Search
Drill three cutouts, mount three separate components, wire them together with jumpers, and hope the layout leaves room for fingers and a screwdriver. That is how power entry used to work. A growing number of panel builders and equipment OEMs have moved to integrated power entry modules that combine the inlet, fuse holder, and switch into a single unit that drops into one rectangular cutout. The reasons are simple: less metalwork, fewer wires, and easier service.
Why Panel Builders Are Switching to Power Entry Modules
Three Components, One Cutout: What a Power Entry Module Replaces
A traditional power entry setup needs three separate parts. An IEC inlet connector mounted somewhere on the enclosure wall. A fuse holder mounted nearby, wired in series with the line conductor. A power switch mounted separately, often on the front panel or a different face of the enclosure.
One Module, One Opening
A power entry module puts all three into a single housing. The inlet, fuse drawer, and switch share one rectangular cutout. The module body snaps or screws into place from the outside. Internally, the connections between inlet, fuse, and switch are already made inside the module. The panel builder only lands the load-side wires.
What You Stop Doing
With a module, you stop drilling and filing three separate openings. You stop cutting and crimping short jumper wires between the inlet and fuse holder. You stop worrying about whether those jumpers have enough clearance from the enclosure wall. The module handles all of that internally.
Application detail — Lanz Manufacturing
The Hidden Costs of Wiring Power Entry the Old Way
Cost per component is low. A basic IEC inlet costs a few dollars. A panel-mount fuse holder costs about the same. Add a rocker switch and the bill of materials for discrete power entry looks cheap on paper. Then the labor clock starts running.
Drilling and Filing Time Adds Up
Three components mean three cutouts. Even with a CNC punch or laser, each opening adds programming and machine time. For shops that cut by hand with a jigsaw and file, the difference between one rectangular opening and three is twenty minutes per panel. Multiply by fifty panels and someone spent two full shifts just making holes.
Wiring Mistakes Compound
Every jumper between the inlet, fuse, and switch is a connection that can be wired backward, left loose, or forgotten entirely. Finding a missing jumper during final test means opening the panel, pulling the power entry apart, and reworking. A module removes those jumpers from the equation entirely.
How an Integrated Module Cuts Assembly Time
Assembly time is where the module pays for itself fastest.
Snap In and Land Three Wires
A typical power entry module installation takes under two minutes. Push the module into the cutout, secure the mounting screws or snap clips, and land line, neutral, and ground on clearly marked terminals. That is it. Compare this to mounting three separate components and wiring two jumpers between them. The module approach turns a fifteen minute task into a two minute one.
Fewer SKUs in Inventory
Instead of stocking inlets, fuse holders, switches, and jumper wire as separate line items, one module SKU covers all three functions. For a panel shop building multiple product lines, this simplifies the bill of materials and reduces the chance of grabbing the wrong fuse holder off the shelf.
Fuse Access Without Opening the Enclosure
When a fuse blows, someone has to replace it. Where the fuse lives determines how long that takes.
External Fuse Drawer
Many power entry modules put the fuse in a small drawer that pulls out from the front face of the module. The operator does not need to open the equipment enclosure, does not need a screwdriver, and does not need to disconnect power at the mains. Pop the drawer, swap the fuse, push it back in. Under thirty seconds.
Why This Matters in the Field
Equipment installed in a factory, data center, or hospital gets serviced by people who may not know the internal layout. Telling them to open the enclosure and find a fuse holder buried behind other components increases the chance of something getting damaged or wired wrong. A front-panel fuse drawer keeps the repair simple and safe.
Switch Options: Rocker, Toggle, or None at All
Not every piece of equipment needs a power switch on the inlet. But when it does, the module format gives choices.
Illuminated Rocker Switches
A rocker switch built into the module gives a clear visual indication of power status. A lit rocker tells the operator at a glance that the equipment is energized. This small detail prevents someone from opening a live enclosure by mistake. The switch wiring is internal to the module, so the panel builder does not touch it.
No Switch, Just Inlet and Fuse
For equipment that powers on and off through a separate control circuit or a main disconnect elsewhere in the system, a module with just an inlet and fuse holder keeps the panel face clean. The operator connects the power cord and the equipment runs. LANZ offers C14 inlet modules with fuse only, with fuse and switch, and with switch only to match different design requirements.
