Vertiv Rpdu Switched Unit Level Monitoring EC 30A 120V 2.8KW Vertical (24) NEMA 5 - VP5N30A5

Vertiv VP5N30A5 Switched 0U Vertical Rack PDU with Outlet-Level Monitoring

Overview

The Vertiv VP5N30A5 is a 30A, 120V switched rack PDU from the Geist PowerIT series, purpose-built for data center and server room deployments where per-outlet power control and real-time monitoring aren't optional — they're operational requirements. Mounted vertically in 0U space, it delivers 2.8kW of capacity across 20 NEMA 5-20R receptacles without consuming a single rack unit. Whether you're managing a dense compute row or a co-location cage, the VP5N30A5 gives you the remote control and visibility to cut mean time to recovery without rolling a truck.

Key Features

• Outlet-Level Switching: Each of the 20 NEMA 5-20R outlets can be switched independently via the network interface. That means you can hard-reboot a hung server, cycle a locked switch, or sequence a controlled shutdown — all remotely. No more dispatching a technician for a simple power cycle on a 3 AM alert.
• 30A Input / 2.8kW Capacity: The NEMA L5-30P plug feeds a 30A circuit, giving you 2.8kW of usable power. In a mixed 1U server environment, that's enough headroom for 8–10 mid-density compute nodes before you approach the 80% loading threshold most ops teams target for sustained runtime.
• 0U Vertical Form Factor: Rack-mounted vertically in the zero-U space along the side rail, the VP5N30A5 preserves every rack unit for revenue-generating equipment. If your racks are already dense, this mounting geometry is a non-negotiable — horizontal PDUs burn 1–2U per PDU in a footprint where U-space is measured in dollars.
• Dual Ethernet Ports: Two network interfaces support daisy-chain connectivity between units without needing a separate switch port for every PDU. In a 10- or 20-PDU deployment, this cuts your network infrastructure cost and simplifies cable management significantly.
• Input Power Monitoring: Real-time current and power draw readings at the unit level let you track load trends over time, catch circuits drifting toward capacity before they trip, and document power consumption for chargeback or capacity planning — without relying on separate metering hardware.
• Environmental Sensor Port: The dedicated sensor port accepts temperature and humidity probes, turning the VP5N30A5 into an environmental monitoring node as well as a power distribution device. One device, two infrastructure roles — useful in smaller deployments where budget doesn't support a separate DCIM sensor layer.
• Upgradeable Hot-Swappable IMD: The intelligent monitoring device (IMD) can be replaced or upgraded without powering down the PDU or the equipment connected to it. For environments with long refresh cycles, this means the monitoring and firmware platform can evolve without forklift replacement of the PDU hardware itself.
• Bi-Stable Latching Relays: Unlike traditional switched PDUs that require constant power to hold outlets in the open or closed state, bi-stable latching relays retain their last state through a power interruption. If the PDU itself loses power momentarily, your outlet switching configuration survives — critical for environments where outlet state persistence is a recovery requirement.
• LCD Touchscreen: Local display provides at-a-glance load readings and outlet status without requiring a laptop or network access. Useful during physical installation, commissioning, and any time you need a fast sanity check without pulling up the web interface.
• Secure Boot and TAA Compliance: Secure Boot prevents unauthorized firmware from loading — a meaningful control in environments with formal security baselines. TAA compliance satisfies federal procurement requirements and GSA schedule eligibility for government and education customers.
• High Temperature Grade 60°C: Rated to operate continuously at 60°C ambient, the VP5N30A5 handles hot-aisle/cold-aisle environments and edge deployments where ambient temperatures regularly exceed what consumer-grade hardware tolerates. This spec matters most in edge closets, outdoor enclosures, or poorly cooled legacy rooms.

Integration and Compatibility

The VP5N30A5 ships with dual Ethernet ports supporting standard network integration into DCIM platforms, BMS systems, and custom monitoring stacks via the Vertiv Geist management interface. The environmental sensor port is compatible with Vertiv Geist temperature and humidity sensors, extending the monitoring scope without additional network infrastructure. TAA compliance and FCC Part 15 Class A certification make this unit eligible for federal, state, and education procurement programs. UL and c-UL Listed to 60950, RoHS-compliant, confirming this is a genuine factory-new unit meeting both US and Canadian safety standards.

The upgradeable IMD architecture means firmware and feature updates — including future protocol support — can be applied without replacing the physical PDU, a practical benefit in facilities with 5–7 year hardware refresh cycles. The VP5N30A5 carries a 5-year limited warranty, consistent with the Vertiv Geist line, which is longer than most competitive switched PDUs at this price tier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the VP5N30A5 TAA compliant for government procurement?

A: Yes. The VP5N30A5 meets TAA (Trade Agreements Act) requirements, making it eligible for GSA schedule and other federal, state, and education procurement programs.

Q: What plug type does the VP5N30A5 use, and what circuit breaker rating does it require?

A: The VP5N30A5 uses a NEMA L5-30P input plug, which requires a dedicated 30A, 120V circuit. Standard practice is to load no more than 80% of circuit capacity continuously, so plan for a maximum of 2.24kW sustained draw against the 2.8kW nameplate.

Q: How many outlets does the VP5N30A5 have, and what receptacle type?

A: The VP5N30A5 provides 20 NEMA 5-20R receptacles. Each outlet can be switched independently via the network interface for remote power cycling or sequencing.

Q: What is the warranty on the VP5N30A5?

A: The VP5N30A5 carries a 5-year limited warranty from Vertiv.

Q: Can the VP5N30A5 monitor environmental conditions like temperature and humidity?

A: Yes. The VP5N30A5 includes a dedicated environmental sensor port compatible with Vertiv Geist temperature and humidity sensors, allowing environmental monitoring through the same management interface as power.

Q: What happens to outlet switching states if the VP5N30A5 loses power?

A: The VP5N30A5 uses bi-stable latching relays, which retain their last switched state through a power interruption. Your outlet configuration — open or closed — survives a momentary loss of power to the PDU itself.

Marty Allison

The VP5N30A5 hits a specific sweet spot I see constantly in mid-density colo and enterprise data hall deployments: you need outlet-level switching — not just monitoring — but you can't give up rack unit space for it. The 0U vertical form factor solves that equation directly, and the bi-stable latching relays are the detail that separates this unit from cheaper switched PDUs that reset all outlets to open after any power event.

Technical Highlights:

• Bi-Stable Latching Relays: Outlet state is retained through a PDU-level power interruption — critical for recovery scenarios where outlet configuration needs to survive the event that triggered the recovery in the first place.
• Upgradeable Hot-Swappable IMD: The management module can be replaced or upgraded while the PDU remains live and outlets stay powered. In a 5–7 year hardware lifecycle, this is the difference between a firmware update and a capital replacement request.
• 60°C Operating Temperature Rating: Sustained high-temperature operation at 60°C ambient means this PDU handles hot-aisle environments and edge deployments that would shorten the life of standard-grade distribution hardware.

Deployment Considerations:

• The NEMA L5-30P input requires a dedicated 30A, 120V circuit — confirm your rack power feed before ordering. Running this PDU on a shared or undersized circuit defeats the 2.8kW capacity and can introduce nuisance tripping under load.
• The dual Ethernet ports support daisy-chaining, but verify your DCIM or BMS platform supports the Vertiv Geist management protocol before assuming drop-in integration with existing infrastructure.

This unit is well-matched to enterprise co-location deployments and government data centers where TAA compliance, outlet-level remote control, and a 5-year warranty are non-negotiable line items — not nice-to-haves.