Non-rewirable plugs and connectors are typically permanently molded onto cords, and cannot be removed or rewired without cutting the cords. On a standard power cord, the power is drawn from the mains and the electricity will run through the wire and arrive at its destination. This can be either into a power supply or directly into the appliance/machine itself. Due to the range of voltages available, different types of cable assemblies will suit varying requirements. What type of cable material is available? IEC 60320-2-2: Interconnection couplers for household and similar equipment. This section was withdrawn in January 2016. The general requirements for these items were incorporated into IEC 60320-1 and the standard sheets were moved to IEC 60320-3. Earthed – To be used in even higher temperature devices than the IEC C15 such as stage lighting and industrial applications

The mains appliance couplers are all engineered to connect an appliance via a power cord to mains power. There is some public confusion between C13/C14 and C15/C16 couplers, and it is not uncommon for C13/C14 to be informally referred to as "kettle plug" or "kettle lead" (or some local equivalent). IEC 60320-1: General Requirements [1] specifies two- pole and two-pole with earth couplers intended for the connection of a mains supply cord to electrical appliances. Beginning with the IEC 60320-1:2015 edition, [5] this part also specifies interconnection couplers which enable the connection and disconnection of an appliance to a cord leading to another appliance, incorporating IEC 60320-2-2. At the same time, this part of the standard no longer includes standard sheets which were moved to a new part: IEC 60320-3.

International Standardized Appliance Connectors (IEC-60320) Reference Chart Includes diagrams of all couplers, their rated current, equipment class, and temperature rating. Very common on personal computers and peripherals. Commonly referred to as a "kettle cord" or "kettle lead", [17] [18] but kettles in countries using 120V require the C15/C16.

Similar to C13/C14 coupler, but unearthed. A C18 inlet accepts a C13 connector, but a C14 inlet does not accept a C17 connector. In European countries the C15/C16 coupler has replaced and made obsolete the formerly common types of national appliance coupler in many applications. These cables are sometimes informally referred to as a "kettle cord" or "kettle lead", but the C13/14 connectors are only rated for 70°C (158°F): a device such as a kettle requires the C15/16 connector, rated for 120°C (248°F). This kind of coupler is used by Roland Corporation for a couple of synthesizer and drum-computer models (for example: TR-909, D-50) and by Revox for many older models of their hi-fi equipment (for example, A76, A77, A78, B77, B225). Was also used heavily on Marantz hi-fi equipment in the 1980s and 1990s. Plug connector: "part of the interconnection coupler integral with or intended to be attached to one cord".Power cords are used in almost every device or machine which requires electricity. From toasters and kettles, all the way up to generators and giant industrial equipment. Cable assemblies may vary in length, but the electrical current will perform at the same high capacity regardless of the distance it will need to travel. IEC 60320-1 defines a cord set as an "assembly consisting of one cable or cord fitted with one plug and one connector, intended for the connection of an electrical appliance or equipment to the electrical supply". It also defines an interconnection cord set as an "assembly consisting of one cable or cord fitted with one plug connector and one connector, intended for the interconnection between two electrical appliances". IEC 60320-2-3: Couplers with a degree of protection higher than IPX0 [7] specifies couplers with some degree of liquid ingress protection (IP). In its second edition published in 2018, the standard sheets were moved to IEC 60320-3. The C13/C14 connector and inlet combination are used in a wide variety of electronic equipment ranging from computer components like the power supply, monitors, printers and other peripherals to video game consoles, instrument amplifiers, professional audio equipment and virtually all professional video equipment. A power cord with a suitable power plug (for the locality where the appliance is being used) on one end and a C13 connector (connecting to the appliance) on the other is commonly called an IEC cord.

a b "IEC 60320-3:2014+AMD1:2018+AMD2:2022 CSV | IEC Webstore". webstore.iec.ch . Retrieved 2023-05-13.

What is a power cord?

The C17/C18 coupler is often used in audio applications where a floating ground is maintained to eliminate hum caused by ground loops. Other common applications are the power supplies of Xbox 360 game consoles, replacing the C15/C16 coupler employed initially, and large CRT televisions manufactured by RCA in the early 1990s.