IEC 60320

IEC 60320 Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes[1] is a set of standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) specifying non-locking connectors for connecting power supply cords to electrical appliances of voltage not exceeding 250 V (a.c.) and rated current not exceeding 16 A.[2] Different types of connector (distinguished by shape and size) are specified for different combinations of current, temperature and earthing requirements. Unlike IEC 60309 connectors, they are not coded for voltage; users must ensure that the voltage rating of the equipment is compatible with the mains supply. The standard uses the term coupler to encompass connectors on power cords and power inlets and outlets built into appliances.

IEC 60320 C5 connector

The first edition of IEC 320 (later renumbered IEC 60320) was published in 1970.[3]

Terminology

Appliance couplers enable the use of standard inlets and country-specific cord sets which allow manufacturers to produce the same appliance for many markets, where only the cord set has to be changed for a particular market. Interconnection couplers allow a power supply from a piece of equipment or an appliance to be made available to other equipment or appliances. Couplers described under these standards have standardized current and temperature ratings.

The parts of the couplers are defined in the standard as follows.

  • Connector: "part of the appliance coupler integral with, or intended to be attached to, one cord connected to the supply".
  • Appliance inlet: "part of the appliance coupler integrated as a part of an appliance or incorporated as a separate part in the appliance or equipment or intended to be fixed to it".
  • Plug connector: "part of the interconnection coupler integral with or intended to be attached to one cord".
  • Appliance outlet: "part of the interconnection coupler which is the part integrated or incorporated in the appliance or equipment or intended to be fixed to it and from which the supply is obtained".
  • Cord set: "assembly consisting of one cable or cord fitted with one non-rewirable plug and one non-rewirable connector, intended for the connection of an electrical appliance or equipment to the electrical supply".
  • Interconnection cord set: "assembly consisting of one cable or cord fitted with one non-rewirable plug connector and one non-rewirable connector, intended for the interconnection between two electrical appliances".

Non-rewirable plugs and connectors are typically permanently molded onto cords, and cannot be removed or rewired without cutting the cords.

Although the terms "male" and "female" are sometimes applied to these connectors, the terms are not used in the standards themselves. Gender references for connectors refer only to the contacts, not the complete connectors. "Male" refers to a pin contact and "female" to a socket contact. "Connectors" and "appliance outlets" are fitted with socket contacts, and "appliance inlets" and "plug connectors" are fitted with pin contacts.

Each type of coupler is identified by a standard sheet number. For appliance couplers this consists of the letter "C" followed by a number, where the standard sheet for the appliance inlet is 1 higher than the sheet for the corresponding cable connector. Many types of coupler also have common names. The most common ones are IEC connector for the common C13 and C14, the figure-8 connector for C7 and C8, and cloverleaf connector or Mickey Mouse connector for the C5/C6. Kettle plug (often jug plug in Australian English) is a colloquial term used for the high-temperature C16 appliance inlet (and sometimes, wrongly, for the mating C15 connector). "Kettle plug" is sometimes mistakenly used to refer to regular temperature-rated C13 and C14 connectors, which should not be used with heating appliances.

Application

Detachable appliance couplers are used in office equipment, measuring instruments, IT environments, and medical devices, among many types of equipment for worldwide distribution. Each appliance's power system must be adapted to the different plugs used in different regions. An appliance with a permanently-attached plug for use in one country cannot be readily sold in another which uses an incompatible wall socket; this requires keeping track of variations throughout the product's life cycle from assembly and testing to shipping and repairs.

Instead, a country-specific power supply cord can be included in the product packaging, so that model variations are minimized and factory testing is simplified. A cord which is fitted with non-rewireable (usually moulded) connectors at both ends is termed a cord set. Appliance manufacturing may be simplified by mounting an appliance coupler directly on the printed circuit board. Assembly and handling of an appliance is easier if the power cord can be removed without much effort.

Appliances can be used in another country easily, with a simple change of the power supply cord (including a connector and a country-specific plug). The power supply cord can be replaced easily if damaged, because it is a standardized part that can be unplugged and re-inserted. Safety hazards, maintenance expenditure and repairs are minimized.

