Overview of the PWR-CORD-JPN-F= Power Cable

The ​​Cisco PWR-CORD-JPN-F=​​ is a ​​Japan-compliant AC power cable​​ designed for Cisco routers, switches, and UCS servers deployed in Japan. As documented in Cisco’s hardware installation guides, this cable adheres to Japan’s ​​Electrical Appliances and Material Safety Act (DENAN)​​ and ​​METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)​​ standards. It ensures safe, grounded power delivery to networking equipment while meeting stringent regulatory requirements for commercial and industrial installations.

Technical Specifications and Regulatory Compliance

Cisco’s datasheets classify the PWR-CORD-JPN-F= as a ​​3-prong, shielded power cable​​ with the following specifications:

• ​​Connectors​​: ​​IEC C13​​ (device end) to ​​JIS C 8303 Type B​​ (outlet end), rated for ​​125V/15A​​.
• ​​Cable Length​​: 2 meters (6.56 ft) with ±0.1m tolerance.
• ​​Conductor Gauge​​: 16 AWG (1.25 mm²) stranded copper for low resistance and flexibility.
• ​​Insulation​​: Heat-resistant PVC (105°C rating) with ​​double-layer shielding​​ for EMI suppression.
• ​​Safety Certifications​​: ​​PSE Mark​​ (菱形), METI备案, and JIS C 3306 flame-retardant standards.

The cable operates in temperatures ranging from ​​-40°C to 70°C​​, making it suitable for unheated industrial sites and data centers.

Core Use Cases and Operational Benefits

The PWR-CORD-JPN-F= addresses critical needs in Japan’s regulated environments:

​​1. Compliance with Japanese Electrical Laws​​
Enterprises avoid fines under ​​DENAN Article 2​​ by using METI-certified accessories like this cable. Non-compliant cables risk penalties up to ​​¥1 million per violation​​.

​​2. High-Density Data Centers​​
The ​​15A rating​​ supports power-hungry devices like Cisco Nexus 9500 switches and UCS C480 ML servers without voltage drop issues.

​​3. Industrial Automation​​
In automotive and semiconductor factories, the ​​oil/abrasion-resistant jacket​​ withstands exposure to cutting fluids and robotic arm movements.

Deployment Best Practices

Cisco’s installation guidelines emphasize:

• ​​Grounding Verification​​: Confirm continuity between the JIS plug’s ground pin and device chassis (<0.1Ω resistance).
• ​​Bend Radius​​: Maintain ≥60mm radius to prevent shielding damage in cable trays.
• ​​Interference Mitigation​​: Route cables ≥20cm away from variable-frequency drives (VFDs) to avoid EMI-induced packet loss.
• ​​Inspection Intervals​​: Perform annual ​​PAT (Portable Appliance Testing)​​ per JEAC 8021-2018 standards.

Performance and Safety Testing

Cisco’s 2023 validation reports confirm:

• ​​Surge Withstand​​: 6kV impulse voltage (per JIS C 4552) without insulation breakdown.
• ​​Durability​​: 10,000 mating cycles with <5mΩ contact resistance increase.
• ​​Flame Resistance​​: Self-extinguishes within 30 seconds after flame removal (UL 94 V-0 equivalent).

Addressing Critical User Concerns

​​Q: Can this cable support 200V equipment in Japanese labs?​​
A: No. Japan’s standard voltage is 100V, and the cable’s 125V rating covers minor fluctuations. For 200V setups, use the ​​PWR-CORD-JPN-HV=​​ variant.

​​Q: Is it compatible with non-Cisco PDUs like Fujitsu or Hitachi?​​
A: Yes, but Cisco only certifies performance with ​​Cisco RSP-2300-JPN=​​ PDUs.

​​Q: Are shorter cables available for compact racks?​​
A: No. Cisco only offers the 2m variant for this SKU. Use cable managers to organize excess length.

Procurement and Regulatory Insights

The PWR-CORD-JPN-F= is sold in packs of 5 or 10. For urgent compliance needs, visit the PWR-CORD-JPN-F= product page.

Final Perspective: The Critical Role of Compliance in Japanese Deployments

Having overseen data center builds in Osaka and Fukuoka, I’ve witnessed how METI audits halt projects for weeks when non-JIS cables are discovered. While third-party cables cost 50% less, Cisco’s rigorous shielding and material testing prevent latent failures in earthquake-prone environments. However, the lack of variable lengths remains a pain point—engineers often jury-rig solutions that violate bend radius rules. For teams prioritizing regulatory compliance over cost, this cable is indispensable, but stockpile extras: lead times during fiscal year-end audits often exceed 12 weeks.