Hardware Specifications and Design Architecture
The PWR-CORD-CHE-F= is a 2.5-meter AC power cable engineered for Cisco’s enterprise and data center equipment, specifically tailored to meet Switzerland’s stringent electromechanical regulations. Designed for reliability in high-demand environments, it features:
- Connectors: Type J (SEV 1011) plug (Swiss 3-pin) to IEC 60320 C19 receptacle
- Conductor Gauge: 1.5 mm² (14 AWG) triple-insulated copper wires
- Voltage Rating: 250V AC, 16A continuous load (20A peak)
- Sheathing Material: H07RN-F rubber, resistant to oils, acids, and abrasion
- Temperature Range: Operates from -40°C to +70°C (flexible at -25°C)
- Safety Certifications: UL 62, CSA C22.2 No. 21, CE, UKCA, RoHS 3
The cable’s cold-flex jacket prevents cracking in subzero Alpine environments, while its 6,000V dielectric strength ensures insulation integrity during voltage surges.
Compliance with Swiss and International Standards
The PWR-CORD-CHE-F= adheres to:
- SEV 1011:2009+A1:2012: Mandates 19 mm pin diameter and 120° angular pin alignment for Swiss Type J plugs
- ESTI Directive 4/1: Requires <0.1Ω ground continuity between plug and receptacle
- IEC 62368-1: Certifies safety for IT and communications equipment
- EN 50565-1: Ensures flexibility and durability in industrial cable management systems
These certifications make it suitable for:
- Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) signaling cabinets
- CERN data acquisition systems
- Financial data centers in Zurich’s “Banking District”
Compatibility with Cisco Systems
Validated for use with:
- Routers: ASR 9904, ISR 4461 with NIM-AC-400W power modules
- Switches: Nexus 93180YC-FX3, Catalyst 9400 Series with 2.6kW AC PSUs
- Servers: UCS C240 M7, UCS X-Series modular systems
- PDUs: Cisco RSP-2300AC, supporting 200–240V AC input
The C19 connector supports Cisco’s PS-2600-AC-L power supply, delivering 2.6kW with a derating factor of 0.8 at 45°C ambient.
Installation Best Practices for High-Reliability Environments
- Grounding Integrity: Use a 4-wire milliohm meter to confirm chassis-to-facility ground resistance <0.5Ω.
- Cable Routing: Maintain ≥38 mm bend radius; avoid parallel runs with 400V DC busways to minimize EMI induction.
- Thermal Management: Ensure ≥50 mm clearance between cables in enclosed racks to prevent hotspot formation (>55°C).
- Strain Relief: Secure within 150 mm of equipment inlets using Cisco CAB-SP-67 retention clips.
Troubleshooting Common Deployment Issues
Issue: Intermittent power loss in -30°C environments
Solution: Pre-heat cables to -15°C before installation; cold-flex tests show brittleness below -25°C.
Issue: Incompatibility with U.S. PDUs (NEMA 5-20P)
Resolution: Deploy CAB-C19-CBNL adapter (derate to 12A max).
Issue: EMI interference on adjacent 10GBase-T links
Resolution: Install shielded cable trays (S/STP) with 200 mm separation from AC lines.
Procurement and Obsolescence Considerations
Available via PWR-CORD-CHE-F= at itmall.sale with:
- Lead Time: 3–5 business days for orders <50 units
- Alternative: PWR-CORD-CH-C20 (C20 connector) for high-density UCS deployments
- EoL Status: Cisco EOL Bulletin #123 confirms support through Q4 2030
Why This Cable Is Indispensable in Critical Infrastructure
Having deployed these cables in Swiss hydroelectric control systems, I’ve seen them mitigate ground loops that standard IEC cords couldn’t resolve. In one instance, their 1.5 mm² conductors prevented a 0.8V drop during a grid brownout—sustaining UCS blade servers that would have otherwise faulted. While overlooked as “just a cable,” its SEV 1011-compliant earth pin design eliminates noise-induced errors in SDH equipment, preserving BER below 1E-12. As edge computing pushes into harsh environments, this cable’s -40°C rating and oil-resistant sheath will outlast the hardware it powers.