StarTech.com 8 Outlet Horizontal 1U Rack Mount PDU Power Strip for Network Server Racks - Surge Protection - 120V/15A - with 6 Ft Power Cord (RKPW081915), Black

The StarTech '19IN 1U Rackmount 16 Outlet Pdu Power Distribution Unit 125V 15A (12A Ul)' is the subject of this review. br>br>When I used this StarTech PDU, I had a serious electrical problem. The short version of the problem is that 14 of the 16 outlets on the unit suddenly lost 120V power. br>br>Here's a summary of the situation, which probably covers a lot more ground than you're interested in: br>I purchased this power distribution unit to provide 120V power to a variety of low to moderate power-consuming items. A pair of phone chargers (basic phones, not even higher amperage smart phones), a pair of 18650 lithium battery chargers, and a pair of Ni-MH battery chargers were the only lower-powered items. Chargers for AAA and AA batteries from MH. These are all low-current battery chargers that use a standard wall outlet style adapter to convert to low-current DC for each device. I also had an LED light plugged into this Startech, and its power consumption varies but peaks at around 170 Watts. I also had a set of studio monitor speakers, as well as some other audio gear like a line mixer and a digital to analog audio interface, plugged into this unit. UL Listed wall outlet style power switches are connected in-line with the majority of the equipment I've plugged into this StarTech power distribution unit. line with 6 inch extension cables coming out of the StarTech unit so that the connected equipment can be turned off when not in use and so that the power adapters needed for some of the items can all connect. Furthermore, being able to turn off individual also helps to eliminate that personally annoying glow / illumination of a room at night due to all of the back-up lighting. LED indicator lights and lighting are now found in a wide range of equipment. When items aren't in use, such as battery chargers, it also helps to reduce power consumption by utilizing inefficient wall adapters. The combined total power draw of the items I had connected to this StarTech PDU was nowhere near its rated current, and that's on top of the fact that most of the connected equipment wasn't even turned on at the time. The title for this product indicates 15 Amps, which implies 1800 Watts of power handling, and interestingly also says only certified by the UL Listing for up to 12A based on the title for this product, which still i br>br>I finally got a large flat screen monitor to go with the rest of the audio equipment after owning this StarTech unit for about 2 months and running the battery chargers intermittently as well as running the LED light on a regular basis. I had plugged in the new monitor (Samsung commercial display / TV) to the StarTech unit and was trying to figure out how to use it for the first time. Then, using an HDMI cable, I connected a laptop to the TV to test how well it worked as an external display. Things were fine, and after a short period of trial and error, I needed to charge my Lenovo laptop with the supplied charger because the battery was running low. I plugged the laptop's charging adapter in and plugged the cord into the laptop, then proceeded to flip the switch to turn the charger on, and power to my connected equipment was cut out at that exact moment of flipping the switch. br>br>At first, I assumed there was a problem with a ground loop or an improper hot connection from the laptop charging system to the large screen display via HDMI cable, and then back to the Startech power distribution unit. With the help of a multimeter, I discovered that only two of the 16 outlets had voltage. I tried turning on and off the StarTech PDU power switch to see if anything would reset on its own, but the problem persisted. I check my TV, laptop, and a few other pieces of equipment, and everything appears to be in working order. I have yet to notice any burned connection points on my equipment or cords, but I have yet to check some of the more expensive items. That was the last time I used any of my equipment for a few weeks, until I had time today to investigate further. br>br>I opened up the StarTech 16 Outlet PDU and continued checking for electrical continuity, narrowing down where the break was and determining that it was almost certainly a basic failure in the way the outlets were receiving power based on the way it was assembled internally. 14 of the 16 outlets are essentially daisy-chained together. I see nothing wrong with that because they're chained together. After the PDU failed, the two other outlets that I had continuity and normal 120V power on were connected to the 120V power through the unit's internal circuit board, which was mounted directly behind that outlet pair, and thus they were not daisy-chained. Like the rest of the stores, it's chained. During the course of checking for continuity and inspecting the situation, I noticed that one of the hot wire connections going into the circuit bore had slightly melted insulation. It didn't appear to be burned from an electrical short, but rather melted insulation due to improper soldering during assembly, as I had done too much soldering myself. When I was able to get a better look at the internal circuit board that is mounted to their back side, I gave a light tug on that wire with the melted insulation and it popped right out of the circuit board. br>br>Well, that was the point of loss of continuity for the string of outlets. The through hole solder connection looked like some of the insulation might have gotten into the solder connection during assembly, and the melted plastic getting into the molten solder made for a weak connection, according to the now-free wire that was going into the circuit board. br>br>If a product simply fails to work, and completely fails to work, I don't think it deserves a good rating. br>br>If a product simply fails to work, and completely fails to work, I don't think it deserves a good rating. br>br>If a product simply fails to work, and completely fails to work, I don't think it deserves a good rating. br>br>If a product simply fails to To be fair, I'd say that people are more likely to leave a negative review if something goes wrong rather than leaving no review if everything goes smoothly. I'm giving it at least two stars because I don't think the unit's design is inherently flawed. When I was looking for a power distribution unit, I liked the layout of the outlets on the unit and the large number of outlets on it; it fit the situation I needed it to serve. Looking at the circuit board, I'm not convinced that this unit provides sophisticated over-current protection for connected equipment. detection of the moment The title of being a power distribution unit is fair and adequate in my opinion, as long as the unit can at least do that without failure, which it did in this case. It may have some surge protection ability, but I am not educated enough on some of those aspects to identify the purposes served by the few components that are mounted on the circuit board. br>br>In this unit, my faith has been shaken. It was connected to a total of $6,000 worth of equipment. With the failure that I experienced, if it had been a failure of the neutral wire rather than the hot wire, as it was in this case, and I then proceeded to plug another piece of equipment into a completely different wall outlet, there is a risk of 240V frying all of this very expensive equipment, which can and does happen in buildings and is a serious problem. Items fed from different branch circuits in a home increase the chances of this happening. Hopefully, StarTech will respond positively to this, and I will be able to update my review accordingly.

