Tag Archives : Electrical

IEC 60320 Appliance Connectors

Below is a quick reference chart for IEC 60320 appliance connectors specifying non-locking connectors for connecting power supply cords to electrical appliances of voltage not exceeding 250 V and rated current not exceeding 16 A.

The IEC is the international standards and conformity body for all fields of electrotechnology.

Types of connectors

Diagram Connector
(Female)
Inlet
(Male)
Earth Max Temp
(°C)
Rated Current
(Amps)
Examples
IEC C1 ConnectorC1C2No70°c0.2Smaller low amp appliances like shavers etc..
IEC C3 ConnectorC3C4No70°c2.5Similar connector to C5/C6, but with a key ridge instead of an earthing conductor This connector has been withdrawn from standard.
IEC C5 ConnectorC5C6Yes70°c2.5Switched-mode power supplies commonly used with smaller electronics like laptop power supplies. Commonly referred to as a “clover-leaf” or “Mickey Mouse” connector due to its shape.
IEC C7 ConnectorC7C8No70°c2.5Domestic audio, video, radio equipment
IEC C9 ConnectorC9C10No70°c6Older hi-fi equipment particularly by Roland, Revox and Marantz.
IEC C10 ConnectorC11C12No70°c10Similar to C9 with a slot in the connector, withdrawn from standard.
IEC C13 ConnectorC13C14Yes70°c 10Very common. Found on most computers and peripherals. Commonly referred to as a “kettle cord”
IEC C13 ConnectorC15C16Yes120°c 10Similar to C13/C14 but for use in high-temperature settings. Also used in in Cisco Catalyst series switches and some other computer equipment.
IEC C15A ConnectorC15AC16AYes155°cFor use in very-high-temperature settings, such as some stage lighting instruments.
IEC C17 ConnectorC17C18No70°c Used on xBox One, some vacuum cleansers, televisions, audio equipment and CPAP Machines.
IEC C19 ConnectorC19C20Yes70°c 16Power supply to power distribution units, UPS, high current equipment usually in data centers.
IEC C21 ConnectorC21C22Yes155°c16High-temperature variant of C19/C20
IEC C23 ConnectorC23C24No 70°c 16Ungrounded variant of C19/C20

Application

An appliance with a permanently-attached plug for use in one country cannot be readily sold in another which uses an incompatible wall socket. By using detachable cords, manufacturers can easily create country-specific power supply cord that suit the different countries they will distribute the appliance.

Detachable appliance plugs are regularly used in office equipmentmeasuring instrumentsIT environments, and medical devices, among many types of equipment for worldwide distribution. Each appliance’s power system must be adapted to the different plugs used in different regions.