{"id":10678,"date":"2009-01-29T13:04:04","date_gmt":"2009-01-29T11:04:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/?p=10678"},"modified":"2025-06-27T13:03:30","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T11:03:30","slug":"iec-connector-standards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/audiophile-insights\/cables-insights\/iec-connector-standards\/","title":{"rendered":"IEC Connector Standards"},"content":{"rendered":"

The plug that\u00a0audiophiles probably use most has the international indication\u00a0IEC 320<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0C13<\/strong>. This is the female plug that is molded onto the end of most standard (‘freebie”) power cables, and it is the end that plugs into the audio component. The male side of this plug is usually rated at 10 amps, which is enough for most components, but not enough for an extension block into which you could, for example, plug six amplifiers.<\/p>\n

Whereas molded-on connectors tend to be of the C13 variation, high-end brands such as Oyaide and Furutech offer slightly deviating IEC connectors with the international indication IEC 320<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>C15<\/strong>. These C15 connectors are distinguished by an indentation on the side, where the C13 features a flat surface. Nevertheless, the C15 connectors are fully compatible with the C13 male sockets.<\/p>\n

The plug at the other end of the cable that goes into the wall varies per country. Here in the Netherlands, it is the Schuko, from German: Schutz Kontakt. This connector can be reversed, but UK connectors, for example, cannot. In these cases, the wires inside the cable or the component would need to be changed.<\/p>\n

The IEC 320 C13 connector also has a high-power variant, known as the IEC 320 C19. This connector resembles the C13 at first glance, but is larger and square, rather than trapezoidal in shape. Also, the pins are positioned at a rotated angle. This plug is used in places where more power is potentially needed, such as with power distribution blocks or high-powered amplifiers, or simply where a more robust connection is desired. This connector is rated at 20 Amps.<\/p>\n

Below are the two standard connectors with phase marked on the female cable connector end, shown in both horizontal orientations.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Note that the table reflects the female side of the connector attached to the cable, not the male chassis connector of the audio component. The red square indicates where the phase (hot) should be on the plug side (not the inlet), which is typically indicated on the plug by the letter “L” for live.<\/p>\n

There is an audible difference when comparing a power cable with the phase on one side or the other side. Please note that the agreed side, as shown above, need not necessarily be the side that sounds best in any situation. Many manufacturers adhere to this standard, but not all of them, and there can even be differences between two identical components of the same manufacturer. That’s why it can be useful to decide by ear which orientation sounds best.<\/p>\n

If in doubt: Just trust your ears!<\/p>\n

Read Also<\/h3>\n

Schuko Connector Standards<\/a>
\nThe influence of power cables and phase<\/a><\/p>\n

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