When sourcing LED lights for your trade show booth, you'll often encounter three different power connector types: IEC C7, IEC C8, and IEC C13. They look similar at a glance but are not interchangeable — and choosing the wrong one can mean incompatible cables at the venue, damaged equipment, or a voided warranty.
This guide explains exactly what each connector is, which BOOTH LIGHTS products use each type, and how to choose the right one for your setup.
Quick Reference: The 3 Connector Types at a Glance
| Connector | Also Called | Pins | Shape | Grounded? | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IEC C7 | Figure-8, 8-shape, Shotgun | 2-pin | Two equal round holes forming a figure-8 | No | Laptops, radios, small LED lights |
| IEC C8 | B-type, B-shape, Mickey Mouse | 2-pin | Two round holes with a flat top edge | No | Professional lighting, AV equipment |
| IEC C13 | Pin-type, 3-pin grounded, Kettle plug | 3-pin | Three holes in a triangular arrangement | Yes | Monitors, servers, professional lighting |
IEC C7 — The Figure-8 Connector
The IEC C7 connector (also called figure-8 or 8-shape) is a compact, polarized 2-pin connector. Its name comes from the shape of the two round holes, which together resemble the number "8." It is one of the most widely used connectors in consumer electronics worldwide.
Key characteristics:
- 2-pin, non-grounded
- Polarized (the two pins are different sizes, so it only fits one way)
- Compact and lightweight
- Compatible with standard figure-8 cables available at any electronics store worldwide
Which BOOTH LIGHTS product uses IEC C7?
Our 21W LED Flood Light with Figure-8 (IEC C7) Connector uses this connector type. It is a standalone unit — each light requires its own dedicated power outlet and cannot be daisy-chained.
Best for: Exhibitors who need standard, universally available cables and a compact connector profile.
IEC C8 — The B-Type Connector
The IEC C8 connector (also called B-type, B-shape, or Mickey Mouse connector) is also a 2-pin non-grounded connector, but with a distinctly different shape from the C7. The two round holes sit side by side with a flat top edge, giving it a shape that resembles the letter "B" or the silhouette of Mickey Mouse ears.
Key characteristics:
- 2-pin, non-grounded
- Slightly more compact than IEC C13
- Commonly used in professional lighting and AV equipment
- Compatible with IEC C7/C8 cable pairs (note: C7 plug fits C8 socket)
Which BOOTH LIGHTS product uses IEC C8?
Our 16W LED Display Arm Light uses the IEC C8 (B-type) connector. This is also a standalone unit — no daisy-chain support.
Best for: Exhibitors sourcing arm lights for display panels and graphic walls, where a compact B-type connector is standard.
IEC C13 — The Pin-Type (3-Pin Grounded) Connector
The IEC C13 connector (also called pin-type, 3-pin grounded, or kettle plug) is the most robust of the three. It features three pins in a triangular arrangement — two power pins and one ground pin — making it a grounded connector suitable for higher-power professional equipment.
Key characteristics:
- 3-pin, grounded (earth connection included)
- More secure locking connection than C7 or C8
- Standard in professional AV, IT, and lighting equipment worldwide
- Available at virtually every trade show venue and AV rental company
Which BOOTH LIGHTS product uses IEC C13?
Our 21W LED Flood Light (standard model) uses the IEC C13 pin-type connector as the default configuration. This is our most popular connector type across the product range. Custom connector types are available on request — contact us if you need a different connector for your specific setup.
Best for: Professional exhibitors, booth builders, and event contractors who need a grounded, secure connection compatible with standard venue power infrastructure.
Can I Mix Connector Types in the Same Booth?
Yes — as long as each light is connected to its own power outlet with the correct cable. Since none of our current models support daisy-chaining, each unit operates independently. You can use a mix of IEC C7, C8, and C13 lights in the same booth without any compatibility issues, provided you have the correct power cable for each unit.
Important: Do not attempt to use an IEC C7 cable on an IEC C8 socket or vice versa without verifying compatibility. While C7 plugs can physically fit C8 sockets in some cases, this is not recommended for professional use.
How to Identify Your Connector Type
Not sure which connector your existing light uses? Here's a quick visual guide:
- Two equal round holes, symmetric shape like "8" → IEC C7 (figure-8)
- Two round holes with a flat top edge, asymmetric → IEC C8 (B-type)
- Three holes in a triangular arrangement → IEC C13 (pin-type)
When in doubt, check the product specification sheet or contact your supplier before ordering replacement cables.
Can I Request a Custom Connector?
Yes. At BOOTH LIGHTS, the power connector on most products can be customized to your specification. If your venue, booth system, or existing cable inventory uses a specific connector type, we can configure your order accordingly. Contact us with your requirements and we'll confirm availability.
Summary: Which Connector Should You Choose?
| Your Situation | Recommended Connector | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Need standard, universally available cables | IEC C7 (Figure-8) | 21W Flood Light — IEC C7 |
| Sourcing display arm lights for graphic panels | IEC C8 (B-type) | 16W Display Arm Light — IEC C8 |
| Professional booth, venue power infrastructure | IEC C13 (Pin-type) | 21W Flood Light — IEC C13 |
| Custom requirement | Any — customizable on request | Contact us |
Still not sure? Send us your booth setup details and we'll recommend the right connector and product combination for your next show.