Once the application requirements for the PDU are determined, it is time to decide what the customer wants to do with the PDU. Depending on the answers, one should be able to narrow down the choices to one of four main Tripp Lite PDU categories: either basic, metered, monitored or switched. NOTE: single-phase PDUs are available in all categories, 3-phase PDUs are available in either monitored or switched versions. Does the user want to simply distribute power to multiple devices? If this is all they need the PDU to do, then Tripp Lite basic PDU is the best solution. Basic PDUs provide enough outlets to reliably run the many networking, server, and telecom loads that require continuous power. Does the customer want to locally view the PDU load (in amps) of all connected devices? If so, then a Tripp Lite metered PDU is an ideal solution. Metered PDUs allow managers to locally view the total load in amps on the PDU. This allows managers to keep track of the amount of power their equipment is consuming, helping prevent overloads and determine when to apply more electrical capacity or larger UPS systems to support their growing network. Would the user prefer to remotely view PDU load and alarms? If the answer is yes, then they should select the Tripp Lite monitored PDU. Monitored PDUs allow managers to remotely view the total load in amps on the PDU (as well as user-defined PDU alarm conditions) using a built-in network interface and allows them to take proactive steps to prevent overload and ensure continuous availability. If the customer wants to remotely control individual PDU outlets a Tripp Lite switched PDU would be ideal. Switched PDUs allow managers to remotely control locked devices by temporarily cycling power off and back on again, eliminating the need to travel to remote sites for a manual reboot.