IEC 60320 C14/C15 power cords are used primarily to conduct electrical power from a C13 power outlet to a C16 power inlet. The C14 male plug on the cable mates to a C13 power outlet on a power strip or power distribution unit (PDU). The C15 female connector end on the cable mates to a C16 power inlet on your equipment.
These cord sets are available for North American applications in 10 amp, 13 amp and 15 amp ratings to meet the specific equipment current draw requirements of various applications. C14 to C15 cords are manufactured with 18 AWG (10A), 16 AWG (13A) or 14 AWG (15A) conductors and are finished with a flexible but robust SJT outer jacket. The maximum voltage ratings of all the above cords is 250 volts regardless of the conductor size. Black is the most common production color, however they are available in a wide range of colors. Commonly used colors are red, blue, green, yellow, gray and white.
C14 to C15 power cords are also available for use in applications outside of the United States and Canada. These international type power cords are commonly made with cable which is constructed of three PVC insulated 1.0 mm2 copper conductors which are then cabled together and covered in a durable PVC outer jacket. This cable is usually designated as H05VV-F3G.
Interchangeability of different manufacturers’ products is ensured by supplying cord sets which adhere to the internationally accepted standards as established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). IEC standard 60320 specifies the dimensions and arrangement of the pins on the C14 male plug as well as the dimensions and arrangement of the sockets on the C15 female connector. The C15 and C16 are both rated for use up to 120°C which makes them ideally suited to rack environments that often contain densely packed cords.
Safety is ensured through the use of an independent nationally recognized testing laboratory (NTRL). Every cord is tested for continuity, polarity and dielectric voltage-withstand (Hi-Pot). Cords that are intended for use in the United States will be marked with the Underwriters Laboratories’ (UL) mark. Cords that are approved for use in Canada will carry the cUL mark or the Canadian Standards Associations’ CSA mark. Cords that are designed for use outside of the United States and Canada will have the approval mark that is specific to the country in which the power cord is being utilized, i.e., a cord set intended for use in Germany will have the VDE safety marking.
