Vertiv VP5N31A1 Switched 1U Rack PDU with Outlet-Level Monitoring
The Vertiv VP5N31A1 is a 30A, 208V, 1U horizontal rack PDU from the Vertiv PowerIT series — built for data centers and server rooms where you need both unit-level input power monitoring and per-outlet switching without adding a second management device. It delivers 4,900VA across 12 combination C13/C19 outlets, connects via dual Ethernet ports, and packs IMD-5M intelligence with an onboard 128×128 LCD touchscreen into a single rack unit. If your ops team needs remote power cycling of individual loads and real-time consumption data from a browser or NMS, the VP5N31A1 covers both without requiring an outboard controller.
Key Features
- Outlet-Level Switching on 12 C13/C19 Combination Outlets: Each outlet can be switched on, off, or power-cycled independently — remote reboot of a hung server or network appliance happens from the management interface without a technician in the rack. The combination C13/C19 socket accepts both low-draw 1U servers and high-draw dual-corded devices, so you're not forced to plan around outlet type mismatches across equipment generations.
- 30A / 208V / 4,900VA Input Capacity: Sized for high-density cabinets feeding dual-corded servers or blade chassis. At 208V the derate penalty is minimal compared to 120V PDUs at the same breaker rating — you get roughly double the usable wattage from the same circuit. The NEMA L6-30P input plug connects to standard 208V 30A branch circuits found in raised-floor and row-based PDU infrastructure.
- IMD-5M with 128×128 LCD Touchscreen: The hot-swappable Intelligent Monitoring Device gives you local readout of current, voltage, and power factor directly on the LCD — useful during commissioning and for field technicians who need a quick sanity check without opening a browser. Hot-swap means you can replace the IMD without dropping power to the connected loads, a significant advantage during live maintenance windows.
- Dual Ethernet Ports: Two network connections let you daisy-chain multiple PDUs across a single Ethernet drop or connect to redundant management networks simultaneously — reduces IP address consumption in large deployments and simplifies cabling when managing dense rows of PDUs.
- Bi-Stable Latching Relays: When power to the PDU itself is interrupted and then restored, each outlet returns to its last commanded state rather than defaulting to all-on. This prevents uncontrolled mass power-on events — a critical protection in facilities where sequenced startup matters for UPS, cooling, and compute loads.
- Environmental Sensor Port: Attach a temperature/humidity sensor to track ambient conditions directly in the PDU management interface. For colocation and edge deployments where per-rack environmental data feeds DCIM platforms, this eliminates the need for a separate environmental monitoring appliance per cabinet.
- Secure Boot + Hardware Key + Firmware Key: Three-layer firmware integrity verification closes the attack surface that has made unprotected PDUs a lateral-movement entry point in data center breaches. If firmware authenticity cannot be verified, the device won't boot — meaningful for environments with SOC2, HIPAA, or FedRAMP obligations.
- TAA-Compliant and UL-Listed: TAA compliance satisfies GSA Schedule and federal contract procurement requirements without a waiver. UL listing covers the safety baseline expected by AHJs in commercial and government facilities. RoHS certification satisfies EU environmental compliance for multinational deployments.
Integration and Compatibility
The VP5N31A1 integrates with DCIM and NMS platforms via the dual Ethernet management interface. The PowerIT series is supported in Vertiv's own management ecosystem and compatible with SNMP-based monitoring frameworks common in enterprise environments. The 50/60Hz frequency range covers both North American and international applications. At 17 × 12 × 1.72 inches and 12 lbs, it occupies a single rack unit and fits standard 19-inch equipment cabinets — verify front-to-rear depth against your cabinet before ordering, as 12 inches of depth requires adequate cable management behind the unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the VP5N31A1 TAA-compliant for federal or GSA procurement?
A: Yes. The VP5N31A1 is TAA-compliant, making it eligible for GSA Schedule purchases and federal contracts that require Trade Agreements Act compliance without an exception waiver.
Q: What input plug does the VP5N31A1 use?
A: The VP5N31A1 ships with a NEMA L6-30P input plug, which connects to standard 208V 30-amp branch circuits. Verify your PDU whip or breaker panel is wired for L6-30 before ordering.
Q: Can the IMD be replaced without shutting down the PDU?
A: Yes. The IMD-5M is hot-swappable — you can remove and replace the Intelligent Monitoring Device without dropping power to any connected outlets, which allows maintenance without a planned outage.
Q: What happens to outlet states if the PDU loses and then regains power?
A: The VP5N31A1 uses bi-stable latching relays, meaning each outlet returns to its last commanded state after a power interruption. Outlets do not default to all-on at restart, which protects against unsequenced load startup events.
Q: What is the warranty on the VP5N31A1?
A: The VP5N31A1 carries a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty.
Q: Does the VP5N31A1 support environmental monitoring?
A: Yes. The unit includes a dedicated environmental sensor port for attaching a compatible temperature and humidity sensor, allowing per-rack ambient monitoring through the same PDU management interface.
The VP5N31A1 is the unit I reach for when a customer needs outlet-level switching and real power consumption data in a single 1U device — not two. The hot-swappable IMD-5M with its 128×128 LCD touchscreen is a practical differentiator: field technicians get a local current readout without a laptop, and if the IMD ever fails, you swap it during live operation rather than scheduling a maintenance window around connected server loads.
Technical Highlights:
- Bi-Stable Latching Relays: On power restoration, each outlet holds its last commanded state instead of defaulting to all-on — this is the spec that prevents a single upstream breaker trip from triggering an uncontrolled mass restart across a fully loaded cabinet.
- Dual Ethernet Management Ports: Daisy-chain multiple PDUs on one IP address or connect to two management networks simultaneously — in high-density row deployments this can cut PDU IP address consumption by 50% or more versus single-port alternatives.
- Three-Layer Firmware Security (Secure Boot + Hardware Key + Firmware Key): Not a checkbox feature — this architecture prevents a compromised firmware image from executing, which matters if your data center is in scope for FedRAMP, HIPAA, or SOC2 audits where PDU firmware integrity is an addressable control.
Deployment Considerations:
- The NEMA L6-30P plug is the first thing to confirm with your facilities team — if the cabinet whips are L6-20 or the panel is 120V single-phase, this unit won't fit the circuit. Verify 208V 30A availability before the unit arrives on-site.
- At 12 inches of depth plus cable management, confirm your cabinet's usable rear depth; zero-U cable managers or rear-mounted patch panels can encroach on the space the PDU needs behind the outlets.
The VP5N31A1 is the right fit for a colocation tenant or enterprise IT team deploying dual-corded 1U/2U compute in a 208V cabinet who needs outlet-level power cycling and per-outlet consumption data from a single managed device — particularly in environments where federal compliance or cybersecurity audit requirements make firmware integrity a hard requirement, not a nice-to-have.
