Power distribution units, systems, and related methods for controlling relay switches of electrical cords

A power distribution system comprising:

• an electrical cord for transmitting power to an electronic device, wherein the electrical cord includes a switching relay configured to receive a control signal for controlling the transmission of power via the electrical cord;
• and
• a power distribution unit comprising:
• a plurality of electrical plug receptacles, wherein the electrical cord is operatively connected to one of the electrical plug receptacles for providing power to the electrical cord;
• a power source configured to supply power to the plurality of electrical plug receptacles;
• and
• a communications module comprising a wired connection and an antenna, and wherein the communications module is configured to;
• receive, via the wired connection, the control signal from another electronic device for controlling the transmission of power;
• and
• route the control signal, via the antenna, to the switching relay of the electrical cord for controlling transmission of power via the electrical cord.

A method comprising:

• providing a power distribution unit comprising:
• a plurality of electrical plug receptacles for operatively connecting to one or more electrical cords for providing power to the one or more electrical cords to transmit power to connected electronic devices, wherein the one or more electrical cords each includes a switching relay configured to control transmission of power via the respective electrical cord;
• and
• a power source configured to supply power to the plurality of electrical plug receptacles;
• and
• receiving, via a wired connection of a communications module of the power distribution unit, the control signal from another electronic device for controlling the transmission of power;
• and
• individually communicating control signals, via an antenna of the communications module, to the switching relays for individually controlling transmission of power via the respective one or more electrical cords.