If you are sourcing power cords for IT hardware, appliances or OEM projects, the C-number system — C13, C14, C19, C20 — often looks like a secret code. It is not. IEC 320 (officially IEC 60320) is the global standard for non-locking appliance couplers: the socket built into the device and the plug moulded onto the cord. Choosing the wrong pair is one of the most common reasons a power product fails compliance or gets returned. This guide explains the connectors that matter most to buyers — C13/C14 and C19/C20 — plus the variants you will meet on factory datasheets.

How the IEC 320 Naming System Works

Every connector family has two halves: odd numbers are female (the cable side), even numbers are male (the device side). A C13 is the female connector on the end of a power cord; a C14 is the male inlet panel-mounted on the device. They are always quoted as a pair: C13/C14 rated 10 A and C19/C20 rated 16 A. The standard also defines the temperature class and the pin geometry, so a C13 cord will physically fit only a C14 inlet — the design is polarity-protected and non-interchangeable across families.

C13/C14 — The Workhorse of IT Power (10 A)

The C13/C14 pair is the most widely used appliance coupler in the world. It is rated 10 A at 250 V AC and appears on desktop computers, monitors, printers, network switches, UPS units, test equipment and most office electronics. For importers, this is the volume SKU: every computer accessory range needs C13 cords in 0.5–3 m lengths, in EU, US, UK and AU plug versions.

Two close relatives worth knowing:

  • C15/C16 (10 A, 120°C) — the "kettle plug" variant with a notch in the shroud, rated for high-temperature appliances such as electric kettles and commercial coffee machines. Never substitute a C13 cord for C15 duty.
  • C17/C18 (10 A, unearthed) — two-pole connectors without an earth pin, used on double-insulated appliances like some printers and small household devices.

You will also see C5/C6 (2.5 A, "Mickey Mouse") and C7/C8 (2.5 A, "figure-8") on laptop power adapters and small audio equipment. These are lower-current families and should be quoted separately from the IT power line.

C19/C20 — High-Power Connections for Servers (16 A)

When equipment draws more than 10 A, the standard moves to the C19/C20 pair, rated 16 A at 250 V AC. Visually the difference is unmistakable: C19/C20 bodies are rectangular, while C13/C14 are rounded. You will find them on rack servers, large UPS systems, high-wattage PDUs and industrial appliances that need 220–240 V at higher current.

In a data centre you rarely see one connector alone. A typical server rack mixes C19/C20 for the UPS feed and C13/C14 for individual PDU outlets, which is why buyers of network and server rack equipment should stock both families and confirm the input connector of every device on the spec sheet.

The Wall Plug Is a Separate Decision

IEC 60320 only covers the appliance coupler. The plug at the wall is governed by each destination country: CEE 7/7 "Schuko" in Europe, NEMA 5-15P in North America, BS 1363 in the UK, AS/NZS 3112 in Australia/New Zealand and GB 2099 in China. A complete power cord is therefore three decisions: coupler pair + cable + country plug. When you request a quotation, specify the end market, not just "C13" — a C13 cord with a UK plug and a C13 cord with a US plug are different SKUs with different tooling and certification.

What to Specify When Ordering From a Factory

  • Connector pair and rating: C13/C14 (10 A) vs C19/C20 (16 A), plus temperature class if the application runs hot.
  • Cable construction: H05VV-F 3G0.75–1.0 mm² for 10 A, H05VV-F 3G1.5 mm² for 16 A, with the correct conductor count (2G for unearthed, 3G for earthed).
  • Length and colour: standard 1.8 m / 3 m black, or custom lengths and colours for retail differentiation.
  • Certifications: CE and RoHS are the baseline for EU markets; add VDE (Germany), UL (North America) or SAA (Australia) when your target market requires them.
  • Testing: every cord should pass a full electrical test — continuity, polarity, insulation and 100% aging test — before shipment. At Senye Cable, power cords go through 100% aging testing as standard.

Working With a Power Cord Factory

A reliable partner should be able to quote the whole matrix — power cords across C13/C14 and C19/C20, with EU/US/UK/AU plugs, in custom lengths, colours and your own logo on the plug and packaging. Guangzhou Senye Network Technology Co., Ltd. has manufactured power cords and computer peripherals since 2011, with 1,000+ product types exported to 40+ countries. The factory holds CE and RoHS certification, is SGS-verified, and supports OEM/ODM from small trial quantities up to full container loads — see our latest product line-up for the current catalogue.

Guangzhou Senye Network Technology Co., Ltd. — cable manufacturer since 2011, 1,000+ product types, CE & RoHS certified, SGS-verified, OEM/ODM supported, exporting to 40+ countries.