical infrastructure (where 60 Hz is standard) — factor this in for global deployments or multinational campus projects.
• Front-Access Mounting: All connections and maintenance points are accessible from the front of the panel. In dense equipment rooms where rear access is blocked by cabling infrastructure or wall proximity, front-access design eliminates the need to clear a rear service aisle, reducing installation complexity and ongoing maintenance overhead.
• CE Certified: Carries the CE mark, confirming conformance with applicable European directives for electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility. Required for legal deployment in EU member states and accepted across many international markets that recognize CE as a baseline qualification.
• RoHS and REACH Compliant: RoHS compliance means no restricted hazardous substances in the unit's construction — relevant for customers with environmental procurement requirements or for deployments in jurisdictions that mandate RoHS conformance. REACH Declaration covers chemical substance disclosure obligations under EU REACH regulation.
• Compact Form Factor — 48.3 cm W × 22.9 cm H × 71.1 cm D: The depth of 71.1 cm (28 in.) is worth flagging at the design stage: verify that your rack or enclosure has sufficient depth clearance, particularly in older-spec racks with shallower cabinets. Width of 48.3 cm is standard 19-inch-rack-compatible.
• Unit Weight 30.14 kg (66.4 lb): At that weight, two-person installation is standard practice — factor labor into project scheduling, and confirm that rack or floor mounting structures are rated for the static load before positioning.
• 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty: The PDPM138H-5U carries a 1-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship — factor this into total lifecycle cost planning for critical power infrastructure.

Integration and Compatibility

The PDPM138H-5U (often searched as PDPM138H 5U) is designed for integration into three-phase 400 V distribution architectures typical of European and international data centers and large enterprise equipment rooms. It feeds downstream from a main distribution board, UPS, or static transfer switch sized at 200 A or greater at 400 V. The modular output design allows the panel to be configured with appropriate outlet modules for the connected equipment — verify outlet module compatibility with the specific downstream device receptacle types in your deployment. The unit is not described as rack-mountable per the specification data; confirm physical installation method (floor-standing or alternative mounting) with your infrastructure design before procurement. For broader network infrastructure power planning, pair this panel with appropriately rated upstream protection and monitoring equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum load capacity of the PDPM138H-5U?

A: The PDPM138H-5U is rated for 138 kW at 400 V three-phase with a 200 A output current. This is the nameplate maximum — size your upstream source and protection devices accordingly.

Q: Is the PDPM138H-5U suitable for North American 208 V or 480 V infrastructure?

A: No. The PDPM138H-5U is rated for 400 V three-phase at 50 Hz — the IEC standard used in Europe and many international markets. It is not designed for North American 208 V or 480 V three-phase distribution, nor for 60 Hz grid infrastructure. Verify your facility's distribution voltage and frequency before specifying this unit.

Q: Can the PDPM138H-5U be rack-mounted?

A: Per the product specification, the PDPM138H-5U mounting type is listed as