---
title: The Remarkable Universality of IEC 60320 Cords and Components
description: Learn how IEC 60320 cords and components have changed the way electrical products are exported.
image: https://blog.interpower.com/hubfs/Interpower_November2017/images/InfoPower%20Blog/iec-components-and-aps.700x367.jpg
---

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          - [What is the ENEC Mark?](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/What-is-the-ENEC-Mark.html)
          - [Who enforces international safety standards?](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/who-enforces-international-safety-standards.html)
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          - [How Interpower Delights Customers...FAST](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/webcasts/how-interpower-delights-customers-fast.html)
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          - [Selecting the Correct Cable for Worldwide Markets](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/webcasts/selecting-the-correct-cable.html)
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          - [Abrupt Pull Test](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/Abrupt-Pull-Test.html)
          - [Hospital-Grade Power Cord](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/HospitalGrade-Powercord.html)
          - [Cord Flex Tester](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/Cord-Flex-Tester.html)
          - [Cord Anchorage Pull Test](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/Cord-Anchorage-Pull-Test.html)
          - [Cord Anchorage Torque Twist Test](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/Cord-Anchorage-Torque-Twist-Test-Video.html)
          - [Crimp Cross Section and Pull Test](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/Crimp-Cross-Section-and-Pull-Test.html)
          - [Insertion-withdrawal Testing](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/InsertionWithdrawal-Testing.html)
          - [Temperature Rise Testing](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/Temperature-Rise-Testing.html)
          - [Vertical Flame Test](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/Vertical-Flame-Test.html)
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          - [Odd Sizes in AWG Flexible Cable](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/odd-sizes-in-AWG-flexible-cable.html)
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          - [-North American Power Cords & Cord Sets](http://www.interpower.com/ic/NAcords.html)
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    - [Strain Reliefs](http://www.interpower.com/ic/strain-reliefs.html)
    - [Terminal Blocks](http://www.interpower.com/ic/terminalblocks.html)
    - [IEC 60320 Products](http://www.interpower.com/ic/IEC60320.html)
    - [Power Entry Modules](http://www.interpower.com/ic/modules.html) 
          - [-Power Entry Module Accessories](http://www.interpower.com/ic/modules-accessories.html)
    - [Accessory Power](http://www.interpower.com/ic/aps.html)
    - [Switches & Voltage Selectors](http://www.interpower.com/ic/switches.html)
    - [Circuit Breakers](http://www.interpower.com/ic/circuit-breakers.html)
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          - [-North American 1/4 X 1 1/4 Fuses](http://www.interpower.com/ic/fuses-NA.html)
          - [-International 5 X 20mm Fuses](http://www.interpower.com/ic/fuses-intl.html)
    - [Socket Strips](http://www.interpower.com/ic/socketstrips.html)
    - [Hospital-Grade Products](http://www.interpower.com/ic/hospitalgrade.html)
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    - [International Power Source](http://www.interpower.com/ic/ips.html)
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          - [The Global Market Place](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/The-Global-Marketplace.html)
          - [Why observe international product safety requirements?](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/Why-Observe-International-Product-Safety-Requirements.html)
          - [Conforming to Local Safety Requirements](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/Conforming-to-Local-Safety-Requirements.html)
          - [What standards must electronic or electrical equipment meet?](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/What-Standards-Must-Electronic-or-Electrical-Equipment-Meet.html)
          - [European & International Standards Writing Agencies](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/european-international-standards-writing-agencies.html)
          - [What is the CE Marking?](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/What-is-the-CE-Marking.html)
          - [What is the ENEC Mark?](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/What-is-the-ENEC-Mark.html)
          - [Who enforces international safety standards?](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/who-enforces-international-safety-standards.html)
          - [International Safety Compliance is a Corporate-wide Effort](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/international-safety-compliance-is-a-corporate-wide-effort.html)
    - [Webcasts](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/Webcasts.html) 
          - [IEC 60320 Overview](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/webcasts/iec60320-overview.html)
