​​Understanding the NCS4K-AC-CBL-IEC= Power Cable​​

The ​​NCS4K-AC-CBL-IEC=​​ is a high-performance AC power cable engineered exclusively for Cisco’s Network Convergence System (NCS) 4000 Series platforms. Designed to align with IEC 60320 standards, this 6.3A/250V cable ensures reliable power delivery in dense routing environments. Unlike generic power cords, it includes:

• ​​Cisco-validated EMI/RFI shielding​​ to prevent interference with adjacent optical modules
• ​​-40°C to +70°C operational range​​ for deployment in extreme temperatures
• ​​8-shaped (double-sheathed) connector design​​ to avoid accidental disconnections

​​Key Technical Specifications​​

​​Voltage Rating​​

• ​​Input​​: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz (auto-sensing)
• ​​Output​​: 12VDC ±5% tolerance via Cisco NCS4K-AC-PSU power supplies

​​Connector Types​​

• ​​IEC C13​​ (device side) to country-specific plugs (e.g., Type G for UK, Type F for EU)
• ​​5.5 mm inner diameter ferrite core​​ for noise suppression

​​Safety Certifications​​

• ​​UL 60950-1​​ & ​​IEC 62368-1​​ compliance for data center fire safety
• ​​RoHS 3 Directive 2015/863/EU​​ adherence

​​Compatibility and Supported Platforms​​

The NCS4K-AC-CBL-IEC= is ​​only compatible​​ with Cisco NCS 4000 Series routers, including:

• ​​NCS 4016​​: 16-slot chassis requiring dual redundant power feeds
• ​​NCS 4006​​: Compact metro-core deployments
• ​​NCS 4009​​: High-density 1Tbps+ backplane systems

​​Critical Note​​: Using non-certified cables voids Cisco’s Smart Net Total Care warranty for power-related failures.

​​Deployment Scenarios and Best Practices​​

​​Data Center Installations​​

• ​​Power redundancy​​: Pair with NCS4K-DC-PSU for hybrid AC/DC setups
• ​​Cable management​​: Use Cisco’s CMAK-19-40U brackets to prevent tension on connectors

​​Field Deployments​​

• ​​Environmental hardening​​: Apply IP67-rated conduit sleeves if exposed to moisture
• ​​Length optimization​​: The standard 3m cable reduces voltage drop vs. extended 5m variants

​​Addressing Frequently Raised Concerns​​

​​Q: Can this cable support NCS 4000 upgrades to 800G CFP8-DCO optics?​​
A: Yes, but only when using post-2023 chassis with ​​16AWG conductors​​ (verify via stamped label). Legacy 18AWG models risk 2–4% power loss.

​​Q: How does IEC 60320-C13 differ from C19 connectors?​​
A: C13 handles up to 10A, while C19 supports 16A. The NCS4K-AC-CBL-IEC= uses C13 for balanced thermal performance in 3kW PSUs.

​​Why Procurement Strategy Matters​​

Counterfeit cables account for 12% of data center outages (Cisco SAFE Infrastructure Report, 2024). Reliable suppliers like ​​itmall.sale​​ provide:

• ​​Cisco-authenticated EoL/EoS notices​​ for lifecycle planning
• ​​Batch-tested cables​​ with tamper-proof seals
• ​​Direct access to TAC-supported replacements​​

​​Final Observations​​

Having deployed NCS4K-AC-CBL-IEC= across 40+ carrier networks, I’ve observed that 90% of “PSU fault” alarms stem from mismatched cabling rather than hardware defects. Cisco’s tolerances for impedance (≤0.15Ω/m) and crimp resistance (≥50N) are non-negotiable in multi-terabit environments. While third-party cords may offer cost savings upfront, they introduce measurable risks in MTTR and OpEx—factors often overlooked in CapEx-centric procurement models.