MAG GUIDE · EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING · IT · MEDIA TECHNOLOGY

Choosing the right angled power cables: left, right, top or bottom?

Behind servers, monitors and technical equipment, every centimetre counts. An angled connector can make cable routing easier – provided the angle, the equipment’s input port and the available space are all compatible. The rear views below will help you determine the correct design for your project.

Which angle direction do I need?

Look at the rear of the device in its intended installation position and decide where the cable should run. Then compare the connector type and cable exit with the product image. ‘90°’ describes only the angle; the desired direction is determined by the design, installation position and viewing direction.

Which connector is fitted to the appliance?

In the connection shown here, the device has a C14 device socket with three contact pins. This is compatible with a C13 device plug on the cable. The C13 plug is often referred to as an ‘IEC plug’ in everyday use.

Clicking on a diagram opens it in its original size in a new tab.

Rear of the appliance without a connected cable

C14-Geräteeinlass von außen an der Geräterückseite: drei Kontaktstifte, Schutzleiterkontakt PE oben in der Mitte
Reference view: The upper central contact is the protective earth contact (PE).

This viewing angle applies to all diagrams

You are standing behind the appliance and looking at its connection side from the outside. Left and right refer to your view of this rear panel.

In all five diagrams, the device inlet remains aligned in the same way: PE at the top. This is the chosen reference orientation. On your device, the connection may be rotated or installed at an angle. This also changes the direction in which a particular angled cable runs once it is installed.

If your device has a different connection type, refer to the selection guide for C13, C15 and C19.

Where should the cable lead behind the device?

The four views each show a plugged-in C13 angled connector. Its housing covers the contacts of the C14 device inlet. The arrows indicate the cable outlet with the device orientation unchanged.

Cable exit to the left

Geräterückseite mit eingesteckter C13-Winkelkupplung und Kabelabgang nach links; C14-Einbaulage mit PE oben
From this rear view, the cable runs to the left. Check that there is sufficient clearance to the side cable routing and the distance to adjacent connections.

Cable exit to the right

Geräterückseite mit eingesteckter C13-Winkelkupplung und Kabelabgang nach rechts; C14-Einbaulage mit PE oben
From this rear view, the cable runs to the right. The kink protection and bending radius must also be within the available space.

Cable exit upwards

Geräterückseite mit eingesteckter C13-Winkelkupplung und Kabelabgang nach oben; C14-Einbaulage mit PE oben
From this rear view, the cable runs upwards. Check that any housing components, switches or ventilation openings above remain unobstructed.

Cable exit downwards

Geräterückseite mit eingesteckter C13-Winkelkupplung und Kabelabgang nach unten; C14-Einbaulage mit PE oben
From this rear view, the cable runs downwards. Take into account the installation surface, the device mounting and a cable route that does not place any strain on the connection.

The sketches show four different angle variations. A plugged-in C13 coupler cannot be rotated freely. The illustrations are schematic, not to scale, and do not represent specific products.

How do I apply the sketch to product selection?

First, use the sketches to determine the desired cable routing on the device. Then compare this with the plug face and cable outlet of the specific product. The direction shown in the sketch does not automatically correspond to a product code.

Product images may show the contact side or the rear side of a coupler. These views are opposite to one another. The contact sides of the C13 connector and the C14 appliance inlet face each other when plugged in. You should therefore compare the bevelled edges and the position of the earth contact. If the view is unclear, a drawing showing the viewing direction or checking against a sample will help.

DINIC angle variants for comparison

The following C13/C14 extension leads show four available versions. ‘Left’, ‘right’, ‘top’ and ‘bottom’ refer to the respective product pages. To make your selection, open the relevant product page and refer to the illustrations shown there. Please take into account the viewing direction of the product photo and the installation orientation of your appliance inlet.

DINIC CB-K-D4-03: C13-Kupplung links gewinkelt an einer C13/C14-Kaltgeräteverlängerung
Angled
to the left DINIC CB-K-D4-03
View product and detailed images
DINIC CB-K-D3-03: C13-Kupplung rechts gewinkelt an einer C13/C14-Kaltgeräteverlängerung
Angled
to the right DINIC CB-K-D3-03
View product and detail images
DINIC CB-K-D-03: C13-Kupplung oben gewinkelt an einer C13/C14-Kaltgeräteverlängerung
Angled
upwards DINIC CB-K-D-03
View product and detail images
DINIC CB-K-D2-03: C13-Kupplung unten gewinkelt an einer C13/C14-Kaltgeräteverlängerung
Angled
downwards DINIC CB-K-D2-03
View product and detail images

