APC by Schneider Electric AP6031A 1U Rack Power Distribution Unit
Overview
The APC by Schneider Electric AP6031A is a 1U rackmount power distribution unit built for high-density equipment rooms and server racks running 200–240 VAC circuits. It delivers four front-panel IEC 320 C19 outlets fed by a NEMA L6-30P plug on a 12-foot cord — the right form factor when you need to reach a 30-amp, 208V branch circuit without a jumper cable. If you're provisioning power for network video recorders, high-draw PoE switches, or compute nodes in a security or surveillance rack, this PDU handles the load without crowding the rear of the enclosure.
The AP6031A is rated for 5000 VA at up to 24 amps continuous (80% of the 30A circuit), which is the correct derating for code-compliant continuous-load installations. Four C19 receptacles on the front panel accept C20 plugs from servers, UPS units, and managed switches — the same connector type used on most rack-mount power supplies in this power class.
Key Features
- 4x Front-Panel IEC 320 C19 Outlets: Locating outlets on the front face means you can seat power cables without reaching behind a populated rack. C19 locking receptacles pair with C20 plugs on virtually all rack-mount servers, NVRs, and UPS bypass units — no adapters needed in a properly specified rack.
- NEMA L6-30P Input Plug with 12-Foot Cord: The L6-30P is the standard twist-lock plug for 30-amp, 208/240V circuits — compatible with most data center and IDF room panel circuits without field modification. The 12-foot (3.7 m) cord gives you reach from a floor-level outlet or a panel-mounted receptacle without an extension.
- 200–240 VAC Input, 50/60 Hz: Dual-frequency acceptance means this unit deploys in both North American 60 Hz facilities and international or industrial 50 Hz environments without rewiring or frequency conversion — useful if you're standardizing rack power hardware across sites.
- 5000 VA / 24A Rated Continuous Load: At 5000 VA, the AP6031A can feed four heavily loaded C20 devices simultaneously without exceeding the 80% continuous-load derating. For a four-camera NVR rack with redundant PoE switches and a storage array, that headroom is real — not a theoretical ceiling.
- 1U Form Factor, 17.3 x 5 x 1.7 Inches: A single rack unit keeps your power infrastructure from consuming valuable equipment space. At 17.3 inches wide and 5 inches deep, it fits a standard 19-inch rack without protruding past the depth of most mid-density enclosures.
- RoHS, UL, and cUL Listed: UL and cUL listing means the AP6031A has been independently tested for electrical safety in both US and Canadian installations — a requirement on most commercial construction projects and a hard prerequisite for data center acceptance testing. RoHS compliance covers hazardous-substance restrictions for enterprise procurement programs.
- 10.675 lb Package Weight: Modest weight for a 1U PDU — easy single-person installation even in overhead rack positions. No special lifting equipment required for standard rack-mount scenarios.
Integration & Compatibility
The AP6031A fits naturally into APC rack ecosystems but is not proprietary to any APC management platform — it is a basic (non-metered, non-switched) PDU with no network interface. If your deployment requires remote outlet control, per-outlet metering, or SNMP monitoring, look at the metered or switched variants within the APC by Schneider Electric rack PDU line. For this unit, power management happens at the branch-circuit level.
C19 outlets accept standard C20 plugs rated to 16A per IEC 60320 — ensure individual device draw doesn't exceed outlet ratings when planning load distribution. For deployments pairing this PDU with PoE network switches or high-draw storage, map per-device wattage before committing to a circuit layout. Consult a rack power planning guide if you're aggregating multiple PDUs on a single 30A branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What input plug type does the AP6031A use, and what circuit does it require?
A: The AP6031A uses a NEMA L6-30P twist-lock plug and requires a 30-amp, 200–240 VAC branch circuit (50 or 60 Hz). This is a standard 208V circuit in North American data centers and IDF rooms.
Q: How many outlets does the AP6031A provide, and what connector type are they?
A: It provides four IEC 320 C19 outlets, located on the front panel. C19 accepts C20 plugs, which are standard on rack-mount servers, UPS units, and high-draw network equipment.
Q: What is the maximum continuous load for the AP6031A?
A: The AP6031A is rated at 24A continuous (5000 VA) at 200–240 VAC. This reflects the standard 80% derating of the 30A input circuit, appropriate for continuous-load NEC compliance.
Q: Does the AP6031A include remote monitoring or outlet switching?
A: No. The AP6031A is a basic (non-metered, non-switched) PDU with no network interface or SNMP capability. Power management is handled at the branch-circuit breaker level. If per-outlet control or remote monitoring is required, a metered or switched PDU model is needed.
Q: Is the AP6031A compatible with international power systems?
A: Yes. The unit accepts 200–240 VAC at both 50 Hz and 60 Hz, making it deployable in North American and international facilities without frequency conversion hardware.
Q: What safety certifications does the AP6031A carry?
A: The AP6031A is UL Listed, cUL Listed (for Canada), and RoHS compliant. UL/cUL listing confirms independent third-party electrical safety testing for commercial and data center installation.
The AP6031A is the PDU I reach for when a rack is running 208V and needs front-accessible C19 outlets without the overhead of managed power. At 5000 VA and 24A continuous on an L6-30P feed, it's sized correctly for a four-device rack pulling 4–5 kW — the kind of load you see in a surveillance head-end with dual NVRs, a managed PoE core switch, and a storage expansion shelf.
Technical Highlights:
- 24A Continuous Rating: 80% of the 30A input — the code-correct derating for continuous loads under NEC Article 210. Don't plan around 30A; 24A is the real ceiling for sustained draws across all four C19 ports.
- Front-Panel C19 Outlets: Front-facing outlets eliminate the cable-reach problem in deep racks. With four C19 ports, you can feed four rack-mount devices without rear-cable management nightmares, which matters when the rack is flush against a wall or in a narrow IDF closet.
- 12-Foot Input Cord: Longer than the 6-foot cords on cheaper PDUs — enough reach from a floor-level L6-30 receptacle to a 1U position at the top of a 42U rack without a cord extension.
Deployment Considerations:
- This is a passive PDU — no metering, no switching, no network port. If your facilities team needs per-outlet load data or remote power cycling, you need a different model. Specify that requirement before ordering.
- The L6-30P plug is 208/240V only — it physically cannot be inserted into a standard 120V NEMA 5-15/5-20 outlet. Confirm your rack's branch circuit is a 30A, 208V circuit before the unit ships, not after.
The AP6031A fits best in a dedicated security or surveillance head-end rack where the branch circuit is already 208V, the equipment list is finalized, and remote power management is handled by a separate UPS or smart panel — not by the PDU itself.
