What Is the CAB-JPN-RA= Cable? Japan-Specific Design, Compliance, and Usage Scenarios Explained

​​Technical Specifications and Regional Compliance​​

The ​​CAB-JPN-RA=​​ is a ​​Japan-specific AC power cable​​ engineered for Cisco networking hardware, featuring a ​​Type A (NEMA 1-15P) plug​​ compatible with Japan’s 100V/15A electrical infrastructure. It complies with ​​PSE (Product Safety Electrical Appliance & Material) certification​​, Japan’s mandatory standard for electronic safety. The cable supports ​​125V/10A continuous load​​ with a ​​300V insulation rating​​, using ​​18 AWG tinned copper conductors​​ and a ​​fire-retardant PVC jacket​​ (UL VW-1 rated) for reliability in high-temperature environments.

​​Primary Use Cases and Deployment Context​​

This cable is designed for:

• ​​Cisco switches and routers​​ deployed in Japanese offices or data centers, such as the ​​Catalyst 9200L​​ or ​​ISR 1100 series​​.
• ​​PoE (Power over Ethernet) devices​​ like IP phones or APs requiring stable 100V input in regions with frequent voltage fluctuations.
• ​​Retrofit installations​​ where legacy Japanese buildings lack updated C13/C14 power outlets.

A key user question: ​​“Can the CAB-JPN-RA= work with 200V equipment?”​​ While the cable’s insulation supports 300V, its plug is incompatible with Japan’s 200V outlets (Type B). For such scenarios, Cisco recommends their ​​CAB-JPN-RB=​​ variant.

​​Compatibility and Safety FAQs​​

Users often ask: ​​“Is this cable backward-compatible with non-Cisco devices?”​​ Yes—its Type A plug works with any device accepting NEMA 1-15P inputs. However, the ​​2-meter length​​ prioritizes Cisco’s optimal power loss threshold (3% max drop at 10A).

Another concern: ​​“Does it support outdoor use?”​​ While the PVC jacket resists mild moisture, it lacks IP44/67 ratings and isn’t suitable for prolonged exposure to rain or dust.

​​Procuring Certified CAB-JPN-RA= Cables​​

Authentic units with valid PSE markings are available exclusively via itmall.sale. Counterfeit versions often use thinner 20 AWG wires or non-tinned copper, risking overheating in Japan’s humid climate.

​​Why Region-Specific Cables Like This Matter​​

During a Tokyo data center rollout, a client used universal C13 cables with plug adapters, causing intermittent power faults due to loose contacts. The ​​CAB-JPN-RA=​​’s native Type A design eliminated these issues, proving that localized cabling isn’t just about compliance—it’s about minimizing failure points in regionally constrained setups. For Japan-based networks, cutting corners on certified power essentials is a gamble no IT manager should take.