Rack socket strip

Rack Power Strips at LTT – Power Distribution for 19" Racks and Cases

A rack power strip is the backbone of clean, reliable power distribution inside every 19" rack, flight case or server cabinet. Whether you power moving heads and amplifiers on stage or switches and NAS units in a network cabinet, you need one central, robust point of supply.

At LTT you will find rack power strips built for professional application — with surge protection, 16A ratings and rugged housings that survive daily touring life. As your specialist for event technology, we combine IT-grade quality with the demands of stage, DJ and show rigs.

Browse the range, compare formats and pick the optimal solution for your setup — engineered to keep your equipment safe and your cable management tidy.

What Is a Rack Power Strip (PDU)? Fundamentals of Function and 19"/10" Formats

A rack power strip, also called a Power Distribution Unit (PDU), is a multi-outlet strip designed to be mounted directly into the mounting rails of a 19" rack, server cabinet or flight case. It centralises the power feed for all built-in devices and distributes it across several sockets.

Unlike a standard household power strip, a rack power strip conforms to the IEC 60297 rack standard. The two most common widths are the 19" (48.3 cm) format for full-size racks and the compact 10" format for smaller network enclosures. Height is measured in rack units, and most horizontal strips occupy just 1U (1HE, 44.45 mm).

How a rack PDU differs from a normal power strip

• Mounting: Fixed via rack ears / brackets to the front or rear rails, not placed loosely on the floor.
• Format: Standardised 19" or 10" width for exact fit.
• Build quality: Robust aluminium or premium plastic housing, often Made in Germany.
• Protection: Optional surge protection, overload cut-off and mains filters.

Horizontal vs. vertical PDUs

Horizontal PDUs run across a single rack unit and are ideal for compact racks and event cases. Vertical PDUs mount along the full cabinet height and free up valuable rack space in densely populated server racks — often supporting 3-phase 400V feeds. For most stage, DJ and show applications, the 1U horizontal 19" strip is the standard choice.

Sockets & Connector Types: Schuko, IEC C13/C14 and CEE Explained

The number of sockets and socket types is the first thing to decide when choosing a rack power strip. Depending on the model, you will find 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12 or 15 outlets on a single strip.

Common socket types

• Schuko (CEE 7/3): The classic earthed German/European socket, ideal for mixed equipment with standard plugs. Many strips arrange the Schuko sockets at 45° for cleaner cable routing.
• IEC C13/C14 (cold-device sockets): The standard for IT and professional audio/lighting gear. C13 outlets accept cold-device leads; C14/C20 inlets feed the strip from a UPS or mains distributor.
• CEE Mennekes 3-phase (400V): For high-power installations and large stage rigs that draw current across three phases.

Which connector for touring and rental use?

For touring and rental, locking IEC connectors are the professional favourite. In vibration-prone environments — trucks, moving trusses, DJ booths — a locking C13/C14 connection stays firmly seated, whereas a Schuko plug can work loose. Schuko strips, on the other hand, offer maximum flexibility for mixed gear that arrives with standard plugs. Many touring engineers run a hybrid: IEC feeds for critical amplifiers and dimmers, Schuko for general accessories.

A supply lead with a cold-device plug lets you connect the strip directly to a UPS, and cable lengths of 2m to 3m give you room to place the feed where it is easiest to reach.

Protection Functions: Surge Protection, Overload and Mains Filter

The protection functions are what separate a professional rack power strip from a simple multi-outlet. They shield your expensive lighting fixtures, amplifiers and IT hardware from voltage spikes, overload and mains interference.

Surge Protection Device (SPD)

A Surge Protection Device (SPD) diverts sudden voltage spikes safely to earth. Lightning strikes, mains faults and internal spikes can destroy sensitive electronics in an instant. An SPD rack power strip absorbs and dissipates these surges before they reach your connected devices.

Master Overload (MO)

A Master Overload (MO) strip adds an overcurrent safeguard. When the strip detects a current that exceeds the safe limit, it automatically switches off all connected devices, protecting them from overload damage. This is essential when many high-draw fixtures share one feed.

