TECH TIPS - IEC CONNECTOR & CABLE GUIDE


We often find that people are unsure of the difference between mains power cables, or what the IEC standards are. To put it simply, the standards define the mechanical, electrical and thermal requirements and safety requirements of power couplers.

There are 12 IEC connectors by shape; each has a different name for the Male or Female side. For example C7 is male and C8 is female, but both have the same shape connector. Below you can find a list of the IEC connectors we supply, and a diagram of each.


 C5 / C6

Widely used for laptop power supplies, also known as the “Mickey Mouse” or “Cloverleaf” connector. The C5 connector is typically found on power cables; the C6 connector is the inlet typically found on devices and power supplied. View the range of Lindy IEC C5 mains cables here.

 C7 / C8

Also known as the “Figure-8” or “Shotgun” connector, very widely used on an array of devices such as TVs, Blu-ray players, and laptop chargers. This is polarised. There is an un-polarised version of the C7 that has a flat edge on one side of the figure-8 shape. The C7 connector is typically used on a mains cable; the C8 connector is used on the device / power supply. View the range of Lindy IEC C7 mains cables here. 

C13 / C14

Very widely used for computers, monitors and older laptop power supplies. The IEC C13 connector is typically used on standard mains cables; the C14 connector is used on devices, power supplies and IEC extension cables. View the range of Lindy IEC C13/C14 mains cables here.

C15 / C16

Similar to the C13 but with a much higher temperature rating, this is usually used for a kitchen appliances, and is known as a “Kettle lead”. This is a “hot condition” cable which means it is rated to withstand higher temperatures. It looks simialr to the IEC C13 / C14 connector but is differentiated by a cut out at the bottom of the connector. The C15 connector is typically used on mains cables; the C14 connector is used on devices. View Lindy IEC C15/C16 IEC mains cables here. 

C19 / C20

A high amp rated connector usually used in high-power situations such as on workstations or servers. The C19 connector is used on mains cables; the C20 connector is used on devices, power supplies and extension cables. View the range of Lindy IEC C19/C20 IEC mains cables here.


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