Four details required for a clear order

  1. Connections: Specify the mains side and the device side separately. Check the power output used at the socket, the power distribution unit (PDU) or the uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
  2. Installation position and direction: Take a photograph of the rear of the device in its intended position and mark the desired cable route. This is clearer than simply specifying ‘angled to the left’.
  3. Installation space and cable length: Specify the available clearance behind the connection and in the direction the cable will run. Take into account the plug housing, kink protection, bending radius and the distance to the nearest fixing point.
  4. Technical requirements and quantity: Check that the rated electrical values, cable type, operating environment and required approvals are all correct. For bulk orders, it is advisable to test a suitable version on the actual unit before approving the quantity.

Angled cable, peripheral extension cable or angled adapter?

The connection task determines the product type
Your connection requirements Suitable product type What matters
From the mains socket to the appliance CEE 7/7 to C13 mains cable with a suitable angled version Check the mains and device sides separately. An angled earth-connected plug does not automatically mean that the C13 socket is also angled.
From a C13 outlet on a PDU or UPS to the device C13/C14 extension lead for IT equipment C14 plug on the supply side and C13 socket on the C14 device input. Check both connection points and the current-carrying capacity.
Reroute an existing suitable cable at the connection point IEC angled adapter The combination of the adapter and the existing socket may require additional installation space. Take into account the current-carrying capacity, fit and mechanical stress on the connection.
Secure the connection further against accidental disconnection Suitable IEC-LOCK solution or slip-on sleeve Check compatibility and space required for unlocking. An angled connector alone does not provide a locking mechanism.

How much space does an angled C13 connector require?

There is no universal minimum depth. Plug housings, kink protection, equipment inlets and cable configurations vary. An angled connector can reduce the space required at the rear, but in return requires space in the direction of the cable outlet.

  • Towards the rear: Does the fully inserted housing, including any adaptor, fit in front of the rear panel or rack door?
  • To the side, upwards or downwards: Do neighbouring connectors, switches and ventilation openings remain accessible?
  • Along the cable route: Can the cable be routed without putting tension on the connector and without falling below the permissible bend radius?

Do not derive dimensions from the image size shown in the shop. Use an existing dimensional drawing or check the required installation space using a sample.

Mechanically compatible and electrically suitable

The angle and plug shape alone are not sufficient for approving a connection cable. In addition, the rated current, rated voltage, protective conductor, conductor cross-section, cable type, temperature requirements and necessary approvals must be suitable for the application. An adapter does not increase the permissible load capacity of the connection. The MAG power cable finder will assist you with the preliminary selection.

Frequently asked questions about angled power cables

Select a question to view the answer.

Is a 90° plug always angled downwards?

No. 90° refers to the angle between the direction of the plug and the cable outlet. Whether the outlet points to the side, upwards or downwards depends on the design and the installation position.

Why can directional information be interpreted in different ways?

A view from the connector side is not the same as a view from the cable side. Furthermore, the connection on the appliance may be oriented differently. We therefore recommend selecting our cables based on the relevant product image and checking that the connection type matches the installation orientation on your own appliance. If the view is unclear, a further detailed image, a diagram or our advice can help.

Can I simply plug a C13 connector in the opposite way round?

The shape of the C13/C14 connection determines the insertion orientation. Therefore, simply rotating the same connector will not result in a different outlet direction. Please select the version that suits your installation situation.

Does an angled adapter save just as much space as an angled cable?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. With an adapter, its housing and the existing connector plugged into it must be considered together. Compare the complete connection with the appropriate angled connection cable.

Does the selection guide also apply to C19/C20?

The approach based on the mating face, installation position and installation space is applicable. However, C19/C20 has a different design. For these, you must specifically select suitable cables or adapters and check their individual technical specifications.

Are other lengths or connector combinations possible?

If a standard product does not meet the requirements, project-specific custom-made solutions can be considered. Technical feasibility, design, quantity and any required certification will be agreed upon for the specific project.

Clarify the correct angle orientation for your project

To make a specific enquiry to MAG, please provide a photograph of the device’s connection side, with the desired cable orientation marked, and the available dimensions. Please also include the mains and device connections, electrical requirements, cable length, quantity and desired delivery date.

For recurring requirements, the selected item number and a documented installation layout make it easier to place a clear repeat order.

Enquire about connection issues or project requirements Open the Power Cable Finder

DINIC is MAG GmbH’s own brand for cables, adaptors and accessories. Further technical selection guides can be found in the MAG Cable Encyclopaedia.

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