Question 1

What's the difference between a C13 and a C15 power cable?

Accepted Answer

The C15 has a small notch cut into the connector body that the C13 lacks — this allows it to mate with C16 inlets rated for higher operating temperatures (up to 120°C vs. 70°C for C13/C14). C15 leads are used for devices that run hot, such as kettles (hence 'kettle lead'), some laser printers, and certain networking switches. A C13 will not fit a C16 inlet, but a C15 will fit a C14 inlet — so C15 cables are backwards compatible in that direction. Lindy's C15 leads are a reliable choice if you need this type.

Question 2

Can I use a European two-pin power cable in the UK?

Accepted Answer

No — not without an adaptor. Euro CEE 7/4 two-pin plugs are not compatible with UK BS 1363 three-pin sockets. Several products in this catalogue ship with Euro plugs, which is easy to miss if you're buying quickly. Always check the plug type listed in the product specification before purchasing. If you've already bought one, a travel adaptor works as a temporary fix, but a proper UK-terminated replacement cable is the safer long-term solution.

Question 3

How do I know if a power cable is rated for enough current?

Accepted Answer

Check the amperage rating printed on the cable or listed in its specification — it must be equal to or higher than your device's maximum current draw. For most UK domestic devices, a 13A-rated cable with 1.5mm² conductors is sufficient. The current draw of your device is usually printed on its rating label (in watts — divide by 230V to get amps). A 2,300W device draws 10A; a 690W device draws 3A. If in doubt, go for a 13A-rated cable rather than a cheaper 3A or 5A option — the safety margin matters more than the price difference.

Question 4

Are locking C13-to-C14 cables worth the extra cost for a home server?

Accepted Answer

For a single home server, probably not — the standard C13 connector holds firmly enough in normal use. Locking cables (like APC's C13/C14 kit) are designed for rack environments where vibration, cable weight, or accidental contact could pull a lead free, causing an unplanned shutdown. If you're running a small home lab with one or two machines, a quality standard C13 lead from Lindy or Cablenet is all you need. If you're managing a populated rack with multiple PDUs, the locking variants pay for themselves the first time they prevent an outage.

Question 5

What does LSZH insulation mean, and do I need it?

Accepted Answer

LSZH stands for Low Smoke Zero Halogen — it means the cable jacket produces minimal toxic smoke and no halogen gases if it catches fire. For home use, standard PVC insulation is fine. LSZH becomes important in enclosed commercial spaces (offices, data centres, public buildings) where UK building regulations or your employer's cabling policy may require it. If you're installing cables in a ceiling void, raised floor, or any space with limited ventilation, LSZH is the responsible choice and is increasingly specified as standard in UK commercial fit-outs.

Question 6

Is it safe to buy a very cheap unbranded power cable?

Accepted Answer

It's a risk we'd advise against for anything drawing significant current. The danger with unbranded cables isn't that they fail immediately — it's that they may use undersized conductors that overheat under sustained load, or connectors with inadequate strain relief that develop intermittent faults over time. For a cable powering a phone charger or a low-draw device, the risk is low. For a desktop PC, laser printer, or any device drawing over 5A continuously, stick to a recognised brand with CE marking and a stated current rating. The price difference between a kenable lead and a no-name cable is minimal; the safety difference can be significant.

Question 7

What length of power cable should I buy for a desktop PC setup?

Accepted Answer

A 1.8m to 2m C13 lead is the standard choice and fits the vast majority of desktop setups — long enough to reach a floor-level socket or power strip without excess slack. If your PC sits on a desk with the socket directly behind it, 1m is often sufficient and keeps things tidier. Avoid going longer than necessary: a 5m cable coiled behind a desk is an untidy trip hazard and, at high currents, introduces unnecessary resistance. For a monitor, a separate 1m or 1.5m lead to the same power strip is the neatest solution.

Power Cables Price Comparison

ProXtend Angled Type F (Schuko) to C19 Power Cable, Black 0.5m

ProXtend Angled Type F (Schuko) to C19 Power Cable, Black 1m

Microconnect POWER_MI power cable Black 1.8 m CEE7/7 3-pin

Microconnect PE090420W power cable White 2 m Power plug type G C13 coupler

ProXtend Type K (Denmark) to Open End Montage Power Cord Black 1m

ProXtend Angled Type F (Schuko) to C5 Power Cable, White 5m

ACT Powercord C13 IEC Lock+ - C14 IEC Lock Dual Locking red 0.50 m, PC3613

ACT Powercord C13 IEC Lock+ - C14 IEC Lock Dual Locking blue 0.5 m, PC3618

ACT Powercord C13 IEC Lock+ - C14 IEC Lock Dual Locking black 3 m, PC3605

ACT Powercord C13 IEC Lock+ - C14 IEC Lock Dual Locking black 2 m, PC3603

ACT Powercord C13 IEC Lock+ - C14 IEC Lock Dual Locking blue 3 m, PC3623

ACT Powercord C13 IEC Lock+ - C14 IEC Lock Dual Locking red 2 m, PC3615

ACT Powercord C13 IEC Lock+ - C14 IEC Lock Dual Locking blue 2 m, PC3620

ACT Powercord C13 IEC Lock+ - C14 IEC Lock Dual Locking red 3 m, PC3617

ACT Powercord C13 IEC Lock+ - C14 IEC Lock Dual Locking red 1 m, PC3612

ACT Powercord C13 IEC Lock+ - C14 IEC Lock Dual Locking blue 1 m, PC3619

Microconnect PC1070 power cable Black 4 m C14 coupler C13 coupler

Origin Storage 1M POWER CABLE EXTENSION IEC C14(M)-IEC C13(F)

Microconnect PE110440SJT-IT power cable Black 4 m NEMA 5-15P C13 coupler

connektgear 2m Mains Extension Power Cable C14 Plug to C13 Socket

APC AP9880 power cable Black 0.6 m C14 coupler CEE7/7

Microconnect PE100818 power cable Black 1.8 m C5 coupler

C2G 1m 18 AWG Computer Power Extension Cord (IEC320C13 to IEC320C14)

Microconnect PE120430R power cable Black 3 m C13 coupler

Power Cables Price Comparison