Middle Atlantic PD-1820R-RN Rackmount PDU 18-Outlet 20A 2-Stage Surge
Overview
The Middle Atlantic PD-1820R-RN is a 1U rackmount power distribution unit built for AV, security, and IT equipment racks running on 120 VAC / 20A circuits. With 18 NEMA 5-20R outlets split evenly — 9 front, 9 rear — the PD-1820R-RN gives integrators maximum flexibility when wiring a densely loaded rack: rear outlets feed fixed gear like NVRs and switches while front outlets stay accessible for temporary connections or devices that need periodic power cycling. The 2-stage surge protection and EMI filtering mean sensitive network equipment shares a circuit without injecting noise or absorbing transients from other loads. A built-in 20A circuit breaker provides overcurrent protection without requiring a trip to the panel. The 9 ft, 12 AWG power cord with NEMA 5-20P plug reaches a standard 20A dedicated circuit without a cord extension, which matters in compliance-conscious deployments. The right-angle inlet module keeps the cord from protruding into cable management lanes.
Compatibility
The PD-1820R-RN installs in any standard 19-inch equipment rack or enclosure — 1U of vertical space required. NEMA 5-20R outlets accept NEMA 5-20P and NEMA 5-15P plugs, so it powers virtually all North American commercial-grade security and AV hardware including network video recorders, PoE switches, video management servers, access control panels, and audio amplifiers. The 20A inlet requires a dedicated 20A circuit with NEMA 5-20P receptacle at the panel — it will not seat on a standard 15A outlet. Horizontal or vertical mounting is supported within a Middle Atlantic rack or enclosure, or any compatible third-party 19-inch frame. For deployments needing higher amperage or three-phase input, consider a higher-capacity PDU in the rack power management category rather than paralleling circuits through this unit.
Installation Notes
Mount horizontally or vertically in a standard 19-inch rack; the unit occupies exactly 1U (1.75 inches). The right-angle inlet module routes the 9 ft / 12 AWG cord cleanly along the rack side — plan cable management accordingly before mounting adjacent units. Verify the branch circuit is rated for 20A and terminates in a NEMA 5-20P receptacle before installation; the 20A breaker on this unit does not substitute for proper branch protection. Total connected load should not exceed 80% of the 20A rating (16A continuous) per NEC guidelines for continuous loads.
