Sponsored by InterpowerReviewed by Olivia FrostApr 21 2026
A large number of IEC 60320 products are currently available, and each has been carefully designed to make exportation easier by improving compatibility across electrical designs. This can help reduce the burden on warehouses and overheads by making it so that only one country-specific plug is needed. This allows IEC 60320 connectors, plug connectors, inlets, and outlets to do the rest.
One of the standard global configurations comprises a country-specific plug paired with an IEC 60320 C13, an accessory power strip or power distribution unit, and multiple jumper cords. The power strips and distribution units are typically comprised of one IEC C14 inlet and multiple IEC Sheet F outlets, and the jumper cords’ opposite terminations are Sheet E plug connectors and C13 connectors. These connectors connect to many different devices and machines.
A Real-World Example: Using the APS and PDU with Jumper Cords
For customers based in Australia, the plug connected to the mains power is an Australian plug, a 10A/250VAC, for example, and an IEC 60320 C13 connector may be at the opposite end of the one mm2 international cord. In such a configuration, six outlets in a socket strip are required for medical/ measurement testing equipment.
By introducing an Interpower Accessory Power Strip (APS) which includes an IEC 60320 snap-in C14 inlet (or a screw-mounted version), and six Sheet F outlets, customers can deliver power for up to six different devices with just one country-specific plug.
The C13 connector on the opposite end of the country-specific plug slots into the lone C14 inlet at one end of the APS’ row of Sheet F outlets. The next step is to determine which cords are most appropriate for the device and application.
Interpower recommends the use of IEC 60320 jumper cords. Continuing the Australian example, the jumper cords will be fitted with molded or rewirable Sheet E plug connectors to pair with the Sheet F outlets. The six jumper cords can deliver power to six devices or machines with AC power using IEC 60320 C13s on the machine side.
The current and voltage range for IEC 60320 jumper cords spans 2.5–20 A/ 125–250 VAC. This makes the jumper cord even more important during the design process, regardless of the country of design.
Image Credit: Interpower
What About Power Distribution Units (PDUs)?
The same application applies; however, the latter typically contains eight to 12 outlets and is rack-mountable. PDUs also contain even IEC 60320 inlets and connectors, which, as in the first example, snap or screw into the device.
Since PDUs often have more sockets, each socket distributes less amperage to the equipment. PDUs, therefore, typically come with a higher current rating. Interpower PDUs are made up of C20 inlets that are compatible with C19 connectors, delivering a higher rating of 16 A/ 125–240 VAC. The majority of accessory power strips that use C14s are rated at 10 A/ 100–240 VAC, whereas an APS using C20s (rather than C14s) would be rated at 15 A/ 125–240 VAC.
However, each rating defers to the lowest component rating for its complete rating as a cord set. For example, when a cable and plug are rated at 15 A, but the connector has a rating of 10 A, the entire rating for that set would be 10 A.
Image Credit: Interpower
More Sheet Es!
Interpower intended to add a new member of the IEC 60320 club by early to mid-2025: the Sheet E rewirable connector. For decades, Molded Sheet E connectors have been integral to Interpower’s cord sets and component packages. Building on the popularity of Sheets F, G, H, I, and J, the Interpower rewirable will soon be available in both straight and angled configurations, as well as coming in multiple colors.
The rewirable line is another option for the popular and well-received Sheet E plug connectors, making it possible to disassemble, inspect, and then reassemble the components.
Image Credit: Interpower
Notable Accessory Power Information
Interpower accessory power strips are available in 10–15 A/ 100–240 VAC and 10–15 A/ 125–240 VAC. The most frequently used outlet types are Sheet Fs and Sheet Js, with C14s and C20s as their matching inlets. They can also be equipped with quick-disconnect connector locks, four to 10 outlets, and a range of circuit breakers. The exterior can is made of durable powder-coated metal, and the available colors are black, white, and beige.
The PDU socket strip uses IEC 60320 components in a metal casing that is larger than an APS. With up to 12 outlets available, the PDU is mountable in a 19-inch rack. Interpower PDUs come with 16 A/ 125–240 VAC ratings that offer C20 inlets and Sheet F/J outlets.
With worldwide acceptance, IEC 60320 components make electrical connectivity universal by combining country-specific cords with accessory power system products, including jumper cords: complete electrical designs are often centered around IEC 60320 components. The APS and PDU are extremely helpful in environments where there is insufficient panel space to power up equipment and wall outlets are limited.
This information has been sourced, reviewed, and adapted from materials provided by Interpower.
For more information on this source, please visit Interpower.