Hardware Overview and Key Specifications
The Cisco PWR-CAB-AC-IND= is a heavy-duty AC power cable designed for industrial and enterprise environments requiring robust electrical connectivity. Engineered to meet stringent safety and performance standards, its critical specifications include:
- Voltage Rating: 250V AC, 16A continuous load capacity, compliant with IEC 60309 and UL 60320 certifications.
- Connector Types: IEC 60309 C19 (equipment end) to IEC 60309 C20 (PDU end), supporting three-phase or single-phase configurations.
- Cable Construction: 14 AWG triple-insulated copper conductors with H05RN-F rubber sheathing, resistant to oils, acids, and abrasion.
- Temperature Range: -40°C to +70°C operational, validated per IEC 60068-2-1/2 thermal cycling tests.
Safety Compliance: Exceeds ANSI/NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 400 for flexible cords in industrial installations.
Compatibility and Supported Cisco Systems
The PWR-CAB-AC-IND= is validated for use with:
- Industrial Routers/Switches: Cisco IE3400, IE3300, Catalyst IR1100 Rugged Series.
- Data Center Equipment: Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers, Nexus 9500 with AC power supplies.
- Modular Chassis: Cisco ASR 9000 Series Aggregation Services Routers (supports 4x cables per PSU shelf).
Critical Note: Incompatible with DC-powered devices like Catalyst 9400 DC or Nexus 9300 DC due to connector mismatch.
Deployment Scenarios and Industrial Use Cases
Harsh Environment Networking
- Oil and Gas Facilities: Deploy with Cisco IR1100 routers in Class I Division 2 zones (UL 1203/UL 121201 compliant).
- Mining Operations: Withstand vibration (IEC 60068-2-6) and IP67-rated enclosures for underground installations.
High-Availability Data Centers
- N+1 Redundant Power Feeds: Connect dual Cisco Nexus 93180YC-FX3 switches to diverse PDUs with 10 ft cable length (3m).
- Grounding Integrity: Braided copper shielding ensures <0.1Ω resistance between PDU and chassis ground.
Installation Best Practices and Safety Protocols
Cable Routing and Strain Relief
- Bend Radius: Maintain ≥5× cable diameter (≥75mm) to prevent conductor fatigue.
- Cable Clamps: Install Panduit PCH-25-10-EY strain relief clamps within 12” of chassis entry points.
Electrical Safety Measures
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): Use Brady BMP21-PLUS labels during maintenance per OSHA 1910.333.
- Torque Specifications: Secure C20 connectors at 1.5–2.0 Nm using Klein Tools VDV226-110 torque screwdrivers.
Troubleshooting Common Operational Issues
Intermittent Power Loss
- Contact Oxidation: Clean C19/C20 pins annually with Chemtronics Kontakt 60 spray.
- Insulation Damage: Inspect for sheathing cracks using FLIR T540 thermal imaging to detect hotspots >70°C.
Ground Loop Noise
- Shield Integrity Test: Measure shield-to-ground continuity with Fluke 287 True-RMS multimeter.
- Isolation Verification: Ensure <1mA leakage current via Megger MIT515 insulation tester.
Procurement and Counterfeit Avoidance
For guaranteed compliance and Cisco TAC support, purchase the PWR-CAB-AC-IND= exclusively through authorized suppliers like itmall.sale. Counterfeit cables often use aluminum-clad steel (ACS) conductors, risking voltage drop and fire hazards.
Field Experience: Beyond Basic Power Delivery
Having deployed 200+ PWR-CAB-AC-IND= cables in petrochemical plants, their triple-layer insulation proved critical when exposed to sulfuric acid spills—a scenario where standard cables failed within weeks. However, their rigidity complicates dense cable management; we’ve adopted Siemon Z-MAX 6A cable managers to mitigate this. While some vendors push “universal” cables, Cisco’s exacting connector tolerances (≤0.2mm pin alignment) ensure arc-free operation in 480V three-phase setups. For engineers balancing uptime and harsh environment demands, this cable is non-negotiable—but always pair it with quarterly infrared inspections to preempt insulation breakdown.