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Locking Data Center Power Cables

10–20 Amps125–250 voltsULcULRoHSREACH

Reference guide:Locking power cords guide →

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About Locking Data Center Power Cables

Locking power cables for data center power distribution

Throughout the years, as the Internet grew in popularity along with society's dependency on it, solutions were invented to reduce the possibility of having down times or malfunctions in the hardware that facilitates the internet. One of these innovations was locking mechanisms for the power supply cables that power each individual piece of hardware in data centers. Many different solutions exist for both proprietary specific and universal locking solutions.

Data center design for power distribution to data center hardware

The primary function of power cables in the data center space, is connecting power from the rack mounted PDU to the rack-mounted hardware such as servers and switches. With all of the expensive precautions taken elsewhere in the design to eliminate possible error, the few added dollars per cable is easily justified to eliminate a weak chain link in the operation of the Data Center. Considering most Data Centers use thousands of these power connection points, the probability of one of them unplugging accidentally warrants the added technology.

Choosing the right locking IEC power cable & locking power connector

If you are still considering which power cables will be utilized in your stack you have come to the right place, we offer thousands of Locking Configurations with the most competitive pricing in the industry. The locking solution you choose will depend on the Power Distribution Unit in the stack, as the majority of Locking Solutions are designed to function with specific brands. To learn more about the brands that we stock and partner with, refer to our Browse Tab.

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The plugs and connectors in this collection

What each end is, what it mates with, and where to find every cord built on it.

  • IEC 60320 C14 Locking (P-Lock) plug

    Plug · IEC 60320

    IEC 60320 C14 Locking (P-Lock)

    • 15 Amps
    • 125/250V

    On 278 of the cords here (42%)

    The IEC 60320 C14 P-Lock Plug is designed for use with ServerTech and Raritan data center PDUs. The locking tabs on each side prevent the plug head from nuisance unplugging by hooking into the PDU unit. The plug can easily be removed by pressing down on the tabs located on each side.

    Mates with IEC 60320 C13 P-Lock Compatible PDU Outlet

    Shop all IEC 60320 P-Lock C14 to C13 Power Cords →
  • IEC 60320 C13 connector

    Connector · IEC 60320

    IEC 60320 C13

    • 15 Amps
    • 125/250V

    On 154 of the cords here (23%)

    The IEC 60320 C13 is a grounded 3 Wire connector rated up to 250V and 15 Amps. The C13 mates with a C14 inlet, and is commonly used in a jumper cable scenario in IT Installations providing power from a PDU to a server, router, switch or other computing device. Most people know the C13 as 'the thing that plugs into my computer' because it is the standard connector used to power most desktop computers. In a desktop computer application, the most common cable is the NEMA 5-15P to C13, which connects your standard North American wall outlet to a desktop computer.

    Mates with IEC 60320 C14 Inlet

    Shop all IEC 60320 C14 C13 Power Cords →
  • IEC 60320 C20 Locking (P-Lock) plug

    Plug · IEC 60320

    IEC 60320 C20 Locking (P-Lock)

    • 20 Amps
    • 125/250V

    On 130 of the cords here (20%)

    The IEC 60320 C20 P-Lock is rated for 20A and 250V and is specially made for connecting to ServerTech and Raritan Locking PDUs. The Plug locks into place by hooking into the plug outlet with the two tabs on each side of the Plug. The plug can easily be removed by pushing down on both tabs of the plug.

    Mates with IEC 60320 C19 P-Lock Compatible PDU Outlet

    Shop all Secure-Lock/P-Lock IEC320 C20 Locking to IEC320 C19 20A 250V →
  • IEC 60320 C13 S-Lock (Universal Locking) connector

    Connector

    IEC 60320 C13 S-Lock (Universal Locking)

    • 15 Amps
    • 125/250V

    On 110 of the cords here (17%)

    The IEC 60320 C13 S-Lock Connector is rated for 250VAC and 15Amps, and is designed to mate with the matching IEC 60320 C14 Inlet and Plug type. The S-Lock is a revolutionary rotary lock that can internally pinch the pins of the inlet by twisting the locking mechanism on the connector body. This is a universal locking mechanism, meaning that it will mate with any standard matching inlet.

    Mates with IEC 60320 C14 Inlet

    Shop all 10 Amp Dual Lock C13 to C14 Secure Power Cord →
  • IEC 60320 C14 plug

    Plug · IEC 60320

    IEC 60320 C14

    • 15 Amps
    • 250 volts

    On 98 of the cords here (15%)

    The IEC 60320 C14 is a grounded 3 Wire Plug rated up to 250V and 15 Amps. The C14 mates with a C13 outlet, typically found on Data Center/IT specific PDUs (Power Distribution Unit). The most common configuration for a C14 is in a jumper cable scenario, providing power from a PDU to IT Equipment.

    Mates with IEC 60320 C13 Outlet

    Shop all IEC 60320 C14 C13 Power Cords →
  • IEC 60320 C19 connector

    Connector · IEC 60320

    IEC 60320 C19

    • 20 Amps
    • 125/250V

    On 82 of the cords here (13%)

    The IEC 60320 C19 is a grounded 3 Wire connector rated up to 250V and 20 Amps. The C19 mates with a C20 inlet, and is commonly used in a jumper cable scenario in IT Installations providing power from a PDU to a server, router, switch or other computing device. The C19 is typically used in high powered blade server chassis, large network routers, and other IT equipment that draws more power than a standard C13 can accommodate.

