Designing Products with IEC 60320 C13 Connectors and C14 Inlets
Using globally-accepted power system components, such as IEC 60320 connectors and inlets, in a product design can help to expand business opportunities.
Application
IEC 60320 is a set of standards from the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) specifying components for the connection of power supply cords to electrical equipment up to 250V. The IEC 60320 AC power inlet is the most commonly used means of connecting a detachable cord set to electrical or electronic equipment. The IEC 60320 system is used throughout the industrialized world. By designing an IEC 60320 power inlet into a product, the manufacturer can attach a country-specific cord set (e.g. a country-specific plug on one end with an IEC 60320 connector on the other end) just prior to shipment. This can allow the equipment manufacturer to make a product that can be used in global markets.
IEC 60320 Connectors and Inlets
Among the components within the IEC 60320 system are connectors and inlets. A connector is the outlet power end of a cord providing power to the equipment through connection to an inlet. The input power connection on equipment is called the inlet. It is the connection device that provides access for electricity to enter the equipment.
Also known as appliance couplers, a connector and an inlet enable the use of standard inlets and country-specific cord sets. This allows manufacturers to produce the same appliance for many markets, where only the cord set has to be changed for a particular market.
Each type of connector and inlet is identified by the letter “C” followed by a number. The number for the appliance inlet is one higher than the number of the corresponding connector.
C13 Connector and C14 Inlet
The C13 connector and C14 inlet are two of the most common IEC 60320 components used at Interpower. The mounting style for the C13 connector is cable-mount. The C14 inlet is available as a screw-mount or a snap-in.
C13 Connector |
C14 Inlet |
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C13 connectors offered by Interpower are rated at 10A/250VAC international and 15A/250VAC North America with a temperature rating of up to 70°C.
C14 inlets are also rated at 10A/250VAC international and 15A/250VAC North America with a temperature rating of up to 70°C.
At Interpower, there are five different configurations available for the C13 connector—four angled and one straight version. If space is limited between the equipment and the wall or if the cord length needs to be kept to a minimum, an angled connector may assist in a safer routing of the cable, by helping to keep the cable from becoming pinched or tangled.
Common uses for the C13 connector/C14 inlet include medical equipment, test equipment, and IT equipment, along with commercial appliances, some home appliances, data centers, power distribution devices, and professional food equipment, to name a few.
Additional Resources
For more information, see the complete line of IEC 60320 products available at Interpower, including the C13 angle connectors. See also the Featured Product page.
Interpower offers free technical support. For further assistance, please see Interpower’s contact information below.
