C13, C15 or C19: which power cable is suitable for the appliance?

The terms C13, C15 and C19 describe the appliance end of the power cable in accordance with IEC 60320. Colloquially, the term ‘low-voltage plug’ is often used; technically, however, this usually refers to the appliance coupler on the cable. This selection guide explains when C13, C15 or C19 is appropriate and what the procurement, IT and technical departments should bear in mind.

C13/C14: Standard IT C15/C16: higher temperature C19/C20: higher power B2B shop: mag-kabel.de
IEC C13 AnschlussbildC13 Standard
IEC C15 AnschlussbildC15: warmer environments
IEC C19 AnschlussbildC19: higher-power loads
Select C13

For PCs, monitors, printers, standard IT equipment and many office or laboratory devices with a C14 mains socket.

Check for C15

If the equipment connection is subject to higher thermal loads or a C16 socket or hot-plug cable is required.

Use C19

For servers, PDUs, UPSs, data centres and higher-power equipment with a C20 socket.

A direct comparison of C13, C15 and C19

The actual equipment socket and the labelling on the specific cable are always the decisive factors. The following table provides practical guidance for the most common B2B applications.

Equipment side of the cable Matching equipment socket Typical IEC guidance Common applications Practical decision
C13 C14 typically 10 A / 70 °C PC, monitor, printer, standard IT equipment, office equipment Standard solution where no higher temperature or power requirements apply.
C15 C16 typically 10 A / 120 °C Heat-generating equipment, certain server/IT applications, technical equipment with higher heat dissipation Consider this option if a C13 socket is not sufficient thermally or if a C16 socket is available.
C19 C20 typically 16 A / 70 °C Servers, PDUs, UPSs, data centres, industrial applications and higher-power equipment Use where the device has a C20 socket or where greater power reserve is required.

Important: These values are provided as a technical guide to the IEC 60320 family. The product labelling, data sheet, certification, cable cross-section, mains connection plug and country of use are always decisive.

IEC 60320 C13 Kaltgerätekupplung C13 Classic ‘cold equipment’ connector for many standard devices.
IEC 60320 C15 Warmgerätekupplung C15 Hot-equipment version for higher temperature loads.
IEC 60320 C19 Gerätekupplung für Server und PDU C19 Larger plug face for C20 sockets and higher-power loads.

Common confusion: cable side and appliance side

In quotations, data sheets and search queries, C13, C15 and C19 are often simply referred to as ‘low-temperature appliance plugs’. To ensure you make the correct choice, it is important to note that the power cable usually features a C13, C15 or C19 connector. The device has the corresponding C14, C16 or C20 socket.

  • C13 to C14: very common for PCs, monitors and office equipment.
  • C15 to C16: for applications with higher temperature loads.
  • C19 to C20: for higher-power devices, servers and PDUs.

Practical tip: If you’re unsure, a photo of the side of the device or the exact model number is often quicker to help than a long description.

Quick selection guide for purchasing and technical support

In practice, three questions are often enough to point you in the right direction.

1. What type of device socket is available?

A C14 usually corresponds to a C13, a C16 to a C15 and a C20 to a C19.

2. Is there elevated temperature or waste heat?

If so, check for a C15 or a cable specifically suitable for hot equipment.

3. Is it a question of higher power, a PDU or a server?

In that case, C19 is often the appropriate professional-grade option.

Equipment model Equipment input Length Cross-section Approvals Plug angle

Typical applications in everyday B2B use

IT & Office

C13 is the most common starting point for standard devices such as PCs, monitors, printers or power supplies.

Engineering & Heating

C15 is relevant when the device is subject to higher thermal loads or a C16 connection is required.

Servers & PDUs

C19 is typically used for higher-power devices, PDUs, UPSs and data centre infrastructure.

Appropriate ordering method: B2B or private purchase

mag-kabel.de is designed for businesses, the trade, technical procurement and project-based business. Private visitors or individual buyers can find suitable DINIC products in the DINIC Shop operated by MAG GmbH.

For businesses, retailers and project-based business

The right channel for commercial orders, ongoing requirements, bulk quantities, resale, technical enquiries and bespoke products.

View power cables at mag-kabel.de
Buying as a private customer?

For individual purchases and smaller quantities, the DINIC Shop is the ideal retail outlet from MAG GmbH.

Go to the DINIC Shop

Select the right power cables straight away

For quick product selection, the most common requirements can be divided directly into three groups. For project requirements, length, cross-section, colour, angled plugs, packaging and approvals are also helpful.

C13 power cables

The standard solution for classic IT, office and device connections in everyday professional use.

Open the C13 category
C15 power cables

For applications with higher temperature loads and where a C16 appliance socket is available.

Open C15 category
C19 power cable

For servers, PDUs, UPSs and high-power equipment with a C20 socket.

Open the C19 category
National power cables International power cables Custom-made products / OEM Contact

Note for enquiries: Please specify the equipment socket, country of origin of the mains plug, length, cross-section, colour, angled or straight design, and required certification. This will help us narrow down the suitable design more quickly.

FAQ: C13, C15 and C19 explained briefly

What is the difference between C13 and C15?

C13 is the standard appliance socket for many IT and office devices. C15 is designed for higher temperature loads and is typically combined with C16 appliance sockets.

When do I need a C19 power cable?

C19 is typically used when the device has a C20 input, more power is required, or to power servers, PDUs and UPSs.

Can I simply choose based on the image?

Pictures help with quick identification, but are no substitute for checking the actual device socket. If in doubt, a photo, model number or data sheet provide the most reliable basis for selection.

Is C15 better than C13?

Not necessarily. C15 is advisable if higher temperature loads or a C16 connection are a factor. For standard IT, C13 is often the most suitable and cost-effective solution.

What information helps with a quick product recommendation?

Useful details include the device model, device socket type, country of origin of the mains plug, cable length, cross-section, colour, operating environment and any special requirements such as angled plugs or certification.

Practical conclusion: C13 is the standard for many IT and office devices, C15 is the choice for higher temperature loads, and C19 is used for higher-power applications such as servers, PDUs and UPSs. The actual device socket remains the decisive factor in every case.

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