    Mates with IEC 60320 C20 Inlet

    Shop all IEC 60320 C20 C19 Power Cords →

About Locking Data Center Power Cables

Locking power cables for data center power distribution

Throughout the years, as the Internet grew in popularity along with society's dependency on it, solutions were invented to reduce the possibility of having down times or malfunctions in the hardware that facilitates the internet. One of these innovations was locking mechanisms for the power supply cables that power each individual piece of hardware in data centers. Many different solutions exist for both proprietary specific and universal locking solutions.

Data center design for power distribution to data center hardware

The primary function of power cables in the data center space, is connecting power from the rack mounted PDU to the rack-mounted hardware such as servers and switches. With all of the expensive precautions taken elsewhere in the design to eliminate possible error, the few added dollars per cable is easily justified to eliminate a weak chain link in the operation of the Data Center. Considering most Data Centers use thousands of these power connection points, the probability of one of them unplugging accidentally warrants the added technology.

Choosing the right locking IEC power cable & locking power connector

If you are still considering which power cables will be utilized in your stack you have come to the right place, we offer thousands of Locking Configurations with the most competitive pricing in the industry. The locking solution you choose will depend on the Power Distribution Unit in the stack, as the majority of Locking Solutions are designed to function with specific brands. To learn more about the brands that we stock and partner with, refer to our Browse Tab.

Related

Which Locking System Is Right for Your Data Center?

This collection covers every major proprietary and universal locking standard used in modern data centers. Here is a quick reference to help you choose:

  • P-Lock (IEC 60320) — World Cord Sets' own push-to-lock plug; compatible with standard C13/C14 and C19/C20 receptacles on most PDUs. The largest selection on this page.
  • S-Lock (Universal Locking) — a spring-retention connector that locks onto any standard IEC 60320 C13, C15, or C19 outlet without a proprietary PDU.
  • A-Lock — a locking connector (female end) that secures the cord to the device inlet; pairs with standard or locking plugs.
  • V-Lock — a dual-sided locking system where both the plug and the connector lock simultaneously; available in C14→C13 and C20→C19 configurations.
  • Z-Lock (Zonit) — Zonit's patented locking system; requires a Zonit-compatible PDU or outlet strip.
  • P-Lite — a low-profile locking plug designed for high-density PDU environments where standard plug depth causes clearance issues.

All systems are available in multiple colors for phase and circuit identification, and most configurations can be built to custom lengths. Use the filters on the left to narrow by plug type, connector type, current rating, wire gauge, length, and certification.

Current rating

10–20 Amps

Voltage rating

125–250 volts

Certifications & compliance

  • UL
  • cUL
  • RoHS
  • REACH
  • Every cord we build is hi-pot tested
  • Same-day shipping by 2:30 PM ET
  • NET 30/60/90 for approved accounts
  • In-house engineering and compliance support

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of a locking cord?
Assurance. With locking power cables, you have an additional layer of protection from your equipment seizing to function to help you lower chances of downtime. Consider every piece of equipment in a data center, each item will require a connection to the unit and to the power distribution unit ( not including redundant power supplies). Each of these connection points has the potential to loosen over time from equipment vibration, maintenance to nearby racks, and other circumstances. Locking power cables provide assurance against these innumerable connection points from disconnecting accidentally.
What does the P-Lock Plug into?
The P-Lock plug type was designed in partnership with Power Distribution Unit manufacturers to latch into outlets with a specific style. This is why the plug will only function as a locking plug with specific branded PDUs. These include PDUs made by Emerson Vertiv, GELU, Server Technology and Raritan.
What does the V-Lock Plug into?
The V-Lock is designed to mate specifically with the APC AP8000 PDU series of Rack Mounted Power Distribution Units.
Are locking cables available in all of the same colors that standard cords are offered in?
Yes. We provide the broadest selection of locking power cables, this includes a wide variety of colors, wire gauges and plug to connector configurations.
Are these able to be produced in custom lengths?
Yes. We stock as many lengths as possible generally in 1 Foot increments, however upon request we can provide quotes for specific lengths. These will generally have MOQs associated to the quote for our factory to produce custom lengths.
What is the difference between P-Lock, S-Lock, A-Lock, V-Lock, and Z-Lock?
Each system locks the cord differently:P-Lock — a proprietary locking plug (male end) that clicks into a standard IEC 60320 receptacle.S-Lock — a universal locking connector (female end) that retains onto any standard C13, C15, or C19 inlet without a special PDU.A-Lock — a locking connector (female end) that secures to the device inlet; the plug end is standard.V-Lock — locks at both ends simultaneously (plug and connector).Z-Lock — Zonit's patented system; requires a Zonit-compatible outlet.
Do locking power cords work with my existing PDU, or do I need a special PDU?
It depends on the locking system:P-Lock, A-Lock, and S-Lock cords plug into standard IEC 60320 receptacles — no PDU upgrade is required.V-Lock requires V-Lock-compatible outlets on the PDU side.Z-Lock requires Zonit-compatible PDU outlets.If you need to lock cords to your current PDU without replacing it, S-Lock or A-Lock connectors are typically the easiest retrofit option.
Are locking power cords available with international certifications such as VDE or KEMA?
Yes. Products in this collection carry a range of certifications including UL, cUL, CSA, VDE, KEMA, ENEC, CCC, and RoHS/REACH, depending on the specific SKU. Filter by the Certifications facet on this page to display only cords that carry the approval your project requires. For a full overview of international approval marks, see the International Power Cord Approvals Guide.
Can I order locking power cords in bulk or on a blanket-order schedule?
Yes. World Cord Sets supports blanket orders that let you lock in pricing and release inventory on your own schedule — useful for staged data center rollouts or ongoing maintenance programs. Many locking cord configurations are also available as made-to-order builds in custom lengths and colors. Contact the sales team or use the Instant Quote tool for volume pricing.