Overview of the PWR-CAB-AC-KOR= Power Cable

The ​​Cisco PWR-CAB-AC-KOR=​​ is a ​​Korea-compliant AC power cable​​ designed for Cisco routers, switches, and Unified Computing System (UCS) servers. As documented in Cisco’s hardware installation guides, this cable ensures compliance with South Korea’s ​​KCC (Korea Communications Commission)​​ and ​​KC (Korea Certification)​​ electrical safety standards. It provides a secure, grounded connection between Cisco devices and local power outlets, minimizing risks of electrical faults in enterprise and data center environments.

Technical Specifications and Compliance Details

Cisco’s datasheets specify the PWR-CAB-AC-KOR= as a ​​3-conductor, shielded cable​​ with the following attributes:

• ​​Connectors​​:
  • ​​IEC C13​​ (device end) to ​​KS C 8305​​ (outlet end).
  • ​​10A/250V rating​​ for continuous operation.
• ​​Cable Length​​: 2 meters (6.56 ft), with ±0.1m tolerance.
• ​​Conductor Gauge​​: 18 AWG (1.0 mm²) copper core with PVC insulation.
• ​​Temperature Range​​: -25°C to +70°C (operational), -40°C to +105°C (storage).
• ​​Certifications​​: KC Mark (KN 60320), RoHS, REACH.

The cable’s ​​double-shielded design​​ reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) in high-density racks, critical for sensitive equipment like Cisco Nexus 9500 switches.

Core Use Cases and Operational Benefits

The PWR-CAB-AC-KOR= addresses critical power infrastructure challenges:

​​1. Compliance-Driven Deployments​​
South Korean enterprises and hyperscalers use this cable to meet ​​Article 15 of the Electrical Appliances Safety Control Act​​, avoiding penalties up to ₩50 million for non-compliant power accessories.

​​2. High-Availability Data Centers​​
The ​​10A continuous load rating​​ supports power-hungry devices like Cisco UCS B200 M6 blade servers without overheating risks.

​​3. Industrial IoT Environments​​
In automotive plants and shipyards, the cable’s ​​oil-resistant PVC jacket​​ withstands exposure to hydraulic fluids and lubricants.

Deployment Best Practices

Cisco’s installation guidelines emphasize:

• ​​Grounding Verification​​: Use a multimeter to confirm <0.1Ω resistance between the KS plug’s ground pin and device chassis.
• ​​Bend Radius​​: Maintain ≥50mm radius to prevent conductor damage in cable trays.
• ​​Interference Mitigation​​: Route cables ≥30cm away from high-voltage lines to avoid EMI-induced packet loss.

Performance and Safety Testing

Cisco’s 2023 validation tests confirm:

• ​​Withstands 15kV surge pulses​​ per IEC 61000-4-5 (Level 4).
• ​​Fire Resistance​​: Passes UL 1685 Vertical Tray Flame Test (FT4).
• ​​Durability​​: Survives 10,000 insertion cycles without connector degradation.

Addressing Critical User Concerns

​​Q: Can this cable support 200–240V UPS systems in Korean data centers?​​
A: Yes, but ensure UPS outlets use ​​KS C 8305 receptacles​​ to maintain compliance.

​​Q: Is it compatible with non-Cisco devices like HP or Dell servers?​​
A: Physically yes, but Cisco does not certify performance or safety for third-party equipment.

​​Q: Are shorter lengths available for space-constrained racks?​​
A: No. Cisco only manufactures the 2m variant for this SKU.

Procurement and Regulatory Insights

The PWR-CAB-AC-KOR= is sold in packs of 5 or 10. For urgent deployments requiring KC-certified accessories, visit the PWR-CAB-AC-KOR= product page.

Final Perspective: The Overlooked Lifeline of Network Reliability

Having managed data center migrations in Seoul’s Gangnam district, I’ve seen how non-compliant cables caused entire racks to fail KC inspections, delaying projects by weeks. While generic C13-KS cables cost 60% less, Cisco’s shielding and material quality justify the premium in mission-critical setups. However, the lack of length options frustrates engineers managing shallow racks—often forcing custom sleeving to avoid slack. For teams prioritizing audit readiness over cost savings, this cable is non-negotiable, but stockpile spares; lead times during regulatory audits often exceed 8 weeks.