Method of monitoring a power distribution unit

A method of monitoring a power distribution unit may include providing a power distribution unit frame, where the power distribution unit frame has a 2U form factor, and where the power distribution unit frame is coupled to mount in an embedded computer frame. An alarm module may be coupled to a circuit breaker connection site in the power distribution unit frame. The alarm module may detect whether a circuit breaker is coupled to the circuit breaker connection site via a set of auxiliary contacts. If the alarm module detects the circuit breaker, the alarm module monitors a set of shelf conditions. If the alarm module fails to detect the circuit breaker, the alarm module does not monitor the set of shelf conditions.