Server Cable Recommendations
We are cleaning up a server room and have a bunch of 6-10 foot power cables where we really only need 2-3 foot cables. What I am wondering is if it OK to use regular PC power cables or do we need the more heavily shielded cables like the extra long ones that come with the servers?
We need to order @ 40 3-foot cables if you know of any good places for bulk rate deals. We are using standard type plugs with female ends for the back of the servers and male ends to plug into large power strips mounted along the back of the rack.
We need to order @ 40 3-foot cables if you know of any good places for bulk rate deals. We are using standard type plugs with female ends for the back of the servers and male ends to plug into large power strips mounted along the back of the rack.
There's no difference between C13 cables for PCs or servers except PC ones sometimes have a lower current rating. You can even use C15 kettle leads if you want although the high temperature rating isn't needed.
ASKER
When I am shopping around, I don't see the thicker shielding on the cables. Or rather, it's hard to tell if it has the thicker shielding or not. Most cable photos just focus on the ends.
Also, this is for the United States.
Also, this is for the United States.
There is no RFI shielding, it's just 3 cores plus insulation. It could be the case that your thin PC cables are 120v only so have thinner insulation, servers always come with 240v insulation cables as even in US many DCs are powered by 240v as it is more power efficient.
Beware cheap copper-clad aluminium cables, they are less flexible and can get warm.
Beware cheap copper-clad aluminium cables, they are less flexible and can get warm.
ASKER
Yes, it has 15A so plenty of current. 120V only* so the insulation will be fairly thin.
https://www.tripplite.com/heavy-duty-computer-power-cord-14awg-15a-nema-5-15p-to-iec-320-c13-3-ft~P007003#section-specifications
*NEMA 5 is 120v only anyway, didn't know what PDUs you had when I suggested they may be 240v cables, many DCs use C13 PDUs in which case the C13 to C14 cable could be 240v.
https://www.tripplite.com/heavy-duty-computer-power-cord-14awg-15a-nema-5-15p-to-iec-320-c13-3-ft~P007003#section-specifications
*NEMA 5 is 120v only anyway, didn't know what PDUs you had when I suggested they may be 240v cables, many DCs use C13 PDUs in which case the C13 to C14 cable could be 240v.
I did this a few years ago while migrating to a co-location. Best source/price/quality I found to buy in bulk was Monoprice.com
https://www.monoprice.com/category/Power-Cables/11021349
Regards
https://www.monoprice.com/category/Power-Cables/11021349
Regards
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ASKER
Thanks everyone for your input on this. It has been very helpful.
One last question - are splitter cables reliable for servers? I know they would save a lot of space but I wonder about putting on too heavy a load.
One last question - are splitter cables reliable for servers? I know they would save a lot of space but I wonder about putting on too heavy a load.
what is a splitter cable? The main part of the cable has to be able to conduct the current required for each of the split cables. This introduces a single point of failure. My servers have 2 power supplies each power cord goes to a different circuit breaker
splitter? Absurdly that word is not in Firefox dictionary even though they can be very useful.
This is from HPE to power 1U servers, mounts vertically taking no U space. Mounting bracket takes two of them for redundant power but unfortunately C20 rather than NEMA inlet.
This is from HPE to power 1U servers, mounts vertically taking no U space. Mounting bracket takes two of them for redundant power but unfortunately C20 rather than NEMA inlet.
ASKER
Thanks for the help!