What is IEC C15 C16 Cable? Applications, Features, and the Difference from C13 and C14

Power cables used in electrical and electronic applications are key elements for the safe and correct power supply of devices. IEC connections, especially those used in servers, network systems, professional electronic devices, and systems operating in higher temperature conditions, may have different characteristics than standard computer cables.

One of these connection types, IEC C15 C16, is an IEC 60320 connection family used especially in high-temperature range applications.

So what are C15 and C16? How do they differ from C13 and C14? Which layer of C15 C16 cable is used? Is it important to pay attention to choosing the right cable?

We will examine these comprehensive IEC C15 C16 cables in detail from a technical and practical perspective.

What is IEC C15 C16?

IEC C15 C16 is one of the device connection types included in the IEC 60320 certification.

Simply put:

C15 is the female connector component on the device side of the cable.
C16 is the male input connector on the device.

The C15 connector may look quite similar to the C13 in terms of its design. However, one of the key differences in the design of the C15 is that it is intended for applications in higher temperature conditions.

Therefore, it is not accurate to consider the C15/C16 connector simply as “a different version of the C13”.

Cable selection is made by using the connector type and operating conditions specified by the device manufacturer.

Why is the IEC 60320 Standard Important?

IEC 60320, to which IEC C15 and C16 connectors belong, is an international standard family for electrical device couplers.

This standard provides coverage of specific physical and power characteristics of different device and power connections in this series.

We discussed C13 and C14 connectors in detail in our previous article, What is IEC C13 C14 Cable?

Linking note: We will replace the URL of article C13/C14 with the URL of that article once it is published. We are not fabricating a URL that does not exist for now.

We will also not address the “What is the IEC 60320 Standard?” heading separately in our subsequent articles. The internal button can be accessed from the actual URL of the article regarding the “IEC 60320 standard” where this article is published.

What is the Difference Between C15 and C16?

C15 and C16 are a pair of terminals used together.

Connection Function
C15 Female connector of the cable
C16 Male input across the device

This configuration is similar to the C13/C14 system.

However, one of the most important differences is that the C15/C16 connection options are designed for intermittent applications at higher temperatures.

Therefore, if a device has a C16 input, it may require the use of a suitable power cable with a C15 connection.

Key Differences Between C13/C14 and C15/C16

The difference between C13/C14 and C15/C16 is one of the most important aspects of this article.

Because the physical housing of the two connections is quite similar, users may sometimes confuse these cables.

In general:

IEC C13/C14

This is a common IEC terminal family used in many electronic devices with standard temperature conditions.

For example:

computers,
monitors,
servers,
network devices,
POWER SUPPLIES

can appear in such forms.

IEC C15/C16

This is an IEC module family used in applications with higher temperature conditions.

For example, some:

professional electronic devices,
network equipment,
telecommunication systems,
can be preferred for more demanding applications depending on temperature.

However, the exact product selection should be made according to the device manufacturer’s technical specifications.

Can C15 Cable Be Used Instead of C13 Cable?

This question is asked quite frequently.

Although C13 and C15 connections are similar, they should not be considered as products with the same operating conditions.

If a C15 connection is required for a device, the manufacturer’s C15 cable suitable for growth should be used.

Especially when high temperatures are involved, attention should be paid not only to the cable’s components but also to:

cable insulation,
temperature conditions,
conductor properties,
current variation.

Therefore, the approach of “C15 is more durable, so I use it everywhere instead of C13” is not correct.

Where are IEC C15/C16 Cables Used?

The application area of ​​C15/C16 cables depends on the design and operating conditions of the device.

This type of control is particularly encountered in applications where specifications can be higher than standard electronic specifications.

Applications include:

Professional electronics
Some network devices
Telecommunication equipment
Data center equipment
Professional audio systems
Some electrical and electronic devices

The important thing here is not only which supplier of the device is specified, but also which IEC connection and cable specifications the device has.

Data Center and Server Applications C15 C16

The amount of data means that many electronic devices work in the same way.