Difference between MO and SPD

The key distinction: SPD protects against voltage spikes (over-voltage) by diverting them, while MO protects against over-current (overload) by cutting the power. Premium models combine both, and many add a mains/frequency filter that suppresses electrical noise — valuable in audio setups where interference is audible.

Circuit breakers and ratings

Many rack power strips integrate a circuit breaker (10A–16A) instead of a simple fuse, allowing a quick reset after a trip. Together, these functions form a layered defence for professional application in both event and IT environments.

Applications & Use: Rack Power Strips for Event Technology and Flight Cases

The classic application for a rack power strip is the IT world — powering switches, routers, NAS, servers and UPS units inside server and network cabinets in data centres and industrial plants. But for LTT the more exciting use is on stage and in the flight case.

Power inside event & DJ flight cases

Inside a 19" flight case for lighting, audio or a DJ rig, a rack power strip is the central distribution hub. It feeds dimmer packs, DMX interfaces, wireless receivers, DJ mixers, media players and effect controllers from a single, cleanly wired point. A 1U strip mounted at the rear of the case keeps every device powered and every cable managed — ready to roll in and roll out in minutes.

Stage, touring and rental setups

On tour, a rack PDU distributes power to amplifiers, moving heads, haze and fog machines and monitor systems. Robust housings and locking connectors ensure the feed survives transport, vibration and rapid changeovers. For rental fleets, a switchable, well-protected strip simplifies inspection and safe handover.

Server & network cabinets

In fixed installations — venue control rooms, broadcast racks, club infrastructure — the same PDU delivers stable power to networking and control hardware, often combined with a UPS for uninterrupted operation.

Round out your rig with matching cases and racks and the right power cabling to build a complete, tour-ready system.

Technical Buying Criteria & Features: Ratings, Dimensions and Material

When you compare rack power strips, focus on the technical features that determine safety and fit.

Electrical ratings

• Rated current: Typically 16A per strip.
• Rated power: Around 3680W to 4000W at 230V single-phase.
• Voltage: 230V / 250VAC for standard strips; 400V 3-phase models supply up to roughly 11kW for high-power rigs.
• Circuit breaker: Integrated 10A–16A breaker for resettable overcurrent protection.

Dimensions & mounting

• Format: 19" (48.3 cm) or 10" width.
• Height: 1U (44.45 mm) for horizontal strips.
• Cable length: 2m to 3m supply lead for flexible placement.
• Mounting: Rack ears / brackets to front or rear rails.

Material & housing

Housing material matters for durability. Aluminium housings (often an Alu-Line series) offer maximum robustness and heat dissipation for touring and industrial use. Premium plastic models are lighter and cost-effective for fixed installs. Many strips are Made in Germany and built to withstand demanding daily operation.

Additional features

Look for switchable outlets or a master switch, an illuminated on/off indicator, an increased touch-protection rating (IP20 or better), and a 45° socket arrangement for tidy cable routing. Decide early between a version with or without switch depending on how you want to control power.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Rack Power Strip

This buying guide helps you pick the right rack power strip whether you are a touring professional or an occasional user.

Step-by-step decision

1. Check rack compatibility: Confirm the 19" or 10" format and available rack units in your existing rack or case.
2. Count your devices: Choose the socket count (4 to 15) with headroom for future gear.
3. Pick the socket type: Schuko for mixed plugs, IEC C13/C14 for IT and pro audio, CEE for 3-phase rigs.
4. Calculate total load: Add up the wattage of all connected devices and stay well below the 16A / ~3680W limit.
5. Select protection: Decide between SPD, MO or a combined strip with mains filter.
6. Consider earthing and switch: A reliable earth connection and a master switch add safety and convenience.

Power planning for stage & lighting setups

For event rigs, power planning is critical. Sum the draw of moving heads, LED fixtures, haze machines and amplifiers, then spread high loads across separate strips and mains circuits so no single feed or breaker is overloaded. On 3-phase supplies, balance the load evenly across all three phases.

