IEC 60320 plugs for cold and warm-run equipment

IEC 60320 appliance plugs – C5, C7, C13, C15, C17, C19 and C21 at a glance

Which IEC 60320 appliance plug fits which appliance socket? This overview provides a direct comparison of the most important cold, warm and hot appliance sockets: from C7/C8 and C5/C6 through to C13/C14, C15/C16 and C17/C18, right up to C19/C20 and C21/C22.

IEC 60320 connectors are used worldwide in PCs, monitors, servers, network devices, UPS systems, PDUs, power supplies, as well as in industrial, laboratory and media technology. When selecting the correct connection cable, in addition to the IEC form factor, particular attention must be paid to the protective conductor, current-carrying capacity, temperature requirements, cable cross-section, cable length, country-specific plugs and any necessary approvals.

Want to find the complete power cable straight away?

If the device connection is already known, the MAG power cable finder for C5, C7, C13, C15 or C19 leads directly to suitable connection cables and then helps with the selection of country-specific plugs, length and other specifications.

Go to the power cable finder

Mains plugs and IEC appliance plugs – two sides of a power cable

In a complete power cable, the mains side and the appliance side must always match. The IEC designations C5, C7, C13, C15 or C19 describe the appliance side and not the country-specific mains plug.

Mains side, e.g. CEE 7/7, Euro plug,
UK Type G or NEMA
→
Connection cable: length · cross-section · colour
Approval · design
→
Device end, e.g. IEC C5, C7,
C13, C15 or C19

For international projects, the appliance connection must therefore be determined first, and then the mains plug suitable for the destination country selected. Compare mains plugs worldwide →

Quick answer: Which IEC plug fits which socket?

C7 matches C8, C5 matches C6, C13 matches C14, C15 matches C16, C17 matches C18, C19 matches C20 and C21 matches C22.

For these pairs, the odd-numbered plug typically refers to the appliance socket on the connecting cable. The even-numbered plug refers to the matching male counterpart, which is often designed as an appliance plug.

4 steps to finding the right IEC 60320 connection

1. Determine the appliance connector Check whether the appliance has, for example, a C8, C6, C14, C16, C18, C20 or C22 connector.
2 Check the protective conductor Does the appliance require a protective conductor, or is it a two-pole application without PE?
3 Current & temperature: The current-carrying capacity and thermal requirements must be suitable for the application and the appliance.
4. Select the mains side: Choose the country-specific plug, cable length, cross-section and required approvals to suit the target market.
Go directly to the IEC system: Quick comparison C7 / C8 C5 / C6 C13 / C14 C15 / C16 C17 / C18 C19 / C20 C21 / C22 FAQs

IEC 60320 Quick Comparison

The table shows the IEC systems particularly relevant for connection cables. Current ratings refer to the respective international IEC family. The actual load capacity of a complete connection cable may also be limited by the cable cross-section, mains plug, length and product-specific approvals.

IEC system Connector on the cable Appliance connection Protective conductor IEC current class Typical application
C7 / C8 C7 C8 No 2.5 A family Small appliances, power supplies, audio/video
C5 / C6 C5 C6 yes 2.5 A series Laptop power adapters, projectors
C13 / C14 C13 C14 Yes 10 A range PC, monitor, printer, switch, server
C15 / C16 C15 C16 yes 10 A family Heating equipment, laboratory, elevated temperature
C17 / C18 C17 C18 no 10 A series Two-pole devices without a protective conductor
C19 / C20 C19 C20 yes 16 A range Servers, PDUs, UPSs, storage, industrial
C21 / C22 C21 C22 yes 16 A family Heating appliances, laboratory, special applications

Note: IEC 60320 covers appliance plugs and sockets rated up to 250 V AC and a maximum of 16 A. When selecting a specific cable, the technical data and approvals for the respective product are always decisive.

Which IEC connector is used for which appliance?

The design of the existing appliance is always the determining factor. The following overview is therefore intended only as a quick guide for common applications.

Device / Application Common device connection Matching connector on the cable
Laptop power supply, projector C6 C5
TV, audio, smaller power adapters C8 C7
PC, monitor, printer C14 C13
Switch, server, network device frequently C14 C13
Devices with increased temperature requirements C16 C15
Two-pole devices without PE C18 C17
High-performance servers, PDUs, UPSs C20 C19
Applications with particularly demanding thermal requirements C22 C21
Important: The device type and IEC connector are not fixedly linked. For example, depending on the model, a server may have either a C14 or a C20 connector. The decisive factors are always the actual device connector present and the manufacturer’s technical specifications.

C13, C15 and C17 look similar – but they are not the same

C13, C15 and C17 are particularly often confused with one another. C13 and C15 have an earth contact, whilst C17 is a two-pin connector without an earth contact. C15 also features the mechanical shape-coding for the C16 hot-appliance connection.

