POWERING AMERICA'S DATA CENTERS FROM CONSTRUCTION TO THE WHITE SPACE

Branch Circuit Power Distribution Cable Assemblies

UL-listed, 100% pre-tested branch circuit power distribution cable assemblies (whips) — built to your exact application and trusted by thousands of data centers across North America.

For more than 45 years, PDU Cables has been the trusted leader in branch circuit power distribution cable assemblies (commonly called power whips). Every power whip is built with premium components, manufactured through a proven process, and individually tested before shipment to help ensure reliable performance.

From custom configurations and eleven-color conduit coding to expert engineering support and a limited lifetime warranty, PDU Cables delivers dependable power distribution solutions that simplify installation, improve project efficiency, and support critical infrastructure. When reliability matters, customers turn to the company that helped set the standard for power whips—PDU Cables.

Configure to Your Exact Specs

PDU Cables built the industry’s first logic-driven power cable configurator because we know that specs often start as scribbles in the margins of a blueprint. This tool helps you translate field notes into a logic-checked format that serves as your source of truth, without the technical migraine. 

  • Eliminate Errors: No more ordering the wrong whip length because there’s a typo or someone misreads a chicken-scratch note. 
  • Easy Selections: Build your cable and equipment lists using drop-down selections for receptacles, length, breaker type, and conduit color.
  • Total Visibility: Track PDU/RPP panel usage and cable counts all in one place.
Learn About the Cable Configurator

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Power Distribution Cables?

PDU Cables power distribution cable assemblies (also known as power whips) are designed specifically for data centers and other mission-critical environments. These cables serve as the connection between a Power Distribution Unit (PDU) or Remote Power Panel (RPP) and the rack-mounted power distribution units that supply power to servers.

In a typical data center, power is distributed from an overhead or underfloor PDU to equipment racks through branch circuit power cables. Servers connect to rack-mounted PDUs, which in turn connect to the power distribution cables, completing the power circuit. For redundancy and failover protection, most server racks are supplied by two independent power cables.

Each cable is custom manufactured to meet the exact specifications of the data center and the equipment it powers. Voltage, amperage, connector types, and cable lengths vary based on application requirements. To support efficient installation and maintenance, cables are labeled with identifying information such as power source, destination, and component details.

Power distribution cables may be fabricated on-site by electricians, built by electrical contractors, or purchased as pre-manufactured assemblies. Since 1981, PDU Cables has specialized in manufacturing high-quality, UL-listed power distribution cable assemblies for data centers across North America.

Every cable is built using premium components, tested prior to shipment, and manufactured according to strict quality-control procedures. Our experienced team and proven processes ensure reliable performance, fast turnaround times, and consistent results.

Why Do UL-Listed Power Cables Matter?

Building a fault-tolerant critical power system requires more than redundancy. It demands safe, reliable products that meet the strict standards of mission-critical environments.

The UL Listing Mark on every PDU Cables assembly certifies that the cable meets the safety and performance standards established by Underwriters Laboratories. These standards are also recognized by NFPA 75 and NEC Article 645.5, which address the use of UL-listed power cables in Information Technology Equipment (ITE) rooms.

Why Use UL Listed Power Cables?

Underwriters Laboratory (UL) is the standard for safety and compliance. Underwriters Laboratory identifies a product that is certified for conformity and tested for quality.

The UL Listing certifies that PDU Cables equipment, materials, and processes meet the standards and safety requirements needed to provide assurance that its branch circuit power whips are safe for data center use.

The UL Listing Mark is one of the most recognized, accepted, and trusted symbols in the world. It means that a not-for-profit, independent laboratory has tested samples of products to safety requirements and conducts periodic checks of manufacturers' facilities. It is your assurance that steps have been taken in the interest of safety.

Safety, quality, efficiency, reduced costs, and consumer confidence are some of the other benefits of UL certification.

The UL Listing is proof that you are getting the best value for your money.

Why Test Power Cable Assemblies?

Power cable assemblies are tested because testing is required for UL Listing, helps eliminate the possibility of power cable failure at startup, ensures power cable performance under load, guarantees the power cable is free of manufacturing or component defects, and documents test results as part of power cable process controls.