CAB-C15-ACA=: What Is This Cisco Power Cable and How Does It Mitigate High-Temperature Risks in Data Centers?

Defining the CAB-C15-ACA=

The ​​CAB-C15-ACA=​​ is a high-temperature-rated AC power cable designed by Cisco for environments where heat buildup threatens standard power components. Featuring an IEC 60320 C15 connector (hot-condition) on one end and a NEMA 5-15P plug on the other, it safely channels power to Cisco servers, switches, and UPS systems operating in confined, high-ambient-temperature spaces like data center racks or industrial control cabinets.

Critical Technical Specifications

• ​​Voltage Rating​​: 125V/10A, compatible with Cisco UCS blade servers and Nexus 9500 switches.
• ​​Connector Type​​: C15 (105°C rated) to NEMA 5-15P, engineered for thermal resilience in tight airflow zones.
• ​​Certifications​​: UL, CSA, and RoHS compliant, with flame-retardant PVC insulation (FT4 rating).
• ​​Durability​​: Reinforced jacket resists deformation at sustained temperatures up to 105°C.

Why This Cable Matters for High-Heat Environments

​​Data centers and industrial sites often overlook heat’s impact on power infrastructure​​. The CAB-C15-ACA= addresses three systemic risks:

1. ​​Fire Prevention​​: Reduces melting risks in densely packed racks where standard C13 cables (70°C rated) fail.
2. ​​Compliance​​: Meets NEC 400.5 and IEC 60320-1 standards for high-temperature installations.
3. ​​Uptime Assurance​​: Minimizes thermal stress on connectors, preventing intermittent power loss to critical devices.

Key Deployment Scenarios

• ​​Hyperscale Data Centers​​: Powers Cisco UCS C4800 ML servers in rear-mounted PSU configurations.
• ​​Edge Computing Cabinets​​: Safely connects Catalyst 9200 switches in poorly ventilated micro-data centers.
• ​​Factory Automation​​: Supplies Cisco IE3400 switches in control panels near heat-generating machinery.

For guaranteed thermal performance, procure the CAB-C15-ACA= exclusively through itmall.sale.

Addressing Critical User Questions

​​Q: Can this cable replace standard C13 power cords?​​
A: Yes, but ​​only where ambient temperatures exceed 70°C​​. For cooler environments, C13 cables remain cost-effective.

​​Q: Is it backward-compatible with older Cisco switches?​​
A: Yes—the C15 connector fits standard C14 inlets, but ensure device power supplies tolerate higher temperatures.

​​Q: Why not use a third-party C15 cable?​​
A: Non-Cisco variants often lack UL/CSA certifications, risking code violations and voiding equipment warranties.

Operational Insight

In a data center retrofit project, I witnessed standard C13 cables warp under sustained 80°C exhaust heat from UCS servers—​​a ticking time bomb the CAB-C15-ACA= defuses​​. Cisco’s engineering here isn’t about reinventing the wheel but rigorously validating components most take for granted. Teams prioritizing thermal compliance don’t just avoid fires; they sidestep the operational paralysis of unplanned hardware swaps during peak loads.