Designing a product that can be used in global markets can help to expand business opportunities. One way to incorporate this is by including power system components that are accepted worldwide, such as IEC 60320 connectors, inlets, plug connectors, and outlets.
What is IEC 60320?
IEC 60320 is a set of standards from the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) specifying components for the connection of power supply cords to electrical equipment up to 250V.
A major advantage of the IEC 60320 system is that it can be used globally. For example when an equipment manufacturer designs an IEC 60320 inlet into a product, which is the most common means of connecting a detachable cord set to electrical or electronic equipment, it allows that manufacturer to make one product for sale worldwide. The detachable cord set needs to have a country-specific plug on one end and an IEC 60320 connector on the other end. This cord set allows connection to both the equipment (connector to inlet) and the power source (country-specific plug to wall socket).
IEC 60320 Connectors and Inlets
A connector and an inlet (also known as appliance couplers) allow manufacturers to make one product that can be used in many different markets, by only having to change the cord set. Each type of connector and inlet is identified by the letter “C” followed by a number, where the number for the appliance inlet is one higher than the number for the corresponding connector.
| Most Commonly Used IEC 60320 Connectors and Inlets at Interpower | |
|---|---|
| C5 Connector | C6 Inlet |
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| C7 Connector | C8 Inlet |
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| C13 Connector | C14 Inlet |
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| C15 Connector | C16 Inlet |
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| C17 Connector | C18 Inlet |
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| C19 Connector | C20 Inlet |
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| C23 Connector | C24 Inlet |
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IEC 60320 Plug Connectors and Outlets
A plug connector and an outlet (also known as interconnection appliance couplers or accessory power) provide power from one equipment or appliance to another. For each type of plug connector and outlet, it is identified by “Sheet” followed by a letter (e.g. E, F, I, J).
| Most Commonly Used IEC 60320 Plug Connectors and Outlets at Interpower | |
|---|---|
| Sheet E Plug Connector | Sheet F Outlet |
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| Sheet I Plug Connector | Sheet J Outlet |
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Additional Product Resources
See the complete line of IEC 60320 products, including C13 and C19 straight and angled connectors. For a complete list of the IEC 60320 connectors, inlets, plug connectors, and outlets, see the IEC 60320 Appliance and Interconnection Couplers chart. See also the webcast on the IEC 60320 components.
IEC 60320 components are found in a variety of Interpower product lines including accessory power, power cords and cord sets, jumper cord sets, and Accessory Power Strips.
