IEC 60320 Locking Plugs & Connectors | Reference Information
The IEC 60320 power cords are used to power cords for IT Equipment and other devices around the world. As the applications grew, so did the need to solve circumstantial problems. One of these was reducing the chance that a piece of IT Equipment like a switch or server, would become unplugged unintentionally and cause the website or user sessions to crash. The best current solution to this is Locking Power Cords.
There are several styles of locking data center power cords, used for different applications. Some are universal, while other are design for specific products. The reference guide is designed to educate you not only on the options you have available, but also the different types of plugs and connectors you can choose from with these added features.
IEC 60320 C15 (A-Lock)
The IEC 60320 C15 is a grounded 3 Wire connector rated up to 250V & 10 Amps Internationally and 125V/250V & 15 Amps in North America. The C15 mates with a C16 inlet as well as a C14 Inlet and is commonly used in IT Installations providing power from a PDU to a server, router, switch or other computing device. The C15 is a HIGH TEMPERATURE connector rated up to 120°C, unlike the 70°C rating of the C13. The C15 is commonly used in in electric kettles and other household appliances that involve higher temperatures than a normal C13 is made to withstand. The C15 connector is commonly used with 18awg SJT(OW), 16awg SJT(OW), and 14awg SJT(OW).
IEC 60320 C19 (A-Lock)
The IEC 60320 C19 is a grounded 3 Wire connector rated up to 250V and 20 Amps. The C19 mates with a C20 inlet, and is commonly used in a jumper cable scenario in IT Installations providing power from a PDU to a server, router, switch or other computing device. The C19 is typically used in high powered blade server chassis, large network routers, and other IT equipment that draws more power than a standard C13 can accommodate. The A-Lock feature can be used on any standard C2 inlet, it can be disconnected bu pulling back on the red tabs on the side of connector head.
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IEC 60320 C13 (A-Lock)
The IEC 60320 C13 is a grounded 3 Wire connector rated up to 250V and 15 Amps. The C13 mates with a C14 inlet, and is commonly used in a jumper cable scenario in IT Installations providing power from a PDU to a server, router, switch or other computing device. Most people know the C13 as 'the thing that plugs into my computer' because it is the standard connector used to power most desktop computers. In a desktop computer application, the most common cable is the NEMA 5-15P to C13, which connects your standard North American wall outlet to a desktop computer. The A-Lock feature can be used on any standard C14 inlet, it can be disconnected by pulling back on the red tabs on the side of connector head.
IEC 60320 C14 (P-Lock)
The IEC 60320 C14 is a grounded 3 Wire Plug rated up to 250V and 15 Amps. The C14 mates with a C13 outlet, typically found on Data Center/IT specific PDUs (Power Distribution Unit). The IEC 60320 C14 is typically used with either 18awg SVT, 18awg SJT(OW), 16awg SJT(OW) or 14awg SJT(OW). The types of cordages used will change the rating of the overall cord set. The P-Lock feature securely locks the plug into place when used with a standard C13 inlet.The Locking Plug helps ensure a secure connection between the cable and the pdu, reducing accidental power loss to equipment due to loose connections.
IEC 60320 C20 (P-Lock)
The C20 P-Lock is a high quality design, that virtually eliminates chances of nuisance unplugging by latching into the C19 Inlet that it plugs into. This can be an essential solution for design teams looking to eliminate these moments of stress when a plug powering IT Equipment becomes unplugged. To unlatch the locked plug, pinch the tabs located on each side. Discuss with your team locations in your data center or server room where there is high traffic, and good candidates for such locking features.
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IEC 60320 C14 (V-Lock)
The IEC 60320 C14 is a grounded 3 Wire Plug rated up to 250V and 15 Amps. The C14 mates with a C13 outlet, typically found on Data Center/IT specific PDUs (Power Distribution Unit). The IEC 60320 C14 is typically used with either 18awg SVT, 18awg SJT(OW), 16awg SJT(OW) or 14awg SJT(OW). The types of cordages used will change the rating of the overall cord set. The locking mechanism is released by pressing the release lever. With it's bright yellow color, it is easily recognizable and distinguishes this system from conventional connections. The pull-out force is at least 200 N.
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IEC 60320 C20 (V-Lock)
The IEC 60320 C20 is a grounded 3 Wire Plug rated up to 250V and 20 Amps. The C20 mates with a C19 outlet, typically found on Data Center/IT specific PDUs (Power Distribution Unit). The most common configuration for a C20 is in a jumper cable scenario, providing power from a PDU to a blade server chassis, high powered server, large network router, or similar device. The locking mechanism is released by pressing the release lever. With it's bright yellow color, it is easily recognizable and distinguishes this system from conventional connections. The pull-out force is at least 200 N. The V-Lock Locking mechanism will only engage with the matching inlet/ connector (C19).
IEC 60320 C13 (V-Lock)
The IEC 60320 C13 is a grounded 3 Wire connector rated up to 250V and 15 Amps. The C13 mates with a C14 inlet, and is commonly used in a jumper cable scenario in IT Installations providing power from a PDU to a server, router, switch or other computing device. Most people know the C13 as 'the thing that plugs into my computer' because it is the standard connector used to power most desktop computers. In a desktop computer application, the most common cable is the NEMA 5-15P to C13, which connects your standard North American wall outlet to a desktop computer. The locking mechanism is released by pressing the release lever. With it's bright yellow color, it is easily recognizable and distinguishes this system from conventional connections. The pull-out force is at least 200 N. The V-Lock Locking mechanism will only engage with the matching .
IEC 60320 C19 (V-Lock)
The IEC 60320 C19 is a grounded 3 Wire connector rated up to 250V and 20 Amps. The C19 mates with a C20 inlet, and is commonly used in a jumper cable scenario in IT Installations providing power from a PDU to a server, router, switch or other computing device. The C19 is typically used in high powered blade server chassis, large network routers, and other IT equipment that draws more power than a standard C13 can accommodate.The locking mechanism is released by pressing the release lever. With it's bright yellow color, it is easily recognizable and distinguishes this system from conventional connections. The pull-out force is at least 200 N. The V-Lock Locking mechanism will only engage with the matching plug.
IEC 60320 C13 (IEC-Lock)
The IEC 60320 C13 is a grounded 3 Wire connector rated up to 250V and 15 Amps. The C13 mates with a C14 inlet, and is commonly used in a jumper cable scenario in IT Installations providing power from a PDU to a server, router, switch or other computing device. Most people know the C13 as 'the thing that plugs into my computer' because it is the standard connector used to power most desktop computers. In a desktop computer application, the most common cable is the NEMA 5-15P to C13, which connects your standard North American wall outlet to a desktop computer. The IEC-Lock feature can be used on any standard C14 inlet because it is an internal locking mechanism that pinches the C14 inlet pins, it can be disconnected by pulling back on the red ring tabs on the side of connector head.
C14 : One of many Secure Sleeve Options
For customers looking for a quick and cost effective solution to reduce the possibility of unintentional unplugging, without having to spend the money to buy a whole new set of power cords for your equipment, we offer secure sleeves. These fit snuggly into and around inlets, connectors and plugs to provide a much tighter mate between the plug and connector.