C7, C13, C14, and Other IEC Power Cables: Which Connection for Which Device?

The power cable used for electrical and electronic devices is not merely a simple cord connecting the device to a wall outlet. Many factors—such as the device’s input configuration, plug standard, cable gauge, current rating, and the country of use—play a role in selecting the right product.

Although IEC connection types—specifically the C7 “tape” connector, C13 and C14 power cables, C5 “cloverleaf” cable, and the C19, C20, and C21 series—may look similar, they serve different purposes.

The product range includes cables with plugs, AC cables, power cables, cables compliant with various national plug standards, and diverse IEC connection solutions.

What Is an IEC Power Cable?

IEC-connected power cables are standardized connection systems used to link electrical and electronic devices to the mains power supply.

Customers may search for these products on the market using various names:

Power cable
AC power cable
C7 cable
C13 cable
C14 cable
C19 power cable
C20 power cable
C5 cloverleaf cable
“Tape” connector (or “figure-8” connector)
Figure-8 cable
PC power cable
Server power cable

Therefore, to find the correct product, it is important to look not only at the common name but also at the specific IEC connection code.

What Is the C7 “Tape” Connector?

The C7 connector (often referred to as a “tape” or “figure-8” connector) is a common two-pin connection type used for electronic devices. Due to the appearance of the cable end, it is known in the market by the following names:

Tape plug
Tape cable
Tape power cable
C7 cable
C7 power cord
C7 AC cable
Figure-8 cable
Figure-8 power cord

It is particularly suitable for use with electronic devices such as televisions, DVD players, game consoles, audio systems, adapters, and similar equipment.

The Power Kablo catalog includes European, British, American, and Australian type C7 products with 2×0.50 mm² and 2×0.75 mm² specifications.

Why Is the C7 Tape Plug Searched for Under Different Names?

This situation—which is also significant from an SEO perspective—arises because customers do not all search for the products using the same name.

For instance, while one customer might search for:

“Tape cable”

another customer might search for:

“C7 power cord”

or:

“Figure-8 power cable”

Therefore, when creating product listings and content regarding the C7 tape plug, it is important to incorporate these search terms naturally.

What Is a C8-C7 Cable?

The C8-C7 cable represents a different application of the C7 connection.

The Power Kablo catalog also features C8-C7 female-to-male tape plug products.

For example:

2×0.50 mm² / 0.50 meters
2×0.50 mm² / 1 meter
2×0.75 mm² / 0.50 meters
2×0.75 mm² / 1 meter

options are listed in the catalog under the codes PWR39 through PWR42. (Cabled Plug / Spiral Cable)

Therefore, it must be clarified before ordering whether the product the customer wants is:

a C7 power cord or a C8-C7 cable?

What is a C13 Power Cable?

The C13 power cable is one of the IEC connection types widely used, particularly for computers and electronic equipment.

On the market, it may be searched for under names such as:

C13 cable
C13 power cable
IEC C13 cable
PC power cable
Computer power cable
Monitor power cable

Power Kablo’s product range includes European-style PC power cables with F-C13 connections. The catalog features options such as 3×0.75 mm², 3×1 mm², and 3×1.5 mm². (Cabled Plug / Spiral Cable)

What is the Difference Between C13 and C14?

These two connection codes are frequently searched for together.

C13 is the female device connector located on the cable end.

C14 is the compatible male input connection located on the device itself.

Therefore, it can be viewed as follows:

C13 → connection on the cable side
C14 → input on the device side

(Cabled Plug / Spiral Cable)

For more detailed information, you can consult Power Kablo’s IEC C13-C14 cable guide.

What is a C5 “Cloverleaf” Cable?

Another common IEC connection is the C5.

It is commonly referred to as:

Cloverleaf cable
Mickey Mouse cable
C5 power cable
IEC C5 cable

It is frequently encountered, particularly with notebook adapters and certain monitor or adapter applications. Power Kablo’s product portfolio includes items with C5 connectors, such as C5-C14 monitor power cables. (Cabled plugs, coiled cables)

Where are C19 and C20 power cables used?

C19 and C20 connectors from the IEC family are found in professional systems requiring higher power.

Specifically, different IEC connector types are used in applications such as:

Server systems
Data centers
UPS systems
Professional power distribution systems
High-power electronic equipment

Power Kablo’s product portfolio also includes product groups such as C19, C20, and C21 power cables. (Cabled plugs, coiled cables)

C7, C13, and C19 are not the same thing.

Although all of these connectors can generally be referred to as “power cables,” they are not interchangeable.

Connector Common usage / name
C5 Cloverleaf / Mickey Mouse cable
C7 Figure-8 cable
C13 PC / monitor power cable
C14 Device inlet for C13
C19 High-power professional systems
C20 Device-side connector for C19

Therefore, when placing an order…