What is an IEC C21 connector?

The C21 is the high-temperature, 3-pole earthed female connector in the 16 A IEC 60320 sheet, paired with a C22 inlet. It is the hot-condition equivalent of the C19, designed for high-current equipment that also generates significant heat, using heat-resistant materials and additional keying.

What is the difference between C19/C20 and C21/C22?

Both are 16 A (up to 20 A) earthed couplers, but the C19/C20 is the standard-temperature version (around 70 C) while the C21/C22 is rated for a hot condition (approximately 150 C) with extra keyways, analogous to how C15/C16 is the hot version of C13/C14. The keying prevents a standard C19 cord from entering a C22 inlet.

Where are C21/C22 hot-condition couplers used?

They are specified on high-current industrial equipment, heating appliances, certain stage and entertainment power distros and machinery where both 16 A load and high surface temperature are present. As a relatively uncommon sheet, the inlet should be verified from the equipment rating plate before ordering.

Will a standard C19 connector fit a C22 inlet?

No. The C22 hot-condition inlet includes additional keyways that block a standard-temperature C19 connector, ensuring only the heat-rated C21 cord can be used. A C21 connector may enter some C20 inlets, but the certified high-temperature pairing is C21 to C22.

Can you manufacture C21 high-temperature cord sets?

Yes. We can produce C21-terminated cords with heat-resistant cable and the required wall plug or C20 connector, certified to the applicable standard. Because this is a specialized coupler, contact us with the inlet drawing and rating; MOQ is 200-1000 pieces with samples in 7-15 days.

IEC 60320 C21 Power Cords & Custom Connectors – Straight, Angled, Locking

IEC 60320 Diagram

IEC 60320 C21 power cords and connectors in straight, right-angle, and locking designs. Custom OEM/ODM available for servers, PDUs, data centers, and industrial heating equipment. These IEC 60320 C21 connectors are 16A/20A rated with 120°C high-temperature resistance and tailored to your exact specs.