Standards

Parts of the standard

IEC 60320 is divided into several parts:

  • IEC 60320-1: General Requirements specifies two-pole and two-pole with earth couplers intended for the connection of a supply cord to electrical appliances.[2] As from IEC 60320-1:2015 this part also applies to interconnection couplers which enable the connection and disconnection of an appliance to a cord leading to another appliance. This part of the standard no longer includes standard sheets which have been moved to a new part first published in 2014: IEC 60320-3.
  • IEC 60320-2-1: Sewing machine couplers specifies couplers which are not interchangeable with other couplers from IEC 60320, for use with household sewing machines. They are rated no higher than 2.5 A and 250 V AC.[4]
  • IEC 60320-2-2 Interconnection couplers for household and similar equipment. This section was withdrawn in January 2016. The general requirements for these items are now included in IEC 60320-1 and the standard sheets are part of IEC 60320-3.
  • IEC 60320-2-3: Couplers with a degree of protection higher than IPX0[5] specifies couplers with some degree of liquid ingress protection.
  • IEC 60320-2-4: Couplers dependent on appliance weight for engagement.[6]
  • IEC 60320-3: Standard sheets and gauges.[7] This part includes the standard sheets for both appliance couplers and interconnection couplers. For appliance couplers the various coupler outlines are designated using a combination of letters and numbers, e.g., "C14". The connector supplies power to the appliance inlet. The appliance inlet is designated by the even number one greater than the number assigned to the connector, so a C1 connector mates with a C2 inlet, and a C15A mates with a C16A. Interconnection couplers have single letter designators, e.g., "F". They consist of two parts: a plug connector, which is the part integral with, or intended to be attached to, the cord, and an appliance outlet, which is the part integrated or incorporated in the appliance or equipment or intended to be fixed to it, and from which the supply is obtained.

Contents of standards

The standards define the mechanical, electrical and thermal requirements and safety goals of power couplers. The standard scope is limited to appliance couplers with a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V (a.c.) at 50 Hz or 60 Hz, and a rated current not exceeding 16 A. Further sub-parts of IEC 60320 focus on special topics such as protection ratings and appliance specific requirements.

Selection of a coupler depends in part on the IEC appliance classes. The shape and dimensions of appliance inlets and connectors are coordinated so that a connector with lower current rating, temperature rating, or polarization cannot be inserted into an appliance inlet that requires higher ratings. (i.e. a Protection Class II connector cannot mate with a Class I inlet which requires an earth); whereas connecting a Class I connector to a Class II appliance inlet is possible because it creates no safety hazard.

Pin temperature is measured where the pin projects from the engagement surface. The maximum permitted pin temperatures, are 70 °C (158 °F), 120 °C (248 °F), and 155 °C (311 °F), respectively (the higher temperatures are not applicable to interconnection couplers). The pin temperature is determined by the design of the appliance, and its interior temperature, rather than by its ambient temperature. Typical applications with increased pin temperatures include appliances with heating coils such as ovens or electric grills. It is generally possible to use a connector with a higher rated temperature with a lower rated appliance inlet, but the keying feature of the inlet prevents use of a connector with a lower temperature rating.

Connectors are also classified according to the method of connecting the cord, either as rewirable connectors or non-rewirable connectors.

In addition the standards define further general criteria such as withdrawal forces, testing procedures, the minimum number of insertion cycles, and the number of flexings of cords.

IEC 60320-1 defines a cord set as an "assembly consisting of one cable or cord fitted with one plug and one connector, intended for the connection of an electrical appliance or equipment to the electrical supply". It also defines an interconnection cord set as an "assembly consisting of one cable or cord fitted with one plug connector and one connector, intended for the interconnection between two electrical appliances".

In addition to the connections within the standards, as mentioned, there are possible combinations between appliance couplers and IEC interconnection couplers. Fitted with a flexible cord, the components become interconnection cords to be used for connecting appliances or for extending other interconnection cords or power supply cords.

North American ratings

North American rating agencies (CSA, NOM-ANCE, and UL) will certify IEC 60320 connectors for higher currents than are specified in the IEC standard itself. In particular, UL will certify:

  • C5/C6 connectors for up to 13 A,[8] although 10 A is more commonly seen (IEC maximum is 2.5 A)
  • C7/C8 connectors for up to 10 A[9] (IEC maximum is 2.5 A)
  • C13/C14 and C15/C16 connectors for up to 15 A[10] (IEC maximum is 10 A)
  • C19/C20 and C21/C22 connectors for up to 20 A[11] (IEC maximum is 16 A)

Given the 120 V (±5%) mains supply used in the United States[12] and Canada,[13] these higher ratings permit devices with C6 and C8 inputs to draw more than 114 V × 2.5 A = 285 W from the mains, and devices with C14 inputs to draw more than 1140 W from the mains.

This is exploited by high-powered computer power supplies, up to 1200 W output, and even some particularly efficient 1500 W output models[14] to use the more popular C14 input on products sold worldwide.

Although less common, power bricks with C6 and C8 inputs and ratings up to 300 W also exist.

