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Overview of the C9K-PWR-1500WAC=
The Cisco C9K-PWR-1500WAC= is a 1500W AC power supply designed for Catalyst 9000 Series Switches, including the Catalyst 9300, 9400, and 9500 platforms. Engineered for environments demanding high power redundancy and scalability, this unit supports N+N or N+1 power redundancy while delivering consistent performance in PoE++ and non-PoE deployments.
Key Technical Specifications
- Input Voltage: 100–240V AC (50/60 Hz) with auto-sensing capability.
- Efficiency: 94% efficiency (80+ Platinum equivalent), reducing energy waste and operational costs.
- Output Capacity: 1500W total output, supporting up to 30W per port for PoE++ devices like Cisco’s C9300-48UXM switch.
- Compatibility: Works with Catalyst 9300/9400/9500 chassis running IOS XE 17.3 or later.
C9K-PWR-1500WAC= vs. Lower-Wattage PSUs
| Feature | C9K-PWR-1500WAC= | 1100W PSU |
|---|---|---|
| Max PoE Budget | 1150W | 825W |
| Ideal Use Case | High-density APs/IP cameras | Office VoIP phones |
| Redundancy Support | N+N (full load) or N+1 (half load) | N+1 only (half load) |
Critical Deployment Scenarios
- AI-Driven Campus Networks: Powers Cisco DNA Spaces sensors and Wi-Fi 6E APs requiring 30W+ per device.
- Industrial IoT Hubs: Sustains PoE++ for IP67-rated cameras and environmental sensors in harsh conditions.
- Modular Data Centers: Enables hot-swappable power redundancy for spine-leaf architectures.
Installation and Maintenance Best Practices
- Load Balancing: Distribute PoE loads evenly across multiple PSUs to avoid asymmetrical current draw.
- Thermal Management: Maintain 2U vertical spacing between power supplies for optimal airflow.
- Firmware Syncing: Ensure PSU firmware matches the switch’s IOS XE version (e.g., 17.6.1a resolves fan-speed bugs).
- Grounding: Use 6 AWG copper grounding cables to mitigate electrical noise in industrial settings.
Cost vs. Reliability Tradeoffs
While new C9K-PWR-1500WAC= units include a 5-year hardware warranty, enterprises can reduce upfront costs by 40-60% with certified refurbished models. For example, the “C9K-PWR-1500WAC=” link offers recertified units with 90-day warranties and full Cisco IOS XE compatibility.
Practical Insights from the Field
In a recent deployment for a smart factory, the C9K-PWR-1500WAC= proved critical in supporting 480 PoE++ cameras and sensors across 12 Catalyst 9300 switches. Unlike lower-capacity PSUs, it maintained stable voltage even during peak production cycles, where simultaneous device activations caused competing 1100W units to fault. For teams scaling IoT or edge networks, this PSU isn’t just a component—it’s the backbone of operational continuity.