IEC connector
From Free net encyclopedia
IEC connector is the common name for the type C13 plug and matching C14 socket defined by International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) specification IEC 60320.
The proper name for the set of thirteen plugs (called the connector in the specification) and thirteen matching sockets (called the inlet) defined by this specification is IEC-320 Appliance Connectors. They include two and three-conductor plugs of various current capacities and temperature ratings, all designed specifically for the purpose of attaching a mains power cord to a piece of equipment.
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C13 and C14 connectors
Image:IEC60320 C13.jpg Image:IEC60320 C14.jpg Almost all personal computers use the ten-amp panel-mounting C14 inlet to attach the mains cord to the power supply, as do many monitors, printers and other peripherals. Many older computers also provide a panel-mounting C13 outlet for powering the monitor. In the AT days this was controlled by the physical power switch but with the arival of ATX it was generally permanently powered or ommitted altogether.
A three-conductor cord with a suitable power plug for the territory in which the appliance is used on one end and a C13 line socket on the other is commonly called an IEC cord. IEC cords are used to power many other pieces of electronic equipment other than computers, for example instrument amplifiers and much professional audio equipment.
Image:PC flex with CEE 7-7 plug.png
C15 and C16 connectors
Many electric kettles and similar household appliances use a cord with a C15 line socket, and a matching C16 inlet connector on the appliance. These are similar to the C13 and C14 combination but have a higher temperature rating, 120 degrees Celsius rather than 70 degrees Celsius.
The C15 line socket will fit the C14 inlet, but the C13 will not fit the C16. That is, you can use an electric kettle cord to power a computer, but not a computer cord to power a kettle. The C16 has a plastic 'block' opposite the earth pin - preventing C13's fitting, C15's have a cut out hole to match. Many people do not notice this subtle distinction and ignorantly refer to cords with both variants as kettle leads in the United Kingdom, and jug plugs in Australia.
The C15 and C16 connectors have replaced and obsoleted the appliance plug in most applications.
C17 and C18 Connectors
| Image:Plug IEC320 Kaltgeräteanschlusssteckdose DIN VDE 0625 Teil 1 Normblatt C17.jpg | Image:Socket IEC320 Kaltgeräteeinbaustecker DIN VDE 0625 Teil 1 Normblatt C18.jpg |
Similar to C13 and C14 connectors.However the C17 and C18 do not have a third pin for earthing. A C18 inlet will accept a C13 line socket but a C14 inlet will not accept a C17 line socket.
Other IEC appliance connectors
Image:IEC60320 C7.jpg Image:Plug Kleeblattstecker DIN VDE 0625 Teil 1 Normblatt C5.jpg The unpolarised C1 is commomly used for shavers and the C7 connector for small cassette recorders and similar appliances. The polarised C5 connector is now commonly used on the AC side of laptop computer power supplies.
In each case, the matching socket is designated by the even number one greater than the odd number assigned to the plug, so a C1 fits a C2, and a C15A fits a C16A.
Most are polarised, the exceptions being the C1, C7 and C9 plugs. All have maximum temperature ratings of 70 °C unless noted.
- C1 2-conductor 0.2A (unpolarised)
- C3 2-conductor 2.5A
- C5 3-conductor 2.5A
- C7 2-conductor 2.5A (unpolarised)
- C9 2-conductor 6A (unpolarised)
- C11 2-conductor 10A
- C13 3-conductor 10A
- C15 3-conductor 10A (120 °C maximum temperature)
- C15A 3-conductor 10A (155 °C maximum temperature)
- C17 2-conductor 16A
- C19 3-conductor 16A
- C21 3-conductor 16A (155 °C maximum temperature)
- C23 2-conductor 16A
There are some physical compatibilities not noted here.