Power Distribution Units Market Size, Share, Forecast, and Trends Analysis by Type (Basic, Metered, Monitored, Switched, Others), Phase (Single-phase, Three-phase), End-use Industry (IT & Telecom, Healthcare, BFSI, Automotive, Manufacturing, Others), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2031

Power Distribution Units Market Size & Forecast

The Power Distribution Units Market is expected to reach $6.2 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2024 to 2031. The growth of the power distribution market is driven by factors such as rising concerns over power stability for uninterrupted business operations, rising numbers of data centers, and increasing power distribution unit installations to minimize energy wastage. Additionally, the rising penetration of advanced cloud computing in organizations is expected to provide opportunities for market growth. However, limitations of PDUs to manage extreme voltages and high current fluctuations can restrain the growth of the market. The high costs associated with installations of PDUs, and safety & security concerns of intelligent PDUs pose challenges for market growth.

Power Distribution Units Market Growth Drivers

Increasing Number of Data Centers

Data centers and spaces dedicated to holding data servers to store and process data have grown rapidly as data demand has risen exponentially. According to CloudScene (Australia), as of January 2021, there were around 8,000 data centers globally. With the rapid development of cloud computing, digitalization, and data-driven applications, data centers need consistent and scalable power distribution to support their operations.

A power distribution unit (PDU) acts as the primary hub for distributing electric power to multiple destinations connected within a data center. This ensures seamless distribution of power to critical infrastructure such as server racks and networking equipment. PDUs are critical for data centers to function efficiently and reliably. From supplying power to servers and networking equipment to facilitating cooling systems, PDUs are crucial in ensuring the facility's operational functionality and robustness. Moreover, increasing emphasis from market players on introducing innovative power distribution solutions for data centers is projected to stimulate market growth.

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Some of the recent developments in the market space:

• In November 2023, Eaton Corporation (Ireland) announced a new power distribution solution Rack PDU G4 for data centers and edge facilities. The Rack PDU G4 meets power requirements for a wide range of equipment and facility types, enabling data center operators to deploy a single PDU across multiple locations. This saves time, cuts costs, and simplifies power management effectively.

• In October 2023, ABB Ltd. (Switzerland) furthered its commitment to support the rapid expansion and scaling of data centers by introducing a next-generation three-phase power distribution unit (PDU), known as TruFit™. This innovative solution is designed to meet the aggressive project timelines of data centers, offering a highly configurable, all-in-one power distribution solution. The TruFit PDU ensures superior configurability at the system level, along with enhanced reliability and safety features tailored for applications ranging from 50 to 800 kVA.

• In June 2023, Legrand (France) introduced the industry’s next generation of intelligent rack Power Distribution Units (PDUs). The Server Technology PRO4X and Raritan PX4 rack PDUs are set to revolutionize power management in data centers, offering outstanding visibility, advanced hardware, and improved security features.

Power Distribution Units Market Growth Challenges

Safety and Security Concerns of Intelligent PDUs

Intelligent PDUs provide numerous advantages for data center infrastructure including improved management, monitoring, and efficiency. However, intelligent PDUs can also present security concerns. These devices are susceptible to cyberattacks and other security threats, posing risks to the availability and integrity of critical data center infrastructure.

For example, an intelligent PDU and inadequately secured devices can be exploited by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to the network, steal sensitive data, or launch a denial-of-service (DoS) attack. Additionally, compromised intelligent PDU can serve as a launching pad for attacks on other devices within the network, presenting challenges to market growth.

Power Distribution Units Market Growth Trends

Growing Preference for Smart PDUs in Data Centers

Smart PDUs or intelligent PDUs extend beyond simply distributing power to IT equipment in the data center, offering capabilities to monitor, manage, and control power consumption across multiple devices. Smart PDUs grants data center professionals remote access to real-time critical infrastructure data, empowering informed decision-making to ensure maximum availability and meet efficiency requirements effectively. There are two primary types of smart PDUs: monitored and switched. Each type includes a range of additional features aimed at enhancing the critical information provided by the device. Some of the key features include outlet level monitoring, environmental monitoring, alerts & alarms based on user-defined thresholds, and various other functionalities. These features minimize downtime and carry manufacturer-provided support to meet service-level agreements (SLAs).

