Cisco NCS1K4-AC-CBL-EU= Power Cable: Technical Specifications, Safety Compliance, and Operational Best Practices

​​NCS1K4-AC-CBL-EU= Overview: Purpose-Built Power Delivery for Cisco NCS 1004 Systems​​

The Cisco NCS1K4-AC-CBL-EU= is a ​​regional AC power cable​​ designed for the NCS 1004 chassis, ensuring reliable power connectivity in European Union (EU) and EFTA member states. As part of Cisco’s ​​High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC)​​-ready infrastructure, this cable meets stringent EU safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards, making it critical for data centers, carrier hotels, and enterprise edge deployments.

​​Technical Specifications: Engineering for Reliability​​

The NCS1K4-AC-CBL-EU= features a ​​C19 connector​​ (IEC 60320) on the chassis end and a ​​Schuko (Type F)​​ plug rated for 250V/10A. Key attributes include:

• ​​Cable Length​​: 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) with abrasion-resistant PVC jacket.
• ​​Conductor Gauge​​: 1.5 mm² (14 AWG) tinned copper for minimal voltage drop (<3% at full load).
• ​​Temperature Tolerance​​: -40°C to 70°C operational range, compliant with ​​HD 516 S2​​ standards.

​​Safety Certifications​​:

• ​​CE Mark​​: Confirms compliance with EU EMC Directive 2014/30/EU.
• ​​RoHS 3 (2015/863/EU)​​: Restricts hazardous substances like cadmium and lead.
• ​​VDE Certification​​: Tested by Verband der Elektrotechnik for dielectric strength (4,000V AC).

​​Compatibility and Regional Restrictions​​

​​Supported Systems​​

• ​​Cisco NCS 1004 Chassis​​: Requires two cables for ​​N+1 redundant power​​ with NCS1K4-AC-PSU units.
• ​​Cisco UCS C4800 M5​​: Compatible when configured for EU power grids.

​​Critical Note​​: Using this cable with non-EU power outlets (e.g., UK Type G) violates safety regulations and voids Cisco’s warranty. Always pair with ​​EU-harmonized sockets​​ (230V ±10%, 50Hz).

​​Deployment Scenarios: Where This Cable Is Mandatory​​

​​1. EU Data Center Compliance​​

Under the ​​EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC​​, data centers must use certified cables to avoid fines. A 2023 audit at a Frankfurt facility revealed ​​€250k in penalties​​ for using uncertified Chinese-sourced cables.

​​2. Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) Sites​​

Schuko plugs simplify deployments in legacy EU industrial buildings lacking C13/C14 outlets.

​​3. Temporary Network Pop-Ups​​

The cable’s flexibility and high bend radius (10x diameter) suit trade shows or disaster recovery setups.

​​Installation Best Practices​​

​​Step-by-Step Guide​​

1. ​​Pre-Installation Checks​​:
   • Verify outlet voltage with a multimeter (207V–253V acceptable).
   • Inspect for cable kinks or exposed conductors.
2. ​​Chassis Connection​​:
   • Align C19 connector with PSU slot; push until the latch clicks.
   • Route cables through side channels to avoid airflow blockage.
3. ​​Power Sequencing​​:
   • Connect redundant cables to separate circuits (Phase A and Phase B).

​​Pro Tip​​: Label cables with circuit IDs (e.g., “GRID-A1”) using heat-shrink tags for quick fault isolation.

​​Maintenance Protocols​​

• ​​Quarterly Inspections​​: Use a megohmmeter to test insulation resistance (>100 MΩ at 500V DC).
• ​​Torque Checks​​: Ensure Schuko plug screws are tightened to 0.5 N·m to prevent arcing.

​​Safety Risks of Non-Compliant Alternatives​​

Third-party cables often lack critical safeguards:

• ​​Undersized Conductors​​: 18 AWG (0.75 mm²) wires overheat at 10A, risking meltdowns.
• ​​Fake Certifications​​: Counterfeit CE marks bypass testing, increasing fire risks.
• ​​Inferior Shielding​​: Poor EMC shielding causes RF interference with adjacent OTN equipment.

Cisco’s testing found ​​12% of gray-market cables​​ failed dielectric tests within six months.

​​Performance Benchmarks vs. Generic Cables​​

Compared to uncertified C19 cables:

• ​​45% Lower Temperature Rise​​: 22°C vs. 40°C at 10A sustained load.
• ​​EMI Suppression​​: 30 dB reduction in 150 kHz–30 MHz range per EN 55032.
• ​​Durability​​: Survived 25,000 insertion cycles vs. 5,000 for generic counterparts.

​​Regulatory Implications in EU Markets​​

The NCS1K4-AC-CBL-EU= complies with:

• ​​Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU​​: Mandates safe voltage thresholds.
• ​​WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU​​: Requires recyclable materials (cable is 95% recyclable).
• ​​EN 50575​​: Fire performance standard for CPR Class Eca (low smoke emission).

Non-compliance risks ​​equipment seizure​​ under EU Market Surveillance Regulation 2019/1020.

​​Where to Source Certified NCS1K4-AC-CBL-EU= Cables​​

For guaranteed compliance and Cisco Smart Net coverage, procure from [“NCS1K4-AC-CBL-EU=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/). itmall.sale provides factory-sealed units with ​​Cisco DNA Tags​​ for authenticity verification—a critical safeguard against counterfeit influxes.

​​Why This Cable Isn’t Just a “Power Cord”​​

During a 2021 outage at a Milan colocation facility, a third-party cable’s insulation failed, shorting a 240V circuit and tripping two PDUs. The resulting downtime cost €180k/hour in SLA penalties. Since switching to NCS1K4-AC-CBL-EU=, the facility has achieved ​​zero power-related incidents​​ despite 40% higher energy demands. Cisco’s rigorous certification isn’t bureaucracy—it’s armor against the unpredictable. For engineers, specifying this cable isn’t about compliance checkboxes; it’s about sleeping soundly knowing the weakest link in your power chain can withstand the storm.