  • C13 → C14: standard connection for low-voltage equipment
  • C15 → C16: standard hot appliance connection
  • C17 → C18: standard two-pole connection without PE
  • C15 → C14: mechanically possible
  • C13 → C16: not mechanically possible
  • C13 → C18: mechanically possible
Compare C13, C15 and C17 in detail

IEC 60320 C7 / C8 – ‘Eight’ small appliance connection

The C7 appliance connector is two-pole and has no protective earth conductor. Its standard counterpart is the C8 appliance connector. The system is frequently used in insulation-protected small appliances, power supplies, audio/video equipment and compact electronics.

IEC 60320 C7 Gerätekupplung ohne Schutzleiter
IEC C7
2-pole connector on cable without PE
IEC 60320 C8 Geräteanschluss passend zu C7
IEC C8
Mating connector for C7, 2-pole

IEC 60320 C5 / C6 – cloverleaf connector with protective earth

The C5 appliance connector is often referred to as a ‘cloverleaf’ plug due to its shape. It features a protective earth conductor and is frequently used in laptop power adaptors, projectors and compact IT devices. The matching counterpart is IEC C6.

IEC 60320 C5 Kleeblatt-Gerätekupplung mit Schutzleiter
IEC C5
3-pin cloverleaf with PE
IEC 60320 C6 Geräteanschluss passend zu C5
IEC C6
Mating connector for C5, 3-pin

IEC 60320 C13 / C14 – classic low-voltage equipment connection

C13/C14 is one of the most widely used IEC 60320 systems in IT, office, network and data centre environments. The C13 equipment socket is typically located on the connection cable and is connected to a C14 equipment plug. Common applications include PCs, monitors, printers, switches and servers.

In the case of IEC extension cables, the male C14 connector may also be located on the cable end, for example in rack, PDU and server cabling.

IEC 60320 C13 Kaltgerätekupplung mit Schutzleiter
IEC C13
3-pin low-voltage appliance socket with PE
IEC 60320 C14 Gerätestecker passend zu C13
IEC C14
Mating connector for C13, 3-pin
How can you secure the power connection against accidental disconnection?

For C13/C14, SecureSleeve slip-on sleeves and IEC-LOCK connectors with mechanical locking are available, amongst other options.

Securing the mains cable against accidental disconnection →

IEC 60320 C15 / C16 – Connection for heating appliances

The C15 hot appliance connector is very similar to the C13, but is designed for higher temperature requirements and features additional mechanical polarisation. The standard counterpart is the IEC C16.

IEC 60320 C15 Warmgerätekupplung passend zu C16
IEC C15
3-pole hot appliance with PE
Compatibility
  • C15 → C16: standard connection
  • C15 → C14: mechanically possible
  • C13 → C16: not mechanically possible
DINIC C15 power cable

IEC 60320 C17 / C18 – two-pole without earth conductor

C17 is a two-pole appliance connector without a protective earth conductor. Its standard counterpart is IEC C18. This version is used in appliances designed accordingly that do not require a protective earth connection.

IEC 60320 C17 Gerätekupplung zweipolig ohne Schutzleiter
IEC C17
2-pole without PE
Important for C17 / C18
  • C17 → C18: standard connection
  • C17 → C14: does not fit
  • C13 → C18: mechanically possible
DINIC C17 connection cables

IEC 60320 C19 / C20 – 16 A system for servers, PDUs and UPSs

C19/C20 forms part of the 16 A IEC family and is used for higher-power devices and power distribution. Typical applications include servers, storage systems, UPS systems, PDUs, data centres and industrial installations.

IEC 60320 C19 Gerätekupplung für 16-A-Anwendungen
IEC C19
16 A family, 3-pole with PE
IEC 60320 C20 Gerätestecker passend zu C19
IEC C20
Mating connector for C19 16 A system
For racks and data centres: C19/C20 connections can also be secured against accidental disconnection using suitable solutions.

View SecureSleeve and IEC-LOCK →

IEC 60320 C21 / C22 – Hot-swappable device connection

The C21 equipment coupler also belongs to the 16-A family, but is designed for higher thermal requirements than C19/C20. Its standard mating connector is IEC C22. Typical applications include laboratories, industry and thermally demanding specialist applications.

IEC 60320 C21 Heißgerätekupplung passend zu C22
IEC C21
High-temperature 16 A family with PE
IEC C22
Matching male counterpart to the C21 equipment coupler for thermally demanding applications.

Cold-use, warm-use or hot-use?

Similar dimensions do not automatically mean the same applications. The IEC systems differ, amongst other things, in terms of their temperature class and therefore sometimes have deliberately different mechanical codes.

