What are IEC Connectors?

They are a series of connectors specified by the IEC or International Electro-technical Commission based in Switzerland.

"The nice thing about standards is that we have so many to choose from."
- Andrew Tanenbaum

There is quite a range and we have seen about eight of them all-told. If someone gets smart and specifies an IEC 320 - C13-C14 lead you'll know it was commonly known as a computer 'monitor lead'.

The IEC-320 International Appliance Connector Series

Compiled by VicTesters

Appliance
Connector Rated Current
(Amps) Equipment
Class Rated
Temperature Connector
male/fem.

IEC-320 C1/C2 Connector
0.2 II 65°C C1/C2

IEC-320 C3/C4 Connector - Not common in Australia
2.5 0 65°C C3/C4

IEC-320 C5/C6 Connector - typically use: Notebook Computer Power Supplies
2.5 I 65°C C5/C6

IEC-320 C7/C8 Connector
2.5 II 65°C C7/C8

IEC-320 C9/C10 Connector
6 II 65°C C9/C10

IEC-320 C11/C12 Connector
10 0 65°C C11/C12

IEC-320 C13/C14 - Most commonly used in PC's and PC monitors
10/15 I 65°C C13/C14

IEC-320 C15/C16 - Commonly used for domestic kettles
10/15 I 120°C C15/C16

IEC-320 C15A/C16A Connector
10/15 I 155°C C15A/C16A

IEC-320 C17/C18 Connector - seen on Nilfisk and Kirby vacuum cleaners
10/15 II 65°C C17/C18

IEC-320 C19/C20 Connector
16/20 I 65°C C19/C20

IEC-320 C21/C22 Connector
16/20 I 155°C C21/C22

IEC-320 C23/C24 Connector
16/20 II 65°C C23/C24

Green Shading indicates connectors commonly found in Australia

Last modified: October 12, 2008 VicTesters Privacy Policy Copyright VicTesters 2005 - 2008