A method of monitoring a power distribution unit (306) may include providing a power distribution unit frame (310), where the power distribution unit frame has a 2U form factor (312), and where the power distribution unit frame is coupled to mount in an embedded computer frame (102). An alarm module (418) may be coupled to a circuit breaker connection site (214) in the power distribution unit frame. The alarm module may detect whether a circuit breaker (416) is coupled to the circuit breaker connection site via a set of auxiliary contacts (439). 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.