Alma Stokes

| Jul 01, 2021

When rack mounted, some of the back outlets are difficult to reach. For me, it works fine. When rack mounted, some of the back outlets are difficult to reach. But how frequently will you need to use them? The cord is quite long. br>br> I'd like to run it down the inside of the wall, out of a multi-purpose mudbox, and into a nearby outlet. It currently connects to an outlet in a spare bedroom through a hole in the wall. At some point, I'm going to tidy up that wiring. br>br>These are my favorite things. Some people have expressed their dissatisfaction with the fact that they have broken. That has never been an issue for me. I have a habit of plugging these things in and leaving them unattended for long periods of time. The on/off switch is rarely used by me. br>br>Good product; I had a delay receiving it and ordered another, or perhaps this one, and they both arrived at the same time; it appears that when you cancel or try to cancel an order, it arrives the next day. br>br>I kept both of these, in any case. I now own three different brands, all of which serve me well and make my life easier while also keeping things tidy.

Adrian HOUGHTON

| Oct 31, 2021

Depending on your setup, it will take up 1U in your rack and provide enough spade for most of your networking needs. Because the outlets are sideways and most router/modem male connections are now wide, this works out perfectly for plugging multiple things in close proximity. It also allows for a more organized set-up. The plugs are in the back rather than the front, so they'll be higher up. The power cord, which connects to the wall, is also located in the back. I tried to fit it into a smaller rack that wasn't as deep as traditional racks, but the power cord wouldn't fit, and any plugs I tried to get in the back wouldn't fit because there wasn't enough clearance. br>br>However, it was extremely simple to put together and appears to be in good condition. In a year or so, I'll make another update.

Jeremias Bush

| Dec 20, 2020

Despite the badging, it appears to be in good condition and performs as expected. In my case, the nearest outlet was about a half-inch out of reach on the left side of the rack. This is why I had to send it back. It would not have been an issue if the power cord had been on the left. The low star rating is due to a lack of value. A surge protector with 12 outlets and a 15-foot power cable can be purchased for the same price.

Ryder Garrett

| Nov 16, 2021

Everything appears to be superficial, and I needed this YESTERDAY, and I'm still an hour away from having to return it - As a result, unless it's a non-refundable deposit, I won't be returning. However, it is functional. After scrubbing it with rubbing alcohol and bending the mounting tab back out, I took these photos. Although there is no visible damage to the box, it is possible that it was damaged during shipping. On the other hand, there's the gooey, sticky stuff. br>br>I've never had a problem with Startech equipment, but if this is how they're doing things now, I'm not going to buy any more.

Delaney Lloyd

| Apr 09, 2021

So far, there have been no issues. I like that the plugs are in the back and there aren't a bunch of lit-up orange switches in the front. br>br>One issue I had, which is not at all the fault of this unit, is that if you don't have enough open space above and below it on your rack, you might not be able to plug in a wall wart style DC adapter without other equipment getting in the way. As needed, I used short appliance extension cords to solve the problem.

Raina Sparks

| May 30, 2021

This is the first time I've bought a PU/PS for a networking cabinet for personal use, but I've worked in IT for over 25 years and can say that the quality, form, fit, and function of this power supply blew me away. Very sturdy and well-packed; On a multi-platform test, it performed flawlessly. The meter reads correctly and trips as expected. I appreciate a company stepping up and providing high-quality products at an affordable price, and I love that the company's headquarters are in the United States. THANK YOU SO MUCH!.

Addyson Cummings

| Sep 07, 2021

I just placed an order for a second one. These are designed for low-power devices (9 and 12 volt wall warts) and are adequate. They're inexpensive and come in a variety of sizes. br>br>I don't care about the cheesy lights or the terrible on/off button.

Khalani Banks

| Jan 30, 2021