Power
Metered vs switched PDUs
Guide · reviewed 2026-07-04
A metered PDU measures power draw (for monitoring and per-tenant billing); a switched PDU adds remote on/off control of individual outlets. Choose metered when you need visibility and billing, and switched when you also need remote power cycling and outlet control.
The four PDU classes
| Basic | Power strip; no measurement or control |
|---|---|
| Metered | Measures current/energy; enables billing |
| Switched | Remote on/off per outlet |
| Metered + switched | Measurement plus per-outlet control |
Choosing for colocation
Colocation providers typically need metered PDUs so each tenant's energy can be measured and billed accurately, often per compartment. Switched capability adds remote reboot and outlet control, useful for managed services and unattended sites.
Wenvex cabinets are designed to integrate metered and switched PDUs, fitted in the vertical cable channel and specified with the cabinet.