You have seen IEC power cords at your home, office premises and other power-sourced peripherals. These cables are universally accepted and duly certified by the International Electrotechnical Commission under standards like IEC 60320, specially designed to connect powerful electronic peripherals, computers, servers, etc.
Due to the certification, the wire is also called IEC320 power cords.The power cords can be used with high-performance peripherals for a smooth power supply. Let’s analyse how to select the best IEC power cords for high-performance servers.
About IEC Power Cords and Their Types
IEC power cables have a flexible wire with attached connectors on both ends. It has a plug and socket to be attached to device outlets and inlets. The wire is capable of transmitting AV power at 250V. To prevent shock or fire, there is built-in insulation inside the wire. There are different types of this wire available based on their amperage.
IEC C13/C14, IEC C5/C6, IEC C7/C8, IEC C19/C20, IEC C21/C22, etc., are the types of IEC cords that you can easily find in the market. If you want to choose the perfect IEC Power cords for high-performance servers, then you need to analyse the characteristics of these wires first.
Different IEC Power Cords and Their Specifications
Though there are several types of IEC320 power cords available in the market, not all the variations are suitable for high-performance servers. It is important that you know about the specifications of all the different types of these wires to select the best option.
1. IEC C5/C6
IEC C5/C6 power cords are also known as Cloverleaf, or Mickey Mouse power cords, because of the unique three-prong featured polarised design of the connectors. This wire can support a 2.5A/250V power supply internationally. The rating ensures that the device which you will connect to through this wire will not be damaged from overheating.
- IEC C5/C6 power cords are stranded 10A wires available in different gauges. 18 AWG wires are commonly found. Apart from that, there are 16-14 AWG wires for higher loads.
- The wire also has a stranded copper core and PVC insulation.
- The available length of the wire is from 1-3 meters.
- This specific IEC320 power cord has certifications like UL, RoHS, etc., for durability.
- Here, C6 is the male inlets specially designed for the plugging of the C5 female connector.
2. IEC C7/C8
These specific types of IEC power cables are commonly known as Figure 8″ connectors, which feature a non-polarised design, having two prongs. IEC C7/C8 wires can support a 2.5A/250V power supply globally. However, in North America, the same version can be compatible with a 7-10A/125V power supply.
- IEC C7/C8 is made with stranded copper wire of 0.16mm, covered with a PVC insulation just like IEC C5/C6.
- The wire has a gauge of 18 AWG, which can withstand heat up to 106°C.
- The commonly found cable length is 1 to 3 meters, and the standard colour is black.
- The outer diameter of this cable is 6.8mm x 3.4mm.
- The cable is duly certified by UL, RoHS standards, which implies the complete safety of the product.
- For universal fit, there is an 8mm space given between the C7 and C8 connectors.
- The wire is completely suitable for small gadgets that don’t require a high-frequency power supply. For example, this wire will fit TVs, DVD Players, radios, LED lights, and sound bars, etc.
3. IEC C13/C14
IEC C13/C14 is another three-prong power cable commonly seen in most households for connecting computers and such devices.
- This specific type of IEC power cables can handle power up to 10 amps, which is completely suitable and safe for everyday use.
- The wire has a flexible PVC jacket outside, and inside, there are stranded copper wires of 16 to 18 AWG.
- Here, C13 is the female part having three holes, and the male part is C14 with three pins that fit in the female part.
- The wire can support high-voltage uses and is properly grounded. They are shockproof and duly certified by UL/RoHS standards.
- The wire can be used in connecting desktops, laptops, monitors, routers, printers, UPS units and small servers, etc.
4. IEC C19/C20
IEC C19/C20 is also a three-pronged wire where the two connectors are sturdy, one is female, having three holes in it, and another is a male part having three pins. If you require more electric flow compared to regular wires, these IEC power cablescan provide you desired power supply, without the chance of shock or fire.
- The wire can easily handle a 16-20 amp power supply at 250V AC, which also ensures high high-wattage supply.
- It has 12-14 AWG copper wires, each having a thickness of 0.254mm, and there are a total of 65 strands in a wire, covered by PVC piping.
- The wire has a length of 1 to 5 meters.
- You can use this cable with high-end peripherals, PDUs, etc.
5. IEC C21/C22
For high-performance servers, heavy-duty industrial gears, etc., people use IEC C21/C22 wires. This wire is certified by authorised bodies like UL/CSA/ENEC/RoHS, etc. There are three three-prong connectors, sturdy and compatible with industrial and high-end devices.
- The wire can supply 16 to 20 amps of power at 250V.
- The temperature tolerance level is 155°C, and hence these IEC power cablesare completely suitable to be used in high temperature environments.
- Inside the wire, there are 12-10 AWG copper strands, covered by a thermoplastic jacket.
How to Select the Best IEC Power Cables for High-Performance Servers
When it comes to selecting the best IEC320 power cords for high-performance servers, it is quite evident that you have to go with either IEC C19/C20 or IEC C21/C22 cables, which support high voltage power supply, comply with all safety standards, and support 24*7 operations.
High-performance servers often produce high heat and need solid grounding. Also, the power supply requirements of such servers are 16-20 amps/250V. Both IEC C19/C20 and C21/C22 are capable of supporting such standards. Lastly, you must check the type of connectors on your servers. The connector type will help you decide which high-performance IEC Power cable you need.
