IEC C5 Cloverleaf Power Cord Introduction

The IEC C5 connector, commonly known as the “cloverleaf” or “Mickey Mouse” (due to its three-lobed shape resembling the Disney character’s silhouette), is a widely used power connector for laptop power adapters, portable projectors, and various small electronic devices. Zhejiang Jinting Nuclear Cable Co., Ltd. manufactures high-quality IEC C5 power cords for OEM and aftermarket applications.

C5 Connector Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Standard	IEC 60320-1, C5 connector
Rated Voltage (IEC)	250V AC
Rated Current (IEC)	2.5A
Temperature Rating	70°C
Pin Configuration	3-pin (L, N, PE/gnd)
Mating Inlet	C6 (panel mount on equipment)
Shape	Three-lobed (cloverleaf)

Common Applications

The C5 connector is ubiquitous in consumer electronics and IT equipment. The most common application is laptop and notebook power adapters (virtually all major laptop manufacturers use C6 inlets), followed by portable projectors for business and education, small form-factor desktop computers and thin clients, gaming console power adapters, external hard drive enclosures and docking stations, and various small consumer electronics requiring grounded connections.

Cable Types for C5 Cords

C5 power cords typically use lighter-gauge cables due to the 2.5A current rating. Common cable types include H03VV-F 3G 0.5mm² or 0.75mm² for European applications, 18/3 SVT or SJT for North American cords, H03VVH2-F or H05VVH2-F for flat-profile cords that lay better in laptop bags, and shielded variants for improved EMI performance in sensitive electronic environments. The lighter gauge keeps the cord flexible and manageable for portable applications.

SAA-Certified C5 from Jinting

Zhejiang Jinting Nuclear Cable Co., Ltd. holds SAA certification (SAA132041EA) for C5 appliance connectors. Our JT-ST2B model is rated 2.5A 250V and certified to AS/NZS 60320.1:2012. It is molded to 4V-75 H03VV-F 3G 0.75mm² or 4V-75 H05VV-F 3G 0.75mm² flexible cords, providing reliable C5 connections for Australian and New Zealand products.

Global C5 Power Cord Configurations

We manufacture C5 power cords with all major global plug types including NEMA 1-15P and 5-15P for North America, CEE 7/7 and CEE 7/16 for Europe, BS 1363 for the UK, AS/NZS 3112 for Australia/New Zealand, GB 2099 for China, and JIS C 8303 for Japan. Each configuration carries the appropriate certifications for its target market, allowing our customers to source all C5 power cord needs from a single manufacturer.

Quality Manufacturing

C5 power cord production at our facilities involves precision molding of the distinctive three-lobed connector body, which requires tight process control to maintain proper dimensional accuracy for reliable mating with C6 inlets. All C5 cords undergo electrical testing for continuity, polarity, and dielectric strength. The smaller size of C5 connectors makes precise injection molding particularly important, as any dimensional deviation can cause poor contact or difficulty in insertion and removal.

Customization Options

Zhejiang Jinting Nuclear Cable Co., Ltd. offers various customization options for C5 power cords: custom lengths (typically 0.5m to 5m for portable applications), multiple cable jacket colors, right-angle C5 connectors for improved cable management behind desks, custom printing and labeling including company logos, specialized packaging for retail or OEM delivery, and low MOQ for custom configurations. Contact our sales team for detailed specifications and pricing.