          - [How Interpower Delights Customers...FAST](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/webcasts/how-interpower-delights-customers-fast.html)
          - [International Power Found in the Heartland](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/webcasts/interpower-on-ien-now-international-power-in-the-heartland.html)
          - [Interpower Talks Unique Device Identification System](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/webcasts/interpower-talks-unique-device-identification-system.html)
          - [How to Select Power Cords and Cord Sets](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/webcasts/how-to-select-power-cords-and-cord-sets.html)
          - [Interpower International Power Cable Explained](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/webcasts/interpower-international-power-cable-explained.html)
          - [Commonly Asked Questions](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/webcasts/commonly-asked-questions.html)
          - [International Power Source Benefits](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/webcasts/International-Power-Source-Benefits.html)
          - [Selecting the Correct Cable for Worldwide Markets](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/webcasts/selecting-the-correct-cable.html)
          - [Accessory Power](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/webcasts/accessory-power-for-worldwide-markets.html)
    - [Quality Topics](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/Quality-Topics.html) 
          - [60320 Withdrawal Force](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/60320-Withdrawal-Force.html)
          - [Abrupt Pull Test](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/Abrupt-Pull-Test.html)
          - [Hospital-Grade Power Cord](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/HospitalGrade-Powercord.html)
          - [Cord Flex Tester](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/Cord-Flex-Tester.html)
          - [Cord Anchorage Pull Test](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/Cord-Anchorage-Pull-Test.html)
          - [Cord Anchorage Torque Twist Test](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/Cord-Anchorage-Torque-Twist-Test-Video.html)
          - [Crimp Cross Section and Pull Test](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/Crimp-Cross-Section-and-Pull-Test.html)
          - [Insertion-withdrawal Testing](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/InsertionWithdrawal-Testing.html)
          - [Temperature Rise Testing](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/Temperature-Rise-Testing.html)
          - [Vertical Flame Test](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/Vertical-Flame-Test.html)
    - [In-depth Product Line Information](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/Indepth-Product-Line-Information.html) 
          - [Power Cords and Cord Sets](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/more-information-on-power-cords-and-cord-sets.html)
          - [Hospital-Grade Products](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-info-on-HospitalGrade-Products.html)
          - [Heat Shrink Tubing](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/more-information-on-heat-shrink-tubing.html)
          - [Plugs and Sockets](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-info-on-Plugs-and-Sockets.html)
          - [High Power Pin & Sleeve Devices](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-Information-on-High-Power-Pin-and-Sleeve-Devices.html)
          - [Connector Locks](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-information-on-Connector-Locks.html)
          - [Cable](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-Information-on-Cable.html)
          - [Odd Sizes in AWG Flexible Cable](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/odd-sizes-in-AWG-flexible-cable.html)
          - [Strain Reliefs](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-Information-on-Strain-Reliefs-Cable-Glands.html)
          - [Terminal Blocks](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-Information-on-Terminal-Blocks.html)
          - [Testing](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/more-information-on-testing.html)
          - [IEC 60320 Products](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/more-information-on-iec-60320-products.html)
          - [IEC 60320 C13 and C19 Connectors](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-Information-on-IEC-60320-C13-Connectors.html)
          - [Power Entry Modules](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-Information-on-Power-Entry-Modules.html)
          - [Accessory Power](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-Information-Accessory-Power.html)
          - [Switches & Voltage Selectors](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-Information-on-Switches-and-Voltage-Selectors.html)
          - [Circuit Breakers](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-Information-on-Circuit-Breakers.html)
          - [Fuses & Fuse Holders](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-Information-on-Fuses-and-Fuseholders.html)
          - [Ferrites](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/more-information-on-ferrites.html)
          - [Socket Strips](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-Information-on-Socket-Strips.html)
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# InfoPower

