3ft NEMA 6-20P to C13 PDU Power Cord, 14 AWG SJT Heavy Duty, 15A/250V, UL Listed, Black
The PW156-12XX is a NEMA 6-20P to IEC C13 power cord built for 250V power delivery in data centers, server rooms, and laboratories. It connects a 250-volt 20-amp wall receptacle to the C14 inlet found on rack PDUs, servers, and 250V power supplies, using 14 AWG SJT conductors rated for 15A continuous duty. The cord is a one-to-one Line, Neutral, and Ground build that requires no rewiring or adapters.
The input end is a NEMA 6-20P plug rated 20A/250V. Its blades sit in a horizontal orientation with a T-shaped pole, so the plug seats in a dedicated 250V 6-20R receptacle and cannot be forced into a 125V 5-15R or 5-20R outlet. This keying protects both the equipment and the operator, ensuring a 250V load is only drawn from a branch circuit provisioned for that voltage requirement.
The output end is an IEC 320 C13 connector, the same receptacle profile used on common computer cords but here rated and wired for 250V service. The C13 mates with the C14 power inlet built into rack power distribution units, blade and rack servers, and 250V power supplies, making it the correct cord when equipment on a 208/240V circuit needs a C13 feed rather than the 125V version.
Every conductor is 14 AWG stranded copper with an SJT jacket rated 105°C and 300V, flame-tested to VW-1. The cord carries UL (file E204978), cUL (file E210037), and CSA (file 204790) marks and is RoHS compliant. The molded connectors and 9.3 mm overall diameter give the cord the mechanical strength expected in dense rack environments, where cords are routed, bent, and reseated often without loosening the terminal connections.
Because it delivers a full 15A/250V over heavy 14 AWG copper, this cord suits high-output equipment that would brown out or overheat on a lighter cord. Typical loads include rack PDUs distributing 250V power to multiple devices, UPS systems protecting critical infrastructure, server power supplies, and cryptocurrency mining rigs running on 240V circuits for efficiency. The dedicated 20-amp circuit and 6-20R keying together keep the connection within its voltage and current rating.
The black jacket provides a professional appearance and suits standard data center and enterprise rack deployments.
Compatibility & Ordering Information: This cord fits any device with an IEC C14 power inlet that runs on 250V and a facility outlet wired as a 250V 6-20R receptacle, including rack PDUs, servers, and 250V power supplies. For 125V equipment use a NEMA 5-15P to C13 cord instead; for a locking 250V connection that resists accidental pull-out, use a NEMA L6-20P to C13 cord. The PW156-12XX is available in 3 ft, 6 ft, 8 ft, 10 ft, and 15 ft.
Product Comparison: NEMA 6-20P to C13 vs Similar Power Cords
NEMA 6-20P to C13 vs NEMA 5-15P to C13 (250V vs 125V)
FeatureNEMA 6-20P to C13NEMA 5-15P to C13Voltage250V (208/240V)125V (120V)Amperage15A15APlug TypeNEMA 6-20P, 250V horizontal T-bladeNEMA 5-15P, standard 125V 3-prongOutlet Required250V 6-20R (dedicated circuit)Standard 125V 5-15R wall outletWire Gauge14 AWG SJT14-18 AWG (varies by model)Best For250V PDUs, servers, lab equipment, mining rigs120V computers, monitors, general C13 equipment
NEMA 6-20P to C13 vs NEMA L6-20P to C13 (standard vs locking)
FeatureNEMA 6-20P to C13NEMA L6-20P to C13Voltage / Amperage250V / 15A250V / 15APlug TypeNEMA 6-20P, straight (non-locking)NEMA L6-20P, twist-lockingOutlet Required250V 6-20R receptacle250V L6-20R locking receptacleConnection SecurityFriction fit, easy plug/unplugTwist-lock, resists accidental pull-outWhen to UseStandard 250V racks and benchesHigh-vibration or critical-uptime racks needing a locked feed
FAQ
What is the difference between a NEMA 6-20P to C13 and a NEMA 5-15P to C13 power cord?
The difference is voltage. A NEMA 6-20P to C13 cord supplies 15A at 250V (208/240V) from a dedicated 250-volt outlet, while a NEMA 5-15P to C13 cord supplies power at 125V (120V) from a standard household outlet. The two plugs have different pin configurations and are not interchangeable. Choose the 6-20P version only for 250V equipment and circuits.
Is a NEMA 6-20P to C13 power cord compatible with my PDU or server?
Yes, if the PDU or server has an IEC C14 power inlet and runs on 250V. The C13 connector mates with the C14 inlet on rack PDUs, blade servers, and 250V power supplies. Confirm your equipment is rated for 250V input and that your outlet is a 250V 6-20R before ordering, since the cord supplies 250V, not 125V.
What gauge and outlet do I need for a 250V C13 device on a 20-amp circuit?
A 250V device on a 20-amp circuit needs a 14 AWG cord and a 250V 6-20R receptacle on a dedicated 20-amp branch circuit. This cord uses 14 AWG copper conductors rated 15A/250V, which carry the load without overheating, unlike 16 or 18 AWG cords intended for lighter 125V equipment.
Why won’t a NEMA 6-20P plug fit my standard wall outlet?
A NEMA 6-20P plug has horizontal blades with a T-shaped pole that only seats in a 250V 6-20R receptacle. It will not fit a standard 125V 5-15R or 5-20R outlet by design, which prevents a 250V cord from being connected to a 120V circuit. Use a 6-20R outlet on a dedicated 250V 20-amp circuit for this cord.
Which power cord is best for connecting a 250V server PDU to a dedicated outlet?
A NEMA 6-20P to C13 cord is the right choice when the PDU or server has a C14 inlet and the source is a 250V 6-20R outlet. If you need a locking connection that resists accidental disconnection, use a NEMA L6-20P to C13 cord instead; if the equipment runs on 125V, use a NEMA 5-15P to C13 cord.
