Tripp Lite Metered PDU, Auto-Transfer Switch (ATS), 15A, 120V, 1.44kW, Single-Phase - 8 Outlets (5-15R), Dual 12ft 5-15P Input Cords - 1U Rackmount, TAA Compliant, 2 Year Warranty (PDUMH15ATS)
Quick take
This Tripp Lite metered ATS PDU is designed for 1U 19-inch rack or wall installs where you want redundant power paths plus real-time total load monitoring. It automatically transfers from a primary to a secondary input in as little as 2 to 7 milliseconds and blocks switching when the secondary source is unavailable or lower quality. The main buying caveat is cable management, since the outlets are front-facing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Automatic transfer switching (ATS) with fast failover timing (2 to 7 ms) and continuous power-quality evaluation of both inputs.
- Built-in digital load meter tracks total current for connected equipment, helping manage load before you hit capacity.
- Rack-friendly all-metal 1U design, with included mounting hardware and support for wall mounting as well.
- TAA-compliant for government procurement use cases.
Cons
- Outlets are positioned on the front of the unit, which may create a mess of power cabling in tighter racks.
- Buyer-review evidence is limited (only a small number of reviews), so broader real-world performance patterns are harder to confirm.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is limited, but the available comments tend to focus on two themes: the speed of the primary-to-secondary transfer and the practical convenience of monitoring power during use. Reviewers specifically call out the quick ATS behavior (on the order of a few milliseconds) and describe the device as performing as expected during power-fail style tests. One recurring usability note is cable management, because the power outlets are located on the front panel rather than the rear.
Who this PDU is best for
- Rack users needing redundant power paths: If your network gear (or other 120V single-phase equipment) needs an automatic path to a secondary mains circuit, generator, or UPS-backed input, an ATS PDU helps reduce manual intervention.
- Buyers who want load awareness, not just distribution: The digital current metering is aimed at keeping total load under capacity as you add or change equipment.
- Teams with procurement requirements: The TAA compliance makes it suitable for certain government buying scenarios and GSA Schedule eligibility needs.
Key features that matter in everyday use
Automatic transfer switching that’s designed for quick stability checks
The ATS processor continuously evaluates both input sources for power quality and availability. If the primary becomes unstable, switching occurs within 2 to 7 milliseconds, and it is designed to avoid switching when the secondary source is unavailable or of lower quality.
Digital load meter for total current monitoring
Instead of guessing whether your rack is approaching its limit, the PDU reports total load current for all connected equipment. This is particularly useful when you are growing a deployment, consolidating devices, or troubleshooting why a setup feels fragile under load.
1U rackmount form factor with flexible mounting
The unit is built for 1U of rack space (19-inch EIA-style) and can also be mounted using the provided hardware for wall or under-counter placement. It uses an all-metal housing intended for standard rack environments.
Pros and cons, in plain English
- Pros: Fast ATS switching (2 to 7 ms), digital total load metering, and a compact 1U rack footprint with multiple mounting options.
- Cons: Front-panel outlets can make cable routing less clean than rear-outlet designs, especially if you prefer tidy vertical wire management in a dense rack.
- Fit watch: This is a single-phase, 120V ATS PDU rated for a specific load class (15A, 1.44kW). Confirm your equipment’s combined current draw and how your secondary power source will be provided before committing.
Compatibility and setup considerations
- Power inputs: The PDU comes with dual 12-foot 5-15P input cords intended for connecting to separate primary and secondary mains circuits, backup generators, or UPS/utility sources.
- Outlets: It provides eight NEMA 5-15R 120V outlets for connected equipment.
- Phase and source quality: Because ATS switching is based on both input power quality and availability, your secondary source should be stable and suitable for the rack’s needs.
Verdict
If you need a metered rack PDU that can automatically transfer between two 120V single-phase inputs quickly, the Tripp Lite PDUMH15ATS is a strong fit. It’s especially compelling for environments where you want real-time total current visibility, not just power distribution. The biggest reason to pause is front-mounted outlet layout, which can complicate cable management in tighter racks.
FAQ
How fast is the automatic transfer switching?
The ATS is designed to switch from the primary to the secondary source within 2 to 7 milliseconds when the primary becomes unstable.
Does this PDU include load monitoring?
Yes. It has a built-in digital current (load) meter that reports the total load for all connected equipment.
Is the transfer switching designed to avoid switching to a bad secondary source?
Yes. The ATS processor continuously evaluates both input sources and is designed to prevent switching if the secondary source is unavailable or of lower quality than the primary.
How many outlets does it provide, and what type are they?
It provides eight NEMA 5-15R 120V outlets.
Will it fit in a rack?
Yes. It mounts into 1U of space in a 19-inch rack and can also be installed using mounting hardware for wall or under-counter placement.
Is it TAA compliant?
Yes. It is TAA-compliant, which can make it eligible for government procurement use cases and GSA Schedule requirements.
Who should avoid this PDU?
It may not be the right choice if you need rear-facing outlets for cleaner cable routing, or if your rack equipment is not 120V single-phase, or if your total equipment draw exceeds the PDU’s 15A (1.44kW) capacity.
Specifications
| Product Title | Tripp Lite Metered PDU, Auto-Transfer Switch (ATS), 15A, 120V, 1.44kW, Single-Phase - 8 Outlets (5-15R), Dual 12ft 5-15P Input Cords - 1U Rackmount, TAA Compliant, 2 Year Warranty (PDUMH15ATS) |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Power Accessories > PDUs |
| Manufacturer | Tripp Lite |
| Item Weight | 5.1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 23.3 x 20.8 x 5.3 inches |
| Item model number | PDUMH15ATS |
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