The ORv3 AC input connector is the plug and receptacle that bring mains power from the busway into the power shelf of an Open Rack V3 rack. It is a slim 7-pin design intended to work with star (wye), delta and single-phase supplies, so the same shelf can be installed in different parts of the world. This guide covers what the connector does, the ratings suppliers publish and what to check when you specify one.
In short:
- It carries AC power from the busway to the power shelf, which then makes the 48 V DC for the rack.
- The connector has 7 pins and is described as designed for star, delta and single-phase connections.
- Published ratings differ by supplier and cable assembly. Check the exact part number.
- Typical checks are the plug type on the cable, wire gauge, temperature rating and mating cycles.
For the DC side of the rack, see our ORv3 power connectors by use case guide and the Open Rack busbar power connector guide.
Where It Sits in the Power Path
In an ORv3 rack, AC enters at the power shelf, rectifiers convert it to 48 V DC, and the DC goes onto the vertical busbar. The AC input connector is the first link in that chain. One supplier describes its assembly as routing power from the busway to the power shelf within a V3 rack. Because the shelf accepts a "universal" input, the connector and cable have to suit whichever supply the site has.
What the Supplier Data Shows
Two suppliers publish details of their ORv3 AC input products. The figures below are theirs, not the OCP specification's.
Amphenol FCI assembly:
- Pins: 7, a slim design that saves space on the board.
- Phase options: designed for star, delta and single-phase connections.
- Rated assemblies: a North American version at 277/480 VAC and 20 A with an L22-20P plug, and an IEC version at 200 to 240 / 346 to 415 VAC and 32 A with an IEC 309 plug.
- Wire: 16 AWG to 8 AWG options, with crimp versions listed for 12, 10 and 8 AWG.
- Temperature: -40 to +105 degrees C.
- Durability: 100 mating cycles.
- Forces: mating force of no more than 156 N and unmating force of at least 9.73 N.
- Approvals: UL, CNR, CSA and TUV.
- Other: touch-safe (IP20), thermoplastic housing rated UL 94V-0, pin sequencing available on plug and receptacle.
Another supplier's ORv3 connector (YD-42):
- Poles and wires: 7 poles, 5 wires.
- Current: up to 40 A.
- Voltage: 120/208 to 277/480 V.
- Wire sizes: 8 to 12 AWG.
- Temperature: -40 to +90 degrees C.
- Cable ends: molded options include IEC 60309 532P6, NEMA L22-20P and NEMA L22-30P.
The two sets of numbers do not match because they describe different products and cable assemblies. That is the main reason to read the datasheet for the exact part you buy.
Selection Checklist
- Supply type: star, delta or single-phase, and the voltage at your site.
- Cable plug: the plug on the far end has to match the busway outlet. NEMA L22-20P and IEC 309 are examples.
- Current rating: compare the connector and the wire gauge with the shelf's input current at full load.
- Wire gauge and termination: crimp sizes and the strain relief style (overmolded or hard shell).
- Temperature rating: check the rating at the rack's inlet air temperature.
- Mating cycles: 100 cycles is a typical published figure. Plan for how often the shelf will be unplugged.
- Pin sequencing and polarization: confirm the pin sequence and the keying so the plug cannot be mated wrong.
- Approvals: confirm UL, CSA, TUV or other marks that your site requires.
- Pin assignments: suppliers refer to a separate application specification for the pin map. Ask for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pins does the ORv3 AC input connector have? Seven.
Does it support three-phase power? One supplier states it is designed for star, delta and single-phase connections.
What is the difference between the AC input and the busbar connector? The AC input brings mains power to the power shelf. The busbar connector delivers 48 V DC from the rack to the servers.
What is the usual current rating? It depends on the assembly. Published examples include 20 A at 277/480 VAC, 32 A at 200 to 240 / 346 to 415 VAC and up to 40 A on another supplier's connector.
Where to Go Next
Sources
- Amphenol FCI OCP ORv3 AC input assemblies (Mouser): pins, wire gauge, temperature, cycles, approvals and use.
- Amphenol ORv3 AC input datasheet (Farnell): phase options, rated assemblies, mating forces.
- ORv3 Universal AC Input Connector YD-42 (Signal and Power): poles, current, voltage and cable ends.