CAB-ACA-RA=: What’s the Purpose of This Cisco Power Cable and When Should You Use It?

​​Understanding the Role of CAB-ACA-RA=​​

The ​​CAB-ACA-RA=​​ is a Cisco-designed redundant AC power cable optimized for high-availability networking environments. Unlike standard power cables, it is tailored for devices requiring ​​dual-power supply configurations​​, such as enterprise-grade switches and servers. Its design prioritizes uninterrupted power delivery to critical infrastructure like Cisco’s ​​Nexus 9500 Series​​ switches or ​​UCS C-Series racks​​.

​​Technical Specifications​​

• ​​Connectors​​: Equipped with ​​C19 (device)​​ and ​​C20 (power source)​​ ends, supporting 250V/16A for high-power applications.
• ​​Redundancy Support​​: Integrates with Cisco’s ​​N+1 or 2N power redundancy systems​​ to eliminate single points of failure.
• ​​Safety Standards​​: Complies with ​​IEC 60950​​ for IT equipment insulation and ​​UL certification​​ for fire safety.
• ​​Durability​​: Reinforced with heavy-duty shielding to withstand prolonged heat exposure in densely packed racks.

​​Key Application Scenarios​​

• ​​Data Center Deployments​​: Critical for systems where uptime is non-negotiable, such as financial transaction hubs or cloud service providers.
• ​​High-Power Hardware​​: Explicitly recommended for Cisco’s ​​Catalyst 9600 Series​​ switches and ​​ASR 9000 routers​​ to ensure stable power under peak loads.
• ​​Global Use​​: Unlike region-specific variants, the “RA” suffix indicates a ​​universal design​​ adaptable to most 200-240V grids with proper PDUs.

​​Common User Concerns Addressed​​

​​Q: Can this cable replace a standard CAB-AC= in non-redundant setups?​​
Yes, but its thicker gauge and shielding make it overkill for low-power devices like PoE switches.

​​Q: Is the CAB-ACA-RA= backward-compatible with older Cisco hardware?​​
Absolutely—it works with any Cisco device featuring C19/C20 ports, including legacy MDS 9000 storage switches.

​​Q: What risks come with using uncertified redundant cables?​​
Non-Cisco cables often lack precision in voltage regulation, risking ​​ground loops​​ or uneven load distribution between PSUs.

​​Advantages Over Generic Alternatives​​

• ​​Redundancy Precision​​: Engineered to balance loads across dual power supplies, reducing wear-and-tear on individual units.
• ​​Compliance Assurance​​: Cisco’s validation process ensures alignment with strict NEMA and ISO quality benchmarks.
• ​​Long-Term Reliability​​: Outperforms third-party cables in lifespan testing under 24/7 operational stress.

​​Where to Source CAB-ACA-RA=​​

For guaranteed compatibility, purchase from trusted suppliers like ITMall.Sale, which provides:

• ​​Cisco-Validated Inventory​​: Avoid counterfeit components that bypass critical safety checks.
• ​​Bulk Order Options​​: Ideal for enterprises deploying redundant architectures at scale.
• ​​Extended Warranty​​: Coverage for premature cable degradation or connector faults.

​​Lessons From Real-World Deployments​​

In redundant power setups, I’ve seen teams waste hours troubleshooting intermittent failures traced to mismatched third-party cables. The CAB-ACA-RA= isn’t just a cable—it’s insurance against preventable downtime. While upfront costs are higher, the ROI in avoided outages and hardware repairs makes it a strategic investment, not an expense.