What is an IEC Connector?

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Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects simply to a non-technical, business audience. Over…

An IEC connector refers to a type of electronic cable that meet the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. The specification for IEC connectors is IEC-60320. The connectors mount with cables are commonly referred to as female connectors or sockets, whereas the connectors mount with panels are known as male connectors or plugs.

IEC-60320 is a standard for male and female connectors used in cables and electric devices such as computers, workstations, laptops, printers and so on. Note that the IEC-60320 standard applies to different range and types of electrical devices. There is a range of standardized connectors that differ in regards to current capacities, temperature ratings and number of conductors. The main purpose of these cables is to attach an electronic appliance to its power source.

In the classification of IEC connectors, odd numbers denote the female connectors. The corresponding male connector number is the number of female connectors plus one. Thus, C1 is female connector and C2 is the matching male connector. The set of thirteen male and female connectors are summarized below:

C1 and C2: These connectors have 2 conductors, a rated current of 0.2 ampere and a maximum temperature of 70°C.

C3 and C4: These connectors have 2 conductors, a rated current of 2.5 amperes and a maximum temperature of 70°C.

C5 and C6: These connectors have 3 conductors, a rated current of 2.5 amperes and a maximum temperature of 70°C.

C7 and C8: These connectors have 2 conductors, a rated current of 2.5 amperes and a maximum temperature of 70°C. This set allows up to 4 meters length, whereas all the previous connectors allow only 2 meters of cable length.

C9 and C10: These connectors have 2 conductors, a rated current of 6 amperes and a maximum temperature of 70°C.

C11 and C12: These connectors have 2 conductors, a rated current of 10 amperes and a maximum temperature of 70°C but are no longer part of the standard.

C13 and C14: These connectors have 3 conductors, a rated current of 10 amperes and a maximum temperature of 70°C. It is also known as the IEC cold connector. It allows up to 10 meters in length.

C15 and C16: These connectors have 3 conductors, a rated current of 10 amperes and a maximum temperature of 120°C. It is also known as the IEC hot connector or kettle lead.

C15A and C16A: These connectors have 3 conductors, a rated current of 10 amperes and a maximum temperature of 155°C.

C17 and C18: These connectors have 2 conductors, a rated current of 10 amperes and a maximum temperature of 70°C.

C19 and C20: These connectors have 3 conductors, a rated current of 16 amperes and a maximum temperature of 70°C.

C21 and C22: These connectors have 3 conductors, a rated current of 16 amperes and a maximum temperature of 155°C.

C23 and C24: These connectors have 2 conductors, a rated current of 16 amperes and a maximum temperature of 70°C.

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