Power Distribution Unit (PDU) for Control Cabinets

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Power Distribution Unit

Definition

A Power Distribution Unit (PDU) is a critical component within industrial control cabinets that receives incoming electrical power from a main source and safely distributes it to various connected devices, machines, or subsystems. It typically includes protective devices like circuit breakers or fuses, monitoring capabilities, and connection points to ensure reliable and organized power delivery within an automated system. The PDU is designed for modular configuration, allowing for 2 to 12 branch circuits, and is rated for continuous currents from 16 A to 630 A per branch, with a three-phase system voltage of 400 V AC. It complies with IEC 61439 for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies, ensuring safety and performance standards. The unit's short-circuit withstand rating ranges from 10 kA to 50 kA for 1 second, and its degree of protection varies from IP20 to IP54, suitable for various industrial environments. The operating temperature range is -25°C to 55°C, with derating above 40°C. The rated insulation voltage is 690 V, and the pollution degree is 3 as per IEC 60664, indicating a typical industrial environment. The busbar material is electrolytic copper, tinned (Cu-ETP) per EN 13601, ensuring good conductivity and corrosion resistance. The housing is made of thermoplastic or thermoset polymer, and the chassis or mounting frame is typically steel or aluminum. The weight of the PDU depends on the number of branches, ranging from 5 kg to 25 kg. This product is a component, not a standalone device, and must be integrated into a control cabinet by a qualified system integrator. Always verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier before procurement.

Working Principle

The PDU receives AC or DC input power through a main connection. This power is then routed through internal busbars or conductors to multiple output terminals or sockets. Integrated protective devices (e.g., circuit breakers, fuses, surge protectors) monitor the current flow on each branch circuit. If an overload, short circuit, or fault is detected, the protective device interrupts the circuit to prevent damage to downstream equipment and wiring. Some advanced PDUs also include monitoring sensors for parameters like current, voltage, and temperature, communicating this data to the cabinet's control system.

Common Materials

Copper (for busbars and conductors), Thermoplastic or Thermoset Polymer (for housing/insulation), Steel or Aluminum (for chassis/mounting frame)

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Rated Current	16–630 A	Continuous current per branch circuitIEC 61439
Rated Voltage	400 V AC	Three-phase system voltageIEC 61439
Number of Branch Circuits	2–12	Modular configuration
Short-Circuit Withstand Rating	10–50 kA	1s withstand currentIEC 61439
Degree of Protection	IP20–IP54	Higher IP for harsh environmentsIEC 60529
Operating Temperature Range	-25–55 °C	Derating above 40°CIEC 61439
Insulation Voltage	690 V	Rated insulation voltageIEC 61439
Pollution Degree	3	Industrial environmentIEC 60664
Material of Busbar	Cu-ETP	Electrolytic copper, tinnedEN 13601
Weight	5–25 kg	Depends on number of branches

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Input Terminal Block Part
Connection point for the incoming main power cables.

Material: Copper alloy, thermoplastic housing
Main Busbar Part
Conducts electrical power from the input to the distribution points.

Material: Copper or aluminum
Circuit Breaker / Fuse Holder
Houses the overcurrent protection device for each output branch.

Material: Thermoplastic, steel spring contacts
Output Terminal Block / Socket
Connection point for outgoing power cables to loads.

Material: Copper alloy, thermoplastic housing
Mounting Frame / Chassis Part
Provides structural support and allows DIN-rail or panel mounting within the cabinet.

Material: Steel or aluminum
Surge Protector Optional
Clamps voltage spikes before they reach the branch loads.
Monitoring Sensors Optional
Measure branch current, voltage and temperature and report them to the cabinet controller.

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Control Cabinet

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System Control Cabinet

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High-Performance Computing Systems

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Manufacturers of Power Distribution Unit

9 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

CNC Electric

Zhejiang, CN

Also makes: Automatic Transfer Switch, Variable Frequency Drive, Surge Protection Device and 9 more