APC by Schneider Electric AP8958 Switched Rack PDU 2G Zero-U
Overview
The AP8958 is a 2nd-generation switched rack power distribution unit from APC by Schneider Electric, designed for zero-rack-unit (Zero-U) vertical mounting inside standard 2-post or 4-post open racks and enclosed cabinets. With 20A/208V and 16A/230V input support and eight total receptacles — seven C13 and one C19 — the AP8958 gives data center and IT infrastructure teams per-outlet remote switching capability: power-cycle locked-up devices, sequence startup loads, and shed non-critical circuits without touching the physical hardware. The single C19 outlet handles higher-draw gear (UPS bypass, dual-PSU servers drawing full load on one leg) while the seven C13 ports cover standard 1U and 2U server PSUs, KVM switches, and network appliances. Output voltage flexibility across 100V, 200V, 208V, and 230V makes the AP8958 suitable for mixed North American and international rack deployments sharing common distribution infrastructure.
Compatibility
The AP8958 is designed for APC NetShelter SX, SX Open Frame, and AR-series enclosed cabinets, where Zero-U vertical PDU channels are built into the side rails. It is also compatible with any standard EIA-310 open-frame rack that provides a vertical PDU mounting channel or pass-through bracket. On the load side, C13 outlets accept standard IEC 60320 C14 power cords used by the majority of 1U–4U rack servers, Ethernet switches, patch panels with active components, and IP surveillance NVRs. The C19 outlet accepts C20 cords, common on higher-wattage rack servers, APC Smart-UPS RT units used as downstream conditioning, and high-density PoE switch PSUs. Network management integrates with APC EcoStruxure IT, PowerChute Network Shutdown, and SNMP/HTTP-based DCIM platforms through the onboard network management card interface.
Installation Notes
Zero-U mounting positions the AP8958 vertically along the inside rail of the cabinet, consuming no rack unit space — critical in fully populated 42U or 48U deployments where every horizontal unit counts. Confirm your cabinet's vertical PDU channel accepts the AP8958 form factor before ordering; NetShelter SX cabinets with factory vertical mounting channels are a confirmed fit. Input cord length and the location of your PDP or circuit breaker panel will determine whether an extension whip is needed — measure the run before commissioning. The 20A circuit breaker on the input side means this PDU must be fed from a dedicated 20A branch circuit; do not share the branch with other PDUs or high-inrush loads.