Appliance couplers

The dimensions and tolerances for connectors and appliance inlets are given in standard sheets, which are dimensioned drawings showing the features required for safety and interchangeability.

Appliance couplers
Connector Appliance inlet Diagram Pin spacing,
centres (mm)		 Earth contact Appliance class Rewirable
connector
allowed?		 Max. current
(A)		 Max. pin temp.
(°C)		 Polarized Remarks and example uses
C1 C2 6.6 No II No 0.2 70 No Found on many electric shavers, for example.
C3 C4 10 No II 2.5 70 Yes Similar connector to C5/C6, but with a key ridge instead of an earthing conductor, withdrawn from standard.
C5 C6 10 (H)
4.5 (V)		 Yes I No 2.5 70 Yes Many small switched-mode power supplies used for laptops. Commonly referred to as a "clover-leaf" or "Mickey Mouse" connector due to its shape.
C7 C8 8.6 No II No 2.5 70 No Domestic audio, video, radio equipment and doubly insulated power supplies. C8 inlet is 10 mm deep, C8A and C8B inlets are 15.5 mm deep. Commonly referred to as "figure 8" or "infinity" in the UK.
There is a similar polarized connector having one squared side, (see outline below), but this is not part of the standard.
C9 C10 10 No II No 6 70 No This kind of coupler is used by Roland Corporation for a couple of synthesizer and drum-computer models (for example: TR-909, D-50) and by Revox for many older models of their hi-fi equipment (for example, A76, A77, A78, B77, B225). Was also used heavily on Marantz hi-fi equipment in the 1980s and 1990s.
C11 C12 10 No II 10 70 Yes Similar to C9 with a slot in the connector, withdrawn from standard.
C13 C14 14 (H)
4 (V)		 Yes I Yes 10 70 Yes Very common on personal computers and peripherals. Commonly but incorrectly referred to as a "kettle cord", but kettles in countries using 120V require the C15/C16.
C15 C16 14 (H)
4 (V)		 Yes I Yes 10 120 Yes For use in high-temperature settings (for example, electric kettle, computer networking closets). Also used in Cisco Catalyst series switches, Cisco MDS9500 series rack-mounted SAN switches,[15] HP Procurve switches, Dell PowerConnect switches and early Xbox 360 power supplies.
C15A C16A 14 (H)
4 (V)		 Yes I Yes 10 155 Yes For use in very-high-temperature settings, such as some stage lighting instruments. Similar to C15/C16, but the top is narrowed to exclude the C15 cord connector.
C17 C18 14 No II No 10 70 Yes Xbox One power supply [16] some vacuum cleaners, CPAP machines, audio equipment, televisions, medical devices, IBM Wheelwriter typewriters.
C19 C20 13 (H)
8 (V)		 Yes I Yes 16 70 Yes Common for supply of power to enterprise-class servers, UPSs, datacenter rack-mounted power-distribution units and other equipment that draws too much current for C13/C14 type to be used.
C21 C22 13 (H)
8 (V)		 Yes I Yes 16 155 Yes High-temperature variant of C19/C20
C23 C24 13 No II No 16 70 Yes Ungrounded variant of C19/C20

C1/C2 coupler

The C1 coupler and C2 inlet were commonly used for mains-powered electric shavers. These have largely been supplanted by cordless shavers with rechargeable batteries or corded shavers with an AC adapter.

C5/C6 coupler

This coupler is sometimes colloquially called a cloverleaf coupler or "Mickey Mouse" (because the cross section resembles the silhouette of the Disney character).

The C6 inlet is used on laptop power supplies and portable projectors, as well as on some desktop computers and recent LCD televisions from LG.

C7/C8 coupler

Commonly known as a "figure-8", "infinity" or "shotgun" connector due to the shape of its cross-section, or less commonly, a Telefunken connector[17] after its originator. This coupler is often used for small cassette recorders, battery/mains-operated radios, battery chargers, some full-size audio-visual equipment, laptop computer power supplies, video game consoles, and similar double-insulated appliances.

A C8B inlet type is defined by the standard for use by dual-voltage appliances; it has three pins and can hold a C7 connector in either of two positions, allowing the user to select voltage by choosing the position the connector is inserted.[18]

A similar but polarized connector has been made, but is not part of the standard. Sometimes called C7P, it is asymmetrical, with one side squared. Unpolarized C7 connectors can be inserted into the polarized inlets; however, doing so might be a safety risk if the device is designed for polarized power. Although not specified by IEC 60320, and not clear whether any formal written standard exists, the most common wiring appears to connect the squared side to the neutral, and the rounded to the hot line.[19][20] Note: Clause 9.5 was added to IEC 60320-1:2015, this requires that "It shall not be possible to engage a part of a non-standard appliance coupler with a complementary part of an appliance coupler complying with the standard sheets in any part of IEC 60320."

