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SPECIFICATION RESULTS
Nominal Rated Current & Voltage
Pin Parameters & Polarization
Maximum Operating Temperature
Typical Electronics Applications
IEC 60320 Reference Chart Layout
Input Parameters Specification
IEC 60320 CodeThe specific alphanumeric standards code defining the mechanical mating socket and terminal pinout configuration.
Nominal Current Limit (Amps)The safe maximum continuous current load capacity, historically evaluated separately under European (IEC) and North American (UL) testing labs.
Polarization StatusDefines whether the plug has a physical shape restriction to prevent reversing Active/Neutral line boundaries.
Temperature ThresholdThe maximum rated operational heat boundary of the connector shell, with high-temperature units utilizing special notches.
Practical Operational Examples
Desktop Computers
Standard desktop computer power supplies and office monitors utilize C13 sockets and C14 inlets, safely supporting up to 10A current loads.
Home Entertainment Consoles
Flat screen televisions, PS4/PS5 consoles, and Blu-ray players employ the two-pin C7/C8 (Figure-8) standard to save hardware shell space.
Enterprise Datacenter Racks
Blade servers, power distribution units (PDUs), and heavy UPS systems utilize rectangular C19/C20 plugs rated for up to 16A/20A current loads.
Electric Kettles
High-heat kitchen appliances run on C15/C16 hot condition cords, utilizing a notch mechanism that prevents standard 70°C cords from melting.
Formulas & Mathematical Logic
IEC 60320 power connector naming systems follow an odd-and-even mathematical numbering logic.
Odd Designation numbers: Represents the Female Connector (Outlet / Cord Connector) e.g., C13, C15, C19
Even Designation numbers: Represents the Male Inlet (Inlet / Appliance Coupler) e.g., C14, C16, C20
Current ratings vary between North American (UL, usually higher current ratings like 15A at 250V due to wider margin rules) and European standards (IEC, standardizing 10A at 250V for identical core pins).
How to Use This Calculator
Select the desired IEC 60320 power connector pair standard from the dropdown selection box.
Click the orange Calculate button to instantly populate the safety database values.
Examine the resulting cards to find nominal current, pinouts, and thermal thresholds.
Check the visual reference chart image below to identify the connector shape.
Verify terminal temperature ratings and currents before wiring power supplies.
About This Calculator
Instantly identify safe current ratings and applications of IEC 60320 connectors.
The CalcBoy IEC Power Connector Lookup Tool decodes international power inlet standards to prevent current overload risks.
The IEC 60320 standard is a set of international specifications set by the International Electrotechnical Commission. It defines the physical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical safety bounds of non-locking power cords, appliance couplers, and computer inlets operating under 250 Volts. Sizing power cords correctly is critical in consumer electronics, server installations, and industrial product designs to avoid overheating risks.
One common design challenge is ensuring that high-current systems (like enterprise servers) or high-temperature devices (like electric kettles) are fitted with the correct inlets. For example, plugging a standard C13 computer cord (rated for 70°C) into an electric kettle that reaches 120°C would quickly melt the plastic housing, creating a serious hazard. To prevent this, hot-condition inlets like the C16 feature a physical key notch that blocks cooler cords while allowing heat-rated C15 cords to connect safely.
This lookup tool simplifies specification checks. Users can select any standard connector pair to instantly verify safe operational parameters, pin classifications, and typical target applications.
Main BenefitSpeeds up the identification of correct power cables for electronic appliances.
Scope CoveredCovers standard consumer shavers, cloverleaf laptop bricks, desktop systems, and heavy datacenter rack plugs.
Units DisplayedOutputs current limits in Amperes (A), voltages in Volts (V), and thermal boundaries in Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Polarity RulePolarized connectors must have a shaped casing to prevent active/neutral line reversal.
Note: Suffix letter "C" followed by an odd number always represents the female cord connector, while the matching even number represents the male appliance inlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do IEC current ratings differ between Europe and North America?
Different safety standards boards evaluate current limits differently. The European IEC standard enforces stricter thermal margins (e.g. 10A), while the North American UL standard allows higher operating thresholds (e.g. 15A) for identical copper pin layouts.
2. What is a C13 connector?
A C13 is a 3-pin polarized female cord connector widely used in desktop computer power supplies, monitors, instrument racks, and standard household appliances.
3. Why can't I plug a standard computer cord into a kettle?
Kettles generate significant heat and require a high-temperature C15 cord (rated up to 120°C). Standard computer cords (C13) are only rated up to 70°C, and their flat face is physically blocked by the notch on a kettle's C16 male inlet.
4. What is a Cloverleaf or Mickey Mouse connector?
This is the standard term for the C5/C6 connector pair, named after its unique 3-lobed shape. It is commonly found on laptop power bricks and portable projectors.
5. Are C7 and C8 connectors polarized?
Most standard C7/C8 (Figure-8) connectors are non-polarized (symmetric shape). However, there is a polarized variation with one squared-off side, which ensures correct neutral line alignment.
6. What is the purpose of the center earth pin on C13 connectors?
The third center pin connects the metal chassis of the appliance directly to the electrical earth ground path, protecting users from shock hazards in case of internal wiring faults.
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