StarTech PAC1023 3-Foot Piggyback Power Extension Cord

Overview

The StarTech PAC1023 is a 3-foot, 16 AWG piggyback power extension cord that converts a single NEMA 5-15P plug into two NEMA 5-15R outlets — a straightforward solution when you need to add a second device to an existing power point without running a separate circuit or installing an additional outlet strip. At 3 feet of reach and a 15A/125V rating, it handles standard commercial loads cleanly and keeps rack or cabinet wiring tight. If you're working through a power distribution project and need a low-cost, code-compliant way to branch a single outlet, this is the cord to reach for.

The PAC1023 is UL certified, which matters in commercial installations where inspectors and facility managers require listed components. The piggyback design — a male NEMA 5-15P on one end and two female NEMA 5-15R receptacles on the other — means you can daisy-chain or share an outlet without adapters or splitter blocks that can loosen over time.

Key Features

• 16 AWG Conductors, 15A/125V Rating: The 16 AWG wire gauge supports up to 15 amps at 125 volts — enough headroom for two typical surveillance cameras, a DVR, or other low-to-mid draw security devices on a shared circuit. Undersized wiring is a common cause of voltage drop and heat buildup; 16 AWG at this length keeps both in check.
• NEMA 5-15P to Dual NEMA 5-15R (Piggyback Design): One inlet plug branches to two outlet receptacles in a single compact housing. This eliminates the need for a power strip where only two devices need power — simpler, less clutter, and no surge suppressor you may not need. Useful when mounting in confined equipment spaces where a full strip won't fit.
• 3-Foot Cable Length: At 3 feet (0.9m), the PAC1023 is sized for short-reach applications — connecting equipment in the same rack bay, cabinet shelf, or adjacent equipment cluster. It won't reach across a room, but it won't create cable management headaches either. If you're routing between adjacent rack units or from a wall outlet to nearby gear, the length is right.
• UL Certified: UL listing means the cord has been independently tested against North American electrical safety standards. For commercial buildings, data centers, and security installations, UL certification is typically required by facility managers and AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction). Don't substitute an uncertified cord in these environments.
• Operating Temperature 0°C to +40°C: Rated for standard indoor commercial environments — equipment rooms, server closets, and security head-end spaces that are climate-controlled. Not rated for outdoor or unheated spaces; storage down to -20°C is fine, but operating below 0°C is outside spec.
• Compact Physical Footprint — 3.4 x 2.6 x 1.2 in, 7.1 oz: The housing is small enough to install in confined spaces without blocking adjacent outlets. At just under half a pound, it won't strain the wall outlet or cable tray. The form factor fits naturally in most equipment rack environments without requiring cable arms or additional management hardware.

Integration and Compatibility

The PAC1023 is compatible with any device that draws power from a standard NEMA 5-15R outlet — which covers the vast majority of North American commercial security equipment including NVRs, DVRs, PoE injectors, access control panels, and network switches with standard IEC or NEMA power cables. It pairs directly with network video recorders and other head-end components that use standard North American power connections.

Because this is a passive power cord (no surge suppression, no filtering), it is best deployed between a properly protected power source — a UPS or a PDU with surge protection — and the end device. Do not rely on this cord alone for equipment protection. Pair it with a UPS or battery backup unit for downstream device protection in any mission-critical installation.

If you're planning a full security system power layout, consider how the 15A circuit capacity is shared. Two devices on this cord are both drawing from the same 15A breaker leg — verify combined load stays within 80% of circuit capacity (12A) per NEC guidelines for continuous loads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What connectors does the PAC1023 use?

A: The PAC1023 has a NEMA 5-15P male plug on the inlet end and two NEMA 5-15R female receptacles on the outlet end. This is the standard North American 15A/125V three-prong configuration.

Q: What is the maximum load the PAC1023 can handle?

A: The cord is rated for 15A at 125V. For continuous loads (per NEC guidelines), plan for no more than 80% of that rating — approximately 12 amps combined across both outlets — to stay within safe operating limits and avoid nuisance tripping.

Q: Is the PAC1023 UL listed?

A: Yes. The PAC1023 carries UL certification, which means it has been independently tested against North American electrical safety standards. This satisfies most commercial facility and AHJ requirements for listed components.

Q: Can the PAC1023 be used outdoors?

A: No. The operating temperature range is 0°C to +40°C and the cord is not rated for outdoor exposure. It is designed for use in climate-controlled indoor environments such as equipment rooms, server closets, and security head-end spaces.

Q: What is the wire gauge and why does it matter?

A: The PAC1023 uses 16 AWG conductors. At the 3-foot length and 15A rating, 16 AWG handles the rated current without significant voltage drop or heat buildup — both concerns with undersized wiring in continuously-powered security equipment installations.

Q: Does the PAC1023 provide surge protection?

A: No. The PAC1023 is a passive power extension cord with no built-in surge suppression or power filtering. Always connect it downstream of a UPS or surge-protected PDU when powering sensitive equipment.

Eden Phillips

The PAC1023 comes up regularly in security head-end builds where a single controlled outlet needs to feed two devices — typically a recorder and a PoE injector, or a switch and an access control panel — and a full outlet strip is overkill for the space. The 16 AWG conductors and 15A/125V rating give you enough capacity for typical commercial security loads without having to upsize the cord, and the UL certification checks the box that most facility managers and inspectors need to see before signing off on a permanent installation.

Technical Highlights:

• 16 AWG / 15A Rating: Handles the combined load of two standard security devices at rated current without heat buildup — critical in always-on installations where the cord is energized 24/7.
• Dual NEMA 5-15R Piggyback Design: Branches one outlet to two receptacles in a single compact housing (3.4 x 2.6 x 1.2 in) — no bulky strip, no adapter stack, no loose splitter block to work its way out of the outlet over time.
• UL Certified: Independently tested and listed — the requirement that closes most commercial installation sign-off checklists without argument.

Deployment Considerations:

• The 3-foot length is purpose-built for same-cabinet or same-shelf connections. If your devices are more than 3 feet apart, plan for a longer cord or route equipment closer together — don't daisy-chain extension cords to make up the distance.
• Operating temperature tops out at 40°C — if you're working in a poorly ventilated equipment closet where ambient temps regularly spike, confirm the space stays within spec before deploying here.

The PAC1023 is the right fit for security integrators commissioning compact head-end closets — think retail back-office equipment shelves or multi-tenant building IDF spaces where outlet count is limited, loads are modest, and UL listing is non-negotiable.