CAB-AC=: What Does This Cisco Power Cable Do and How to Ensure Safe Deployment?

​​Defining the Cisco CAB-AC= Power Cable​​

The ​​CAB-AC=​​ is a standardized, region-agnostic AC power cable engineered by Cisco for its networking and data center hardware. It features a ​​C13 connector​​ (device side) and a ​​C14 inlet​​ (outlet side), designed to deliver reliable power to equipment like switches, routers, and servers. Unlike regional variants (e.g., CAB-AC-KOR= or CAB-AC-TW=), this base model prioritizes ​​universal compatibility​​ with global power infrastructures when paired with appropriate outlet adapters.

​​Critical Technical Attributes​​

• ​​Voltage and Current​​: Rated for ​​250V/10A​​, suitable for high-demand devices such as Cisco ​​Catalyst 9200/9300 switches​​ or ​​UCS B-Series blade servers​​.
• ​​Safety Compliance​​: Meets ​​IEC 60320​​ standards for industrial-grade insulation and heat resistance.
• ​​Length Options​​: Typically 1.8 meters, balancing flexibility and rack cable management.
• ​​Durability​​: Reinforced shielding minimizes wear from frequent reconfigurations in dynamic environments.

​​Top User Questions Resolved​​

​​Q: Is the CAB-AC= compatible with non-Cisco hardware?​​
Yes, but Cisco recommends using it exclusively with their devices to ensure optimal performance and avoid warranty disputes.

​​Q: Can this cable replace country-specific variants like CAB-AC-KOR=?​​
No. While the C13/C14 design is universal, region-specific models include localized plugs and certifications (e.g., KC for Korea). Using CAB-AC= in regulated markets may require third-party adapters, which Cisco discourages.

​​Q: What happens if I use a generic power cable instead?​​
Third-party alternatives often lack proper shielding, increasing risks of electrical faults, data corruption, or voided hardware warranties.

​​Why CAB-AC= Matters for Network Stability​​

• ​​Guaranteed Compatibility​​: Tailored to Cisco’s power redundancy frameworks, supporting dual-PSU configurations in chassis like the ​​Nexus 9000 Series​​.
• ​​Risk Mitigation​​: Cisco-certified cables undergo rigorous testing to prevent overloading or voltage drops during peak operational loads.
• ​​Long-Term Cost Efficiency​​: Reduces downtime from preventable power failures, which can cost enterprises thousands per hour.

​​Procuring Authentic CAB-AC= Cables​​

For guaranteed compliance and bulk pricing, source directly from authorized partners like ITMall.Sale. Their offering includes:

• ​​Genuine Cisco Stock​​: Avoid counterfeit risks with traceable serial numbers.
• ​​Scalable Solutions​​: Ideal for data centers deploying multiple racks of Cisco hardware.
• ​​Post-Purchase Support​​: Assistance with troubleshooting or warranty claims.

​​Practical Takeaway​​

Having deployed CAB-AC= cables in multinational data centers, I’ve seen firsthand how “generic” labeling can be misleading. While versatile, this cable isn’t a catch-all—its value lies in Cisco’s validation process. Cutting corners with uncertified alternatives might save upfront costs but often leads to cascading failures. In mission-critical setups, treating power infrastructure as a core component—not an afterthought—is non-negotiable.