APC by Schneider Electric AP8681 Metered-by-Outlet Switched 0U Rack PDU

Overview

The APC AP8681 is an 11kW, 230V vertical zero-U rack PDU built for data center and IT closet deployments where per-outlet switching and real-time power metering are requirements, not options. Rated at 16A maximum input current on a 400V three-phase feed, it delivers 230V output across 24 outlets — a mix of 21 C13 and 3 C19 receptacles — without consuming a single rack unit of usable space. If you're managing dense compute or power distribution infrastructure where every U matters and you need outlet-level control, the AP8681 is purpose-built for that scenario.

APC's broader APC by Schneider Electric power management line spans basic rack strips through intelligent metered and switched PDUs; the AP8681 sits at the capable end of that range, combining metered-by-outlet visibility with full per-outlet switching — a combination that matters for reducing truck rolls when you need to remotely cycle a locked-up device at 2 AM.

Key Features

• Per-Outlet Switching with Four Control Modes: Each outlet supports turn on, turn off, recycle, and lock-out commands independently. Lock-out prevents accidental power cycling on critical loads — useful in mixed-tenant or managed service environments where one team's equipment shares a cabinet with another's.
• Metered-by-Outlet Monitoring: Current, voltage, and power are tracked at the individual outlet level, not just the PDU aggregate. That granularity lets you identify which specific device is drawing anomalously — no guesswork, no clamp meter required during a capacity audit.
• 11,040W / 11,040VA Load Capacity at 16A: At full 16A draw on a 230V feed, you're getting genuine 11kW delivered — enough headroom for high-density blade, GPU, or storage workloads. Pair this with a rack power management strategy that keeps per-PDU utilization under 80% and you have comfortable margin before tripping the upstream breaker.
• Zero-U Vertical Mounting: The AP8681 mounts vertically in the side channel of a standard rack, preserving all 42U (or whatever your rack height) for equipment. The 1.83m cable reach gives you enough run to dress the power cord cleanly without a tangle.
• 24 Outlets — C13 and C19 Mix: Twenty-one C13 receptacles cover standard 1U and 2U servers; three C19 outlets handle higher-draw devices like high-end storage controllers or larger UPS loads. Having both types on a single PDU eliminates the need for adapter tails that create points of failure.
• 400V Input, 50–60Hz Compatibility: Designed for European and international three-phase infrastructure. If your facility runs 400V distribution (common in EU data centers and purpose-built colocation), the AP8681 connects directly without step-down transformers.
• RoHS Compliant: Meets RoHS environmental compliance requirements — relevant for enterprise procurement teams with environmental standards in supplier contracts or for deployments in the EU where RoHS compliance is a regulatory baseline.

Integration and Compatibility

The AP8681 integrates into data center infrastructure management (DCIM) platforms via APC's network management card ecosystem. The PDU's outlet-level data — current draw per port, power factor, voltage — feeds into capacity planning dashboards that help infrastructure teams prevent overloads before they become outages. The C13/C19 outlet layout is compatible with standard IEC power cords used across server, storage, and networking equipment from all major OEMs. No proprietary connectors, no adapters required for mainstream rack equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum load the AP8681 can handle?

A: The AP8681 supports a maximum load of 11,040W (11,040VA) at 16A on a 230V output. Input is rated at 400V with a maximum input current of 16A per phase at 50–60Hz.

Q: Can individual outlets be switched independently on the AP8681?

A: Yes. Each outlet on the AP8681 supports independent control: turn on, turn off, recycle (power cycle), and lock-out. Lock-out prevents a specific outlet from being accidentally cycled.

Q: What outlet types does the AP8681 provide?

A: The AP8681 provides 24 total outlets: 21 IEC C13 receptacles for standard server and networking equipment, and 3 IEC C19 receptacles for higher-draw devices requiring the larger connector format.

Q: Does the AP8681 take up rack unit space?

A: No. The AP8681 is a zero-U (0U) PDU that mounts vertically in the side channel of a standard rack. It does not consume any of the rack's usable 1U equipment slots.

Q: What parameters does the AP8681 monitor?

A: The AP8681 monitors current, power, and voltage — tracked at the individual outlet level (metered-by-outlet), giving granular visibility into per-device power consumption rather than just PDU-level aggregate draw.

Q: Is the AP8681 RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. The AP8681 carries RoHS compliance certification, meeting the EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive requirements.