Vertiv VP6N21A2 Three-Phase Monitored Outlet-Level RPDU
The Vertiv VP6N21A2 is a horizontally mounted, outlet-level monitored three-phase rack power distribution unit rated at 20A and 11.5kW across a 200–240V / 346–415V WYE input. Where most basic PDUs tell you only what the whole unit is drawing, the VP6N21A2 reports current, voltage, and power on a per-outlet basis — giving data center ops teams the granular visibility they need to enforce per-rack power budgets, catch runaway loads before a breaker trips, and right-size refresh cycles based on actual consumption data. It ships with a 3-meter IEC 60309 input cord and twelve (12) IEC outlets across C13 and C19 coupler types, covering the full spread of 1U to 4U server and networking loads common in enterprise racks.
Power Delivery and Outlet Configuration
The VP6N21A2 draws from a 200–240V single-phase or 346–415V three-phase WYE supply at 50 or 60 Hz, delivering up to 11.5kW of usable rack power — enough headroom for dense blade chassis, high-density GPU compute, or mixed server/storage environments. The twelve IEC outlets break across C13 (lower-ampacity, for 1U servers, switches, and KVM equipment) and C19 (higher-ampacity, for power-hungry compute nodes and storage arrays). Having both outlet types on a single unit eliminates the need for a secondary PDU or outlet adapters in mixed-density racks. The 3-meter IEC 60309 input cord gives you flexible routing to overhead or underfloor power feeds without extension cables.
Outlet-Level Monitoring and Metering
Monitoring at the outlet level — not just the inlet — is the operational differentiator here. Each outlet reports current draw, voltage, and power consumption independently. This means you can identify which specific server, storage unit, or networking device is responsible for a load spike, correlate power consumption with workload changes in your DCIM platform, and enforce granular power caps without guessing. The built-in LED display provides at-a-glance status without requiring a network connection to the unit. LED indicators across the unit surface surface alarm and status conditions in real time.
Network Management and Protocol Support
The VP6N21A2 includes a single RJ-45 Ethernet port, one serial management port, and one USB port for local access and configuration. On the network side, it supports a broad protocol stack: SNMP v1/v2c/v3 for integration with existing NMS platforms; HTTPS and SSH for encrypted web and CLI management; RADIUS, LDAP, and TACACS+ for enterprise authentication and role-based access; SMTP and Syslog for alerting and log forwarding; NTP for synchronized event timestamps; Modbus TCP for BMS and SCADA integration; and dual-stack IPv4/IPv6 with DHCP for modern network environments. RSTP support enables redundant network topologies without creating loops. This is a protocol stack you'd expect on enterprise-grade infrastructure, not a budget PDU — it means the VP6N21A2 can plug into existing network management workflows without requiring a separate management appliance.
Installation and Mounting
The VP6N21A2 is designed for horizontal (0U is not applicable here — this is a horizontal rack-mount unit) installation. The black enclosure fits standard 19-inch rack rails. The 3-meter input cord length covers most rack-to-PDU distances in two-post and four-post open-frame racks as well as enclosed cabinets. For environments with in-row or overhead power distribution, the IEC 60309 plug type is compatible with standard industrial power sockets widely deployed in data center raised-floor and overhead busway configurations. No tool-free outlet locking is referenced in evidence — verify locking requirements for your site before ordering if outlet retention is a must.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What outlet types does the VP6N21A2 include?
A: The VP6N21A2 provides twelve (12) IEC outlets consisting of both C13 and C19 coupler types, supporting the full range of standard server and networking equipment power cords.
Q: What input voltage does the VP6N21A2 require?
A: The VP6N21A2 accepts 200–240V (single-phase range) or 346–415V WYE (three-phase) input at 50 or 60 Hz, with an IEC 60309 input plug on a 3-meter cord.
Q: What network protocols does the VP6N21A2 support for management?
A: It supports SNMP v1/v2c/v3, HTTPS, HTTP, SSH, RADIUS, LDAP, TACACS+, SMTP, Syslog, NTP, Modbus TCP, RSTP, DHCP, and dual-stack IPv4/IPv6.
Q: Does the VP6N21A2 monitor individual outlets or only the total unit load?
A: The VP6N21A2 provides outlet-level monitoring of current, voltage, and power for each individual outlet — not just aggregate inlet metering.
Q: What management ports are available on the VP6N21A2?
A: The unit includes one RJ-45 Ethernet LAN port, one serial port, and one USB port for local and network-based management access.
Q: Is the VP6N21A2 compatible with BMS or SCADA systems?
A: Yes. The VP6N21A2 supports Modbus TCP, which is the standard protocol used for integration with building management systems (BMS) and SCADA platforms in data center and critical facility environments.
The VP6N21A2 is the unit I'd specify when a customer is tired of finding out about a power problem after the breaker trips. Outlet-level monitoring of current, voltage, and power on all 12 outlets means you can watch individual server power states in real time — not just the aggregate inlet reading that standard metered PDUs give you. That granularity matters in high-density racks where a single misbehaving UPS load or a misconfigured storage array can silently eat into your phase balance.
Technical Highlights:
- 11.5kW at 20A / 346–415V WYE: Enough capacity for a fully populated blade chassis or a dense GPU node without splitting the load across two PDUs — cleaner wiring, simpler capacity accounting.
- Dual outlet types (C13 + C19): Twelve outlets covering both coupler types on a single PDU means you're not ordering adapters or a second unit for the occasional high-draw device in a mixed rack.
- Enterprise auth stack (RADIUS, LDAP, TACACS+): Role-based access control plugs into the same AAA infrastructure you already use for switches and routers — no standalone credential management for the PDU layer.
Deployment Considerations:
- The IEC 60309 input plug is industrial-standard and common in purpose-built data centers, but verify your panel or PDU whip termination before ordering — it's not a NEMA 5-15 or L6-30.
- Horizontal mounting is specified; if you're building a vertical PDU run down a zero-U channel, look at the vertical variants in Vertiv's Geist RPDU lineup instead of forcing this unit into an orientation it's not designed for.
For colocation customers running mixed European and North American equipment in 415V WYE environments, or enterprise data center teams standardizing on outlet-level visibility for capacity planning, the VP6N21A2 fits cleanly into that workflow.