IEC system Class Typical application
C13 / C14 IT equipment IT, office, network, server
C15 / C16 Hot equipment Applications with higher temperature requirements
C19 / C20 Cold equipment / 16 A family Servers, PDUs, UPSs, high-power equipment
C21 / C22 Hot equipment / 16 A family High thermal requirements

Common mistakes when selecting IEC 60320 connection cables

Selecting C13 and C15 based solely on their shape The temperature requirements and mechanical coding of the C16 must be taken into account.
Confusing C13 and C17: C13 has an earth contact. C17 is two-pole and has no earth contact.
Using C13/C14 instead of C19/C20: For higher currents, it must be checked whether the 16 A C19/C20 family is required.
Do not focus solely on the IEC plug – the mains plug, cable cross-section, length, temperature and approvals must also be suitable.
Do not equate mechanical fit with suitability: Mechanically compatible connectors do not automatically make a connection cable technically suitable.
Failing to take the destination country into account For exports and international equipment, the country-specific mains plug must also be selected correctly.
Basic rule: The fact that two IEC connectors fit together mechanically does not automatically mean that the entire connection cable is suitable for the application in question. The technical specifications provided by the equipment manufacturer, as well as current, voltage, temperature, cable cross-section and required approvals, must be taken into account.

Frequently asked questions about IEC 60320 appliance plugs

What is the difference between C13 and C14? C13 is the female appliance coupler, which is typically found on the connection cable. C14 is the matching male counterpart and is frequently used as an appliance socket.
What is the difference between C13 and C15? C13 and C15 both have a protective earth conductor and look similar. However, C15 is designed for higher temperature requirements and features the additional mechanical shape-coding for the C16 appliance connection.
Does a C15 also fit into a C14 appliance plug? Yes. A suitable C15 appliance coupler can also be mechanically connected to a C14 socket. Conversely, a standard C13 coupler will not fit into a C16 appliance socket.
Can a C13 plug be used on a C18 appliance socket? Mechanically, a C13 plug can also be used on a C18 socket. However, the C18 socket does not have a protective earth contact; the additional PE contact on the C13 plug has no corresponding contact there. The technical suitability of the entire connection cable must nevertheless be checked.
What is the difference between C19 and C20? C19 is the appliance plug on the cable, whilst C20 is the corresponding male counterpart. The system forms part of the international 16 A family and is frequently used with servers, PDUs, UPS systems and storage systems.
When do I need C19/C20 instead of C13/C14? C19/C20 is typically used in applications with higher current loads. The decisive factors are the existing equipment connection and the technical requirements of the equipment and installation.
Which IEC cable do I need for a PC or monitor? Many PCs and monitors have a C14 equipment socket. This usually requires a connection cable with a C13 plug. You should check the existing connection on the device before ordering.
Which IEC cable is required for a server? Depending on power consumption and model, servers often have C14 or C20 sockets. A C13 plug is used for C14, and a C19 plug for C20.
How do I find the right power cable? First, identify the IEC socket. Then check the protective earth conductor, current-carrying capacity and temperature requirements, before selecting the country-specific plug, cable length, cable cross-section and necessary approvals. The MAG power cable finder helps you make this selection.
Do you know the appliance connector?

With the Power Cable Finder, you can go directly from the IEC connector to suitable power cables and then select the mains plug and version.

Open the Power Cable Finder

Suitable power cables, extension leads and IEC accessories

Power cables for Germany/Europe: connection cables featuring C5, C7, C13, C15 and C19, amongst others. International power cables: connection cables for various countries and target markets. IEC extension cables: Extension cables for rack-mounted equipment, servers and IT. Extension cables for equipment operating at higher temperatures: IEC extension cables with C15 connectors for higher temperature requirements. IEC 60320 flush-mounted sockets: Flush-mounted connectors for C6, C8, C14, C19 and C20, amongst others. SecureSleeve & IEC-LOCK: Solutions for the mechanical securing of IEC power connections.

Further selection guides

Compare C13, C15 and C17: differences, protective earth, mechanical compatibility and interchangeability rules. C13, C15 or C19? Selection guide for IT, active equipment, servers, PDUs and higher-power applications. Selecting power cable cross-sections: choose 0.75 mm², 1.0 mm² or 1.5 mm² to suit the application. Mains plugs worldwide – compare country-specific plugs, target markets and international mains connections. Securely locking mains cables – SecureSleeve, IEC-LOCK and options to prevent accidental disconnection. Mains cable finder – go directly from the equipment connection to the suitable connection cable.

Custom-made IEC equipment cables and power cables

Customised cable assembly for retail, industry and projects

In addition to its standard range, MAG GmbH manufactures project-specific DINIC mains cables and equipment cables, for example with custom lengths, cross-sections, colours, plug combinations and country-specific mains plugs.

For a quick project assessment, the following details are particularly helpful: IEC type, country-specific plugs, cable length, cable cross-section, quantity and area of application.

Cable Assembly & Custom-made Products

Technical note: This overview assists with the selection and differentiation of IEC 60320 connectors. Before replacing or selecting a connection cable, the equipment manufacturer’s technical specifications as well as the requirements regarding voltage, current, temperature, cable cross-section and necessary approvals must be taken into account. Connectors must not be mechanically modified or forced into place.

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