​​What Is the Cisco C9K-PWR-CAB-AC-JP=?​​

The ​​Cisco C9K-PWR-CAB-AC-JP=​​ is a ​​Japan-compliant AC power cable​​ designed for Catalyst 9000 Series switches and chassis, including the Catalyst 9300, 9400, and 9500 models. As detailed on Cisco.com, this cable meets Japan’s electrical safety standards (PSE certification) and ensures secure connectivity between Catalyst switches and local power outlets.

​​Key Technical Specifications​​

• ​​Plug Type​​: ​​Type A (NEMA 1-15P)​​ with two flat parallel pins, compliant with Japanese residential and commercial outlets.
• ​​Voltage Rating​​: Supports ​​100–120V AC​​, aligning with Japan’s standard grid voltage.
• ​​Safety Certifications​​: ​​PSE (Product Safety Electrical)​​ and ​​JIS C 8303​​ certified for fire resistance and electrical safety.
• ​​Length​​: ​​2 meters​​ (6.56 feet), providing flexibility in rack installations.

​​Addressing Core User Concerns​​

​​Q: Can I use a generic power cable for Catalyst 9000 switches in Japan?​​
No. Cisco.com mandates using region-specific cables like the C9K-PWR-CAB-AC-JP= to comply with ​​Japanese Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (PSE Law)​​. Non-certified cables risk fines, void warranties, or cause connector arcing due to voltage mismatches.

​​Q: Is this cable compatible with Catalyst 9200 or 9600 switches?​​
Yes. It works with all Catalyst 9000 Series switches and chassis using ​​Cisco AC power supplies​​ (e.g., C9K-PWR-715WAC-R).

​​Q: Does it support high-wattage power supplies like 3kW?​​
No. This cable is rated for ​​up to 715W power supplies​​. For higher-wattage units (e.g., C9K-PWR-3KWAC=), use the ​​C9K-PWR-CAB-3KAC-JP=​​ instead.

​​Deployment Scenarios​​

• ​​Tokyo Data Centers​​: Safely powers Catalyst 9500 spine switches in colocation facilities adhering to PSE regulations.
• ​​Branch Offices​​: Connects Catalyst 9300 switches to older Japanese office outlets without step-down transformers.
• ​​Retail Stores​​: Ensures compliance for PoE++ deployments powering IoT devices, digital signage, and POS systems.

​​Procurement and Compliance​​

The “C9K-PWR-CAB-AC-JP=” is available via ITMall.sale, an authorized Cisco reseller. Cisco.com emphasizes using this cable to maintain ​​METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)​​ compliance and avoid liability in case of electrical incidents.

​​Final Insight​​

While power cables are often treated as afterthoughts, the C9K-PWR-CAB-AC-JP= exemplifies how regional compliance impacts global deployments. For enterprises operating in Japan, ignoring this component risks not just technical hiccups but legal repercussions—a stark reminder that even the smallest part of a network carries weight in ensuring reliability and regulatory alignment.