Macbook charger cabled adapter
iPad charger with "duckhead"

Apple uses a modified version of this connector, with the receptacle having a proprietary pin that secures the adapter in place and provides grounding. The cabled adapter provides grounding through a slide-in connector, while the angled AC adapter ("duckhead") does not provide grounding.

C13/C14 coupler

Most desktop computers use the C14 inlet to attach the power cord to the power supply, as do many instrument amplifiers, monitors, printers and other peripherals. A power cord with a suitable power plug (for the locality where the appliance is being used) on one end and a C13 connector (connecting to the appliance) on the other is commonly called an IEC cord. IEC cords are used to power many pieces of electronic equipment, including computers, instrument amplifiers, professional audio equipment and virtually all professional video equipment.

There are also a variety of splitter blocks, splitter cables, and similar devices available. These are usually un-fused (with the exception of C13 cords attached to BS 1363 plugs, which are always fused).

These cables are sometimes incorrectly referred to as a "kettle cord" or "kettle lead", but the C13/14 connectors are only rated for 70 °C (158 °F) a device such as a kettle requires the C15/16 connector, rated for 120 °C (248 °F).

A cable consisting of a C13 and C14 connector is commonly mislabeled as an "extension cord", as although that is not the intended purpose, it can be used as such.

The C13 connector and C14 inlet are commonly found on computers, servers, routers, and switches. Power cord sets utilizing a C13 connector and a C14 plug are commonplace in data centers to provide power from a PDU (power distribution unit) to a server. These data-center power cables are now offered in many colors.. Colored power cables are used to color-code installations.[21]

C15/C16 coupler

Some electric kettles and similar hot household appliances like home stills use a supply cord with a C15 connector and a matching C16 inlet on the appliance; their temperature rating is 120 °C (248 °F) rather than the 70 °C (158 °F) of the similar C13/C14 combination. The official designation in Europe for the C15/C16 coupler is a "hot-condition" coupler.

These are similar in form to the C13/C14 coupler, except with a ridge opposite the earth in the C16 inlet (preventing a C13 fitting), and a corresponding valley in the C15 connector (which doesn't prevent it fitting a C14 inlet). For example, an electric kettle cord can be used to power a computer, but an unmodified computer cord cannot be used to power a kettle.

There is some public confusion between C13/C14 and C15/C16 couplers, and it is not uncommon for C13/C14 to be incorrectly referred to as "kettle plug" or "kettle lead" (or some local equivalent).

In European countries the C15/C16 coupler has replaced and made obsolete the formerly common types of national appliance coupler in many applications.

C15A/C16A coupler

This modification of the C15/C16 coupler has an even higher 155 °C (311 °F) temperature rating.

C17/C18 coupler

Similar to C13/C14 coupler, but unearthed. A C18 inlet accepts a C13 connector, but a C14 inlet does not accept a C17 connector.

The IBM Wheelwriter series of electronic typewriters are one common application. Three-wire cords with C13 connectors, which are easier to find, are sometimes used in place of the two-wire cords for replacement. In this case, the ground wire will not be connected.

The C17/C18 coupler is often used in audio applications where a floating ground is maintained to eliminate hum caused by ground loops. Other common applications are the power supplies of Xbox 360 game consoles, replacing the C15/C16 coupler employed initially, and large CRT televisions manufactured by RCA in the early 1990s.

C19/C20 coupler

Earthed, 16 A, polarized. This coupler is used for supplying power in IT applications where higher currents are required, as for instance, on high-power workstations and servers, power to uninterruptible power supplies, power to some power distribution units, large network routers, switches, blade enclosures, and similar equipment. This connector can also be found on high-current medical equipment. It is rectangular and has pins parallel to the long axis of the coupler face.

Withdrawn and other standard sheets

C3, C4, C11 and C12 standard sheets are no longer listed in the standard.

Standard sheet C25 shows retaining device dimensions. Sheet C26 shows detail dimensions for pillar-type terminals, where the end of the screw bears on a wire directly or through a pressure plate. Sheet 27 shows details for screw terminals, where the wire is held by wrapping it around the head of a screw.

Interconnection couplers

Interconnection couplers are similar to appliance couplers, but the appliance outlet is built into a piece of equipment, while the plug connector is attached to a cord. They are identified by letters, not numbers, with one letter identifying the plug connector, and the alphabetical next letter identifying the mating appliance outlet. For example, an E plug fits into an F outlet.

The dimensions and tolerances for plug connectors and appliance outlets are given in standard sheets, which are dimensioned drawings showing the features required for safety and interchangeability.

