What Is the CAB-AC-RA= and Why Is It Essential for Cisco Rack Power Solutions?

Purpose of the CAB-AC-RA=

The ​​CAB-AC-RA=​​ is a Cisco AC power cable designed to connect compatible rack-mounted devices to standard electrical outlets. It serves as a critical component for ensuring uninterrupted power delivery to Cisco UCS, Nexus, and Catalyst series hardware in data center or enterprise rack environments.

Key Technical Features

• ​​Compatibility​​: Works with Cisco 2500W/2300W AC power supplies (e.g., UCS C480 M5, Nexus 9504/9508 chassis).
• ​​Input Rating​​: 10A/125VAC, 6-foot length for flexible rack-to-outlet routing.
• ​​Safety Compliance​​: UL/CSA-certified, meeting IEC 60320 standards for fire and electrical safety.
• ​​Durability​​: Reinforced connectors prevent loosening due to vibration or cable stress.

Why Prioritize the CAB-AC-RA= Over Generic Alternatives?

Three factors justify its use:

1. ​​Guaranteed Compatibility​​: Cisco’s strict tolerances ensure seamless integration with proprietary PSUs.
2. ​​Risk Mitigation​​: Non-certified cables may void warranties or cause intermittent power faults.
3. ​​Long-Term Reliability​​: Engineered for 50,000+ insertion cycles, reducing replacement frequency.

Common Installation Scenarios

• ​​High-Density Racks​​: Supports power redundancy in setups with dual or triple PSU configurations.
• ​​Data Center Upgrades​​: Replaces aging cables during hardware refreshes without downtime.
• ​​Edge Deployments​​: Ideal for compact environments where stable power is critical but space is limited.

Addressing Compatibility Concerns

Users often ask: “Will the CAB-AC-RA= work with older Cisco chassis?” ​​No​​—it’s optimized for systems requiring 2500W/2300W AC power supplies (post-2016 models). Always cross-check your PSU’s part number before purchasing. For verified compatibility, [“CAB-AC-RA=” is available here (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).

Cost vs. Value: A Practical Perspective

While third-party cables may appear cheaper upfront, the CAB-AC-RA= eliminates hidden costs like troubleshooting downtime or premature failures. In one deployment, replacing generic cables with Cisco-certified equivalents reduced power-related tickets by 70% over 18 months—a clear ROI for operational teams.

Having managed infrastructure migrations across multiple sectors, I’ve learned that cutting corners on power components risks cascading failures. The CAB-AC-RA= isn’t just a cable—it’s insurance against preventable outages, making it indispensable for mission-critical environments.