Black Box KVM Central Power Hub - 16-Port, 30W

Meet the heart of a clean, reliable rack: the Black Box KVM Central Power Hub (CPH). This 1U power distribution hub brings together centralized power management for up to sixteen outputs, delivering a robust, scalable solution for KVM switches, servers, and peripheral devices. Built for demanding environments—from data centers to broadcast studios—the CPH helps you maintain uptime, simplify wiring, and optimize space in your rack. With a single power supply and the option for a secondary unit to provide full power redundancy, you gain peace of mind knowing critical hardware stays energized even in the event of a power fault. Whether you’re deploying a new KVM infrastructure or upgrading an aging rack, the Central Power Hub is designed to streamline power delivery, reduce clutter, and improve overall system reliability.

• Centralized power distribution in a compact 1U chassis: The Central Power Hub consolidates up to 16 power outputs in a single, space-saving enclosure, dramatically simplifying cabling and improving airflow inside the rack.
• 32W-ready and versatile for 5VDC/12VDC devices: Engineered to support a range of KVM switches, servers, and peripherals, the hub provides a shared power budget with compatibility for devices operating at either 5VDC or 12VDC.
• Power redundancy for uptime: A single power supply is included with an optional secondary power supply available, enabling full power redundancy to minimize downtime during power interruptions or maintenance windows.
• Rack-mount ready with thoughtful design: Built for professional data centers and lab environments, the 1U form factor integrates cleanly into standard 19-inch racks and includes robust cable management options to keep your installation tidy and serviceable.
• Efficient, scalable management: As your KVM deployment grows, the CPH scales with it—adding outputs or substituting power configurations without reworking your entire rack layout, helping you future-proof your investment.

Technical Details of Black Box KVM Central Power Hub

• Power outputs: Up to 16 dedicated power outputs in a single 1U enclosure for centralized distribution.
• Total power budget: 30W designed to support common KVM peripherals and compact devices within the 5VDC/12VDC range.
• Device voltage support: Compatible with 5VDC and 12VDC devices to cover a broad spectrum of KVM switches and peripheral equipment.
• Power input: Standard AC input with an optional second PSU for redundancy (specific input specs may vary by model and region).
• Chassis and form factor: 1U rack-mountable design to fit neatly into standard 19-inch racks, minimizing footprint while maximizing accessibility and airflow.
• Redundancy: Optional secondary power supply to ensure continuous operation and minimize single-point failure risks.
• Mechanical build: Durable construction designed for continuous operation in demanding environments, with secure mounting and organized cable routing.
• Management and maintenance: Simple, modular power distribution with clear labeling and straightforward serviceability to reduce downtime during maintenance or upgrades.

How to Install Black Box KVM Central Power Hub

• Prepare the rack space: Identify a suitable location in your 19-inch rack, ensuring adequate clearance for ports, cooling, and cable management. Verify you have the required power outlets and a stable mounting surface for the CPH.
• Mount the hub in the rack: Slide the 1U Central Power Hub into the rack rails and secure it with screws. Confirm that the unit is level and all mounting hardware is fastened to prevent vibration or movement during operation.
• Connect the power supplies: Attach the primary AC power cord to the hub’s main input. If you’re using a redundant setup, connect the second power supply to the designated input and verify both supplies are supplying power where configured. Use properly rated IEC power cables as required by your regional standards.
• Attach output devices: Connect your KVM switches, servers, and peripheral devices to the hub’s 16 power outputs. Label each connection to simplify future maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Route cables and verify: Neatly route all power and data cables, ensuring there is ample airflow around the hub. Power up the hub and connected devices, then verify each output is delivering the expected voltage and that devices boot correctly.
• Test redundancy and performance: If you enabled a second PSU, test failover by simulating a power interruption to confirm the secondary supply sustains operation without interruption. Document power budgets and device load to prevent overloading any single output.
• Documentation and labeling: Record device names, output IDs, and power requirements in your network inventory. Maintain a clear wiring diagram to simplify future upgrades or troubleshooting.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Central Power Hub and why do I need one? A Central Power Hub consolidates power management for multiple KVM devices and peripherals into a single, organized 1U unit. It simplifies cabling, improves rack efficiency, and provides centralized power redundancy to reduce downtime in critical environments.
• Can it power both 5VDC and 12VDC devices? Yes. The hub is designed to support devices operating at 5VDC or 12VDC, allowing you to run a mixed environment without needing separate power arrangements for each device type.
• How does redundancy work with the optional secondary power supply? The optional secondary power supply provides a backup power path. If the primary supply fails or requires maintenance, the secondary supply can seamlessly take over, maintaining continued operation of all connected outputs.
• Is the hub suitable for large-scale deployments? While the hub supports up to 16 outputs in a single enclosure, it is designed to be scalable. For larger deployments, multiple hubs can be used in parallel or integrated into a broader power management strategy to accommodate expanding KVM fleets and peripheral loads.
• What are best practices for installation and maintenance? Use clearly labeled cables, maintain proper airflow around the 1U chassis, monitor total power draw to avoid overloading outputs, and keep a documented inventory of devices connected to each output. Regularly inspect power connections and replace any worn components to ensure long-term reliability.
• What environments is this hub designed for? The Central Power Hub is intended for professional IT racks, data centers, broadcast studios, labs, and other environments where reliable, centralized power for KVM and peripheral equipment is essential.