CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What role do Power Distribution Units (PDUs) typically serve?

1. Store excess power

2. Provide multiple power outlets

3. Convert AC to DC

4. Isolate power supply

The correct answer is: Provide multiple power outlets

Power Distribution Units (PDUs) are essential components in data centers and networking environments, primarily serving to provide multiple power outlets. This is crucial for a number of reasons. Firstly, PDUs allow for efficient distribution of electrical power from a single source to various equipment such as servers, networking devices, and other electronic systems. They eliminate the need for multiple wall sockets, which can be impractical and less organized in a high-density equipment environment. Additionally, PDUs often support features beyond simply providing more outlets. They can also include monitoring capabilities to track power usage, circuit protection features to prevent overloads, and even advanced functionalities like remote management, allowing for better control of power distribution. The other answers refer to functions that PDUs do not typically provide. Storing excess power is not a function of PDUs, as they do not have energy storage capabilities; they primarily manage distribution. Converting AC to DC is more relevant to power supplies than to PDUs. Finally, while power isolation may occur in some specialized devices, it is not a standard role of PDUs, which are mainly focused on distributing power rather than isolating it. Thus, providing multiple power outlets is the fundamental and primary role of PDUs.