2-pin mains cable, C7 and C17, black

2-pin mains leads (C7 & C17) for appliances without an earth wire

Here you will find 2-pin DINIC mains cables for Germany and Europe – ranging from the classic Euro plug type C to IEC 60320 C7, through to the CEE 7/17 contoured plug to IEC 60320 C17. These connection cables are designed for appliances which, due to their design, do not require an earth conductor.

The choice of cable depends primarily on the connection on the appliance. Depending on the model, different cable lengths, conductor cross-sections and straight or angled plug variants are available.

C7 suitable for C8 appliance sockets

Frequently used with Euro plugs and, for example, with TV, audio, video and other two-pin appliances.

C17 suitable for C18 appliance sockets

Two-pole connection solution without a protective conductor, often used in conjunction with a CEE 7/17 contoured plug.

2-pin without earth, various cable lengths, straight and angled versions, DINIC power cables
Not sure which power cable is right for you? The MAG Cable Finder helps you choose based on device connection, power requirements, cable length and other specifications.
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Choosing the right 2-pin mains cables (C7 and C17)

With a 2-pin mains lead, the appliance socket is the decisive factor. A cable with an IEC 60320 C7 plug is connected to a C8 appliance socket. An IEC 60320 C17 appliance plug, on the other hand, is designed for a C18 appliance socket. Both systems are two-pole and do not have an earth conductor.

On the mains side, Euro plugs of type C and CEE 7/16 and CEE 7/17 contoured plugs are particularly common. This ensures that suitable connection cables are available for numerous appliances in Germany and Europe.

C7 or C17 – which connection is the right one?

Cable connection Appliance connection Protective conductor Typical mains side Typical applications
IEC 60320 C7
often also referred to as Euro-8
IEC 60320 C8 No Euro plug type C / CEE 7/16 TVs, audio, video, receivers, radios, power supplies and other two-pin devices
IEC 60320 C17 IEC 60320 C18 No Often CEE 7/17 contoured plug Two-pin appliances without a protective earth conductor with a C18 appliance socket
The simple rule: a C8 socket on the appliance requires a C7 plug on the cable. A C18 socket on the appliance requires a C17 plug on the cable. C7 and C17 plugs are not interchangeable.

What should you look out for when buying?

1 Check the appliance connection
A C8 socket on the appliance requires a C7 plug on the cable. A C18 socket on the appliance requires a C17 plug on the cable.
2 Select the mains plug
A Euro plug is often used for C7. A CEE 7/17 plug is often used for C17.
3 Determine the cable length
The cable should reach the appliance without being pulled taut, but should not be unnecessarily long.
4 Consider the conductor cross-section
The cross-section, rated current and current-carrying capacity must be suitable for the specific application.
5 Straight or angled
Angled versions are particularly practical where there is limited space behind appliances or furniture.
6 Check technical specifications
The key factors are the rated values, certification marks and the requirements of the connected appliance.

Typical applications for C7 power cables

Euro-plug-to-C7 power cables are among the most common two-pin connection cables. They are used, amongst other things, with televisions, set-top boxes, radios, audio and video equipment, games consoles, power supplies and other consumer electronics. A suitable IEC C8 appliance socket is required.

In addition to straight C7 connectors, angled C7 power cables are also available. These are particularly suitable where space is limited behind appliances, behind furniture or for installation close to a wall.

When is a C17 power cable required?

A C17 power cable is used for appliances with an IEC 60320 C18 appliance socket. The C17/C18 system is two-pole and does not have an earth conductor.

Our range includes, amongst other things, connection cables with CEE 7/17 moulded plugs to IEC C17. The moulded plug does not have a protective contact and is used with appropriately designed appliances that do not require a protective conductor.

C7, C17 or C13 – the differences at a glance

C7
Device: C8 Number of poles: 2-pole Protective earth conductor: No
C17
Appliance: C18 Number of pins: 2-pin Earth conductor: No
C13
Device: C14 Number of poles: 3-pole Earth conductor: Yes

C17 and C13 in particular may appear similar at first glance. The key difference is that C17/C18 do not have an earth conductor, whilst C13/C14 do. It is therefore always the actual device connection that is decisive.

Frequently asked questions about 2-pin mains cables

Which power cable do I need for a C8 appliance socket?

For an IEC 60320 C8 appliance socket, you need an IEC 60320 C7 appliance plug on the power cable. On the mains side, a Euro plug is often used in Germany and many European countries.

Is C7 the same as C8?

No. C7 refers to the plug on the connection cable. C8 is the corresponding socket on the appliance. Together, C7 and C8 form an IEC 60320 plug system.

Which cable is suitable for a C18 appliance socket?

An IEC 60320 C18 appliance socket requires an IEC 60320 C17 appliance plug on the cable.

Do C7 and C17 mains cables have a protective earth conductor?

No. C7/C8 and C17/C18 are two-pole IEC systems without a protective conductor. They must only be used with appliances designed for such a connection.

What does a Euro-8 power cable mean?

The term ‘Euro-8’ is often used to describe a two-pole power cable with a Euro plug and an IEC 60320 C7 appliance connector. The term refers to the characteristic shape of the C7/C8 plug connection.

Can C17 be used instead of C13?

No. C17 is part of the two-pole C17/C18 system without an earth conductor. C13 is part of the C13/C14 system with an earth conductor. The intended connection of the appliance is always the decisive factor.

When is an angled C7 power cable useful?

Angled C7 versions are particularly suitable where there is limited space behind TV sets, furniture or wall mounts, where a straight cable would protrude too far.

Further help with selection

Don’t know the exact IEC designation of your device’s socket? Compare the different sockets in our device plug guide or use the MAG Cable Finder directly.

DINIC power cables from MAG
Under the DINIC brand, MAG GmbH offers cables, adaptors and accessories for retail, commercial, industrial and equipment manufacturers. When making a selection, the technical data, rated values, test marks and specifications of the respective device, as well as the details of the specific product, are decisive.