Interconnection couplers
Plug connector Appliance outlet Drawing Pin spacing,
centres (mm)		 Earth contact Appliance class Rewirable
connector
allowed?		 Max. current
(A)		 Remarks and example uses
A B 10 (H)
4.5 (V)		 Yes I No 2.5 Commonly referred to as a "clover-leaf" or "Mickey Mouse" connector due to its shape. Commonly used for laptop power adapters.
C D 8.6 No II No 2.5 Not polarized. Commonly referred to as a "figure of 8" or "figure 8". Used for double insulated devices such as table top inkjet printers.
E F 14 (H)
4 (V)		 Yes I Yes 10 Very common for power distribution on computer and instrument equipment racks, used to be common as a means of connecting power from a PC to a monitor.
G H 14 No II No 10 Ungrounded variant of E/F
I J 13 (H)
8 (V)		 Yes I Yes 16 Common on enterprise-class servers and datacenter rack-mounted power distribution units.
K L 13 No II Yes 16 Ungrounded variant of I/J
  • Type E plug connector to IEC 60320-2-2
  • Some desktop computers provide both a C14 inlet (lower) and a type F outlet (upper) for powering the monitor
  • Uninterruptible power supply with a C14 inlet (lower left) and four type F outlets (right)

Cables with a C13 connector at one end and a type E plug connector at the other are commonly available. They have a variety of common uses, including connecting power between older PCs and their monitors, extending existing power cords, connecting to type F outlets strips (commonly used with rack-mount gear to save space and for international standardization) and connecting computer equipment to the output of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Type J outlets are used in a similar way.

See also

References
  1. BS EN 60320-1:2015 Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes
  2. "IEC 60320-1". IEC Webstore. International Electrotechnical Commission.
  3. Sophie J. Chumas (ed), Index of international standards, Volume 390 of NBS special publication, US Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards 1974, top of book page 11.
  4. "IEC 60320-2-1:2000 | IEC Webstore". webstore.iec.ch. Retrieved 2020-12-09.
  5. "IEC 60320-2-3:1998+AMD1:2004 CSV | IEC Webstore". webstore.iec.ch. Retrieved 2020-12-09.
  6. "IEC 60320-2-4:2005+AMD1:2009 CSV | IEC Webstore". webstore.iec.ch. Retrieved 2020-12-09.
  7. Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes - Part 3: Standard sheets and gauges
  8. UL certification E152635 covering YC-14 C5 and YP-34 C6 connectors. Note that the manufacturer's page only mentions the 10 A rating when used with 18 AWG wire; the UL certification allows 13 A when used with 16 AWG wire. Retrieved 2014-09-24.
  9. UL certification E152635 covering YC-13 C7 and YP-31 C8 connectors. Retrieved 2014-09-24.
  10. UL certification E152635 covering YC-12 C13, YC-20 C15 and YP-32 C14 connectors. Note that the manufacturer's YC-20 label contains an error; the wire gauges (18, 16, 14) are repeated in the "current rating" column; the UL certification contains the correct values (10 A, 13 A, 15 A). Retrieved 2014-09-24.
  11. UL certification E152635 covering YC-18 C19, YC-25 C21 and YP-33 C20 connectors. Note that the manufacturer's page only mentions the 16 A rating when used with 14 AWG wire; the UL certification allows 20 A when used with 12 AWG wire. Retrieved 2014-09-24.
  12. ANSI C84.1: American National Standard for Electric Power Systems and Equipment—Voltage Ratings (60 Hertz)
  13. CAN3-C235-83: Preferred Voltage Levels for AC Systems, 0 to 50 000 V
  14. One arbitrarily chosen example of a 1500 W PSU with a C14 input is the Enermax MAXREVO 1500 W 80+ Gold. It manages to fit within the 15 A input current limit because of its 80 Plus gold efficiency.
  15. Cisco MDS 9216 Switch Hardware Installation Guide.
  16. "Xbox One Power Supply | Xbox One Console". support.xbox.com. Archived from the original on 2016-11-26. Retrieved 2016-11-25.
  17. "Deco Audio Mains Connectors". Deco Audio. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  18. Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 60320.1:2004, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes Part 1: General Requirements (IEC 60320-1, Ed. 2.0 (2001) MOD). This is the Australian version of the IEC standard with national variations shown.
  19. Specification drawing of Yung Li polarized power cable, showing which pins connect to which wires.
  20. Specification drawing of Quail polarized power cable, showing which pins connect to which wires.
  21. "IEC 60320 C14 C13 Power Cords | 10A, 13A, 15A". WoCo.
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