UCSC-PCIE-C100-04= Hyperscale Compute Acceler
Strategic Positioning in Cisco's Adaptive Compute...
What Is the CAB-AC-20A-SG-US3=?
The CAB-AC-20A-SG-US3= is a 20-amp AC power cable built for Cisco’s most power-intensive networking and data center hardware. Tailored for North American deployments, it features a NEMA 6-20P plug designed for 250V circuits, making it essential for high-density chassis and servers that exceed standard 15A/120V power limits. Unlike lower-rated cables, it ensures stable power delivery to avoid overloads in critical infrastructure.
Technical Specifications and Regional Design
- Current Handling: 20A at 250V AC, optimized for 60Hz US power grids.
- Connectors: IEC 60320 C21 (device end) and NEMA 6-20P (plug), compatible with 208-250V outlets.
- Compatibility: Certified for Cisco Nexus 9500 Series chassis, UCS X-Series servers, and Catalyst 9600 switches.
- Safety Standards: UL-listed and compliant with NFPA 70 (NEC) for commercial installations.
Why This Cable Is Critical for High-Power US Setups
US data centers increasingly adopt 208/240V power distribution to support energy-hungry hardware. The CAB-AC-20A-SG-US3= addresses three core challenges:
- Overload Prevention: Safely powers devices like Nexus 9636C-R spine switches drawing up to 2,400W.
- Compliance: Meets NEC requirements for ground-fault protection in 250V circuits.
- Future-Proofing: Supports upgrades to 30kW+ racks in hyperscale environments.
For example, a UCS X210c M7 server running AI workloads would pair this cable with a 240V PDU to avoid circuit tripping during peak compute cycles.
Typical Deployment Scenarios
- Hyperscale Data Centers: Powers spine-leaf switches in 240V/3-phase PDUs.
- High-Performance Compute Clusters: Connects UCS servers to dedicated 20A circuits for GPU/CPU racks.
- Enterprise Core Networks: Supports Catalyst 9600 supervisors in redundant power setups.
Procurement and Pre-Installation Checks
This cable cannot substitute lower-rated models (e.g., 15A NEMA 5-15P cables). Before deployment:
- Confirm facility voltage (208-240V required).
- Verify device PSUs support C21 inlets (common in UCS X-Series and Nexus 9500).
For guaranteed compatibility, purchase from authorized resellers like itmall.sale’s Cisco offerings.
Practical Insights from High-Current Deployments
In large-scale US cloud deployments, I’ve seen misconfigured power chains cause costly downtime. While the CAB-AC-20A-SG-US3= resolves ampacity issues, its NEMA 6-20P plug often requires retrofitting older racks lacking 250V outlets. Always collaborate with facility teams early to avoid last-minute rewiring. For hybrid setups mixing 120V and 240V gear, color-code cables to prevent human error—this cable is a workhorse, but only when paired with the right infrastructure.