Power Computer Cable Types: C13, C5, C7 and Barrel Explained
Quick answer / TL;DR: Power computer cables fall into four families: C13/C14 for most desktops, C5 (MIDI) for compact PCs and projectors, C7 (figure-8) for monitors and small devices, and DC barrel cords for all-in-ones. The family is set by the inlet on the device, not by the device brand.
When people search for power computer cable they usually mean the lead that feeds a desktop or monitor from the wall. But four different connector families exist, and picking the wrong one is the most common ordering mistake in this category – the device looks identical at a glance until you check the inlet.
This guide maps each family to the inlets it fits, the devices that use it, and the ratings that matter, so a search for the right cable ends in the right part number.
The Four Power Computer Cable Families
C13/C14 – the desktop standard
The C13 plug into the C14 inlet covers most tower PCs, workstations, UPS units and some monitors. It is a 10 A, 250 V connector with three conductors including earth. If the machine is a full-size desktop, this is almost always the answer.
C5 (MIDI) – the compact PC connector
The C5 plug (into a C6 inlet) is the smaller trapezoid, common on compact desktops, some monitors and projectors. It carries the same 10 A rating in a smaller physical package. It is also the standard power connector on most home projectors and older LCD monitors.
C7 (figure-8) – monitors and small devices
The C7 plug (into a C8 inlet) is the flat figure-8 with two pins and no earth. It feeds many monitors, docking stations and small peripherals. It is a lower-power class: 10 A on the plug, but usually a two-wire cord intended for sub-100 W devices.
DC barrel – all-in-ones and low-power units
A round barrel cord with a center pin feeds all-in-one PCs, small form factor units and some monitors. Barrel sizes differ by vendor (5.5 x 2.1 mm, 4.0 x 1.7 mm and others) and by voltage (5 V, 12 V, 19 V), so a barrel cord is never a generic spare – it must match diameter, pin position and polarity.
Compatibility at a Glance
| Cable family | Plug into inlet | Typical device | Rating |
|---|
| C13 | C14 | Tower PC, UPS | 10 A 250 V |
| C5 (MIDI) | C6 | Compact PC, projector | 10 A 250 V |
| C7 (figure-8) | C8 | Monitor, dock | 10 A 250 V, two-wire |
| DC barrel | Barrel jack | AIO, SFF unit | Vendor-specific voltage |
All four families are stocked in standard lengths. Barrel cords require the exact vendor size and voltage, so order against the label on the original adapter.
Choosing a Replacement Cable
Identify the inlet on the device, not the old cable: inlets rarely change, cables get thrown away. Match the family, keep the same length or shorter (a longer cord is fine within gauge limits), and prefer a cord with a safety mark for the region. For barrel cords, photograph the original plug end and the adapter label – diameter, pin position and voltage polarity – before ordering.
Real-World Applications
A workshop with mixed PCs: keep C13 cords for towers, C5 for compact units and C7 for monitors, and label each spares drawer by family. A refurbishment line: sort incoming units by inlet family at intake so the right cable goes to the right bench. A home office: the C7 monitor cord can double for a docking station, but the desktop C13 cord will not work on a monitor that takes C7.
Related reading: Plug-side deep dive: computer power plug types in the IEC 60320 family — computer-power-plug-types
Related reading: Monitor-side cable identification and replacement — monitor-power-cable-types
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard power computer cable?
For a tower desktop it is a C13 cord for the C14 inlet. Monitors often use C7 (figure-8) or C13, and compact PCs often use C5 (MIDI). All-in-one PCs use a vendor-specific DC barrel cord. The inlet on the device decides the cable family.
Can a C13 computer cable fit a monitor?
Only if the monitor has a C14 inlet. Many monitors use the smaller C8 (figure-8) inlet instead, which needs a C7 cord. The two plugs are not interchangeable: C13 has three blades, C7 has two.
Are power computer cables universal?
The IEC 60320 family (C13, C5, C7) is universal in the sense that any cord of the right family fits any device with the matching inlet, regardless of brand. DC barrel cords are not universal – they are vendor-specific in size, pin position and voltage.
Why does my PC need a cord with an earth pin but the monitor does not?
The C14 inlet carries an earth conductor for the earthed metal chassis of a desktop. C7 figure-8 cords are two-wire (line and neutral) because monitors are usually double-insulated plastic cases that do not require an earth connection.
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