Desktop PCs all use the same style of connector on the end of the power cord that plugs into the back of the PC. It’s got three sockets (the receptacle on the PC’s power supply has three prongs), with a rectangular shape that has two chamfered corners.
In this image, the plug on the right (for connection to a wall outlet) is called a NEMA 5-15 plug. Is there an official name for the style of the plug on the left?
It’s a C13. More here at wikipedia
I’ve always called that an IEC cable. Although I’m in the UK and what is on the ‘wall’ end is different.
Also heard it called a Kettle lead - I’m fairly sure this is not the ‘official’ name.
Great reference page, thanks.
We call it a kettle lead too. That’s because it is exactly the same as the leads used on electric kettles - not the cordless type of course.
I call them IEC leads too, though it’s not a very accurate description as the IEC are an international standards body that cover just about everything electrical/electronic.
They’re not quite the same as a proper kettle lead as these have a keying recess between live (hot) and neutral (cold). You can safely use a kettle lead in an IEC socket, but the key prevents an IEC lead being used on a kettle. I presume this is for safety as not all IEC leads are rated for the currents that a kettle will draw.
Oh, it seems the classic kettle lead is also an IEC standard. I shall have to start referring to kettle leads as “IEC 60320-2-2 (C16)”, and the non-keyed variant as “IEC 60320-2-2 (C14)”. Snappy.
Does anyone actually call it a “C13”? iec leads - Google Search
Datacenter tech here. I can’t go more than a day without saying “c-13/14” or “c19/20”.
Yeah, ‘kettle’ is common parlance in my experience in the IT industry, although a minority of people call it IEC, wrongly, especially in the context of the question ‘IEC or cloverleaf?’
(wrong becauae cloverleaf is also an IEC standard)
I call the “cloverleaf” cord “Mickey Mouse” cords :p…
I call it an IBM cord. Did they set the standard?
