APC by Schneider Electric Rack PDU Switched 1U 15A 100/120V - AP7900B

APC by Schneider Electric AP7900B Switched Rack PDU, 1U, 15A, 8-Outlet

Overview

The AP7900B is APC's entry-level switched rack PDU designed for 1U horizontal deployment in standard 19-inch racks. It delivers 15A of 100–120V power across eight NEMA 5-15R outlets, with per-outlet remote switching that lets you reboot locked-up devices, shed load, or sequence power-up order without touching the rack. If you're managing a mid-size security or IT rack — NVRs, PoE switches, encoders, access control panels — the AP7900B gives you outlet-level control from a network management interface, which matters at 2 a.m. when a device hangs and the rack is in a locked closet across a campus. For a broader look at the APC by Schneider Electric power management line, the AP7900B sits at the foundation of their switched PDU family. Browse the full rack PDU category to compare models with metering or outlet-level current monitoring if your deployment requires those.

Key Features

• 8 Switched NEMA 5-15R Outlets: Each outlet can be individually toggled on, off, or rebooted via network command — no physical access needed. Critical for remote-managed server rooms and security closets where a hung NVR or access controller needs a hard reset without dispatching a technician.
• 15A / 100–120V Input via NEMA 5-15P: Matches the standard 15A branch circuits found in most US commercial buildings. Size your load budget conservatively — at 80% of rated capacity (12A continuous), you have headroom for eight devices averaging 1.5A each, typical for a mixed NVR-plus-switch rack.
• 1U Horizontal Mounting: Fits any standard 19-inch EIA rack without consuming valuable vertical space. If your rack is already dense with 1U switches and 2U NVRs, horizontal PDU placement keeps power accessible at the rear without a separate vertical channel.
• 3.65m (12 ft) Cord Length: Long enough to reach a floor-level PDU panel in a standard equipment rack without extension cords, which are a code violation in many data center and commercial installations. Measure your rack-to-panel distance before ordering — most deployments won't need an extension.
• LED Indicators: Per-outlet LED status lets you visually confirm which outlets are energized during commissioning or troubleshooting without logging into a management interface. Useful during initial rack build-out.
• 50–60 Hz Input Compatibility: Accepts both North American 60 Hz and international 50 Hz grid frequency. Relevant if you're deploying the same PDU model across facilities in different countries or at sites with generator backup that may briefly operate off-frequency.
• RoHS Compliant, UL/cUL Listed: UL/cUL listing satisfies the AHJ requirements most common in US and Canadian commercial installations. RoHS compliance is increasingly required for government and municipal projects. Additional certifications include FCC Part 15 Class A, IC ES-003 Class A, and VCCI Class A — keeping EMI emissions within bounds for mixed IT/security equipment environments.
• 23–113°F (−5–45°C) Operating Range: Covers the thermal envelope of most conditioned equipment rooms and IDF closets. If you're deploying in an unconditioned space (warehouse, exterior cabinet), verify your ambient stays within this window — the PDU itself generates minimal heat but needs the room to cooperate.

Integration & Compatibility

The AP7900B connects to APC's network management card ecosystem via its onboard management port, enabling SNMP-based monitoring, remote outlet control, and integration with APC's EcoStruxure IT or third-party DCIM platforms. For security integrators, this means outlet-level reboot commands can be scripted alongside VMS health checks — if your NVR watchdog detects a failure, a SNMP trap can trigger an automated power cycle. Pair it with a UPS upstream to complete a runtime-protected, remotely managed power chain. The NEMA 5-15R outlets accept standard North American plugs; verify your equipment cord ends match before deploying in a mixed-standard rack. For a rack power planning guide, review outlet count, load capacity, and metering requirements before selecting a PDU tier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I control individual outlets on the AP7900B remotely?

A: Yes. The AP7900B is a switched PDU, meaning each of its eight outlets can be individually turned on, off, or rebooted via the network management interface — no physical access to the rack is required.

Q: What plug type does the AP7900B use, and what circuit does it need?

A: The AP7900B uses a NEMA 5-15P plug and requires a standard 100–120V, 15A branch circuit, which is the most common commercial outlet type in North American buildings.

Q: How many devices can the AP7900B power simultaneously?

A: It has eight NEMA 5-15R outlets with a 15A total capacity. Best practice is to load no more than 80% continuously (12A), so plan your connected device draw accordingly — a mix of NVRs, switches, and access controllers typically fits within this budget.

Q: Is the AP7900B UL listed?

A: Yes. The AP7900B carries UL/cUL listing, satisfying the most common AHJ requirements for commercial installations in the US and Canada. It also holds FCC Part 15 Class A, IC ES-003 Class A, VCCI Class A, and PSE certifications.

Q: What is the cord length on the AP7900B?

A: The input power cord is 3.65 meters (approximately 12 feet), which is sufficient to reach most floor-level branch circuit panels without an extension cord.

Q: What operating temperature range does the AP7900B support?

A: The AP7900B operates from 23°F to 113°F (−5°C to 45°C). It is designed for conditioned equipment rooms and IDF closets — not for unconditioned outdoor or industrial environments.

Ted Perry

The AP7900B's per-outlet switching is the feature that separates it from a basic metered PDU — and it's the reason I spec it into security racks where NVRs and access control panels need to be remotely recoverable. A 15A/120V switched PDU with eight NEMA 5-15R outlets covers the majority of single-phase commercial rack builds without requiring a sub-panel upgrade, and the 3.65m cord handles most rack-to-circuit-panel distances cleanly.

Technical Highlights:

• Per-Outlet Remote Switching: Each of the eight outlets can be cycled independently via SNMP or the management interface — critical when a hung device at a remote site needs a hard reboot without a truck roll.
• UL/cUL + FCC Class A Certifications: UL listing satisfies AHJ sign-off in US and Canadian commercial projects; FCC Class A keeps the PDU from adding EMI noise to adjacent network or camera infrastructure in a shared rack.
• 15A @ 100–120V, 50/60 Hz: Fits standard North American 15A branch circuits with no rewiring. The 80% continuous load rule puts your practical ceiling at 12A — enough for six to eight typical security rack loads without derating concerns.

Deployment Considerations:

• The AP7900B requires an APC network management card (sold separately) to enable remote switching — confirm your deployment budget includes the NMC before ordering if remote control is the primary use case.
• Operating temperature floor is 23°F (−5°C) — if you're deploying in an unheated utility room or garage-style IDF in a cold climate, verify the space stays above that threshold in winter, or select a PDU rated for wider thermal range.

The AP7900B is a strong fit for mid-size security operations centers and multi-device IDF closets where IT staff need outlet-level control over NVRs, PoE switches, and access controllers from a central management platform — particularly in multi-site deployments where physical rack access is costly or time-sensitive.