Middle Atlantic Power Distribution & Rack Power Strips

Rackmount power centers, sequencers, vertical power strips and surge protection built for AV loads.

AV racks have power requirements that a generic outlet strip does not meet: inrush current from amplifiers, sequencing so a system powers up in the right order, filtering for audio noise, and surge protection sized for equipment that costs more than the rack. Middle Atlantic's PD series covers rackmount power centers and distribution units from 8 to 24 outlets at 15A and 20A, PDS sequenced units for staged power-up, PWR and PDT vertical strips for rear-of-rack mounting, RLM controlled power modules, and multi-stage surge and filtering across the line.

What Is in This Collection

• PD Series Power Centers — rackmount 15A and 20A units from 8 to 24 outlets, with multi-stage surge protection.
• PDS Sequenced Power — sequencing units that stage power-up and power-down across amplifier and processor banks.
• PWR & PDT Vertical Power Strips — low-profile vertical strips that mount in the rear rack channel and save rack spaces.
• RLM Power Modules — controlled power modules including 20A and 30A twist-lock (L5-20R / L5-30R) versions.
• PDW Junction-Box Units — high-outlet-count wired distribution for large rack rows.
• Surge Protection & Power Conditioning — multi-stage surge suppression and filtered outlet banks.
• DC Power Distribution — PD-DC and low-voltage distribution for AV control gear.

Why AV-Specific Power Distribution

• Multi-stage surge protection sized for racks full of expensive processing and amplification
• Sequencing prevents the inrush thump and breaker trips that come from powering everything at once
• Filtered banks reduce conducted noise into audio equipment
• Vertical rear-mount strips give you outlets without spending rack spaces
• Published amperage ratings and outlet counts so a rack's load can be calculated properly
• Twist-lock and hardwired options for high-current and permanent installations

Typical Applications

• Amplifier racks in houses of worship, gyms, venues and stadiums
• AV head-end racks powering switchers, processors and control systems
• Broadcast and production racks requiring staged power-up
• Multi-rack rows needing wired distribution rather than plug strips
• Rooms with poor or noisy incoming power

Choosing a Power Unit

Frequently Asked Questions

Why not just use a commodity outlet strip?

Because an AV rack draws inrush current, needs surge protection sized to the equipment value, and often needs sequencing. A commodity strip provides none of that, and its surge rating is typically a fraction of what a rack of amplifiers and processors warrants.

What is power sequencing and do I need it?

Sequencing powers devices up in a defined order with delays between them — sources and processors first, amplifiers last — and reverses the order on shutdown. It prevents the loud thump through the speakers and stops the combined inrush from tripping the breaker. If the rack has amplifiers, you want it.

15A or 20A?

Total the continuous draw of the equipment and keep it under 80 percent of the circuit rating. If the sum is above about 12A, specify a 20A unit and a 20A circuit — and confirm the building actually has one at the rack.

Front-mount or vertical rear-mount?

Vertical strips mount in the rear rack channel and consume no rack spaces, which is the right choice in a dense rack. Front-mount 1 RU units are easier to reach and are usually where the surge protection and metering live.

Does Middle Atlantic power distribution include IP control?

Some of it does — the RackLink family adds network monitoring and per-outlet control. See the Middle Atlantic RackLink collection for those.

Related Middle Atlantic Collections

• All Middle Atlantic Racks, Power & Technical Furniture
• Middle Atlantic RackLink IP Power & Monitoring
• Middle Atlantic UPS & Battery Backup
• Middle Atlantic Rack Cooling & Fans
• Middle Atlantic Equipment Racks (Floor-Standing)
• All Power Protection & Management

Send us the rack equipment list and we will calculate the load, specify the unit and confirm the circuit you need. Contact Us or call 1-888-230-3661.