Vertiv Rpdu Rack Transfer Switch Monitored Unit Level 30A 208V 4.9KW Horizontal ( - VA4N32A0

Vertiv VA4N32A0 Monitored Rack Transfer Switch Unit-Level PDU

Overview

The Vertiv VA4N32A0 is a horizontal, unit-level monitored rack transfer switch PDU rated at 30A, 208V (4.9kW) — purpose-built for data center and server room deployments where continuous uptime depends on the ability to switch power sources without dropping load. With 24 mixed C13/C19 outlets, a NEMA L6-30P input plug, and real-time monitoring of current, voltage, and power via SNMP v3, this unit gives infrastructure teams the visibility and redundancy they need at the per-rack level. If you're building out a dual-feed rack strategy or replacing an aging unit in a colocation environment, the VA4N32A0 belongs on your short list.

Key Features

• 30A / 208V Single-Phase Input (NEMA L6-30P): Sized for the standard 30A circuit common in colocation cages and raised-floor data centers. The 4.9kW continuous capacity covers a fully loaded 1U/2U server row without headroom risk — and the L6-30P twist-lock plug ensures the connection won't vibrate loose in a dense, cable-heavy rack.
• 24 Outlets — C13 and C19 Mix: The combination of C13 (for standard 1U/2U servers and networking gear) and C19 (for higher-draw blade servers, UPS bypass cables, or high-density storage) means you won't need outlet adapters to populate the rack. Size the C19 vs C13 split against your actual device inventory before deployment.
• Rack Transfer Switch (Dual-Source Failover): The core value of this PDU is the transfer switch capability: it monitors two input sources and switches between them automatically when primary power fails or degrades. For racks that lack a dual-corded server strategy, this is the hardware layer that provides source redundancy at the PDU level rather than forcing every device to be dual-PSU.
• Real-Time Monitoring — Current, Voltage, Power: The unit continuously measures input current, voltage, and wattage and makes those readings available via the onboard LCD display and over the network. During a capacity-planning review or a power event, this data tells you immediately whether a circuit is approaching its 80% NEC derate threshold (24A for this 30A circuit) — without guessing from spreadsheets.
• SNMP v1/v2c/v3 + Full Protocol Stack: Network monitoring via SNMP v3 (with authentication and encryption) integrates directly into enterprise DCIM platforms, Nagios, PRTG, Zabbix, or any SNMP-capable NMS. The protocol stack also includes HTTPS, SSH, LDAP, RADIUS, TACACS+, Syslog, NTP, Modbus TCP, IPv4/IPv6, and RSTP — meaning this unit fits into existing AAA infrastructure without carving out exceptions.
• LCD Display: The front-panel LCD provides at-a-glance readings without needing a network connection — useful during initial commissioning, during a network outage, or for on-site technicians who don't carry a laptop into the cage.
• LDAP / RADIUS / TACACS+ Authentication: Role-based access tied to your existing directory means you're not managing a separate credential database for PDU access. This is the spec that separates this unit from entry-level monitored PDUs when your security team reviews the deployment.
• Modbus TCP Support: Beyond standard SNMP, Modbus TCP integration lets the VA4N32A0 report into BMS (Building Management Systems) or SCADA environments — relevant for edge deployments, industrial facilities, or any site where the power monitoring infrastructure runs on Modbus rather than SNMP.
• IPv4 and IPv6 Dual Stack: Future-proofs the unit for network environments mid-transition to IPv6. No re-addressing headache when the upstream network team completes the migration.
• Horizontal 0U Mounting: The horizontal form factor installs in a standard rack unit position, keeping the rear cable run clean. At 0U classification in the horizontal orientation, it doesn't consume dedicated vertical PDU rail space — important in fully populated racks where rear vertical space is already committed.
• 3-Meter Input Cable: The 3m (approximately 10 ft) cord reaches floor-mounted PDU strips, overhead busways, or in-row power distribution without a cable management problem. Shorter cords frequently create routing compromises in raised-floor environments.
• Single USB + Serial Management Port: One USB port and one serial (RS-232) port provide out-of-band management and firmware update paths independent of the Ethernet interface — so a misconfigured network setting doesn't permanently lock you out.

