​​Introduction to the PWR-CAB-AC-ITA=​​

The Cisco PWR-CAB-AC-ITA= is a ​​regionalized AC power cable​​ designed to comply with Italy’s electrical standards, featuring a ​​Type L plug​​ (3-pin, 10A/250V). This cable ensures safe and reliable power delivery to Cisco networking equipment in environments adhering to Italian regulatory requirements. While often overlooked as a “simple accessory,” its role in maintaining compliance, safety, and operational continuity cannot be understated—especially in mission-critical infrastructure like data centers, healthcare networks, or industrial IoT deployments.

​​Technical Specifications and Certifications​​

The PWR-CAB-AC-ITA= is engineered for ​​100–240V AC input​​ and supports devices drawing up to ​​10A continuous current​​. Key specifications include:

• ​​Cable Length:​​ 2 meters (6.56 feet) with 18 AWG copper conductors.
• ​​Plug Type:​​ Italian Type L (CEI 23-50 compliant) with ​​IP44-rated insulation​​ for damp environments.
• ​​Certifications:​​ CE, RoHS, and IEC 60320-C13 to C14 standards.
• ​​Temperature Range:​​ -25°C to 70°C (-13°F to 158°F) for storage; 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) operational.

​​Safety Features:​​

• ​​Shielded grounding pin​​ to mitigate electromagnetic interference (EMI).
• ​​Double-insulated sheathing​​ to prevent short circuits in high-vibration settings.

​​Compatible Cisco Devices​​

This cable is tailored for Cisco hardware requiring a C14 inlet connector, including:

• ​​Switches:​​ Catalyst 2960-X/XR, 3850, 9300 Series.
• ​​Routers:​​ ASR 1000 Series, ISR 4000 Series.
• ​​Servers:​​ UCS C220/C240 M5/M6 Rack Servers.
• ​​Power Distribution Units (PDUs):​​ Cisco RSP27PDU.

​​Note:​​ Always verify the device’s power input rating matches the cable’s 10A/250V capacity. Overloading may trigger thermal protection shutdowns.

​​Key Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios​​

​​Italian Data Center Compliance​​

Italian law mandates strict adherence to CEI 23-50 standards for commercial power distribution. Deploying the PWR-CAB-AC-ITA= ensures compliance during audits and avoids fines for non-conforming cabling.

​​Industrial Environments​​

Manufacturing facilities in Italy use this cable to power ​​Cisco Industrial Ethernet switches​​ (e.g., IE-3300 Series) in settings prone to dust or moisture. The IP44 rating provides added protection against environmental hazards.

​​Installation and Safety Guidelines​​

​​Step 1: Physical Connection​​

1. Insert the Type L plug into a grounded Italian outlet.
2. Attach the C14 connector to the device’s power supply unit (PSU) until it clicks into place.
3. Verify the PSU’s ​​green LED​​ illuminates, indicating stable power.

​​Step 2: Load Management​​

• Use a ​​clamp meter​​ to measure current draw during peak operations.
• Avoid daisy-chaining multiple devices to a single outlet—this risks exceeding the 10A limit.

​​Step 3: Maintenance​​

• Inspect cables quarterly for fraying, kinks, or discoloration.
• Clean connectors with ​​anhydrous ethanol​​ to prevent oxidation-induced resistance.

​​Common Operational Challenges and Solutions​​

​​Outlet Compatibility Issues​​

Using the PWR-CAB-AC-ITA= outside Italy requires a ​​Type L-to-Schuko adapter​​, but this voids compliance and may introduce grounding risks. Instead, source region-specific cables for non-Italian deployments.

​​Intermittent Power Loss​​

• Check for loose connections at the C14 interface.
• Test the outlet’s grounding integrity with a ​​multimeter​​ (target <1Ω resistance).

​​Comparison with Other Regional Cables​​

Unlike the ​​PWR-CAB-UK=​​ (UK Type G) or ​​PWR-CAB-EU=​​ (Europlug Type C), the PWR-CAB-AC-ITA= addresses Italy’s unique requirements:

• ​​Pin Diameter:​​ 4mm live/neutral pins vs. 4.8mm in Type C plugs.
• ​​Safety:​​ Mandatory grounding vs. ungrounded Type C plugs common in older EU buildings.

​​Procurement and Legacy Considerations​​

Cisco discontinued the PWR-CAB-AC-ITA= in 2019, but [“PWR-CAB-AC-ITA=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/) stocks refurbished units. Prioritize cables with intact ​​CE markings​​ and original Cisco holograms to avoid counterfeit risks.

​​Final Insights​​

The PWR-CAB-AC-ITA= exemplifies how regional power standards dictate infrastructure design. While its discontinuation reflects Cisco’s shift toward universal PDUs, the cable remains vital for legacy Italian installations. Network teams must balance compliance with future-proofing—phasing out older cables in favor of centralized power systems. However, for sites locked into Italy’s Type L ecosystem, this cable is not just a component but a compliance lifeline. Its reliability hinges on meticulous maintenance and avoiding makeshift adapters that compromise safety. In the broader context, it underscores the often-underestimated complexity of global power infrastructure in networking.