C13 / C19 connector
Also called: C20, IEC C13, IEC C19
C13 and C19 are standard power connectors: the C13 is rated for 10 A, the C19 for up to 16 A and is found on many powerful ASICs.
C13 and C19 connectors are defined by the international standard IEC 60320, which sets the shape of the power plugs used on electrical appliances. The C13 is the three-contact female connector found on computer and monitor cables; it plugs into a C14 inlet. The C19, which is wider and has horizontal rectangular contacts, plugs into a C20 inlet, which is why you often see that name in spec sheets.
The difference lies in the current they can carry. A C13 is rated for 10 A, which is enough for a PC, a home miner or a power supply of a few hundred watts. A C19 is rated for 16 A under the IEC standard, or even 20 A under some certifications: it suits miners above 2 kW, which draw a high current continuously. Powering a high-draw machine with an undersized cable means risking overheated contacts, or even a fire.
Before plugging in, check the inlet on the machine or its power supply: C14, C20, or a manufacturer-specific connector on some recent models. Choose a cable with a proper cross-section, 2.5 mm² for a C19 under heavy use, and a reasonable length. At the wall, a household socket is not designed to deliver several kilowatts continuously: use a dedicated circuit, an industrial socket or a PDU with C13 or C19 outlets.
Our cables collection includes 2.5 mm² C19 power cables and cables suited to the Antminer S21.