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    Locking Systems

    Locking power cords & compatibility

    Secure the PDU side, the equipment side or both

    MK Cable locking power cords reduce the risk of accidental disconnection in data centres, server rooms and other critical installations. Select the system according to the connection that needs to be secured.

    Quick ruleP-Lock secures the PDU side, WS-Lock secures the equipment side, and D-Lock can secure both ends. P-Lock provides positive retention only in a compatible locking PDU outlet.

    Choose the correct locking system

    Start with the connection that must be retained. The three systems are electrically based on standard IEC interfaces, but their locking functions are not identical.

    PDU side

    P-Lock

    A locking plug secures the cord at the power source when used with a compatible P-Lock PDU outlet.

    • Positive retention at the PDU
    • Standard connector at the equipment
    • C14 and C20 plug options
    View P-Lock ranges
    Equipment side

    WS-Lock

    A C13 WS-Lock connector secures to a standard C14 equipment inlet. No special or modified device inlet is required.

    • Positive retention at the device
    • Works with a standard C14 inlet
    • Standard C14 plug at the PDU
    View WS-Lock cords
    Both ends*

    D-Lock

    D-Lock combines equipment-side retention with a C14 P-Lock plug for compatible PDU outlets.

    • Equipment side locks to a standard C14 inlet
    • PDU side locks in a compatible outlet
    • Both ends secured with the correct PDU
    View D-Lock cords

    Compare the systems

    Use this table for a quick compatibility check before choosing a product family.

    System Connection secured PDU requirement Equipment requirement
    P-Lock PDU side Compatible P-Lock outlet required for positive retention Standard C14, C16 or C20 inlet, depending on the selected cord
    WS-Lock Equipment side Standard C13 outlet; PDU-side connection remains non-locking Standard C14 inlet; no special inlet required
    D-Lock Equipment side and, with the correct PDU, the PDU side Compatible P-Lock outlet required for dual locking Standard C14 inlet

    A P-Lock plug remains electrically compatible with the corresponding standard IEC outlet, but the positive locking function will not engage unless the outlet supports the locking system.

    MK Cable locking power cord ranges

    Choose the connector combination required by your equipment. Current lengths, colours, stock and technical documents are shown on each product page.

    PDU side 10 A / 250 V

    C14 to C13 P-Lock

    For servers, switches and network equipment with a C14 inlet where the PDU-side connection must be secured.

    PDU end: C14 P-Lock plug
    Device end: Standard C13 connector
    Options: Multiple lengths in black, blue and red
    View products
    Equipment side 10 A / 250 V

    C14 to C13 WS-Lock

    For standard C14 equipment inlets where the server or device connection is the main retention point.

    PDU end: Standard C14 plug
    Device end: C13 WS-Lock connector
    Options: Multiple lengths in black, blue and red
    View products
    PDU side 16 A / 250 V

    C20 to C19 P-Lock

    For higher-power servers, storage systems, UPS equipment and network hardware with a C20 inlet.

    PDU end: C20 P-Lock plug
    Device end: Standard C19 connector
    Options: Multiple lengths in black, blue and red
    View products
    PDU side 10 A / 250 V

    C14 to C15 P-Lock

    For equipment fitted with a C16 hot-condition inlet where the PDU-side connection must be secured.

    PDU end: C14 P-Lock plug
    Device end: C15 connector for a C16 inlet
    Options: Multiple lengths in black, blue and red
    View products
    Both ends* 10 A / 250 V

    C14 to C13 D-Lock

    For critical installations where the equipment connection and the power-source connection must both be retained.

    PDU end: C14 P-Lock plug; compatible locking outlet required
    Device end: C13 S-Lock connector for a standard C14 inlet
    Important: With a standard PDU outlet, only the equipment end locks
    View products
    Check the exact PDU model PDU brand alone is not enough to confirm P-Lock compatibility. Verify the exact outlet type and model before specifying a locking connection. Contact MK Cable if you need help checking a particular installation.

    Compatibility questions

    Will P-Lock lock in any standard C13 or C19 PDU outlet?
    No. The plug will mate electrically with the corresponding standard IEC outlet, but its positive locking function engages only in a compatible locking outlet.
    Does WS-Lock require a special equipment inlet?
    No. The C13 WS-Lock connector is designed to secure to a standard IEC C14 equipment inlet. The PDU-side connection remains a standard, non-locking C14 plug.
    Does D-Lock always lock at both ends?
    Only when the C14 P-Lock plug is connected to a compatible PDU outlet. The C13 S-Lock equipment connector secures to a standard C14 inlet. With a standard PDU outlet, the cord connects electrically but only the equipment end is positively retained.
    What do “plug”, “connector”, “outlet” and “inlet” mean?

    MK Cable uses the IEC connection names in the direction of power flow:

    PDU outlet Cord plug Cord connector Equipment inlet

    Need help selecting a locking cord?

    Send us the PDU model, equipment inlet, required length, colour and quantity.

    Contact MK Cable