What is an IEC C13 Power Cord? A Complete Guide for Trade Show Exhibitors
If you've ever set up a trade show booth and reached for the power cable on your display light, you've almost certainly used an IEC C13 power cord — even if you didn't know it by name. It's the global standard for powering professional lighting, AV equipment, and computers. This guide explains exactly what it is, how to identify it, and how to choose the right one for your exhibition setup.
What Is an IEC C13 Connector?
The IEC C13 is a standardized electrical connector defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under the IEC 60320 standard. It's the female end of the cable — the part that plugs into your device (such as a trade show arm light or display fixture).
The matching inlet on the device is called a C14. So when you see "C13 to C14," it means the cable connects a wall outlet to a C14-equipped fixture.
How to identify a C13 connector:
- Roughly rectangular shape with three rounded holes
- Three pins: Live (L), Neutral (N), and Earth/Ground
- Rated for up to 10A / 250V
Why Is C13 the Standard for Trade Show Lighting?
Exhibition lighting manufacturers worldwide use the C14 inlet on their fixtures because:
- It's a universal standard — the same C13 cable works across brands
- It's grounded (3-pin), making it safe for professional environments
- It's easy to replace — if a cable is damaged at a show, any C13 cord is a direct swap
- It supports 100–250V input, making it compatible with venues globally
C13 vs. Other Power Connectors
| Connector | Common Use | Rated Current |
|---|---|---|
| IEC C13 | Trade show lights, computers, AV gear | 10A |
| IEC C15 | Kettles, high-temp devices | 10A (high temp) |
| IEC C19 | Server racks, high-power equipment | 16A |
| IEC C7 | Laptop chargers, small electronics | 2.5A |
For trade show display lights, C13 is always the correct choice.
Plug Types by Region: Which One Do You Need?
| Region | Plug Standard | Technical Code |
|---|---|---|
| United States / Canada | US 3-Pin Plug | NEMA 5-15P to C13 |
| Europe (Germany, France, etc.) | Schuko Plug | CEE 7/7 to C13 |
| United Kingdom | UK 3-Pin Plug | BS 1363 to C13 |
| Australia / New Zealand | AU Plug | AS 3112 to C13 |
Tip for international exhibitors: Always confirm the venue's outlet standard before your show. Many large convention centers (McCormick Place, LVCC, ExCeL London) have specific power requirements.
How to Choose the Right C13 Cable for Your Booth
When selecting a C13 power cord for trade show use, consider:
- Cable length — 3 meters (9.8 ft) is the most practical for standard booth setups
- Plug type — match to your venue's wall outlet standard
- Build quality — look for heavy-duty insulation rated for repeated setup/teardown
- Certification — UL (US), CE (EU), SAA (AU), BS (UK) certifications confirm safety compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does IEC C13 mean?
A: IEC stands for International Electrotechnical Commission. C13 is the connector type number under the IEC 60320 standard. It's the 3-pin female connector used on the device end of the cable.
Q: Is a C13 cable the same as a "kettle lead"?
A: Not exactly. A kettle lead uses a C15 connector, which looks similar but has a notch at the bottom and is rated for higher temperatures. A C13 cable has a flat bottom edge.
Q: Can I use any C13 cable with my trade show light?
A: Yes, as long as your fixture has a C14 inlet. C13/C14 is a universal standard — brand doesn't matter.
Q: What length C13 cable do I need for a trade show booth?
A: 3 meters (9.8 ft) is the most common choice for exhibition booths. It provides enough reach from a floor outlet or power strip to your display light without excess slack.
Q: Are C13 cables safe for international use?
A: Yes — the C13 end is universal. Just make sure the wall plug end matches your venue's outlet standard (US, EU, UK, or AU).
Q: Where can I buy a C13 power cord for trade show lights?
A: Booth Lights carries a universal IEC C13 power cord available in US, EU, UK, and AU plug types, specifically designed for exhibition display lighting.