StarTech PXT101Y 6ft Dual C13 Power Splitter Cord

Overview

The StarTech PXT101Y is a 6-foot (1.8m), 18AWG power splitter cord that converts a single NEMA 5-15P wall or PDU outlet into two IEC 60320 C13 connections. In security and AV rack environments, this is the straightforward fix when you have one available outlet but two devices — NVRs, switches, monitors, or KVM units — that need a standard C13 feed. Rather than adding a full power strip or rerouting circuits, the PXT101Y handles the split at the cord level with a VW-1 fire-rated PVC jacket and an 18AWG conductor that keeps both downstream connections within a defined 10A/125V budget.

The cord measures 0.3 inches (7.8mm) in outer diameter, weighs 9.3 oz (263g), and operates across a temperature range of 37°F to 140°F (3°C to 60°C) — suited to equipment rooms, server closets, and rack cabinets where ambient temperatures can climb. The black PVC jacket is flexible enough to route cleanly inside a rack without forcing sharp bends at the connector bodies.

Key Features

• Single-outlet to dual-C13 split: One NEMA 5-15P plug feeds two IEC 60320 C13 female connectors, letting you power two C14-equipped devices from a single PDU or wall outlet. That matters in dense rack builds where available outlets are the limiting factor, not power capacity.
• 18AWG conductor, 10A/125V rated: The 18 AWG wire gauge handles up to 10 amps at 125VAC. Across two ports, that total 10A budget must cover both loads — plan accordingly when sizing device combinations. A typical 1U NVR draws 30–50W (under 1A), so pairing two moderate-draw devices is well within range.
• VW-1 fire rating on the PVC jacket: VW-1 is a UL vertical flame test — the jacket resists flame propagation in the vertical position. This rating is a common requirement for power cords installed inside equipment cabinets or run through conduit chases in commercial facilities.
• 6-foot (1.8m) cable length: Provides enough reach to connect rack-mounted devices to a PDU positioned at the bottom or top of the same rack without excess slack. If your PDU is a full rack-width away or at floor level in an open-frame rack, measure before ordering — this is not a longer-run cord.
• 0.3-inch (7.8mm) outer diameter: Smaller than many multi-conductor power cables, which helps with cable management in tight 1U or 2U spaces. Easier to route through brush panels and cable managers without creating blockages that restrict airflow.
• Flexible PVC jacket: The flexible construction allows the cord to bend and dress neatly against the back of a rack, which reduces stress on the C13 connector bodies and keeps cable bundles manageable during installs.
• Operating temp 37°F–140°F (3°C–60°C): Covers typical indoor equipment room and closet conditions, including environments where poor ventilation or high equipment density pushes ambient temps above standard 77°F baselines.

Integration and Compatibility

The PXT101Y works with any device that accepts an IEC 60320 C13 power input — which covers the overwhelming majority of 1U and 2U rack-mount gear: NVRs, PoE switches, access control servers, UPS units, and KVM switches. The NEMA 5-15P plug is standard North American 15A receptacle compatible (the plug is rated 10A, so it draws within the 15A outlet's capacity). This cord does not step up or step down voltage and provides no surge protection — it is a passive splitter only. If downstream devices need surge or power conditioning, install this cord downstream of a UPS or power conditioner, not in place of one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the total amperage available across both C13 outputs on the PXT101Y?

A: The PXT101Y is rated at 10A/125V total. That 10A is shared across both IEC C13 outputs — it is not 10A per port. Add up the draw of both connected devices and keep the combined total under 10A.

Q: Can I use the PXT101Y outside or in an outdoor enclosure?

A: The rated temperature range is 37°F to 140°F (3°C to 60°C) and the jacket is standard PVC — not UV-stabilized or weatherproof. This cord is designed for indoor equipment room and rack cabinet use. Outdoor or wet-location use is not supported.

Q: What devices is the PXT101Y compatible with?

A: Any device with an IEC 60320 C14 power inlet — the receptacle that accepts a C13 plug — is compatible. This includes most rack-mount NVRs, managed PoE switches, 1U servers, UPS units, and KVM switches commonly deployed in security and IT rack environments.

Q: Does the PXT101Y provide surge protection?

A: No. The PXT101Y is a passive splitter cord with no surge suppression, filtering, or power conditioning. Install it downstream of a UPS or surge-protected PDU if protection is needed for connected equipment.

Q: What does the VW-1 fire rating mean for the PXT101Y?

A: VW-1 is a UL vertical flame test that the cable jacket must pass — it measures resistance to flame propagation when the cord is oriented vertically. This is a standard safety requirement for power cords installed inside equipment enclosures or commercial rack cabinets.

Ted Perry

The PXT101Y comes up regularly in rack builds where someone planned the power layout and then found themselves one outlet short at commissioning. The 10A/125V shared rating across both C13 outputs is the number you need to work with before you pull this cord — it's not a per-port figure, and misreading it is the most common install mistake I see with Y-type splitter cords.

Technical Highlights:

• 18AWG / 10A shared rating: At 125VAC, 10A gives you 1,250W total across both ports. A typical 16-channel NVR pulling 45W and a managed PoE switch pulling 30W at idle lands around 75W combined — well under the threshold. The limit becomes relevant if you're splitting feeds to two high-draw devices like a UPS charging unit or a large-format display.
• VW-1 fire-rated PVC jacket: Meets the flame propagation standard required for cords routed inside enclosed rack cabinets. If your rack is inside a finished room or equipment closet where fire code compliance is inspected, this rating is worth confirming before substituting a non-rated alternative.
• 0.3-inch (7.8mm) OD: Slimmer than many dual-conductor power cables. In a fully populated rack with brush panel cable management, the difference between a 10mm and 7.8mm cord is meaningful when you're trying to close the rear door without pinching jacket material.

Deployment Considerations:

• Verify the combined wattage of both downstream devices before finalizing the install. The 10A/125V budget is adequate for most light rack loads but can be exceeded if you're powering two devices with higher idle draws — check each device's nameplate or spec sheet, not the PSU label.
• The operating temperature ceiling is 140°F (60°C). In poorly ventilated equipment closets or wall-mount enclosures with high ambient temps, confirm the cord's installation location stays below that threshold — PVC jacket integrity degrades above the rated range.

The PXT101Y is the right cord for a security rack closet where a NVR and a PoE switch need C13 power from a single PDU tap — specifically in retrofits where adding a PDU circuit isn't in scope and the combined device load stays comfortably under 10A total.