C13 / C14 - The Cold Device Connector (IEC 60320)

10 A at 250 V with protective earth - the universal power cord for IT, instrumentation and lab equipment.

The C13/C14 connector is by far the most common IEC 60320 device coupling. The C13 connector is the female part on the cable, the C14 inlet sits on the device. With three poles (line, neutral, protective earth), 10 A at 250 V and a 70 °C conductor temperature, it powers virtually every PC, monitor, server, printer, USV and lab instrument in the world. The shortened „cold device“ name distinguishes it from the polarised C15/C16 hot-condition variant for kettles and heaters.

Technical Specifications

Standard	IEC 60320 C13 (female) / C14 (male)
Rated current	10 A
Rated voltage	250 V AC
Poles	3 (with protective earth)
Class	I
Max conductor temp.	70 °C
Typical use	PC, monitor, USV, printer, server

Matching products in the shop

C13/C14 power cords
Server power cables
PDU and rack cables

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a C13 cable on a C15 inlet (e.g. on a kettle)?

No - C15 inlets have a polarisation notch that physically blocks a C13 plug. This prevents 70 °C-rated cables from being used with high-temperature appliances.

What cable cross-section do I need?

H05VV-F 3 x 0.75 mm² for short cords, 3 x 1.0 mm² for runs > 2 m. Up to 10 A both are within IEC limits.

Are C13 / C14 connectors interchangeable with C15 / C16?

Mechanically a C15 plug fits a C14 inlet, but never the other way round. The C15 inlet rejects C13 plugs by design.

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