Choosing the Right Inlet: C14, C18, or C20
The IEC 60320 standard defines several inlet types. The three most common in equipment design are C14, C18, and C20. Pick the wrong one and the power cord will not fit.
C14: The Workhorse for Up to 10 A
Rated for up to 10 A at 250 VAC, the C14 inlet is the standard choice for most commercial and industrial equipment. It mates with a C13 cord, which is the most common power cord on the planet. If your equipment draws 10 amps or less, C14 is the default answer.
C18: When You Need Higher Temperature Rating
The C18 inlet looks similar to C14 but is rated for higher temperature applications up to 120 degrees Celsius. It is used in equipment that runs hot, such as servers, networking gear in enclosed racks, and industrial heaters. C18 mates with a C17 cord.
C20: For Equipment Drawing Up to 16 A
The C20 inlet handles 16 A at 250 VAC and mates with a C19 cord. It has a larger rectangular pin layout that prevents a C13 cord from being plugged in by mistake. Use C20 when the equipment draws more than 10 amps or when the power supply spec calls for a 16 A circuit.
What to Check on the Datasheet Before You Order
A few specifications separate a module that fits from one that causes rework.
Panel Cutout Dimensions
Every power entry module has a recommended cutout drawing. Check the width, height, and corner radius against your enclosure design before ordering. A module that needs a 27.5 mm by 46.5 mm opening will not fit a hole punched for a different brand. Cutout drawings are in the manufacturer catalog.
Terminal Type and Wire Range
Modules come with screw terminals, quick-connect tabs, or solder lugs. Quick-connect tabs, typically 4.8 mm or 6.3 mm wide, speed up assembly but require matching female connectors on your harness. Screw terminals accept a wider range of wire gauges and are more flexible for hand-wired panels. Match the terminal type to your assembly process.
Certifications for Your Target Market
Modules sold into North America need UL recognition. Modules for Europe need ENEC or VDE marks. If the equipment ships globally, look for a module that carries both. The certification logos are printed on the module body and listed in the datasheet. Do not assume a module rated for 250 VAC automatically carries UL.
LANZ Electronics Power Entry Solutions
LANZ Electronics manufactures IEC inlet modules in multiple configurations to match different equipment designs. The product line includes C14 inlets with fuse holder, C14 with fuse and switch, C14 with switch only, and C16/C15 hot-condition inlets for high-temperature applications.
Built for Production Efficiency
LANZ IEC connector modules are built on modern production lines and tested to international standards. Quick-connect terminal options, clearly marked line and neutral terminals, and snap-in mounting designs speed up panel assembly. Each module ships with a datasheet that includes the cutout drawing, terminal specifications, and certification information.
More From LANZ
For complete panel builds, LANZ also supplies power cords that mate with every IEC inlet in the catalog, plus wire harnesses for internal panel wiring. Contact the LANZ engineering team with your enclosure drawings for a module recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a C14 inlet and a power entry module?
A C14 inlet is just the connector, a single component that accepts a C13 power cord. A power entry module combines the C14 inlet with a fuse holder, a switch, or both into one integrated unit. The module replaces three separate components and the jumper wires between them.
Can I get a power entry module with just a fuse holder and no switch?
Yes. LANZ offers C14 inlet modules in Fuse Only, Fuse plus Switch, and Switch Only configurations. The Fuse Only version gives you the inlet and a front-accessible fuse drawer in one cutout, without adding a power switch.
Do power entry modules work with both 120 V and 250 V equipment?
Most IEC inlet modules are rated for up to 250 VAC, which covers both 120 V and 230/240 V nominal systems. Check the module datasheet for the exact voltage rating. The current rating, typically 10 A for C14 modules, applies regardless of voltage.
How do I choose between quick-connect tabs and screw terminals?
Quick-connect tabs, usually 4.8 mm or 6.3 mm, are faster for high-volume production because the harness just pushes on. Screw terminals accept bare wire directly and are better for low-volume builds where making dedicated harnesses is not practical. Pick the terminal that matches your assembly workflow.
What certifications should a power entry module carry?
For North America, look for UL recognition. For Europe, look for ENEC or VDE. For global equipment, find a module that carries both. The certification marks are printed on the module body. Always verify rather than assuming.
Talk with Lanz Manufacturing about specifications, samples, and production support.
Browse related products · Contact us
