Xbox One [19] and some Xbox 360 power supplies, [20] some vacuum cleaners, CPAP machines, audio equipment, televisions, medical devices, IBM Wheelwriter typewriters. IEC 60320-2-2: Interconnection couplers for household and similar equipment. This section was withdrawn in January 2016. The general requirements for these items were incorporated into IEC 60320-1 and the standard sheets were moved to IEC 60320-3. Earthed, 16A, polarized. This coupler is used for supplying power in IT applications where higher currents are required, for instance on high-power workstations and servers, power to uninterruptible power supplies, power to some power distribution units, large network routers, switches, blade enclosures, and similar equipment. This connector can also be found on high-current medical equipment. It is rectangular and has pins parallel to the long axis of the coupler face. In addition the standards define further general criteria such as withdrawal forces, testing procedures, the minimum number of insertion cycles, and the number of flexings of cords. Commonly known as a "figure-8", "infinity" or "shotgun" connector due to the shape of its cross-section, or less commonly, a Telefunken connector [21] after its originator.

Appliance outlet: "part of the interconnection coupler which is the part integrated or incorporated in the appliance or equipment or intended to be fixed to it and from which the supply is obtained". Appliance inlet: "part of the appliance coupler integrated as a part of an appliance or incorporated as a separate part in the appliance or equipment or intended to be fixed to it".

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These cables are sometimes informally referred to as a "kettle cord" or "kettle lead", but the C13/14 connectors are only rated for 70°C (158°F): a device such as a kettle requires the C15/16 connector, rated for 120°C (248°F). Connector: "part of the appliance coupler integral with, or intended to be attached to, one cord connected to the supply". IEC 60320-1 defines a cord set as an "assembly consisting of one cable or cord fitted with one plug and one connector, intended for the connection of an electrical appliance or equipment to the electrical supply". It also defines an interconnection cord set as an "assembly consisting of one cable or cord fitted with one plug connector and one connector, intended for the interconnection between two electrical appliances".

For use in very-high-temperature settings, such as some stage lighting instruments. Similar to C15/C16, but the top is narrowed to exclude the C15 cord connector. Pin temperature is measured where the pin projects from the engagement surface. The maximum permitted pin temperatures, are 70°C (158°F), 120°C (248°F), and 155°C (311°F), respectively (the higher temperatures are not applicable to interconnection couplers). The pin temperature is determined by the design of the appliance, and its interior temperature, rather than by its ambient temperature. Typical applications with increased pin temperatures include appliances with heating coils such as ovens or electric grills. It is generally possible to use a connector with a higher rated temperature with a lower rated appliance inlet, but the keying feature of the inlet prevents use of a connector with a lower temperature rating. C13/C14- This connector is used for larger electrical appliances, such as kitchen appliances, instrumentation amplifiers and computer hard drives. C15/C16- This connector is often referred to as a kettle lead due to its use in powering electric kettles. They are well suited to this task due to their designation as a ’hot condition’ coupler and having a high-temperature ratingInternational Standardized Appliance Connectors (IEC-60320) Reference Chart Includes diagrams of all couplers, their rated current, equipment class, and temperature rating.

The IBM Wheelwriter series of electronic typewriters are one common application. Three-wire cords with C13 connectors, which are easier to find, are sometimes used in place of the two-wire cords for replacement. In this case, the ground wire will not be connected. Interconnection couplers are similar to appliance couplers, but with the gender roles reversed. Specifically, the female appliance outlet is built into a piece of equipment, while the male plug connector is attached to a cord. They are identified by letters, not numbers, with one letter identifying the plug connector, and the alphabetical next letter identifying the mating appliance outlet. For example, an E plug fits into an F outlet. Beginning with an amendment published in 2022, three of the commonly used high temperature variants have been standardized as types M–R. [26]

This is exploited by high-powered computer power supplies, up to 1200W output, and even some particularly efficient 1500W output models [16] to use the more popular C14 input on products sold worldwide. The C13/C14 connector and inlet combination are used in a wide variety of electronic equipment ranging from computer components like the power supply, monitors, printers and other peripherals to video game consoles, instrument amplifiers, professional audio equipment and virtually all professional video equipment. An early example of a product that uses this connector is the Apple II. A power cord with a suitable power plug (for the locality where the appliance is being used) on one end and a C13 connector (connecting to the appliance) on the other is commonly called an IEC cord. The C13 connector and C14 inlet are also commonly found on servers, routers, and switches. Power cord sets utilizing a C13 connector and an E interconnection plug are commonplace in data centers to provide power from a PDU (power distribution unit) to a server. These data-center power cables are now offered in many colors. Colored power cables are used to color-code installations. [25] C15/C16 coupler [ edit ] The C1 coupler and C2 inlet were commonly used for mains-powered electric shavers. These have largely been supplanted by cordless shavers with rechargeable batteries or corded shavers with an AC adapter. a b "IEC 60320-3:2014+AMD1:2018+AMD2:2022 CSV | IEC Webstore". webstore.iec.ch . Retrieved 2023-05-13.

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. Very common on personal computers and peripherals. Commonly referred to as a "kettle cord" or "kettle lead", [17] [18] but kettles in countries using 120V require the C15/C16. IEC 60320-2-1: Sewing machine couplers [6] specifies couplers which are not interchangeable with other couplers from IEC 60320, for use with household sewing machines. They are rated no higher than 2.5A and 250V AC.

C17/C18- Is an unearthed power connector that is used in audio applications when audio quality is a concern. Connectors are also classified according to the method of connecting the cord, either as rewirable connectors or non-rewirable connectors. IEC - SC 23G Dashboard > Projects / Publications: Work programme, Publications, Stability Dates, Project files". www.iec.ch . Retrieved 2023-05-12.