Understanding International Power Cord Types in Global Markets

Understanding International Power Cord Types in Global Markets

Power cords are essential components that deliver electrical power from the source to equipment safely and reliably. In global commercial, IT, and industrial applications, power cords are primarily defined by connector systems and regional plug standards, not by a single certification label.

While UL certified power cords are often referenced in North America, most global OEM power cord projects are driven by IEC 60320 connectors, NEMA plugs, EN standards, and country-specific plug systems.

Understanding how these standards differ helps buyers select the correct power cord types, avoid compliance issues, and scale products across multiple markets efficiently.

International Standard: IEC 60320 Power Cord System

The IEC 60320 standard, developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), is the most widely adopted appliance connector system worldwide. It standardizes the interface between detachable power cords and equipment inlets.

IEC connectors are classified using “C” numbers:

• Odd numbers = female connectors (C5, C7, C13, C15, C19)
• Even numbers = corresponding male connectors (C6, C8, C14, C16, C20, C21)

Common IEC 60320 Power Cord Types

Buyer insight: IEC 60320 C13 and C14 power cords are the most commonly used globally because they balance power capacity, compatibility, and scalability.

North America: NEMA Power Cord Standards

In North America, power cords follow NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) standards, which define wall-side plug and receptacle interfaces for 120V and 240V systems.

Common NEMA Power Cord Types

Buyer insight: NEMA power cords must precisely match local electrical infrastructure. Incorrect grounding or blade geometry can cause safety failures or inspection rejection.

Europe: EN Power Cord Standards

European power cords follow EN standards developed by CENELEC, often combined with country-specific plug designs. Most European systems still rely on IEC 60320 connectors on the equipment side.

Common EN Europe Power Plug Types

Buyer insight: European plugs often need compatibility across multiple socket systems, increasing tooling and grounding complexity for OEM projects.

United Kingdom: BS 1363 Power Cord Standard

The UK uses a unique plug system defined by BS 1363-1, which includes mandatory internal fuse protection.

BS 1363 Power Cord Characteristics

Buyer insight: Fuse integration and internal wiring control make BS 1363 plugs more complex than IEC or NEMA designs.

Australia & New Zealand: AS/NZS 3112 Power Cord

Australia and New Zealand use the AS/NZS 3112 plug standard.

Buyer insight: AS/NZS plugs require tight pin-angle tolerances, impacting mold precision in OEM production.

3 Critical Differences Between UL, IEC, EN, and NEMA

Difference 1: Safety Philosophy — What Each Standard Actually Protects

Although UL, IEC, EN, and NEMA power cords all address “safety,” they do not protect the same risk layer.

Difference 2: Plug Geometry & Temperature Control — Where Failures Actually Happen

Plug design is one of the most underestimated differences between standards.

Difference 3: OEM Scalability — How Standards Affect Long-Term Cost

From an OEM perspective, the biggest difference is how easily a product can scale across markets.

Complete comparison of different international power cord types

How to Choose the Right Power Cord Type？

Choosing the right power cord type is not only about matching a plug shape. For commercial and OEM projects, buyers should evaluate power cords from four practical dimensions to avoid overheating, compliance issues, or costly redesigns later.

1. Power Rating (Voltage & Current Capacity)

The first step is ensuring the power cord is rated at or above the equipment’s required voltage and current. Underrated power cords may:

• Overheat during continuous operation
• Cause insulation degradation
• Lead to unexpected downtime or safety risks

Buyer tip: Always select a power cord with sufficient current margin for long-term use, especially in data center or industrial environments.

2. Connector Compatibility (IEC vs NEMA)

Power cords must physically and electrically match the equipment inlet and the power source.

• IEC 60320 connectors (C13, C15, C19, etc.) are commonly used on the equipment side for global compatibility.
• NEMA plugs define the wall-side connection in North America.

Using the wrong connector type can result in:

• Incompatible mating
• Poor retention
• Unsafe grounding

Buyer tip: For global products, an IEC-based design with regional wall plugs provides the greatest flexibility.

3. Target Market Regulations

Different regions require different standards and plug systems:

• North America: NEMA standards
• Europe: EN / CEE standards
• UK: BS 1363
• Australia / New Zealand: AS/NZS 3112

Even if the equipment is identical, the power cord must comply with local regulations to be legally sold and installed.

Buyer tip: Plan multi-market compliance early to avoid redesigning power cords later.

4. Application Environment

The operating environment directly affects power cord selection:

• Office environments: Standard-rated cords are usually sufficient
• Data centers: High-density equipment requires higher current ratings and heat-resistant connectors
• Industrial settings: Vibration, temperature, and continuous load demand more robust designs

Buyer tip: Connector temperature class (e.g., IEC C13 vs C15) is often more important than plug shape.

How MSL Supports International Power Cord OEM Projects

MSL specializes in IEC 60320 power cords, NEMA plugs, and country-specific power cord systems for global OEM and distributor projects.

Our portfolio includes:

• IEC C5, C7, C13, C14, C15, C19, C20, C21
• NEMA 1-15P, 5-15P/R, L5-20P, L6-20P, 6-20R
• EN, DIN, BS, and AS/NZS plug standards

Know complete MSL’s power cords

By supporting multiple plug systems under one manufacturing platform, MSL helps brands reduce sourcing complexity, manage compliance efficiently, and scale globally.

Contact MSL to discuss your power cord OEM requirements

International Power Cord FAQs: What Buyers Should Know Before Purchasing

Q1: What is the most common power cord type worldwide?

A: The IEC 60320 C13/C14 power cord is the most widely used worldwide. It is commonly found in computers, servers, networking equipment, and data center applications due to its global compatibility and standardized design.

Q2: What is the difference between IEC and NEMA power cords?

A2: The key difference lies in what each standard defines:

• IEC standards define the appliance connector (equipment-side connection), such as C13, C15, or C19.
• NEMA standards define the wall plug interface used primarily in North America.

In many global designs, IEC connectors are paired with different regional plugs, including NEMA, to support multiple markets.

Q3: Are IEC C13 and C15 power cords interchangeable?

A3: No. IEC C13 and C15 connectors are not interchangeable.

• C13 connectors are rated for standard operating temperatures (up to 70°C).
• C15 connectors are designed for higher-temperature environments (up to 120°C).

Using a C13 connector in a high-temperature application can lead to connector deformation or failure.

Q4: Why do global devices use IEC 60320 connectors with different plugs?

A4: Global devices use IEC 60320 connectors with different regional plugs to simplify international deployment.

This design allows manufacturers to:

• Use the same equipment inlet worldwide
• Adapt only the wall plug for each region
• Avoid redesigning or re-certifying the entire device

It is a widely adopted strategy in commercial and data center equipment.

Q5: Can one manufacturer support multiple power cord standards?

A5: Yes. Experienced OEM manufacturers like MSL support IEC, NEMA, EN, and country-specific power cord standards under a single manufacturing platform.

This capability allows brands and distributors to manage multi-market power cord programs efficiently while maintaining consistent quality and compliance.