Power cord connector names look like secret codes — NEMA 5-15P, IEC 60320 C13, C14, C19. But once you understand the naming system, identifying the right cord becomes straightforward. This guide decodes every common connector you'll encounter when shopping for AC power cables.
The two naming systems
Power connectors use two different standards depending on which end of the cord you're looking at.
NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) covers the plug that goes into a wall outlet. These are the connectors specific to North America and a few other regions.
IEC 60320 (International Electrotechnical Commission) covers the connector that plugs into your equipment. These are universal — the same IEC connector is used worldwide, paired with whatever local wall plug is appropriate.
A typical computer power cord has a NEMA 5-15P plug on the wall end and an IEC C13 connector on the equipment end. Understanding both systems lets you specify exactly the cord you need.
NEMA connectors (wall plug end)
NEMA 5-15P — The standard three-prong North American plug. The "5" means it's a 125V grounded configuration. The "15" is the amperage rating (15A). The "P" means plug (male). This is the plug on virtually every computer, monitor, TV, and small appliance power cord in the US and Canada. It fits into the standard three-slot wall outlet (NEMA 5-15R, where "R" means receptacle).
NEMA 5-20P — Similar to the 5-15P but rated for 20 amps. One prong is turned sideways (perpendicular to the other) so it only fits into 20A outlets. Used for high-draw equipment like large laser printers, some server power supplies, and commercial kitchen equipment.
NEMA 1-15P — The two-prong ungrounded plug (no ground pin). Used for double-insulated devices that don't require a ground connection, like some laptop chargers, phone chargers, and small audio equipment.
NEMA L5-30P — The "L" means locking. This twist-lock plug has curved prongs that lock into the receptacle when rotated, preventing accidental disconnection. Common in data centers, generator connections, and industrial settings. Rated for 30A at 125V.
NEMA 6-15P and 6-20P — The "6" configuration is for 250V circuits. These are used for equipment that runs on 240V power, such as some servers, industrial equipment, and high-voltage tools. The 6-15P handles 15A at 250V; the 6-20P handles 20A at 250V.
IEC connectors (equipment end)
IEC C13 — The three-slot female connector that plugs into most computers, monitors, routers, switches, and general IT equipment. It's rated for 15A at 250V. If someone says "standard computer power cord," they mean a NEMA 5-15P to IEC C13 cable. This is by far the most common IEC connector.
IEC C14 — The male inlet version of C13. You'll find C14 inlets on the back of computers, monitors, UPS systems, and PDUs. A C14 inlet accepts a C13 connector. You'll also see C14-to-C13 "jumper" cables used inside server racks to connect equipment to a PDU.
IEC C15 — Similar to C13 but with a raised notch (ground pin slot is higher). Designed for equipment that generates more heat — some network switches, kettles, and hot-running appliances use C15 inlets. A C15 connector fits into a C16 inlet. Note that C13 and C15 are not interchangeable, though some C15 connectors are designed to also fit C14 inlets.
IEC C5 — The small three-pin "cloverleaf" or "Mickey Mouse" connector. Used for laptop power bricks, projectors, and some small network equipment. The three pins form a triangle. If your laptop charger has a detachable AC cord, it's almost certainly a C5.
IEC C7 — The small two-pin "figure 8" connector (ungrounded). Used for smaller electronics like portable radios, some laptop chargers, battery chargers, and audio equipment. The two pins are shaped like a figure 8.
IEC C19 — The large rectangular female connector rated for 16-20A. Used for high-power equipment: servers, large UPS systems, PDUs, and industrial equipment. The C19 connector is noticeably larger than C13 and carries substantially more current.
IEC C20 — The male inlet version of C19. Found on server power supplies, high-capacity UPS systems, and rack PDUs. A C20 inlet accepts a C19 connector.
Common power cord configurations
NEMA 5-15P to IEC C13 — Standard computer/monitor power cord. The single most common configuration.
NEMA 5-15P to IEC C5 — Laptop power brick cord (cloverleaf).
NEMA 1-15P to IEC C7 — Two-prong cord for small electronics (figure 8).
IEC C14 to IEC C13 — Rack jumper cable for connecting equipment to a PDU inside a server rack.
IEC C14 to IEC C19 — Steps up from a C14 power source to a C19 high-draw device. Used when connecting medium-capacity PDU outlets to high-power equipment.
IEC C20 to IEC C19 — High-current jumper cable for data center racks. Carries 16-20A between PDU and server.
NEMA 5-15P to NEMA 5-15R — Standard power extension cord.
At Kentek, we stock power cords in every common NEMA and IEC configuration, in 14, 16, and 18 AWG, from 1 foot to 25 feet. All cords are UL listed, CSA certified, and RoHS compliant.