Integration and Compatibility

The VA4N32A0 integrates into standard rack power distribution architectures via its 1 × RJ-45 Ethernet port. SNMP v1/v2c/v3 covers virtually all enterprise DCIM and NMS platforms. LDAP, RADIUS, and TACACS+ allow the unit to authenticate against Active Directory, FreeRADIUS, or Cisco ISE without local account sprawl. Modbus TCP extends integration to BMS and SCADA environments. The Vertiv power management line pairs this PDU with compatible rack UPS and monitoring software for a fully integrated power chain. For deployments requiring per-outlet switching rather than unit-level transfer, evaluate other models in the rack PDU category with per-outlet control capability. IPv6 dual-stack means the unit doesn't require a separate management VLAN workaround in IPv6-forward environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What input plug does the VA4N32A0 use, and what circuit does it require?

A: The VA4N32A0 uses a NEMA L6-30P twist-lock plug. It requires a dedicated 30A, 208V single-phase circuit. Per NEC 80% derating, the maximum continuous load is 24A (4.9kW nameplate).

Q: How many outlets does the VA4N32A0 have, and what types?

A: The unit provides 24 AC outlets in a mix of C13 and C19 IEC coupler types, covering both standard server and higher-draw device connections in the same PDU.

Q: Does the VA4N32A0 support SNMP v3?

A: Yes. The VA4N32A0 supports SNMP v1, v2c, and v3. SNMP v3 provides authentication and encryption, making it suitable for enterprise security policies that prohibit plain-text SNMP v1/v2c on production networks.

Q: Can the VA4N32A0 authenticate users against Active Directory or RADIUS?

A: Yes. The unit supports LDAP, RADIUS, and TACACS+ authentication, allowing integration with Active Directory (via LDAP), FreeRADIUS, Cisco ISE, or similar AAA infrastructure. Local accounts are not required once directory authentication is configured.

Q: What monitoring data does the VA4N32A0 provide?

A: The VA4N32A0 monitors input current, voltage, and power in real time. Readings are available on the front-panel LCD and remotely via SNMP, HTTPS, and other supported protocols.

Q: Does the VA4N32A0 support Modbus TCP?

A: Yes. Modbus TCP is included in the supported network protocol stack, enabling integration with building management systems (BMS) and SCADA platforms common in industrial and edge data center environments.

Jerry Tildsen

The VA4N32A0 is one of the cleaner answers I've seen to the dual-feed problem at the per-rack level. The transfer switch integrated directly into a 30A/208V monitored PDU means you get source redundancy and real-time current/voltage/power telemetry in a single horizontal unit — without stacking a separate ATS beside a dumb PDU and wiring them together. That matters when you're working in colocation cages where U-space and power capacity are both constrained.

Technical Highlights:

• NEMA L6-30P / 30A Input: Sized for standard 30A colocation circuits. The twist-lock connector prevents accidental disconnection in vibration-heavy or high-cable-density environments — a detail that matters during after-hours maintenance when someone's pulling cables nearby.
• SNMP v3 + LDAP/RADIUS/TACACS+: The combination of encrypted SNMP v3 for monitoring and enterprise AAA protocols for access control closes the two most common audit findings on PDU deployments: plain-text SNMP and local password accounts that never get rotated.
• Modbus TCP: Rarely seen on rack PDUs at this price tier. If the site runs a BMS or SCADA overlay for power — common in healthcare, industrial, and campus edge deployments — Modbus TCP eliminates the protocol translation layer that would otherwise require a separate gateway device.

Deployment Considerations:

• Confirm your rack has a compatible 30A/208V feed with NEMA L6-30 receptacles before ordering. L6-30P is a 208V twist-lock — it will not seat in a 120V L5-30 or a NEMA 6-20 receptacle. Verify with facilities or the colo provider before the unit ships.
• The VA4N32A0 is a unit-level transfer switch, not a per-outlet switched PDU. You cannot remotely cycle individual outlets or control power to individual devices. If remote outlet-level reboot capability is a requirement, look at a per-outlet switched model in the Vertiv rack PDU line instead.

This unit is well-matched to colocation cage deployments and dense enterprise server rooms where dual 30A/208V feeds are available and the primary need is source failover plus network-visible power telemetry — not per-outlet granularity.