The Complete Connector GlossaryOver 50 connector types – from IEC 60320 cold-device couplers to country-specific power plugs and modern video, audio and data signal connectors. With standards, current ratings, applications and pin-outs for engineers, planners and procurement teams in B2B.
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Connectors are broadly classified into two categories: power-carrying connectors for the electrical supply (mains plugs, device couplers, internal PC supply) and signal-carrying connectors for audio, video and data. This glossary lists every common form factor with its standards reference, permissible ratings and typical use cases.
Terminology: Plug, Coupler, Socket and Inlet
A connector pair always has two halves — conventionally referred to as male (with exposed contact pins) and female (with the matching contact apertures). Each side comes in two physical builds, depending on whether it is mounted at the end of a cable or fixed to a device housing. That gives four precise terms:
| Cable end | Device housing | |
|---|---|---|
| Male (contact pins) |
Plug | Inlet |
| Female (contact apertures) |
Coupler / connector | Socket / outlet |
IEC 60320 follows this exact pattern: a C13 connector (female, cable end) mates with a C14 inlet (male, device housing). On the supply side, the country plug (e.g. CEE 7/7 male) plugs into the wall socket (CEE 7/3 female).
The Two Main Classes
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Quick Index
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