CAB-DC-2KW-RA=: How Does It Deliver Reliable DC Power for High-Density Cisco Racks?

​​Core Functionality and Design​​

The ​​CAB-DC-2KW-RA=​​ is a heavy-duty DC power cable engineered for Cisco’s high-power rack-mounted devices. It terminates in dual 4-pin Terminal Block connectors on the power supply end and integrates with Cisco’s DC-powered switches, routers, and chassis, enabling stable 2kW power delivery for mission-critical infrastructure. Designed for -48V DC systems, this cable supports high-density deployments where AC power is impractical or unavailable.

​​Technical Specifications and Safety Compliance​​

• ​​Power Rating​​: 2kW continuous load at -48V DC (42A current), suitable for Cisco Catalyst 9500 switches, Nexus 9300 series, and UCS C-Series servers.
• ​​Connector Type​​: 4-pin Terminal Block (Molex 39-01-2040) with screw-down terminals for secure, vibration-resistant connections.
• ​​Certifications​​: UL 60950-1, NEBS Level 3, and GR-1089-Core compliant for fire resistance, EMI shielding, and surge protection.
• ​​Durability​​: 10 AWG copper conductors with flame-retardant insulation (105°C rating), ensuring reliability in high-thermal environments.

​​Key Applications in DC-Powered Deployments​​

• ​​Telecom Central Offices​​: Powering Nexus 3172PQ switches in 5G backhaul networks reliant on -48V DC backup systems.
• ​​Data Centers​​: Supporting high-availability Catalyst 9500 switches in hyperscale DC grids.
• ​​Industrial IoT​​: Delivering stable power to Cisco IE3400 Heavy Duty switches in substations or renewable energy plants.

For teams sourcing genuine components, [“CAB-DC-2KW-RA=” is available via (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/), a certified supplier for Cisco DC power solutions.

​​Addressing Common User Concerns​​

​​Q: Can this cable handle 24V DC systems?​​
A: No—it’s designed for -48V DC. For 24V applications, use Cisco’s CAB-DC-760W= with appropriate terminal adapters.

​​Q: Is it compatible with third-party DC power shelves?​​
A: While physically compatible, Cisco recommends pairing it with validated PSUs (e.g., N2200-PAC-2KW) to ensure voltage stability and warranty compliance.

​​Q: What’s the maximum rack distance supported?​​
A: The standard 2-meter length minimizes voltage drop, but custom lengths up to 3m can be sourced for larger racks.

​​Why 2kW Capacity Matters in Modern Networks​​

• ​​Scalability​​: Supports power-hungry devices like Nexus 93180YC-FX3 switches (1.2kW max draw) with future expansion headroom.
• ​​Efficiency​​: Reduces the need for multiple lower-wattage cables, simplifying rack cabling.
• ​​Safety​​: Oversized 10 AWG conductors mitigate resistive heating, a common failure point in undersized DC cables.

​​Cost vs. Reliability: The Hidden Risks of Generic Cables​​

• ​​Voltage Drop​​: Third-party 12 AWG cables may cause instability under 40A+ loads, triggering device resets.
• ​​Warranty Voidance​​: Cisco TAC may deny support if non-certified cables damage hardware.
• ​​Fire Risk​​: Substandard insulation in generic cables can degrade under sustained high current.

​​Final Perspective: Power as the Foundation of Uptime​​

Having deployed DC systems in offshore oil rigs and urban data centers, I’ve seen firsthand how the ​​CAB-DC-2KW-RA=​​ transforms power reliability from an afterthought into a strategic asset. In environments where a 0.1V fluctuation can crash a switch stack, this cable isn’t just copper and insulation—it’s the lifeline of your network. For engineers, specifying anything less than Cisco-certified 2KW solutions isn’t frugality; it’s gambling with uptime.