As data center environments evolve with increasing complexity, organizations are urging data center managers to enhance availability, cut costs, and improve efficiency. The rise of high-density servers and networking equipment has heightened the demand for increased rack densities and overall facility power requirements. While rack densities typically hover around 10kW, hyperscale facilities often deploy at 15kW, with some approaching 25kW. These higher densities enhance performance and capacity but require more efficient power delivery. Therefore, the features and functionality of smart PDUs are crucial for effective power distribution in dynamic data center environments.

Power Distribution Units Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Type: In 2024, the Switched PDUs Segment to Dominate the Power Distribution Units Market

Based on type, the power distribution units market is segmented into basic PDUs, metered PDUs, monitored PDUs, switched PDUs, and other PDU types. In 2024, the switched PDUs segment is expected to account for the largest share of over 31% of the global power distribution units market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to its ability to disconnect, remotely monitor, and connect to data center loads, rising need to manage critical loads, avoid wasted power, ensure equipment is plugged in to the correct phase, and schedule downtime for power re-balancing.

Moreover, the switched PDUs segment is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is driven by the rising need for switched PDUs for efficient & flexible power distribution, and management of data centers.

By Phase: In 2024, the Three-phase Segment to Dominate the Power Distribution Units Market

Based on phase, the power distribution units market is segmented into single-phase and three-phase. In 2024, the three-phase segment is expected to account for the larger share of over 68% of the global power distribution units market. A large market share of the segment is driven by the widespread use of three-phase power among large consumer bases such as data centers, laboratories, and military & defense sectors, where secure power supplies are essential.

Moreover, three-phase power provides more balanced power loads and allows a greater flow of power into a server racks in data center, thus propelling segment growth.

Moreover, the three-phase segment is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is driven by rising adoption of three-phase PDU systems to support high density IP applications and minimize the cost of cables delivering that power.

By End-use Industry: In 2024, the IT & Telecom Segment to Dominate the Power Distribution Units Market

Based on end-use industry, the power distribution units market is segmented into IT & telecom, healthcare, government agencies, BFSI, manufacturing & processing units, automotive, aerospace & defense and other end-use industries. In 2024, the IT & telecom segment is expected to account for the largest share of over 32% of the global power distribution units market. A large market share of this segment is attributed to the rising use of PDUs in data centers and telecommunication facilities to provide efficient power distribution, remote monitoring, enhanced reliability, reduced energy consumption, scalability, and flexibility.

However, the manufacturing & processing industries segment is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth in this segment is driven by rising need of PDUs in manufacturing facilities, factories, and warehouses to effectively manage power distribution in heavy machinery, production lines, and various industrial equipment facilitating reliable and secure electrical power distribution.

Geographical Analysis

In 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of over 48% of the power distribution units market. A large share of this regional market is attributed to the administration initiatives to boost the IT infrastructures ecosystem, rising demand for efficient power management solutions in data centers and the increase in concerns over energy stability for uninterrupted commercial operations.

However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to record the highest CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period. The growth of this region is driven by rising IT & telecommunications industry in India and China, increasing mobile phone infiltration, internet usage, and digital connectivity. The increase in power distribution unit installations aims to reduce energy waste and meet growing demand for efficient power distribution in manufacturing, supporting production processes and operational efficiency.

Power Distribution Units Market: Key Companies

This report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios, geographic presence, and key growth strategies adopted in the last three to four years. Some of the key players operating in the power distribution units market are ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Delta Electronics, Inc. (Taiwan), Eaton Corporation (Ireland), Hewlett Packard Enterprise (U.S.), Legrand (France), Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. (U.S.), Panduit Corp. (U.S.), Schneider Electric (France), Vertiv Holdings Co. (U.S.), Aten International Co., Ltd. (Taiwan), and Socomec Group S.A. (France).          

Power Distribution Units Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In April 2024, AMETEK (U.S.), a provider of surge protection, diagnostic intelligence, and remote monitoring solutions for the AV market, launched the Vertical Series+ smart PDU in EMEA.

• In December 2023, Elcom International (India) launched its new manufacturing assembly of power distribution units (PDUs) with advanced technology and enhanced safety features. The new PDU products are designed to meet the international safety standards, provide reliable and advanced power distribution for a connected future.

• In October 2023, Panduit (U.S.) introduced the SmartZone Intelligent Power Distribution Unit (PDU) with four-in-one outlets, combining high outlet density with exceptional reliability.
• In November 2022, nVent (U.S.), launched Smart RackPower PDU, an innovative intelligent rack-mounted PDU solution enabling operators to control power in data cabinets, open frame racks and wall-mount enclosures.

Power Distribution Units Market Research Summary

Key questions answered in the power distribution units market report: