Power Cables

Connect servers, switches, storage systems, UPS equipment, rack PDUs, KVM consoles, network appliances, and other business IT hardware with power cables from Hummingbird Networks. Available solutions include IEC power cords, C13-to-C14 cables, C19-to-C20 cables, NEMA-to-IEC power cords, locking power cables, UPS power cables, PDU power cords, battery-extension cables, and other equipment-specific power connections for server rooms, data centers, network closets, and enterprise infrastructure.

Choosing the correct power cable requires matching the equipment inlet, power-source receptacle, voltage, current rating, connector type, cord length, equipment manufacturer, and installation environment. A cable that physically fits should not automatically be assumed to have the correct electrical rating for the application.

Hummingbird Networks offers power connectivity from APC, Eaton, HPE, Eaton Tripp Lite Series, and other leading infrastructure manufacturers for rack-mounted IT equipment and power-protection systems.

Power Cables for Servers, Racks & IT Infrastructure

Enterprise IT equipment can use several different power-connector standards depending on equipment size, electrical load, region, and power architecture.

Power cables can connect:

• Servers to rack PDUs
• Servers to UPS systems
• Switches to PDUs
• Storage systems to power distribution
• KVM consoles to AC power
• Network appliances to UPS systems
• UPS systems to compatible power sources
• External battery packs to UPS systems
• PDUs to compatible facility power

IEC Power Cables

IEC power connectors are widely used throughout server rooms and data centers.

Common IEC connector families include:

• IEC C13
• IEC C14
• IEC C19
• IEC C20
• Higher-temperature compatible C15/C16 and C21/C22 families on selected equipment

The cable must match both the equipment inlet and the outlet or receptacle providing power.

IEC C13 Power Cables

IEC C13 is one of the most common equipment-side power connectors used throughout business IT.

C13 cords are commonly used with:

• Servers
• Network switches
• Routers
• Firewalls
• KVM equipment
• Monitors
• Storage systems
• UPS-connected equipment

IEC C14 Power Connections

IEC C14 is commonly used as the mating inlet or plug connection for C13-based power cords.

C13-to-C14 power cords are widely used inside server racks to connect equipment to compatible PDUs or UPS receptacles.

C13 to C14 Power Cords

C13-to-C14 cords are a standard data-center and server-rack power connection.

A typical connection can be:

Rack PDU C13 Outlet → C14 Plug / C13 Connector Power Cord → Server or Network Device

Current Hummingbird Networks APC inventory includes C13-to-C14 rack power cords for compatible PDU environments.

Where Are C13 to C14 Cables Used?

Common applications include:

• Servers connected to rack PDUs
• Network switches connected to UPS systems
• Storage appliances connected to rack power
• KVM consoles connected to PDUs
• Network appliances connected to redundant power sources

IEC C19 Power Cables

IEC C19 connectors are commonly used with higher-power IT equipment than typical C13 connections.

Applications can include:

• High-performance servers
• Large network switches
• Storage systems
• Blade infrastructure
• High-capacity PDUs
• High-density computing

IEC C20 Power Connections

IEC C20 connections mate with compatible C19 power-cord connectors.

C19-to-C20 cables are widely used in rack environments where equipment requires greater current capacity.

C19 to C20 Power Cords

C19-to-C20 cables connect compatible high-power equipment to PDUs, UPS systems, and other power-distribution infrastructure.

Current Hummingbird Networks inventory includes APC NetShelter C19-to-C20 power cords for compatible rack PDU environments.

C13/C14 vs. C19/C20

The two connector families are generally used for different power levels.

C13/C14: Common across conventional servers, switches, and rack equipment.

C19/C20: Common with higher-power servers, storage, switches, and infrastructure.

Always check equipment electrical requirements rather than choosing by connector appearance alone.

Locking Power Cables

Locking power cords are designed to reduce accidental disconnection from compatible equipment or PDU outlets.

They can be useful in:

• Data centers
• High-availability racks
• Remote IT sites
• Equipment exposed to vibration
• Dense server environments

HPE currently supports IEC locking power cords on many G2 rack PDUs, providing retention at both the PDU and connected equipment on supported configurations.

Why Use Locking Power Cords?

An unintentionally disconnected power cord can take critical infrastructure offline.

Locking cables can help reduce the risk of disconnection during:

• Server maintenance
• Rack service
• Cable changes
• Equipment movement
• Shipping of preconfigured racks

APC Locking Power Cords

APC NetShelter rack power products support locking IEC power-cord configurations on compatible equipment.

Current Hummingbird Networks inventory includes locking C19-to-C20 cord kits for supported APC PDU installations.

HPE Locking Power Cords

HPE IEC locking power cords are designed for compatible HPE G2 PDU environments.

The locking mechanism helps retain the connection at the PDU and supported equipment, helping reduce the risk of power-related downtime caused by accidental disconnection.

Server Power Cables

Servers commonly use IEC power cords between their power supplies and rack PDUs or UPS systems.

Server cable selection should consider:

• Power-supply inlet
• PDU outlet
• Voltage
• Current
• Power-supply wattage
• Redundant power design
• Cable length

Power Cables for Redundant Server Power

Servers with dual power supplies are often connected to separate power sources for redundancy.

For example:

• Power Supply A → PDU A
• Power Supply B → PDU B

The two PDUs can in turn be connected to separate UPS systems or electrical sources depending on the facility design.

Network Switch Power Cables

Network switches can use C13/C14, C19/C20, NEMA, or other power connections depending on model and power consumption.

High-density PoE switches can require higher-capacity power connections than non-PoE switches because they supply electrical power to connected devices.

Power Cables for PoE Switches

PoE switches can draw substantial electrical power when supporting large PoE budgets.

The power cable and PDU connection must support the electrical requirements of the switch.

Do not size the power connection based only on Ethernet port count.

Storage System Power Cables

Enterprise storage arrays can contain multiple power supplies and significant electrical loads.

Storage power planning should consider:

• Redundant power supplies
• Power-cord connector type
• PDU outlet availability
• UPS capacity
• Voltage
• Current

Power Cables for KVM Consoles

Rack LCD consoles and KVM equipment often use conventional AC power cords.

Current Eaton Tripp Lite Series rack-console products sold by Hummingbird Networks include detachable NEMA 5-15P-to-C13 AC power cables on compatible models.

NEMA Power Cables

NEMA plug standards are widely used for North American AC power.

Common IT-related NEMA connectors include:

• NEMA 5-15P
• NEMA 5-20P
• NEMA L5-20P
• NEMA L5-30P
• NEMA L6-20P
• NEMA L6-30P
• NEMA L21-20P
• NEMA L21-30P

The plug must match the receptacle, voltage, phase, and current requirements of the electrical system.

NEMA 5-15P Power Cables

NEMA 5-15P is the familiar standard 120V plug used with many lower-power IT devices in North America.

It is commonly paired with an IEC C13 equipment connector on standard computer and network-equipment power cords.

NEMA 5-20P Power Cables

NEMA 5-20P connections support higher current than standard 5-15P connections on compatible circuits.

They can be used with selected UPS systems, PDUs, and higher-load equipment.

Locking NEMA Power Connections

NEMA locking plugs twist into compatible receptacles to reduce accidental disconnection.

Examples commonly found in rack power infrastructure include:

• L5-20P
• L5-30P
• L6-20P
• L6-30P
• L21-20P
• L21-30P

NEMA L6-20P Power Connections

NEMA L6-20P is a locking power connection commonly used with 208V, 230V, or compatible high-voltage IT power infrastructure depending on equipment design.

Current Eaton rack PDU products sold by Hummingbird Networks use L6-20P input connections on selected models.

NEMA L6-30P Power Connections

NEMA L6-30P provides a locking high-capacity power connection commonly used with enterprise rack PDUs and other data-center equipment.

Current APC, HPE, and Eaton power-distribution systems sold by Hummingbird Networks include L6-30P input configurations on selected products.

PDU Power Cables

Power Distribution Units distribute electrical power to multiple rack devices.

Power cables interact with a PDU in two primary ways:

• PDU input cables connect the PDU to upstream facility or UPS power
• Equipment power cables connect servers and other hardware to PDU outlets

Explore PDUs (Power Distribution Units) for rack power-distribution hardware.

PDU Input Cables

Some PDUs include a fixed input cord, while others use detachable or selectable power cables.

Current Eaton G4 universal PDU infrastructure supports multiple available power-cable and plug options on compatible models.

This allows the PDU architecture to be adapted to different facility-power connections.

PDU Output Power Cables

Output cords connect PDU receptacles to servers, switches, storage, and other rack equipment.

Common PDU output combinations include:

• C13 to C14
• C19 to C20
• Locking IEC connections
• NEMA output cords

Rack PDU Power Cables

Rack PDU cables should be selected according to:

• PDU outlet type
• Equipment inlet
• Voltage
• Current
• Cable length
• Locking requirements

UPS Power Cables

UPS systems use power cables for input power, equipment output connections, external batteries, and other supported accessories.

Explore UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) for battery-backup systems.

UPS Input Power Cables

The UPS input connection delivers facility power to the UPS.

Depending on UPS capacity, connections can include:

• Standard NEMA plugs
• Locking NEMA plugs
• IEC connections
• Hardwire input on selected larger UPS systems

UPS Output Power Cables

UPS output cords connect protected equipment to compatible UPS receptacles.

Equipment load, connector type, voltage, current, and UPS rating must all be considered.

UPS Battery Extension Cables

External battery packs can require dedicated battery-extension cables rather than ordinary AC power cords.

Current Hummingbird Networks inventory includes APC Smart-UPS and Eaton 9PX battery-extension cables for compatible external battery modules.

Eaton UPS Battery Extension Cables

Eaton offers product-specific battery-extension cabling for compatible UPS and expansion-battery systems.

Current Hummingbird Networks inventory includes an Eaton 9PX battery extension cable designed for use with a specific compatible external battery module.

APC UPS Battery Extension Cables

APC Smart-UPS external battery packs can use model-specific extension cables for supported battery systems.

Current Hummingbird Networks inventory includes APC battery-extension cables for multiple Smart-UPS RT and SRT systems.

Battery Extension Cable vs. Power Cord

A UPS battery extension cable should not be confused with a conventional AC power cord.

Battery cables carry DC power between compatible UPS and battery modules and can use manufacturer-specific connectors and voltages.

Use only cables approved for the exact UPS and battery pack.

Power Cables for Automatic Transfer Switches

Rack Automatic Transfer Switches can accept two power inputs and automatically transfer connected equipment between available sources.

Some current APC NetShelter ATS products use dual IEC C20 inputs with C13 and C19 output receptacles.

Explore Transfer Switches for rack power-source redundancy.

Power Cables for Dual-Source Equipment

Equipment with redundant power supplies can be connected to different PDUs or power sources.

A well-designed dual-source configuration can help maintain operation if one upstream source fails.

Power Cables for Data Centers

Data centers use large quantities of power cables connecting racks, servers, switches, storage systems, UPS systems, and PDUs.

Power-cable planning should consider:

• Voltage
• Current
• Rack power density
• Connector standard
• Redundancy
• Locking retention
• Cable length
• Cable routing

Power Cables for Server Rooms

Server rooms can use a mixture of NEMA and IEC power connections depending on equipment and power architecture.

Standardizing connector families where practical can simplify rack deployment and spare-cable inventory.

Power Cables for Network Closets

Network closets commonly power:

• Switches
• Routers
• Firewalls
• Wireless controllers
• UPS systems
• KVM equipment

Short, appropriately rated power cords can help keep compact racks more organized.

Power Cables for Edge Computing

Edge infrastructure can place servers and network equipment in remote or compact environments.

Power connections should be selected for the equipment, UPS, PDU, rack, and facility power available at each site.

Power Cables for AI & High-Density Computing

AI and GPU servers can draw substantially more power than conventional servers.

High-density power planning can require:

• Higher-current connectors
• C19/C20 connectivity
• High-capacity PDUs
• Redundant power feeds
• Secure cord retention

Power-cable ratings should always be verified against the actual equipment load.

Power Cable Voltage Ratings

Power cords have specified voltage ratings.

Common IT environments can use:

• 120V AC
• 200V AC
• 208V AC
• 230V AC
• 240V AC

The entire power path must support the intended voltage.

120V Power Cables

120V AC is common in North American office and lower-power rack environments.

NEMA 5-15 and 5-20 connectors are widely used with 120V equipment.

208V Power Cables

208V is widely used in North American data centers and enterprise IT infrastructure.

Higher voltage can allow more power to be delivered at lower current for a given wattage.

230V & 240V Power Cables

230V and 240V are common across international and higher-voltage enterprise IT deployments.

IEC-based power distribution can simplify compatibility across equipment designed for wide-range AC input.

Power Cable Current Ratings

Current rating indicates how much electrical current a power cable is designed to carry under specified conditions.

Common IT circuits and equipment can involve:

• 10A
• 13A
• 15A
• 16A
• 20A
• 30A upstream rack-power connections

Never exceed the rated capacity of the cable, connector, outlet, or equipment.

Power Cable Wire Gauge

Power cords use different conductor sizes depending on current capacity, cord length, and application.

Wire gauge can affect:

• Current capacity
• Voltage drop
• Cable diameter
• Flexibility
• Heat generation

Power Cable Length

Power cords should be long enough for proper routing but not excessively longer than required.

Excess power-cord slack can:

• Block airflow
• Create service obstacles
• Increase cable congestion
• Make equipment identification more difficult

2-Foot Power Cables

Short 2-foot rack power cords can reduce cable clutter when equipment is located close to a PDU outlet.

Current Hummingbird Networks APC inventory includes short locking C19-to-C20 cord-kit configurations.

6-Foot Power Cables

6-foot cords provide flexible rack or equipment connections and are common with desktop and rack-mounted hardware.

Current Eaton UPS battery-extension products sold by Hummingbird Networks include 6-foot configurations for compatible systems.

8-Foot Power Cables

Longer cords can provide routing flexibility when equipment and power sources are farther apart.

Current APC inventory includes C13-to-C14 cords in approximately 2.5-meter lengths.

10-Foot Power Cables

10-foot power cords are common as PDU input cables and can provide enough length to reach facility receptacles or upstream power equipment.

Many current Eaton and APC rack PDUs use 10-foot input cords on compatible models.

15-Foot Power Extension Cables

Some UPS external-battery systems use 15-foot extension cables to allow greater installation flexibility between the UPS and battery module.

Current APC Smart-UPS battery-extension products include 15-foot configurations for compatible systems.

Power Cable Extension Cords

Extension cables increase the distance between compatible power devices.

Only use an extension cord when its:

• Connector type
• Voltage rating
• Current rating
• Equipment compatibility

are appropriate for the application.

Standard Power Cord vs. Extension Cord

A standard power cord connects equipment directly to a power source.

An extension cable extends an existing compatible power connection.

Some manufacturer-specific UPS extension cables serve specialized functions and should not be replaced by generic AC extension cords.

Detachable Power Cables

Detachable power cords allow the cable to be separated from the equipment.

Benefits can include:

• Easy replacement
• Regional plug flexibility
• Alternative cable lengths
• Simpler rack cabling

Fixed Power Cords

Some PDUs, UPS systems, and other equipment use permanently attached input cords.

In these cases, the cord and plug are part of the equipment configuration and cannot be replaced independently without manufacturer-approved service.

Power Cables & Rack PDUs

Rack PDUs can provide dozens of power outlets in 0U or 1U configurations.

Current Hummingbird Networks Eaton and APC PDU inventory includes combinations of:

• IEC C13 outlets
• IEC C19 outlets
• NEMA outlets
• Locking IEC outlets
• High-temperature hybrid outlets on selected systems

Power-cord selection should match the outlet configuration of the selected PDU.

Power Cables & UPS Systems

UPS equipment protects connected technology from outages and selected power conditions.

The cables between the UPS and protected equipment must support the same voltage and current requirements as the connected load.

Power Cables & Power Distribution

Power cabling is one part of the broader rack electrical system.

A complete architecture can include:

• Facility power
• UPS
• Transfer switch
• Rack PDU
• Equipment power cord
• Server power supply

Explore Power & Cooling for the broader rack power infrastructure.

Power Cables & Cable Management

Rack power cables should be routed so they do not obstruct server airflow or interfere with network cabling and equipment maintenance.

Explore Cable Management for rack cable-routing solutions.

Managing Power Cables in a Rack

Good power-cable management can help:

• Reduce accidental disconnection
• Keep server exhaust paths open
• Identify redundant feeds
• Improve serviceability
• Reduce strain on connectors

Power Cable Strain Relief

Heavy or long power cords should not place unnecessary mechanical load on equipment inlets.

Cable retainers, locking connectors, and proper rack routing can help support cable weight.

Power Cable Bend Radius

Power cords should not be sharply kinked or crushed.

Route cables according to manufacturer recommendations and avoid forcing heavy cords through overly tight turns.

Power Cable Labeling

Clear power-cable labeling is especially important in redundant rack environments.

Labels can identify:

• Server
• Power supply
• PDU
• PDU outlet
• UPS
• Power source

Color-Coded Power Cables

Organizations can use different cord colors to identify redundant power paths or equipment groups.

For example:

• Feed A
• Feed B
• UPS-backed power
• Utility power
• Different rack zones

Color coding should complement accurate labels and documentation.

Power Cable Redundancy

Redundant equipment power should be designed so a single failed cable, PDU, UPS, or electrical source does not unnecessarily disable all equipment power supplies.

True redundancy depends on the complete upstream electrical architecture.

Can I Plug Both Server Power Supplies into the Same PDU?

You can physically do so on compatible equipment, but doing so does not provide PDU-level redundancy.

High-availability designs commonly connect redundant server power supplies to separate power-distribution paths.

Can I Use a C13 Cable with a C19 Outlet?

No. C13 and C19 use different connector shapes and ratings.

Select a cable that matches the actual equipment inlet and PDU outlet.

Can I Use a C19 Cable with a C20 Connection?

Yes, when the cable and equipment are appropriately rated. C19 and C20 are mating IEC connector types commonly used for higher-power IT equipment.

Can I Use a C13 Cable with a C14 Connection?

Yes. C13 and C14 are mating IEC connector types commonly used with servers, switches, computers, and other IT equipment.

Can I Use a 120V Cord at 230V?

Only if the cable and connectors are explicitly rated for that voltage and the connected equipment supports it.

Never assume a cable is suitable for a different voltage based solely on physical connector compatibility.

Can I Use Any Power Cable with a Server?

No. The cable must match the server inlet, voltage, current, PDU or UPS outlet, and equipment power requirements.

Can I Use Any Power Cord with a UPS?

No. UPS input and output connections can have specific electrical and connector requirements.

Battery-extension cables can also be model-specific.

Can I Use Any Power Cord with a PDU?

No. The cord must match the PDU outlet type and the equipment being powered.

Some PDUs also support manufacturer-specific locking power-cord systems.

Power Cable Safety

Power cables should be used within their specified electrical ratings and installed according to equipment and electrical requirements.

Do not use cables with:

• Damaged insulation
• Exposed conductors
• Broken plugs
• Loose connectors
• Signs of overheating

Signs of a Damaged Power Cord

A power cord should be inspected or replaced if it shows:

• Frayed insulation
• Crushed sections
• Burn marks
• Melted connector material
• Loose plug retention
• Intermittent equipment power

Power Cable Heat

Power cords can become warm under load, but excessive heat can indicate an overloaded connection, poor contact, damaged cable, incorrect rating, or other electrical problem.

Disconnect equipment safely and investigate abnormal heating rather than continuing to operate a questionable connection.

Power Cable Voltage Drop

Longer cables and higher electrical loads can increase voltage drop.

Use appropriately rated conductor sizes and cable lengths for the application.

High-Temperature IEC Power Connections

Selected modern rack PDUs support IEC hybrid outlet designs compatible with higher-temperature connector families such as C15/C16 or C21 variants.

These can be useful with newer high-density IT equipment designed for elevated operating temperatures.

C13 vs. C15

C13 and C15 are similar IEC connector families, but C15 is designed for higher-temperature applications.

Connector and equipment compatibility should be verified before use.

C19 vs. C21

C19 and C21 belong to higher-current IEC connector families, with C21 designed for higher-temperature applications.

Selected modern rack PDUs include hybrid receptacles designed to accept compatible versions of these connectors.

APC Power Cables

APC offers rack power cords, locking IEC cables, UPS battery-extension cables, and related power connectivity for compatible APC infrastructure.

Current Hummingbird Networks inventory includes:

• C13-to-C14 power cords
• C19-to-C20 power cords
• Locking C19-to-C20 cord kits
• Smart-UPS battery-extension cables

APC NetShelter Power Cables

APC NetShelter rack power infrastructure uses IEC power connectivity across a wide range of PDU designs.

Current Hummingbird Networks inventory includes NetShelter C19-to-C20 rack power cords and locking cord kits for compatible PDU environments.

Eaton Power Cables

Eaton provides power cables and extension solutions for compatible UPS, rack power modules, PDUs, and battery systems.

Current Hummingbird Networks inventory includes Eaton UPS battery-extension cables and other power connectivity for compatible systems.

Eaton Tripp Lite Series Power Connectivity

Eaton Tripp Lite Series infrastructure uses multiple IEC and NEMA power standards across UPS, PDU, rack, KVM, and related IT products.

Power-cord selection should be matched to the exact equipment model and electrical requirements.

HPE Power Cables

HPE offers power connectivity for servers, storage, and compatible rack PDU infrastructure.

HPE G2 PDUs support IEC locking power-cord options designed to help retain power connections to compatible equipment.

How to Choose a Power Cable

Identify the Equipment Inlet

Determine whether the device uses C14, C20, NEMA, or another power inlet.

Identify the Power-Source Receptacle

Determine the outlet type on the PDU, UPS, transfer switch, or facility power source.

Verify Voltage

Confirm the cable and equipment support the required AC or DC voltage.

Verify Current

The cable must be rated for the current required by the equipment.

Choose an Appropriate Length

Select enough length for clean routing without excessive slack.

Consider Locking Connectors

Locking cords can improve retention in high-availability racks.

Verify Equipment Compatibility

UPS battery cables and some other power connections can be product-specific.

Power Cable Selection Checklist

Before purchasing a power cable, verify:

• Equipment manufacturer
• Equipment model
• Equipment power inlet
• Power-source receptacle
• Connector at first end
• Connector at second end
• Input voltage
• Current rating
• Required cord length
• Locking or non-locking design
• AC or DC application
• UPS or PDU compatibility
• Battery-system compatibility where applicable
• Installation environment

Planning Rack Power Cabling

Rack power should be designed together with servers, switches, storage, UPS capacity, PDUs, and facility electrical service.

Plan for:

• Total rack load
• Redundant power paths
• PDU outlet quantity
• C13 vs. C19 requirements
• Cable lengths
• Locking retention
• Cable management
• Future equipment growth

Planning Power Cords for High-Density Racks

High-density racks can contain dozens of individual power cords.

Shorter appropriately sized cords can reduce congestion while locking connectors and labeling can improve serviceability.

Why Buy Power Cables from Hummingbird Networks?

Power-cable selection directly affects equipment compatibility, safety, rack organization, and infrastructure availability. The correct cable must match connector type, voltage, current, equipment, PDU or UPS output, cable length, and installation requirements.

Hummingbird Networks offers power connectivity for network closets, server rooms, data centers, edge environments, UPS systems, rack PDUs, and enterprise IT infrastructure.

Customers can turn to our team for:

• IEC power cords
• C13-to-C14 power cords
• C19-to-C20 power cords
• NEMA-to-IEC cables
• Locking power cords
• Server power cables
• Switch power cables
• UPS power cables
• PDU power cables
• UPS battery-extension cables
• APC power cables
• Eaton power cables
• HPE locking power cords
• Eaton Tripp Lite Series connectivity
• Product and compatibility guidance

Whether you need short C13-to-C14 cords for a dense server rack, C19-to-C20 connectivity for higher-power equipment, locking cords for critical infrastructure, or a manufacturer-specific battery extension cable for an APC or Eaton UPS, Hummingbird Networks can help identify power cables based on connectors, voltage, current, length, equipment, and rack architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Power Cables

What is an IEC power cable?

An IEC power cable uses standardized IEC connectors commonly found on servers, switches, storage systems, UPS equipment, and rack PDUs.

What is a C13 power cord?

C13 is a common equipment-side IEC connector used with computers, servers, network switches, and other IT devices.

What is a C14 connector?

C14 is the mating IEC connection commonly used with C13 power cords.

What is a C13-to-C14 power cord?

A C13-to-C14 cord commonly connects servers and network equipment to compatible rack PDUs or UPS systems.

What is a C19 power cord?

C19 is a higher-capacity IEC connector commonly used with larger servers, storage, switches, and power equipment.

What is a C20 connector?

C20 is the mating IEC connection commonly paired with a C19 power cord.

What is a C19-to-C20 power cord?

A C19-to-C20 cord connects compatible higher-power IT equipment to PDU, UPS, or other IEC power infrastructure.

What is the difference between C13/C14 and C19/C20?

C13/C14 connections are common for conventional IT loads, while C19/C20 connections are commonly used for higher-power equipment.

What is a locking power cord?

A locking power cord uses a retention mechanism designed to reduce accidental disconnection from compatible equipment or PDU outlets.

Why use locking power cords in a data center?

They can reduce the chance that equipment loses power because a cord is unintentionally pulled loose during maintenance or rack service.

What is a NEMA 5-15P power cord?

NEMA 5-15P is a common North American 120V plug used with computers, monitors, network equipment, and other lower-power devices.

What is a NEMA L6-30P plug?

L6-30P is a locking high-capacity NEMA power plug commonly used with data-center PDUs and other compatible 208V to 240V infrastructure.

What is a PDU power cord?

A PDU power cord can refer to the cable supplying the PDU itself or an equipment cord connecting a PDU outlet to a server or other device.

What is a UPS power cable?

A UPS power cable can connect the UPS to facility power, connect protected equipment to UPS outlets, or connect supported UPS battery accessories.

What is a UPS battery extension cable?

A battery extension cable connects a compatible UPS to an external battery module and is usually specific to a particular UPS and battery family.

Can I use a regular power cord as a UPS battery cable?

No. UPS battery connections can use specialized DC voltages and proprietary connectors. Use only a compatible manufacturer-approved cable.

Can I use any C13 cord with a server?

The connector may fit, but the cable must also have the correct voltage and current ratings for the server and power source.

Can I use a C13 cable with a C19 outlet?

No. C13 and C19 are different connector types.

Can I use C13 with C14?

Yes. C13 and C14 are mating IEC connector types when the electrical ratings are appropriate.

Can I use C19 with C20?

Yes. C19 and C20 are mating IEC connector types when the power ratings match the application.

What power cable should I use for a server?

Match the server inlet to the UPS or PDU outlet and verify voltage, current, wattage, cord length, and redundancy requirements.

What power cable should I use for a network switch?

Check the switch power-supply inlet, input voltage, current requirements, and the available PDU or UPS outlet type.

Do PoE switches need special power cables?