# The Remarkable Universality of IEC 60320 Cords and Components

Posted on 5/29/26 8:28 AM

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![iec-components-and-aps.700x367](https://blog.interpower.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Interpower_November2017/images/InfoPower%20Blog/iec-components-and-aps.700x367.jpg?width=700&height=367&name=iec-components-and-aps.700x367.jpg)

Designing and exporting electrical systems for use in countries and continents around the world require a universal interface in which IEC 60320 jumper cords and components provide. Today, end users expect to unbox their power cords—wherever they live—and plug them into wall outlets without any reconfiguration. These cord sets will bear a country-specific plug that is approved by that specific country’s safety agency. The other end of that country-specific cord will bear a rewirable or molded IEC 60320 connector which plugs into the equipment.

![W-O APS Jumper and Cordset-800x524](https://blog.interpower.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Interpower_November2017/images/landing-page-images/W-O%20APS%20Jumper%20and%20Cordset-800x524.png?width=476&height=312&name=W-O%20APS%20Jumper%20and%20Cordset-800x524.png)

For multiple machines and devices, the IEC 60320 connector should plug into an IEC 60320 inlet in an Accessory Power Strip (APS) or Power Distribution Unit (PDU) alongside 4–12 IEC 60320 Sheet F or J outlets to connect jumper cords to those multiple machines. Such universality and adaptability makes exporting electrical designs almost seamless. Accessory power is quite a remarkable achievement when considering the numerous plug and socket patterns used worldwide.

## ![aps-hubspot-cta-200x150](https://blog.interpower.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Interpower_November2017/images/CTAs/aps-hubspot-cta-200x150.jpg?width=200&height=150&name=aps-hubspot-cta-200x150.jpg)[Accessory Power Strips (APS)](https://www.interpower.com/cgi-bin/ic.cgi/paplist2.p?w_group=aps&w_title=Accessory)

This power strip incorporates an IEC 60320 inlet with up to 4–12 IEC 60320 outlets. Other APS features commonly included are power on/off switches, circuit breakers, supplementary overcurrent protectors, or fuse holders and fuses.

## ![pdu-blu-145x290](https://blog.interpower.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Interpower_November2017/images/landing-page-images/pdu-blu-145x290.jpg?width=290&height=145&name=pdu-blu-145x290.jpg)

## [Power Distribution Unit (PDU)](https://www.interpower.com/cgi-bin/ic.cgi/paplist2.p?w_group=pdu&w_title=)

The PDU fits into a 19-inch rack. While it is similar to an accessory power strip, its casing is larger than an APS. Both the APS and PDU are powder coated for durability and offered in white, beige, and black. While the APS is often used on floors away from traffic, the APS can also be mounted to walls or other stable surfaces. Connector locks could then be added to either the APS or PDU to prevent accidental disconnects. The APS and PDU are especially beneficial when there’s insufficient panel space to power equipment, and where wall outlets are at a minimum.

Interpower accessory power strips come with 10A–15A/100–240VAC, and 10A–15A/125–240VAC power ratings while the PDU is rated at 16A/125–240VAC—they are typically ordered with one IEC 60320 inlet and 4–12 IEC 60320 outlets to connect multiple jumper cords from the APS/PDU to equipment. For example, the APS or PDU may each contain one C14 inlet with several Sheet F outlets, or a C20 inlet with several Sheet J outlets. IEC 60320 Jumper cords carry amperages and voltages ranging from 2.5A–20A/125–250VAC—entire electrical designs are built around these IEC 60320 components.

Interpower cords and components are manufactured in accordance with Interpower’s product quality plan: hipot testing, continuity testing, and ground testing with multiple inspections.

## ![cord-clips-600x340](https://blog.interpower.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Interpower_November2017/Connections/cord-clips-600x340.jpg?width=300&height=170&name=cord-clips-600x340.jpg)[Cord Clips](https://www.interpower.com/ic/news/usa-madeinterpower-cord-clips.html)

Cord clips are an inexpensive safety addition for longer power cords to reducing tripping and prevent the cord from dragging. While cord clips aren’t considered accessory power components, they do complement accessory power since multiple cords often extend from the wall several feet before entering the APS/PDU. While cord clips help prevent injuries—such as falling after tripping—they also extend cord life by preventing cords from contacting machinery and tools by preserving their jackets.

The clip is set at a convenient 4.75 inches behind the plug as an optimal distance after much experimentation and testing. The clips come in gray and black and are made in the U.S.A.

 Topics: [IEC 60320](https://blog.interpower.com/infopower/tag/iec-60320), [IEC](https://blog.interpower.com/infopower/tag/iec), [IEC 60320 inlets](https://blog.interpower.com/infopower/tag/iec-60320-inlets), [IEC 60320 outlets](https://blog.interpower.com/infopower/tag/iec-60320-outlets), [Accessory Power](https://blog.interpower.com/infopower/tag/accessory-power), [Accessory Power System](https://blog.interpower.com/infopower/tag/accessory-power-system)

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