The four systems
P-Lock, P-Lite, S-Lock, and D-Lock all provide positive retention on standard IEC 60320 power cords. Here is each system in depth — its locking mechanism, withdrawal force, available connector/plug combinations, color options, PDU compatibility, and the application it is best suited to.
P-Lock
The original. The most widely deployed.
Withdrawal force: 120N minimum withdrawal force
How it works: Spring-loaded pinch tabs on the connector body. Squeeze both tabs simultaneously to release. Backward compatible — P-Lock connectors fit any standard IEC C14/C20 inlet. The connector locks automatically on insertion without any action required from the installer.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Connector end (equipment side) | C13 (10A), C15 (10A, 120°C), C19 (16A) |
| Plug end (PDU side) | C14, C20 |
| Colors available | Black (standard), Blue, Red, plus 7 additional colors on request |
| Verified PDUs | Server Technology, Raritan, Vertiv Geist, Emerson, Tripp Lite — any standard IEC inlet |
Best for: If you only stock one locking system, P-Lock is the right choice. Universal compatibility, lowest cost, and the largest selection of connector combinations.
P-Lite
P-Lock in a high-density form factor.
Withdrawal force: 120N minimum withdrawal force
How it works: Identical locking mechanism to P-Lock but in a recessed, low-profile housing. Designed for high-density PDU environments where adjacent cords create clearance issues for standard P-Lock connectors. The recessed profile prevents accidental release when adjacent cables are moved.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Connector end (equipment side) | C13, C15, C19 |
| Plug end (PDU side) | C14, C20 |
| Colors available | Black, Blue, Red, Orange, Purple, Yellow, Green, Brown, Gray, White (10+ standard colors) |
| Verified PDUs | Same compatibility as P-Lock — any standard IEC inlet |
Best for: Color coding for cable management is P-Lite's differentiator. With 10+ standard colors, every circuit can be a different color for instant identification during maintenance.
S-Lock (IEC-Lock)
Rotary locking — cleaner appearance, higher force.
Withdrawal force: 150N+ minimum withdrawal force
How it works: Internal rotary locking mechanism. When inserted, internal elements rotate to engage the inlet's contact pins directly. The red ring around the connector base indicates locked status. Pull the red ring back to release. No visible external tabs — cleaner appearance than P-Lock.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Connector end (equipment side) | C13, C19 |
| Plug end (PDU side) | C14, C20 |
| Colors available | Black (standard), custom colors on request |
| Verified PDUs | Universal — fits any standard IEC C14/C20 inlet. Compatible with standard, P-Lock, and P-Lite PDU outlets. |
Best for: Preferred in environments where aesthetics matter or where external tabs create catch points. Higher force than P-Lock. The red ring creates an unambiguous visual indicator of locked/unlocked state.
D-Lock (Dual-Lock)
Both ends locked. Maximum security.
Withdrawal force: 150N+ on both ends
How it works: Combines a P-Lock plug (at the PDU end) with an S-Lock connector (at the equipment end). Both ends lock independently on insertion. Disconnection requires deliberate action at both ends. No other commercially available IEC 60320 cord provides positive retention at both ends simultaneously.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Connector end (equipment side) | C13 + S-Lock, C19 + S-Lock |
| Plug end (PDU side) | C14 P-Lock, C20 P-Lock |
| Colors available | Black standard |
| Verified PDUs | P-Lock end: Server Technology, Raritan, Vertiv, any standard inlet. S-Lock end: universal. |
Best for: Recommended for AI compute racks (132 kW+) where an accidental cord pull during live infrastructure could be catastrophic. Both ends lock automatically on insertion.