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A Guide to IEC Connectors (IEC 60320)

A Guide to IEC 60320 Connectors

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) defines a set of standard couplers for connecting power cords to electrical appliances. This standard, IEC 60320, ensures that connectors from different manufacturers are compatible and safe.

The standard names the plug on the end of a cord as the "connector" and the socket on the appliance as the "appliance inlet". A connector's matching inlet is designated by an odd number that is one number higher than the even number assigned to the connector. For example, a C13 connector fits into a C14 inlet.

The table below is based on the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 60320.1:2004.

Connector Type Connector (Female) Appliance Inlet (Male) Class Max Temp. Rated Current (Amps)
C1/C2 'shaver' connector C1 C2 II 70°C 0.2
C5/C6 'Mickey Mouse' connector C5 C6 I 70°C 2.5
C7/C8 'Figure-8' connector C7 C8 II 70°C 2.5
C13/C14 'kettle cord' connector C13 C14 I 70°C 10.0
C15/C16 'hot condition' connector C15 C16 I 120°C 10.0
C15A/C16A 'very hot condition' connector C15A C16A I 155°C 10.0
C17/C18 unearthed connector C17 C18 II 70°C 10.0
C19/C20 high-current connector C19 C20 I 70°C 16.0
C21/C22 high-current 'hot condition' connector C21 C22 I 155°C 16.0

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