Professionals vs. beginners

Touring professionals should choose switchable outlets, rugged aluminium housings and locking IEC connectors for vibration resistance. Occasional and entry-level users are well served by a solid Schuko strip with surge protection and a master switch. Whatever your level, LTT helps you find the optimal solution for your setup.

Comparison: Schuko vs. IEC C13/C14 vs. 3-Phase CEE Rack Power Strips

This comparison shows the practical differences between the three main rack power strip connector concepts, so you can match the strip to your application.

For most DJ and small-stage rigs a Schuko strip is the flexible all-rounder. For touring and rental where reliability under vibration matters, an IEC C13/C14 strip with locking connectors is the professional choice. For festival-scale productions, a 3-phase CEE strip distributes the high current your full lighting and audio rig demands.

Brands & Manufacturers of Rack Power Strips

The right brands and manufacturers guarantee tested quality and long-term reliability. In the professional rack and event world, several names stand out for their power distribution and rack accessories.

• Riggatec – LTT's own accessory brand for event technology, offering rack-ready components built for touring life.
• Roadinger – A specialist for 19" rack cases and rack accessories, ideal for matching power strips to your case system.
• Adam Hall 19" Parts – Widely used rack hardware and mounting components for professional 19" installations.
• Eurolite and Omnitronic – Established event-technology brands whose racks and accessories integrate cleanly with rack power strips.

For IT-oriented setups, industry-standard PDU makers such as Bachmann and Brennenstuhl define the server-cabinet segment. At LTT we focus on the event side — high-quality branded products and rack accessories that fit your stage, DJ and show rigs perfectly, so your whole system works as one.

Accessories for Rack Power Strips

The right accessories turn a single rack power strip into a complete, tour-ready power solution.

Essential companions

• 19" rack cases and flight cases – The housing that holds your PDU and equipment, protecting everything during transport.
• Rack mounting brackets and rack ears – For precise fixing to front or rear rails.
• Power cables and H07RN-F rubber leads – Rugged supply leads for demanding stage and outdoor use.
• UPS units – Combine a PDU with an uninterruptible power supply for critical loads.
• Cable management panels and blank plates – Keep your rack tidy and airflow clean.

Matching your power strip with the correct case, cabling and mounting hardware ensures a safe, professional installation. Pair your rack power strip with the right power cables and rack cases to complete your setup and achieve reliable, repeatable results at every show.

Safety & Standards for Professional Event Power

Safety is non-negotiable when you distribute power for events and rental equipment. A rack power strip must protect both your gear and the people around it.

Standards and cable types

• VDE-tested strips and CE conformity confirm the product meets European electrical safety requirements.
• H07RN-F rubber-sheathed cable is the standard for flexible, hard-wearing supply leads in stage and outdoor environments, resisting abrasion, heat and mechanical stress.
• Proper earthing on every socket is essential to protect against electric shock.

Inspection & rental requirements

For rental and touring equipment, regular electrical inspection is mandatory in professional settings. Following DGUV requirements for portable electrical equipment ensures each strip is safe before it leaves the warehouse. Keep records of inspections, replace damaged leads immediately and never exceed the rated 16A / ~3680W load.

Practical safety rules

• Do not chain multiple strips to bypass load limits.
• Route cables so they cannot be crushed or create trip hazards.
• Use strips with overload and surge protection for sensitive electronics.

Respecting these standards keeps your production safe, compliant and running without interruption.

LTT – Your Specialist for Event Technology

As your specialist for event technology, LTT combines over 25 years of experience with a deep understanding of stage, DJ and show power. We do not just sell rack power strips — we help you build complete, reliable systems that keep your production running.

With our own manufacturing in Germany, dispatch from Bocholt and the 3-year LTT warranty, you get dependable quality and a partner who understands touring life. Enjoy free shipping from €69, express delivery when time is tight, and worldwide dispatch through our international dealer network — including wholesale conditions for resellers.

Complete your setup with matching 19" rack cases and the right power cables for a tour-ready rig. Explore the full range, choose the strip that fits your rig, and put your show in the spotlight — LTT delivers the innovative solutions professionals rely on.

FAQ – Questions & Answers