IEC
From WikiRecording
IEC connector is the common name for the set of thirteen line sockets (called the connector in the specification) and thirteen panel plugs (called the inlet) defined by International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) specification IEC 60320 (formerly IEC 320). When used with no other qualifiers, "IEC connector" usually refers specifically to the C13 and C14 connectors. Some types also come in line plug and panel socket versions to use as outlets but these are less common. They include two and three-conductor plugs of various current capacities and temperature ratings, all designed specifically for the purpose of attaching a mains power cord to a piece of equipment. Allowing an interchangeable mains power cord makes it very easy for equipment manufacturers to sell their equipment anywhere in the world as long as their equipment can operate on both 120/240 volt, 50/60 Hz mains power.
Appliance Classes
In addition to being grounded or not, these plugs are differentiated according to their IEC protection class.
- Class 0 appliances have no protective-earth connection and feature only a single level of insulation.
- Class I appliances must have their chassis connected to electrical earth.
- Class II double insulated electrical appliances have been designed in such a way that they do not require a safety connection to electrical earth.
- Class III appliances are designed to be supplied from a SELV (Separated or Safety Extra-Low Voltage) power source.
C13 and C14 connectors
Most desktop personal computers use the ten-amp panel-mounting C14 inlet to attach the mains cord to the power supply, as do many monitors, printers and other peripherals. Many older computers also provide a panel-mounting C13 outlet for powering the monitor. In AT form factor computers this outlet was controlled by the physical power switch. With the arrival of ATX the outlet was usually permanently powered, if present on the chassis.
A three-conductor cord with a suitable power plug for the locality in which the appliance is used on one end and a C13 line socket on the other is commonly called an "IEC cord." IEC cords are used to power many other pieces of electronic equipment other than computers, for example instrument amplifiers and professional audio equipment.
Cables with a C14 plug at one end and a C13 line socket at the other are commonly available, they have a variety of common uses including connecting power between older PCs and their monitors, extending existing power cords, connecting to C13 socket strips (commonly used with rackmount gear to save space and for international standardization) and connecting computer equipment to the output of a UPS (larger UPSs often have C19 outlets as well.)
Power cord featuring a CEE 7/7 plug (European wall socket) at the left end, and an IEC C13 at the right end.
