Vertiv 28105 Basic Rack Power Distribution Unit

Overview

The Vertiv 28105 is a 20-amp, 120V rack-mounted power distribution unit (rPDU) built for small-to-medium surveillance and IT environments where you need simple, reliable power to multiple devices without overcomplication. The model delivers 1.9kW total capacity across 20 individual NEMA 5-20R outlets arranged vertically on a 66-inch chassis—standard rack-depth form factor that fits any 19-inch equipment cabinet. This is a no-frills power management device: 100% tested at the factory, TAA and Buy American Act COTS compliant, and backed by a 5-year limited warranty.

Key Features

• 20 NEMA 5-20R Receptacles: Each outlet handles up to 20A, meaning you can plug in any standard North American commercial equipment without adapters. All 20 outlets sit on a single 20A thermal breaker—no individual circuit management per outlet, which simplifies wiring but requires you to monitor total load across the PDU (stays under 1.9kW/120V).
• 1.9kW Load Capacity at 120V: Enough to power roughly 15–20 typical IP cameras (100–150W each), or a mix of cameras, network switches, and NVRs in smaller surveillance deployments. Know your total wattage upfront—exceed 1.9kW and the thermal breaker trips, cutting all power.
• 10-Foot Power Cord with 5-20P Plug: Ships with a 12/3 gauge power cable and NEMA 5-20P connector. That length covers most rack-to-outlet distances, but if your facility requires a longer run, plan for a separate extension cord (not supplied).
• Single Power ON Green LED: One indicator light tells you the unit has 120V input—no load monitoring, no per-outlet status lights. Useful for a quick visual check that the PDU is energized, but you'll rely on downstream device status lights or your NVR/network management system to catch individual camera or recorder failures.
• 20A Thermal Breaker Protection: Over-current protection trips if total load exceeds safe limits. Thermal design means no reset button—once tripped, the breaker cuts power to all 20 outlets until the overload clears and the unit cools. Plan your outlets and verify wattage before installation.
• 66-Inch Vertical Rackmount with Steel Chassis: Black powder-coat finish, 66.25 inches long, fits standard vertical rack space. Mounting clips (1 bottom, 2 top) secure it to 19-inch EIA racks. Weighs 9 lbs shipped—light enough to install solo, rigid enough for long-term duty. Center-to-center outlet spacing of 2.8 inches accommodates standard power cables without kinking.
• Operating Temperature Range 10–45°C (50–113°F): Rated for indoor climate-controlled cabinet environments. Outside this range (freezing loading docks, hot attics, outdoor weatherproof cabinets), the unit's thermal breaker response may drift. RoHS compliant, UL and c-UL listed per UL 60950 safety standard.
• USA Manufacturing, TAA and Buy American Compliant: If your project requires domestic sourcing or federal procurement compliance, the 28105 qualifies. Check your contract language to confirm, but the spec sheet explicitly states USA origin and compliance status.

Integration & Compatibility

The Vertiv 28105 is a passive distribution device—it has no network interface, no firmware, no remote management. Everything downstream (cameras, recorders, network gear) plugs directly into the 20 NEMA 5-20R outlets. It works with any standard 120V equipment rated for 20A circuits: IP cameras, PoE switches, rack-mount NVRs, UPS systems, and redundant recorder setups. No software configuration, no VMS integration steps, no driver installation. Just plug in, verify the green LED is lit, and monitor your equipment's own status indicators.

If you need per-outlet metering, per-outlet remote on/off, or per-receptacle circuit management, step up to a switched or monitored PDU in the Vertiv PowerIT line. The 28105 is the basic choice—and for that reason, it's also the lowest-cost, lowest-complexity option.

What's in the Box

• 1× Vertiv 28105 rPDU (66-inch vertical rackmount chassis, black powder coat)
• 1× 10-foot power cord with 5-20P plug (12/3 gauge)
• 1× bottom mounting clip
• 2× top mounting clips

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use the 28105 in an outdoor or harsh-environment cabinet?

A: No. The operating temperature range is 10–45°C (50–113°F), and the unit lacks environmental sealing. For outdoor or temperature-extreme sites, use an outdoor-rated PDU or route power differently.

