Learn about the core connector families for IT: IEC 60320 C14 and C20 on the input plug side and C13/C15/C19/C21 on the output connector side. IEC 60309 PDU feeds, color-coded cordsets for circuit identification, locking power cords to prevent accidental disconnects, secure sleeves, and an overview of cabinet-level NEMA L25-30/L26-30. — plus how ORV3 powers busbars inside the rack via power shelves, and how Saf-D-Grid enables compact, touch-safe DC interconnects for 48 V systems.
Server and network power distribution is built on standardized IEC 60320 connectors and PDU feeds. Consistent cord lengths and color-coding reduce errors and improve airflow. In facilities running 240/415 V three-phase, L25-30 and L26-30 twist-lock devices provide compact, cabinet-level inputs to PDUs and power shelves. For hyperscale environments, the Open Rack V3 (ORV3) standard enables high-efficiency power delivery and uniform integration across large fleets.
The most common device connection for servers, storage, and switches.
For higher-draw equipment, common on PDUs
High-Temp - Backwards compatible.
Twist to lock inputs to PDUs or shelves in 240/415 V environments.
Bring power into the rack via IEC 60309.
Rack-internal 48 V busbar fed by power shelves; optional BBU shelf for ride-through.
Compact DC connector system designed for safe, touch-proof connection and disconnection of up to 600V AC in data center, telecom, and industrial applications.
Color cords can be used to identify redundancy in a circuit.
Secure sleeves and outlet covers improve retention and prevent overloads.
Locking power cords come in many different form factors, some proprietary, some universal.
| Family | Typical Use | Considerations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| C13/C14 | Servers, network gear | Length/airflow, locking options, color coding | Most common device connection |
| C19/C20 | Higher amperage devices | Conductor size, locking options, color coding | Ensure PDU outlet capacity |
| NEMA L25-30 / NEMA L26-30 | Cabinet level input | Improved efficiency compared to stepping down three-phase to 120/208V, No stepdown transformer needed | Less heat - lowering cooling requirements |
| IEC 60309 Inputs | Rack PDU feeds | Voltage/phasing, breaker size, cord length | Regional variants exist |
| ORV3 | Rack-internal DC distribution | Power/BBU shelves, blind-mate busbar, OU/RU rails | Upstream AC cords still sized & color-coded |
Adopt A/B feed color conventions and standardized lengths to reduce errors and maintain airflow.
Standard and locking cords in common lengths and colors.
High-current cordsets with locking and color-coding options.
30A 240 V (L-N) cabinet-level plugs, connectors & receptacles.
30A 240/415 V 3Ø Wye cabinet-level plugs, connectors & receptacles.
PDU inputs matched to site voltage and phase.
High voltage - small footprint.
Custom design and manufacture available
C14 inlets are common on servers and switches up to 10A/15A, pairing with C13 cords. C20 inlets support higher-draw devices (15A/20A), pairing with C19 cords. Both are appliance inlets, not outlets.
Color-coding (e.g., red for feed A, blue for feed B) reduces human error and makes redundancy obvious. It also speeds up troubleshooting and capacity planning.
Thicker cords (e.g., 14 AWG) handle more current but are stiffer and block airflow. Using the smallest safe gauge improves cable management and cooling efficiency.
IEC 60309 connectors dominate global data centers for higher current and 3-phase feeds. Twist-lock (NEMA L-series) is more common in North America, especially for 20A/30A rack-level inputs.
Use them on critical gear and where vibration or human activity risks unplug. Many teams standardize locking C13/C19 for top-tier racks.
Pick the shortest length that preserves bend radius and routing. Standardize by rack height (e.g., 2ft/4ft/6ft) and color for A/B feeds.
L25-30 is 30A, 2-pole/3-wire at 240 V (line-to-neutral). L26-30 is 30A, 4-pole/5-wire at 240/415 V 3-phase Wye. Both serve as compact, twist-lock cabinet inputs to PDUs or power shelves in 240/415 V facilities and eliminate the need for stepdown transformers.
Inside the rack, ORV3 distributes 48 V over a busbar fed by power shelves. Upstream, you still utilize AC input cords (often IEC 60309 or L21-30).
