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IEC 60320

IEC 60320 Appliance Couplers

Standard: IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) Last updated: 2025-01-21

IEC 60320 connectors standardized appliance power connections worldwide. The ingenious aspect is separating the appliance connector (universal) from the wall plug (country-specific), so manufacturers can ship one product globally with different power cables. C13/C14 dominates computing, while C19/C20 handles data center and high-power needs.

Quick Specifications

Max Speed

0 Mbps

Max Power

4000W

Pins

3

Reversible

No

⚠️ Common Confusion Points

  • C13 fits into C14 inlets, C14 is the plug on the device - confusing naming
  • C13 and C15 look similar but C15 has a notch and is rated for higher temperatures
  • C15 plugs fit C14 inlets, but C13 plugs do NOT fit C16 inlets (safety feature)
  • C19/C20 are for high-power equipment - using C13/C14 cables can cause overheating
  • Odd numbers are cable-side connectors, even numbers are appliance inlets
  • Voltage rating is 250V but actual voltage depends on your country's mains (120V US, 230V EU)
  • Cable amperage rating must meet or exceed device requirements

Protocols & Versions

Protocol Data Rate Power Max Length
C1/C2 (Shaver) (C1/C2) AC Power 250V, 0.2A (50W max) 2m typical
C5/C6 (Cloverleaf) (C5/C6) AC Power 250V, 2.5A (625W max) 2m typical
C7/C8 (Figure-8) (C7/C8) AC Power 250V, 2.5A (625W max) 2m typical
C13/C14 (Standard) (C13/C14) AC Power 250V, 10A (2500W max) 5m typical
C15/C16 (High Temp) (C15/C16) AC Power 250V, 10A (2500W max) 2m typical
C19/C20 (High Power) (C19/C20) AC Power 250V, 16A (4000W max) 5m typical

C1/C2 (Shaver) Features

2-pin No ground Shaver outlets

Cable requirements: C1 plug to C2 inlet

C5/C6 (Cloverleaf) Features

3-pin grounded Cloverleaf/Mickey Mouse shape Laptop power bricks

Cable requirements: C5 plug to C6 inlet

C7/C8 (Figure-8) Features

2-pin No ground Figure-8 shape Small electronics

Cable requirements: C7 plug to C8 inlet

C13/C14 (Standard) Features

3-pin grounded Most common computer/monitor connector Trapezoidal shape

Cable requirements: C13 plug to C14 inlet

C15/C16 (High Temp) Features

3-pin grounded 120°C rated Notch prevents C13 insertion Kettles, hot appliances

Cable requirements: C15 plug to C16 inlet

C19/C20 (High Power) Features

3-pin grounded Rectangular shape Servers, PDUs, high-power equipment

Cable requirements: C19 plug to C20 inlet

Connector Specifications

Shape
trapezoidal (C13/C14)
Pins
3
Width × Height
30 × 22 mm
Depth
30 mm
Reversible
No

Electrical Specifications

Max Voltage
250V
Max Current
16A
Max Power
4000W

Compatibility

Can Adapt To

  • Regional wall plugs (country-specific)

Can Adapt From

  • NEMA 5-15 (US)
  • BS 1363 (UK)
  • CEE 7 (EU)
  • AS 3112 (AU)

Common Uses

  • Desktop computers
  • Monitors
  • Servers
  • Network equipment
  • Printers
  • Projectors
  • Power supplies
  • UPS units
  • Audio/video equipment
  • Electric kettles (C15/C16)

Buying Guide

For computers and monitors, standard C13-to-wall-plug cables work. Match your wall plug type to your country. For servers and high-power equipment, verify you need C19/C20. Check amperage ratings - don't use thin cables on high-draw equipment. For kettles and hot appliances, use C15 cables rated for high temperature.

Also Known As

IEC connector Computer power cable Kettle lead C13/C14

Data Sources