StarTech C14LC13L14G15ABK6FT 6-Foot Locking IEC C14 to C13 Heavy-Duty Power Extension Cord

Overview

The StarTech C14LC13L14G15ABK6FT is a 6-foot (1.8m) heavy-duty AC power extension cord built around locking IEC 60320 C14 and C13 connectors — the kind of cable you reach for when accidental disconnection is not an acceptable failure mode. Standard C13/C14 patch cords rely only on friction to stay seated; the locking connectors on this cable require a deliberate release action before they pull free. In a dense rack environment where cable congestion makes it easy to snag a cord, that mechanical retention can be the difference between a live server and an unplanned outage.

The 14 AWG wire gauge supports up to 15A at 250V AC, making this cord suitable for powering rack-mounted UPS units, PDU-to-device runs, and high-draw IT or AV equipment without running near the thermal limits that thinner 18 or 16 AWG cords hit at the same load. If you manage power distribution for rack infrastructure, the headroom matters.

Key Features

• Locking C14 and C13 Connectors: Both ends use an IEC 60320 locking mechanism. In high-density cable environments — think colocation rows, broadcast racks, or dense security NVR cabinets — this prevents inadvertent pull-out that a standard friction-fit cord cannot guarantee.
• 14 AWG Wire Gauge, 15A Rated: Heavier gauge than the 16 or 18 AWG cords bundled with consumer gear. At 15A/250V, this cord handles the full rated draw of most rackmount power supplies without resistive heating that degrades thinner wire over time.
• 250V AC Compatibility: Works on both 120V North American circuits and 240V international installations, so the same cord works whether you're wiring a domestic server room or a European data center.
• 6-Foot (1.8m) Length: Long enough to bridge a PDU mounted at the rear of a 42U rack to a device several rack units away, without the slack management problems that come with oversized cords.
• VW-1 Fire-Rated PVC Jacket: VW-1 (Vertical Wire, pass 1) is a UL flame resistance rating — the cable jacket resists vertical flame propagation. This is a requirement in many data center and commercial building installations where fire code applies to cable assemblies inside enclosures.
• -20°C to 105°C Operating Range: The 105°C upper limit on the insulation rating gives significant margin above the ambient temperatures in any realistic rack or telecom cabinet. The -20°C lower bound makes this usable in cold storage or outdoor enclosures where other cables become brittle and crack.
• Straight Connector Style: Both ends terminate straight (no right-angle offset), which keeps the cable routing predictable in rear-of-rack power runs and simplifies cable management when multiple cords run in parallel.
• 0.6 lb (0.3 kg) Weight: Light enough that the cord weight itself does not stress the C13 receptacle on a lightweight rackmount device — a real consideration when cords are routed without additional support.

Integration & Compatibility

The C14LC13L14G15ABK6FT connects any IEC 60320 C14 male inlet to an IEC 60320 C13 female receptacle — the most common pairing in rackmount IT infrastructure worldwide. This covers standard power inputs on network video recorders, rackmount switches, servers, KVM units, and the outputs of most rack PDUs and UPS bypass panels. The locking mechanism is a keyed engagement on the C14 end (plugging into a C15/C13 PDU outlet) and a matching latch on the C13 end (connecting to the device inlet). Verify that your PDU or UPS outlet supports a locking C14 male before specifying this cable — standard non-locking C14 male plugs will seat but will not engage the retention mechanism. For planning rack power budgets and switch infrastructure, this cord can bridge PoE switch power inputs from PDU rails at the rated 15A without derating.

The straight-body connector profile works with standard IEC outlet spacing on most 1U and 2U PDUs. Review your PDU outlet spacing if using multiple cords side-by-side; some high-density PDUs have closely spaced C13 outlets where adjacent locking connectors may require staggering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum current rating for the C14LC13L14G15ABK6FT?

A: The cord is rated for 15A at up to 250V AC. The 14 AWG wire gauge supports this current capacity without significant resistive heating under sustained load.

Q: Do both ends of this cable lock, or only one?

A: Both the C14 plug and the C13 connector use a locking design, providing retention at both the power source (PDU/UPS) and the device inlet end.

Q: Is this cable suitable for outdoor or cold-environment installations?

A: The operating temperature range is -20°C to 105°C, so it is appropriate for cold storage facilities, outdoor enclosures, and environments that see sub-zero ambient temperatures where standard cables can become brittle.

Q: What does the VW-1 fire rating mean in practice?

A: VW-1 (Vertical Wire) is a UL flame resistance rating that certifies the cable jacket resists vertical flame propagation. This is a common requirement for cables installed inside commercial racks and enclosures that fall under fire code.

Q: Will this cord work with non-locking C14 PDU outlets?

A: The C14 plug will physically seat in a standard non-locking C13/C14 outlet, but the locking retention feature will only engage with a compatible locking receptacle. In a non-locking outlet, it behaves like a standard friction-fit cord.

Q: Is the C14LC13L14G15ABK6FT compatible with 120V North American circuits?

A: Yes. The 250V rating is a maximum — the cord is fully compatible with 120V 60Hz North American circuits as well as 240V international installations.

Eden Phillips

The detail I keep coming back to on the C14LC13L14G15ABK6FT is the 14 AWG gauge paired with a 15A rating — most bundled power cords shipped with rackmount equipment are 16 or 18 AWG, which technically clears the load at lower draws but runs hotter as you approach 12–15A sustained. This cord stays comfortably within its thermal envelope at full rated load, which matters in a packed rack where you have limited airflow around the cable bundle.

Technical Highlights:

• Locking C14/C13 Connectors: Mechanical retention on both ends prevents accidental pull-out — critical in dense racks where cable congestion makes it easy to dislodge adjacent cords during maintenance.
• 14 AWG / 15A / 250V Rating: Handles the full rated draw of most 1U and 2U rackmount devices without resistive heating that accelerates jacket degradation on lighter-gauge alternatives.
• VW-1 PVC Jacket, -20°C to 105°C: Flame-resistant jacket meets commercial installation fire codes, and the temperature range covers cold storage down to -20°C without jacket embrittlement.

Deployment Considerations:

• Confirm your PDU has locking C13 outlets before spec'ing this cable — the locking feature only engages with a compatible receptacle, and not every PDU brand uses the same locking standard.
• At 6 feet (1.8m), this cord is sized for standard 600–1000mm rack depth; verify reach before ordering if your PDU is front-mounted or the run is unusually long.

This cable is the right call for security NVR racks, broadcast equipment rooms, and co-location deployments where a kicked or snagged cord during a maintenance window is a real operational risk — environments where the locking connectors pay for themselves on the first averted incident.