Power Plug for PC: Match the Connector to the Inlet (C13 to C14)
Quick answer / TL;DR: The power plug for a PC is chosen by the inlet on the case: a C14 inlet takes a C13 plug, a C6 inlet takes a C5 plug. Match the family, confirm 10 A 250 V with a safety mark, and replace the whole cord rather than splicing a damaged plug.
Power plug pc searches are usually one of two jobs: replacing a dead cord, or finding the right plug for a case that just arrived without one. Both reduce to the same two-second test – look at the inlet and name it.
This guide gives the identification test, the matching table, and the replacement rules that keep the job safe.
The Two-Second Inlet Test
Look at the power inlet on the case rear. A wide rectangle with three angled slots is a C14 – it takes a C13 plug. A smaller, rounded trapezoid is a C6 – it takes a C5 (MIDI) plug. A flat oval with two pin holes is a C8 – it takes a C7 (figure-8) plug, found on some compact units. A round barrel is a DC input, matched by vendor label, not by family.
The Matching Table
| Case inlet | Looks like | Plug to buy | Typical device |
|---|
| C14 | Wide rectangle, 3 angled slots | C13 | Tower PC, workstation |
| C6 | Small rounded trapezoid | C5 (MIDI) | Compact PC, older AIO |
| C8 | Flat oval, 2 pin holes | C7 (figure-8) | Some compact units, docks |
| Barrel | Round socket, center pin | Vendor match | All-in-one, SFF |
The pairs are standardized by IEC 60320, so any cord with the correct plug family fits any case with the matching inlet, regardless of brand. The rating to confirm on the cord is 10 A 250 V for C13 and C5 (C7 is 10 A, two-wire), plus a safety mark for the region.
Replacing a Damaged Plug: Whole Cord, Not Splice
A cracked plug face, a bent earth pin, or discoloration at the blades means the cord is done. The correct fix is a whole replacement cord – splicing or re-sleeving a power plug at home is neither safe nor durable, and it voids whatever safety mark the cord carried. When in doubt about the inlet, photograph it before ordering: a side photo with a coin for scale answers most questions without disassembly.
C13, C5 and C7 replacement cords are stocked in standard lengths with the wall plug for your region; specify the country and the inlet type when ordering.
Real-World Applications
Field repair: a snapped C13 plug on a loaner PC – match the C14 inlet, drop in a 2 m replacement, back in service in five minutes. Refurb intake: tag each unit by inlet family at the bench so the spares drawer is picked by the tag, not by eye. Fleet standardization: define C13 as the office standard and buy only C5 and C7 for the devices that physically need them – one universal family, two exceptions.
Related reading: The inlet side explained: the C14 power receptacle — pc-power-receptacle
Related reading: All the plug families, including the wall side — computer-power-plug-types
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I match a power plug to my PC?
Name the inlet on the case: C14 (wide rectangle) takes a C13 plug, C6 (small rounded trapezoid) takes a C5, and C8 (flat oval) takes a C7. Barrel inlets are vendor-specific and matched by the label. Once the family is right, any cord of that family fits any device with the same inlet.
My PC power plug broke – can I splice it?
No. Splicing or re-sleeving a power plug is unsafe and unreliable: the contact area, insulation and strain relief all have to meet the original rating. Buy a whole replacement cord of the matching family – it is cheaper and safer than a splice kit for mains-rated cables.
What rating should a PC power plug cord have?
10 A at 250 V for C13 and C5 cords, with a safety mark for the region (UL, ETL or VDE). That rating covers the full load of any desktop with a wide margin; confirm it on the jacket or plug before installing.
Are C13 plugs universal across brands?
Yes. The C13 plug is an IEC 60320 standard, so a C13 cord from any manufacturer fits any C14 inlet on a PC, monitor, UPS or printer, regardless of brand. The only things to check are the rating (10 A 250 V), the safety mark, and the wall plug for your region.
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