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The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60320 is a set of standards from the IEC specifying components for the connection of power supply cords to electrical equipment up to 250V. The IEC opened its doors in London on June 26, 1906, and has established nomenclature for numerous electrical units such as “hertz” for the unit of electrical frequency. Interpower is well versed in IEC standards and policy as its founder and president, Bob Wersen, served nearly 20 years as a Technical Advisor for the TSC23G subcommittee responsible for IEC 60320. Also on the TSC23G subcommittee is Interpower’s Production Developer Manager, Ron Barnett, who is also a Technical Advisor, and Joe Caligiuri, Product Compliance Specialist. Today the IEC is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
A major advantage of the IEC 60320 system is that it can be used globally. The terminology, however, can be confusing. Because IEC 60320 components are worldwide it is helpful to know what is available and what the purpose is for each one. Below are definitions for an IEC 60320 connector, inlet, plug connector, and outlet.
“The advantage of using an IEC 60320 component is that it can assist in making the product globally accessible,” said Ron Barnett. “For example, an IEC 60320 connector can be attached to a detachable cord set with a country-specific plug. The connector will provide the power to the equipment by connecting with an IEC 60320 inlet in the equipment. The use of IEC 60320 components designed into a product allows the same equipment to be used in a variety of markets.”
Connector and Inlet
A connector is the outlet power end of a cord providing power to the equipment through connection to an inlet. An inlet is the input power connection on equipment. An inlet is the connection device that provides access for electricity to enter the equipment.
An appliance coupler is the combination of a connector and an inlet that enables the connection and disconnection from the equipment. A connector and inlet 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 (female) and inlet (male) is identified by the letter “C” followed by a number, where the number of the appliance inlet is one higher than the number for the corresponding connector.
The most commonly used IEC 60320 connectors and inlets at Interpower are: C5 and C6, C7 and C8, C13 and C14, C15 and C16, C19 and C20.
Plug Connector and Outlet
A plug connector is the input end of a jumper cord for connecting additional equipment to power through a connection to an outlet. An outlet is the power connection device on equipment that provides power to other equipment through a plug connector.
An interconnection appliance coupler is the combination of a plug connector and an outlet that enables the connection and disconnection of equipment to a cord leading to other equipment. It provides power from one equipment or appliance to another. For each type of plug connector (male) and outlet (female), it is identified by “Sheet” followed by a letter (e.g., E, F, I, J). The most commonly used IEC 60320 plug connectors and outlets at Interpower are: Sheet E and Sheet F, Sheet I and Sheet J.
IEC 60320 Appliance and Interconnection Couplers Chart
Sometimes a visual aid, such as a chart or diagram, helps to explain what each part is and/or does. For a complete list of the IEC 60320 connectors, inlets, plug connectors, and outlets, see the IEC 60320 Appliance and Interconnection Couplers chart.
Correct Component Application
The following Correct Component Application diagram shows how a cord set and a jumper cord set can be used with IEC 60320 components.
For more information, see the complete line of IEC 60320 products available at Interpower, including the C13 and C19 angle connectors. IEC 60320 components are found in various Interpower product lines including accessory power, power cords and cord sets, jumper cords and cord sets, and Accessory Power Strips. See also the Featured Product page and the IEC website at www.iec.ch.
If you have questions, Interpower offers free technical support. You can check the website at www.interpower.com, e-mail sales@interpower.com (United States) or uk@interpower.com (United Kingdom) or contact Customer Service in the United States at (800) 662-2290 or in the United Kingdom at +44 (0)1908 295300.
