Define PDU models

Modified on: Tue, 31 Mar, 2026 at 5:45 PM

Note: Available only for new signups after the 31 March, 2026 release. If you signed up earlier, refer to the existing ITAM documentation.

A PDU model is a template that defines the physical characteristics and port layouts of a specific piece of hardware. While the field is optional on a PDU record, defining a model is required if the PDU is rack-mounted or if you intend to track individual power ports.

This article covers the process of defining PDU models, ensuring consistent dimensions and port configurations across your data center inventory.

Prerequisites

You need the following before defining PDU models:

Access to the IT Asset Management module in your Freshservice instance.
Administrator privileges or specific permissions to create and edit PDU model records.

Create a PDU Model

When creating a new model, you define the specifications that every PDU assigned to this model will inherit. To create a PDU Model, follow these steps:

Go to IT Asset Management > Inventory > Power Unit Models and click Add new.
Provide details to the following fields on the Add Power Unit Model page.

Field	Description
Name (required)	A descriptive name for the model (e.g., "APC AP8841"). Enter a name that is easy to differentiate during PDU setup.
Size (required)	The size in Rack Units (U). For side-mounted (Zero-U) PDUs, this defines the visual height. If left blank, side-mounted PDUs default to 20U.
Width Ratio (required)	Select the appropriate width ratio for the PDU model.
Depth (required)	Select whether the PDU is Half-depth or Full-depth. The default setting is half-depth.
Manufacturer	Specify the company that manufactured the PDU.
Front / Back Image	Upload custom images to represent the PDU visually in the rack display screen.

(Optional) To configure ports, go to the Ports in Power Unit Model section and add the details. For more information on this process, refer to the Add ports to a PDU model section later in this article.
Click Save.

Add ports to a PDU model

You must define ports at the model level to track power outlets on individual PDUs. You cannot add ports directly to a PDU asset; they must be inherited from the model.

To add ports, follow these steps:

Go to the relevant PDU model and then to the Ports in Power Unit Model section.
To add ports individually: Click Add new, enter a name for the port, and select the appropriate connection from the Power unit port type dropdown menu.
To add ports in bulk: Click Add Bulk PDU Ports, provide details to the following fields, and click OK:
- Total # of ports: Enter the total number of ports to be created.
- Starting Number: Enter the number for the first port in the sequence (for example, "1").
- Port Type: Select the connection type for this group of ports.
  
  For example, to create a model for an APC PDU with 16 NEMA 5-20R ports, add 16 for the port count and select NEMA 5-20R for the port type.

Notes:
- If required, you can add multiple port types with varying counts to match the physical hardware. 
- Always double-check your port layouts before saving. 
- Making changes to the port layout of an existing PDU model will not update any existing PDUs defined based on that model. Only new PDUs will be affected