IEC Connector Guide

IEC 60320 connectors and compatibility

Choose the correct connector for each power connection

IEC 60320 names identify the plug, connector, outlet and equipment inlet. First choose the correct connection. Then check the current, voltage, cable type, temperature rating and approvals for the exact cord.

Quick rule Follow the direction of power: PDU outlet → cord plug → cord connector → equipment inlet. For example, a standard server cord is called C14 to C13, not C13 to C14.

Know the four parts of the connection

An IEC connection can be built into a PDU or equipment, or fitted to a cord. The correct names help you order the right product.

PDU outlet
C13 or C19 Cord plug
C14 or C20 Cord connector
C13, C15, C19 or C21 Equipment inlet
C14, C16, C20 or C22

Example: a C14 to C13 cord has a C14 plug at the power-source end and a C13 connector at the equipment end.

Common IEC connector pairs

These common IEC 60320 pairs are used for servers, PDUs, industrial equipment and high-temperature equipment. The values below apply to the IEC interface. The complete cord may have a lower rating.

Female cord connector	Matching male inlet / plug	IEC rating	Max. pin temperature	Common use
C13Cord connector	C14Inlet / plug	10 A / 250 V AC	70 °C	Servers, switches, monitors, computers and network equipment
C15High-temperature connector	C16High-temperature inlet	10 A / 250 V AC	120 °C	Equipment that needs a high-temperature connection
C19Cord connector	C20Inlet / plug	16 A / 250 V AC	70 °C	High-power servers, storage systems, UPS systems and industrial equipment
C21Very high-temperature connector	C22Very high-temperature inlet	16 A / 250 V AC	155 °C	High-current equipment that needs a very high-temperature connection

These simple front views are for identification only. They are not to scale. Check the product drawing for exact dimensions.

The pin temperature is an IEC value for the connector. It is not the ambient temperature or the operating temperature of the complete cord.

Choose the cord by both connection ends

First check the PDU or power outlet. Then check the inlet on the equipment. These are the most common MK Cable connections.

Standard server connection Up to 10 A*

C14 to C13

Used between a C13 PDU outlet and equipment with a C14 inlet.

Source: C13 outlet → C14 plug

Equipment: C13 connector → C14 inlet

Options: Standard PVC, LSZH, colours and locking variants

View C14 to C13 cords

Higher-power connection Up to 16 A*

C20 to C19

Used between a C19 PDU outlet and equipment with a C20 inlet. Suitable for higher current.

Source: C19 outlet → C20 plug

Equipment: C19 connector → C20 inlet

Options: Multiple lengths, colours and P-Lock variants

View C20 to C19 cords

Mixed IEC connections Check the lowest rating*

C20 to C13 or C14 to C19

These cords connect two different IEC connector families. The larger connector does not set the rating of the complete cord.

C20 to C13: C19 PDU outlet to C14 equipment inlet

C14 to C19: C13 PDU outlet to C20 equipment inlet

Important: Check the rating of the exact product before use

View C20 to C13 cords
View C14 to C19 cords

High-temperature equipment 120 °C or 155 °C connector*

C15 or C21 equipment connectors

Use the correct high-temperature connector when the equipment has a C16 or C22 inlet. The cable must also be suitable for the required temperature.

C15: Mates with a C16 equipment inlet

C21: Mates with a C22 equipment inlet

Check: Temperature limits for the connector, cable and approvals

View C14 to C15 cords
View C20 to C21 cords

*These are maximum IEC values for the connector pair. They do not apply to every cord in the category. Check the exact product page and documents.

The lowest-rated part sets the rating of the complete cord The plug, connector, cable, wire size, terminals, approvals and working conditions all matter. A cord with a 16 A connector is not always a 16 A cord. Another part may have a lower rating.

Five checks before ordering

Both ends

Check both connection ends

Identify the PDU outlet and the equipment inlet. Do not choose a cord by only one end.

Electrical load

Check current and voltage

Check the rating of the exact product. Also check the equipment, power system and local installation rules.

Environment

Check cable and temperature

Choose the correct wire size and cable type: standard PVC, high-temperature PVC, rubber or LSZH.

Locking

Decide if you need a locking cord

For important equipment, decide if the PDU end, equipment end or both ends must be locked.

Compare locking systems

Documentation

Check the exact product

Check its dimensions, ratings, approvals and documents. Requirements can be different for each product and country.

IEC connector questions

What is the difference between C13 and C14?

C13 is the female cord connector or outlet. C14 is the matching male inlet or cord plug. On a standard PDU-to-server cord, the C14 plug connects to the PDU and the C13 connector connects to the server.

Can a C13 connector be used with a C16 inlet?

No. A C16 high-temperature inlet needs a C15 connector. Choose a C15 cord with the correct cable type and approvals for the required temperature.

Does a C20 to C13 cord provide a 16 A connection?

Not always. The part with the lowest rating sets the rating of the complete cord. Check the current rating of the exact C20 to C13 product before use.

Are C13/C14 and C19/C20 interchangeable?

No. They have different shapes and current ratings. Use the correct connector and inlet pair for the equipment and power source.

Does IEC 60320 compatibility mean the cord is approved worldwide?

No. IEC 60320 defines the connector interface. The complete cord, cable, mains plug and local approvals must still be checked. Always check the documents for the exact product and country.

Need help identifying an IEC connection?

Send us a photo or model number of the PDU outlet and equipment inlet. Also include the required current, voltage, length, colour, quantity and destination country.

Ask MK Cable