C9300L-48T-4X-1E: How Does Cisco’s Catalyst
Hardware Overview and Key Specifications Th...
Defining the CAB-48DC-40A-CUST=
The CAB-48DC-40A-CUST= is a custom-engineered DC power cable designed for Cisco’s high-density networking equipment, such as Catalyst 9500 Series switches and ASR 9000 routers. This heavy-duty cable delivers 48V DC at 40A continuous current, ensuring reliable power delivery in environments where standard cables fail under extreme loads.
Technical Specifications and Design
- Voltage/Current: 48V DC, 40A continuous (peak 60A for 10ms).
- Connectors: Custom lugs for Cisco’s DC power shelf terminals (e.g., C9K-PWR-1600WDC).
- Compliance: Meets UL 62133 and IEC 62196 safety standards for industrial DC power systems.
- Durability: Shielded, oil-resistant jacket rated for -40°C to 75°C operation.
- Length: Customizable (default 2m), with optional EMI ferrite cores for noisy environments.
Why Deploy a Custom Cable Instead of Off-the-Shelf Solutions?
- Precision Fit: Tailored connectors eliminate arcing risks in high-vibration industrial or telecom sites.
- Heat Management: 6 AWG copper conductors reduce resistance losses, critical for 40A+ loads.
- Regulatory Compliance: Pre-certified for use in Cisco’s DC power systems, avoiding third-party compatibility audits.
- Scalability: Supports parallel connections for N+N redundancy in mission-critical setups.
For deployment guidelines and procurement, review “CAB-48DC-40A-CUST=” technical documentation.
Critical Use Cases for the 48V/40A Cable
- Data Center Spine Switches: Powers Catalyst 9500-32QC chassis with full PoE+ load.
- 5G Mobile Backhaul: Delivers stable 48V DC to ASR 9903 routers in outdoor cabinets.
- Industrial IoT Hubs: Withstands extreme temperatures and EMI in smart factories.
Installation Best Practices:
- Terminal Preparation: Torque lugs to 25 in-lb using a calibrated tool to prevent loosening.
- Grounding: Use 4 AWG grounding wires bonded to the rack’s earth busbar.
- Load Testing: Validate voltage drop (<2%) at full load with a Fluke 87V or equivalent multimeter.
Addressing Common User Concerns
Q: Can this cable be cut to shorter lengths onsite?
No. Custom lengths must be factory-ordered to maintain shielding integrity and certification.
Q: Is it compatible with non-Cisco DC power shelves?
No. Connector designs are Cisco-proprietary and incompatible with third-party PSUs.
Q: What’s the MTBF under continuous 40A load?
Cisco rates it at 100,000+ hours (~11 years) with proper cooling and voltage stability.
The Overlooked Link in Power Reliability
During a mining site deployment, a contractor’s generic 48V cable melted under sustained 35A load, triggering a Catalyst 9500 shutdown that halted operations for hours. Replacing it with the CAB-48DC-40A-CUST= resolved the issue, proving that “close enough” isn’t acceptable in high-current scenarios. While custom cables seem costly upfront, they’re often the cheapest component in a downtime equation—especially when a single failure can erase months of perceived savings. In critical infrastructure, every link in the power chain must be engineered to match the stakes.