The AC/HVDC rPDU power distribution principles inside the cabinet are as follows: The rPDUs in the cabinet must work in 1+1 redundancy mode. Each power input must be connected to a different rPDU. This article explores how power is connected inside modern data center racks, examining the flow of electricity. A power whip (also known as a “PDU whip”) is a heavy-duty, high-voltage cable that brings power from a main power source (ex. It's called a “whip” because it has a whip tail that is typically hardwired into the power panel. Understanding Data Center Power Flow is critical for engineers, contractors, and facility designers working on mission-critical infrastructure. The AC/HVDC rPDU. This paper will explain trends in power requirements, and it will explain basic considerations of data center power.