Power extension lead for small appliances

Power extension cables for IT equipment in accordance with IEC 60320

DINIC power extension cables for PDUs, UPSs, servers, racks and professional power distribution systems. Select the appropriate plug combination based on the power source and equipment connection.

Find the right connection quickly:
C14 → C5 for equipment with a C6 input | C14 → C13 standard for IT & rack | C20 → C13 C19power source to C14 device | C20 → C19 16 A IEC connection

Choosing the right extension lead for IT equipment

A reliable IEC power connection can only be achieved when the connector, current-carrying capacity, conductor cross-section, cable length and installation conditions are all compatible. Therefore, the selection should not be based solely on the physical appearance of the plug.

1
Check the equipment connection Does the equipment require a C5, C13, C19 or another IEC connector?
2
Determine the power source Check the available output from the PDU, UPS or IEC power distribution unit.
3
Electrical specifications The rated current, cross-section, cable and technical specifications of the product must be suitable for the application.
4
Select the design Choose the length, angle, colour, LSZH and approvals to suit the installation.

IEC extension cables for IT equipment: a direct comparison

Cable Power source Equipment Typical application Category
C14 → C5 C13 output C6 input Laptop power adaptors, projectors, compact IT equipment C5/C14 →
C14 → C13 C13 output C14 input Servers, switches, PCs, monitors, PDUs/UPSs C13/C14 →
C20 → C13 C19 output C14 input C19 power distribution to standard C14 devices C13/C20 →
C20 → C19 C19 output C20 input 16 A IEC power paths, PDU, UPS, server, storage C19/C20 →
CLASSIC IT CONNECTION

C13 / C14

C13/C14 is the most common IEC connection for PCs, monitors, switches, servers and numerous other IT and office devices. Please refer to the specific rated values for each product.

C13/C14 IT extension leads →
16 A CLASS

C19 / C20

C19/C20 is designed for higher-power IEC loads. The connectors belong to the 16 A/250 V class and are used, for example, in PDUs, UPSs, servers and storage systems.

C19/C20 16 A cables →

C13/C14: Standard, coloured, halogen-free or multi-approval?

For the most widely used C13/C14 connection, various versions are available to meet different project requirements.

Further selection criteria

Cable length As short as practical and as long as required for a tension-free installation.
Conductor cross-section Select 0.75, 1.0 or 1.5 mm² depending on the item, length and application.
90° connection Angled couplings facilitate cable routing where installation depth is limited.
Approvals Take into account the target market and the approvals specified for the specific product.

Device with a C16 connection? Then check for C15 instead of C13

C13 and C15 look similar, but are not intended for the same temperature range. For devices with a C16 input, a C15 hot appliance connector is required.

See C14 to C15 hot appliance extension leads →

Secure IEC connections against accidental disconnection

For PDU, UPS and rack installations, depending on the application, SecureSleeve slip-on sleeves or lockable connectors can help to reduce the risk of accidental disconnection.

SecureSleeve & IEC-LOCK →
Guide to cable security →

Cable or compact power adaptor?

If no additional cable length is required, depending on the plug combination, a compact IEC power adaptor may be a more sensible solution than an extension lead.

View IEC power adaptors →

Special case: C14 plug to C19 socket

An extension cable with a C14 plug and a C19 socket would allow an appliance designed for C19/C20 to be connected to a C13/C14 power circuit. This would allow different current ratings to be combined.

An appliance that draws more current than the upstream C13/C14 power path allows may overload the cable or plug connection. MAG GmbH therefore does not offer this plug combination.

Frequently asked questions about cold appliance extension leads

What is a low-voltage extension lead?

An IEC extension lead connects two compatible IEC 60320 sockets, thereby extending or adapting the power path between an IEC power source and a connected appliance.

What is the difference between C13 and C14?

C13 is the most common IEC connector on the cable. C14 is its corresponding counterpart and is found, for example, as a device input on servers, PCs, monitors and network devices.

When do I need C19/C20 instead of C13/C14?

C19/C20 is used for the 16 A class and corresponding devices with a C20 input. Typical applications include PDUs, UPSs, high-performance servers, storage systems and industrial equipment.

What does C20 to C13 mean?

Such a cable has a C20 plug and a C13 socket. It can, for example, connect a C19 output on a PDU or UPS to a device with a C14 input.

When are coloured IT extension cables useful?

Coloured C13/C14 cables can visually distinguish between power paths, groups of devices, racks or power supply systems, thereby aiding maintenance and troubleshooting.

What does LSZH mean?

LSZH stands for Low Smoke Zero Halogen and refers to halogen-free cable materials designed to minimise smoke emission. The specific product characteristics can be found in the relevant product data.

What cable length and cross-section should I choose?

The length and conductor cross-section must be suitable for the installation, load and specific product. For electrical design purposes, the technical data of the complete connection is always decisive.

Extension cables for project and series production requirements

Do you require a different cable length, colour, angle, plug combination, labelling or packaging? MAG GmbH supports commercial customers with project-specific cable and adapter solutions.