Q: What happens if I plug more than 1.9kW worth of equipment into the 28105?

A: The 20A thermal breaker will trip, cutting power to all 20 outlets at once until the load clears and the breaker cools. Plan your equipment's total wattage in advance, and consider a higher-capacity PDU if you expect to grow beyond 1.9kW.

Q: Does the 28105 include remote power management or per-outlet metering?

A: No. This is a passive unit with only one green power-on LED. All 20 outlets are on a single breaker with no individual outlet control. If you need IP-based remote switching or load monitoring, select a monitored or switched PDU instead.

Q: Is the 28105 TAA compliant for federal government contracts?

A: Yes. The specification sheet confirms USA manufacturing origin and TAA (Trade Agreements Act) and Buy American Act COTS compliance. Verify compliance in your specific contract language, but the unit meets the stated domestic-sourcing requirements.

Q: What's the warranty on the 28105?

A: Five-year limited manufacturer warranty. Covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions. Check the warranty documentation for exclusions and claim procedures.

Q: Can I mount the 28105 vertically and horizontally?

A: The 28105 is configured for vertical rackmount orientation only. The outlet placement and mounting clips are designed for vertical installation in a standard 19-inch EIA rack. Do not attempt horizontal or wall mounting—it voids warranty and may cause cable strain or safety hazards.

Marty Allison

The Vertiv 28105 is the baseline choice for small surveillance system power distribution—a straightforward 20-outlet, 1.9kW rack PDU that handles the essentials. If you're building a modest IP camera network or adding power outlets to an existing recording cabinet, this unit does exactly what it promises: passive, reliable power to 20 devices on a single 20A breaker.

Technical Highlights:

• 20 NEMA 5-20R Outlets on One 20A Breaker: All outlets share a single thermal breaker, so you manage load at the PDU level, not per-outlet. For a typical 15-camera surveillance setup running 100–120W per camera, you'll sit around 1.5–1.8kW—comfortable headroom. But add a high-wattage device and you risk a nuisance trip.
• 1.9kW at 120V Continuous Capacity: Enough for small-to-medium deployments (5–20 cameras, plus network switches and a single recorder). Larger sites with multiple recorders or redundant power setups need a higher-capacity unit or a second PDU on a different circuit.
• 10-Foot Power Cord with 5-20P Connector: Ships standard, 12/3 gauge wire handles 20A safely. If your main panel is more than 10 feet away, run the cord directly or use a properly rated extension—don't daisy-chain multiple PDUs to a single wall outlet.
• 66-Inch Vertical Chassis, 9 lbs, Black Powder Coat: Fits any standard 19-inch EIA rack. Light enough to install without a lift assist, rigid enough to hold 20 plugged-in cables without flex. The 2.8-inch center-to-center outlet spacing is comfortable for standard power connectors—no cable bundling nightmares.

Deployment Considerations:

• Single Breaker Behavior: Unlike switched PDUs with individual per-outlet circuit protection, the 28105 has one thermal breaker for all 20 outlets. A short circuit or overload on any single outlet kills power to everything. Test and verify your equipment's power draw before racking, especially if you're adding redundant recorders or power-hungry network equipment.
• No Remote Management or Metering: The green LED tells you the PDU has input power, but you get zero visibility into load, per-outlet status, or remote on/off capability. If your surveillance system needs remote power cycling (e.g., to reboot a stuck recorder without a site visit), plan for a monitored or switched PDU, or use smart PDU relays on individual devices.
• Temperature Range Limitation (10–45°C): This is an indoor, climate-controlled cabinet unit. Outdoor shelters, uninsulated equipment cabinets, or hot aisle racks in dense data centers may exceed the thermal operating window. Plan accordingly.

The 28105 is the right fit for warehouse surveillance networks, small retail multi-camera installs, and remote site recorders where power distribution simplicity outweighs the need for per-outlet metering and remote control. It's not a substitute for a monitored PDU in high-criticality sites, but it's a solid, cost-effective foundation for straightforward surveillance power needs.