They can require higher-capacity power connections because large PoE budgets increase switch power consumption. Follow the switch manufacturer's electrical requirements.

What power cable should I use with a rack PDU?

Select a cable that matches both the PDU receptacle and the connected equipment inlet while supporting the required voltage and current.

How long should a rack power cord be?

Use a cord long enough for proper routing without tension but not so long that excessive slack creates cable congestion.

Are shorter power cords better for server racks?

Appropriately sized short cords can reduce cable clutter when the PDU outlet is close to the equipment.

Can power-cord length affect voltage?

Longer conductors can contribute to voltage drop, particularly at higher loads. Use properly rated cords for the required length and current.

What voltage power cord do I need?

The cord must be rated for the voltage used by the equipment and power source, such as 120V, 208V, 230V, or 240V.

Can a 120V power cable be used at 230V?

Only if the cable and connectors are specifically rated for that voltage and the connected equipment supports 230V operation.

What is a redundant power connection?

Redundant power uses multiple independent power paths so equipment can continue operating if one path fails.

Should both server power supplies connect to the same PDU?

For true PDU-level redundancy, dual power supplies are typically connected to separate power-distribution paths when the infrastructure supports it.

What is a locking IEC cord?

A locking IEC cord uses a retention system to secure compatible IEC connections against accidental removal.

Does HPE support locking power cords?

Yes. HPE G2 PDU infrastructure supports IEC locking power cords on compatible configurations.

Does APC sell C13-to-C14 power cords?

Yes. Hummingbird Networks currently carries APC C13-to-C14 power cords for compatible rack and PDU environments.

Does APC sell C19-to-C20 power cords?

Yes. Hummingbird Networks currently carries APC NetShelter C19-to-C20 power cords and locking cord kits.

Does Hummingbird Networks carry UPS battery extension cables?

Yes. Current inventory includes compatible APC Smart-UPS and Eaton UPS battery-extension cables.

What is a C15 power connector?

C15 is a higher-temperature IEC connector related to the C13 family and used with compatible equipment.

What is a C21 power connector?

C21 is a higher-temperature IEC connector related to the C19 family and used with compatible higher-power equipment.

Should power cables and Ethernet cables be routed separately?

Separate pathways can improve rack organization and serviceability. Follow applicable electrical and structured-cabling requirements for the installation.

Can power cables block server airflow?

Yes. Poorly routed rear-rack power cords can obstruct server exhaust and make equipment harder to service.

Should power cables be labeled?

Yes. Labeling can identify equipment, power supplies, PDUs, and redundant feeds and reduce the chance of disconnecting the wrong cord.

Can damaged power cords cause equipment problems?

Yes. Damaged, loose, overheated, or incorrectly rated power connections can cause unreliable power and create safety risks.

Does Hummingbird Networks carry APC power cables?

Yes. Current inventory includes APC rack power cords, locking cord kits, and Smart-UPS battery extension cables.

Does Hummingbird Networks carry Eaton power cables?

Yes. Hummingbird Networks carries Eaton power connectivity including compatible UPS battery-extension cables and related infrastructure.

Does Hummingbird Networks carry HPE power connectivity?

Yes. Hummingbird Networks carries HPE rack and power infrastructure, including systems supporting HPE IEC locking power cords.

Can Hummingbird Networks help me choose the correct power cable?

Yes. Providing the equipment model, equipment inlet, PDU or UPS outlet, voltage, current, required length, and redundancy requirements can help identify appropriate power-cable options.

Shop Power Cables

Complete rack, server, network, UPS, and data-center power connections with IEC power cords, C13-to-C14 cables, C19-to-C20 cords, locking power cables, NEMA-to-IEC connectivity, PDU cords, and UPS battery-extension cables.

From short rack power cords for servers and switches to locking IEC cables for high-availability infrastructure and manufacturer-specific APC and Eaton battery extensions, Hummingbird Networks can help organizations select power connectivity based on connector type, voltage, current, cord length, equipment compatibility, and rack power architecture.