American DJ 8 channel AC power strip with 15 amp breaker and 8 on/off toggle switches (PC-100A)

What buyers think

Buyer-review evidence points to the PC-100A being appreciated for simple, centralized control in both home studios and rack-based setups. Multiple reviewers describe it as easy to use, with front toggles that provide clear tactile switching and a cleaner workflow than relying on separate power switches scattered around a room. Longevity shows up as a theme, with at least one report of many years of operation before mechanical switch issues appeared. There is also feedback that it feels “mid-tier” in terms of switch build quality and is more suitable for “set it and forget it” style use than for heavy, constant cycling. Overall, the review pattern supports the idea that it is a practical utility rack power strip for light-to-moderate switching, not an all-purpose replacement for advanced power conditioning.

What the PC-100A is designed to do

The American DJ PC-100A functions as a rack-mount power distribution panel. You plug multiple 120V, 3-prong devices into the rear outlets, then use the eight front-panel, lighted toggle switches to turn each channel on or off. The onboard 15A resetable circuit breaker adds basic protection and can help prevent an overload from becoming a bigger problem.

It is sized for one rack space (single space) and uses a 6 ft. power cord, making it practical for studios, home setups, and many live scenarios where you want consistent, centralized power switching.

Key specs and practical implications

• Channels: 8 independently switched outlets.
• Rack mount: 19-inch, single space.
• Power: 120V operation, total capacity listed as 15 amps (1800 watts).
• Protection: 15A resetable circuit breaker on the front panel.
• Switching control: lighted rocker/toggle switches on the front, outlets on the rear.
• Power cable: 6 ft.

Pros and cons, in plain terms

Pros for the right setup

• Centralized power management: When you are switching on the same set of gear (monitors, drives, keyboards, small electronics), toggles on the face make it faster and cleaner.
• Helpful status visibility: The switches are lighted, which makes it easy to see which channels are enabled at a glance.
• Simple, quick setup: Plug into the rear, mount it in a rack (or rack-style environment), then label channels to match your gear.
• Load awareness: The 15A total rating and 15A breaker make it easier to think in terms of total system draw.

Tradeoffs to consider before buying

• Limited role as a power solution: This is about switching and distribution. If you need voltage conditioning or surge protection beyond a basic breaker, you may want a dedicated power conditioner or a more feature-rich unit.
• Switch longevity is a buyer-fit issue: Reviews suggest it can last a long time, but there are also mentions of mechanical toggles loosening over many years. If your workflow involves frequent, repetitive cycling, treat the switch hardware as the likely “wear item.”
• Front-panel workflow: You will likely want to add labels, especially if you swap equipment between sessions.

Who should buy it

• Studio owners and small rack builders who want one front panel to control multiple 120V devices.
• Gear setups that benefit from channel-by-channel control (for example, keeping certain devices off until you start a session).
• People mounting in racks who need a single-space, rack-friendly power strip.

Who should avoid it

• Buyers seeking true power conditioning (advanced filtration, voltage regulation, etc.). The PC-100A is a switching and distribution tool.
• Those planning very frequent toggling as a daily, high-cycle operation. Reviews suggest it is best for moderate switching and “set it and forget it” patterns.

Verdict

The American DJ PC-100A is a solid pick if you want rack-mount power distribution with front-panel, lighted channel control. It is especially convenient for studios and practical live setups where centralized switching matters. Just make sure your use case matches its strengths, straightforward switching within the 15A total load, and your expectations for switch longevity.

Price and availability

Check the current price and availability on Amazon. Pricing can vary by seller, so comparing the listing total is the best way to judge value for your specific rack and channel needs.

Buy on Amazon

FAQ