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When sourcing power cords or electronic equipment, IEC connector names like C13, C14, or C19 appear everywhere. For engineers and buyers new to procurement, these codes can feel abstract and easy to mix up. A small mistake can lead to mismatched cables, delayed installations, or returns.
This guide explains IEC 60320 connector types in a clear, practical way. You will learn what the IEC 60320 standard covers, how to distinguish male and female connectors, and how to identify common models using a simple chart and visual logic.
What Is the IEC 60320 Standard?
IEC 60320 is an international standard that defines appliance couplers for connecting electrical equipment to power sources. These connectors are designed for equipment operating at up to 250 V and commonly used in IT, office, industrial, and consumer electronics.
Instead of hardwiring devices directly to mains power, IEC 60320 connectors allow detachable power cords. This makes equipment easier to ship, replace, and service across different regions.
A simple analogy is charging cables for electronics. You may change the wall plug for different countries, but the device-side connector stays the same. IEC 60320 connectors serve a similar role for powered equipment.
Male vs. Female: How IEC 60320 Connectors Are Defined
One of the most confusing aspects for beginners is identifying male and female IEC connectors. IEC uses specific terminology that does not always match casual language.
Appliance Inlet vs. Appliance Coupler
- Appliance Inlet: Mounted on the equipment (device side). Often referred to as the male side.
- Appliance Coupler: Attached to the power cord. Often referred to as the female side.
This naming is based on mechanical design rather than the direction of electricity.
A Simple Memory Rule
To make IEC 60320 connector identification easier, many engineers and buyers rely on a simple numbering rule. Odd-numbered IEC connectors are female and attach to the power cord, while even-numbered connectors are male and appear as inlets on the equipment. For example, a C13 is a female connector that sits on the cord, while a C14 is the male inlet on the device. The same pattern applies to higher-current connectors, such as C19 (female) and C20 (male). This numbering logic is consistent across the IEC 60320 connector family and provides a quick way to verify compatibility before placing an order.
IEC 60320 Connector Chart
Below is a practical IEC 60320 chart covering the most frequently used connector types.
| IEC Type | Male / Female | Typical Current | Common Use |
| C13 | Female | 10A | Computers, monitors, office equipment |
| C14 | Male | 10A | PC power inlets, displays |
| C19 | Female | 16A | Servers, PDUs, high-power devices |
| C20 | Male | 16A | Server power inlets |
| C5 | Female | 2.5A | Laptop power adapters (“cloverleaf”) |
| C6 | Male | 2.5A | Laptop chargers |
| C7 | Female | 2.5A | Low-power electronics (“figure-8”) |
| C8 | Male | 2.5A | Audio/video devices |
| C15 | Female | 10A | High-temperature appliances |
C13 vs. C14: The Most Common Pair
The C13 / C14 combination is the most widely recognized IEC power connection. It is commonly used for desktop computers, monitors, printers, and many types of office equipment.
- C13: Female connector on the power cord
- C14: Male inlet on the device
These connectors are typically rated for 10A at 250V. They are designed for general-purpose equipment where moderate power and temperature levels are expected.
If you imagine a desktop PC power cable, the end that plugs into the PC is a C13, and the inlet on the PC power supply is a C14.
C19 vs. C20: Higher Power Applications
The C19 / C20 pair is physically larger and rated for 16A, allowing it to handle higher current.
- C19: Female cord connector
- C20: Male equipment inlet
These connectors are commonly used for:
- Servers
- Power Distribution Units (PDUs)
- High-power networking equipment
A helpful visual cue is size. C19 and C20 connectors are noticeably larger than C13/C14, reflecting their higher current capacity.
C5 / C6: The “Cloverleaf” or “Mickey Mouse” Connector
The C5 / C6 connector pair is often called a “cloverleaf” or “Mickey Mouse” connector due to its shape.
- C5: Female connector on the power cord
- C6: Male inlet on the power adapter
This connector is widely used on laptop power supplies and other portable electronics. It supports lower current levels and is designed for compact power adapters.
C7 / C8: The “Figure-8” Connector
The C7 / C8 pair is one of the simplest IEC power cord connector types.
- C7: Female cord connector
- C8: Male inlet
This connector is used for low-power devices such as radios, small audio equipment, and video players. Its symmetrical “figure-8” shape allows reversible insertion, which simplifies use for consumer electronics.
Temperature Ratings: C13 vs. C15
While C13 and C15 connectors look similar, they are designed for different temperature conditions.
- C13: Standard temperature applications
- C15: Higher temperature environments
C15 connectors are commonly used with equipment such as electric kettles or devices near heat sources. A C15 connector can plug into a C16 inlet, but a standard C13 should not be used where higher temperatures are expected.
How to Choose the Right IEC Connector
When selecting from different IEC connector types, consider these factors:
- Device inlet type (C14, C20, C6, etc.)
- Required current rating
- Operating temperature
- Application environment
Using the IEC 60320 chart as a reference helps align cord selection with equipment requirements.
Common Purchasing Mistakes to Avoid
New buyers often run into issues such as:
- Ordering two female connectors instead of a male/female pair
- Choosing C13 cords for equipment that requires C19
- Ignoring temperature ratings for heated devices
Using the odd/even numbering rule and checking current ratings helps reduce these errors.
Final Thoughts
IEC 60320 connectors create a standardized way to connect powered equipment around the world. Once you understand how the numbering system works and how common models differ, selecting the correct connector becomes straightforward.
Whether you are comparing C13 vs C14, sourcing power cord connector types, or building a procurement reference, a clear IEC 60320 chart simplifies decision-making and reduces ordering friction.
Looking for IEC 60320 Connectors in Bulk?
Need to source standard IEC 60320 power connectors for production or inventory?
Browse LANZ’s complete IEC connector catalog to find C13, C14, C19, C20, and more—available in multiple lengths, ratings, and configurations.