IEC connector
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IEC connector is the common name for the set of thirteen line sockets (called the connector in the specification) and thirteen panel plugs (called the inlet) defined by International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) specification IEC 60320. When used with no other qualifiers IEC connector usually refers specifically to the C13 and C14 connectors.
Some types also come in line plug and panel socket versions to use as outlets but these are less common. They include two and three-conductor plugs of various current capacities and temperature ratings, all designed specifically for the purpose of attaching a mains power cord to a piece of equipment. Allowing an interchangeable mains power cord makes it very easy for equipment manufacturers to sell their equipment anywhere in the world as long as their equipment can operate on both 120/240 volt, 50/60 Hz mains power.
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[edit] C13 and C14 connectors
Most desktop personal computers use the ten-amp panel-mounting C14 inlet to attach the mains cord to the power supply, as do many monitors, printers and other peripherals. Many older computers also provide a panel-mounting C13 outlet for powering the monitor. In AT form factor computers this outlet was controlled by the physical power switch. With the arrival of ATX the outlet was usually permanently powered, if present on the chassis.
A three-conductor cord with a suitable power plug for the locality in which the appliance is used on one end and a C13 line socket on the other is commonly called an "IEC cord." IEC cords are used to power many other pieces of electronic equipment other than computers, for example instrument amplifiers and professional audio equipment.
Cables with a C14 plug at one end and a C13 line socket at the other are commonly available, they have a variety of common uses including connecting power between older PCs and their monitors, extending existing power cords, connecting to C13 socket strips (commonly used with rackmount gear to save space) and connecting computer equipment to the output of a UPS (larger UPSs often have C19 outlets as well.)
[edit] C15 and C16 connectors
Some electric kettles and similar hot household appliances use a cord with a C15 line socket, and a matching C16 inlet connector on the appliance. (This has led to the widely used slang of kettle plug and jug plug when referring to C15 and C16 connectors.) These are similar to the C13 and C14 combination but have a higher temperature rating, 120 degrees Celsius rather than 70 degrees Celsius. In Britain the C15 and C16 connectors have replaced and obsoleted the appliance plug in most applications.
The C15 line socket will fit the C14 inlet, but the C13 will not fit the C16. That is, you can use an electric kettle cord to power a computer, but not a computer cord to power a kettle. The C16 has a plastic 'block' opposite the earth pin - preventing C13s fitting, C15s have a cut out hole to match. Many people do not notice this subtle distinction and refer to cords with both variants as kettle leads in the United Kingdom, and kettle cords or jug plugs in Australia.
[edit] C17 and C18 Connectors
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Similar to C13 and C14 connectors. However the C17 and C18 do not have a third pin for earthing. A C18 inlet will accept a C13 line socket but a C14 inlet will not accept a C17 line socket.
IBM's Wheelwriter series of electronic typewriters are one common application. Three wire cords with C13 sockets - which are easier to find - are sometimes used in place of the two wire cords for replacement. In this case, the ground wire will not be connected.
[edit] Other IEC appliance connectors
The unpolarised C1 is commomly used for shavers and the C7 connector for small cassette recorders, portable radios (with built-in adaptors), some full size AV equipment and laptop computer power supplies, video game consoles, and similar double-insulated appliances. The polarised C5 connector is seen on some laptop power supplies. C19 is sometimes seen on high-power servers and similar datacenter equipment.
In each case, the matching inlet is designated by the even number one greater than the odd number assigned to the line socket, so a C1 fits a C2, and a C15A fits a C16A. Most are polarised (though of course being a worldwide standard they will frequently be connected to wall outlets that are unpolarised), the exceptions being the C1, C7 and C9 plugs. All voltage ratings are 250 VAC. All have maximum temperature ratings of 70 °C unless noted.
- C1 2-conductor 0.2 A (unpolarised)
- C3 2-conductor 2.5 A
- C5 3-conductor 2.5 A - often referred to as 'Mickey Mouse' or 'Clover Leaf'.
- C7 2-conductor 2.5 A (unpolarised)- often referred to as 'figure of eight' or 'shotgun'.
- C9 2-conductor 6 A (unpolarised)
- C11 2-conductor 10 A
- C13 3-conductor 10 A
- C15 3-conductor 10 A (120 °C maximum temperature)
- C15A 3-conductor 10 A (155 °C maximum temperature)
- C17 2-conductor 16 A
- C19 3-conductor 16 A
- C21 3-conductor 16 A (155 °C maximum temperature)
- C23 2-conductor 16 A
[edit] Power Entry Modules
Some manufacturers have combined IEC Connectors with other associated power components. See Power entry module for details.
There are some physical compatibilities not noted here.
- High Temp. IEC Plugs
- IEC-320 Appliance Connectors (includes diagrams of all IEC connectors)
- High Temperature Plugs
