20amp IEC connector with a 15amp plug PC? ??

Good question, I can't really figure that one out either. I currently have 4 pieces of equipment which require 20A female IEC power cords, yet the male plug ends are the same as my power cords with 15A IEC's. So what is the difference? I would think that you would have to change plugs on both ends of a cord to alter the current capability. Maybe it's just to sell more cords.

FWIW, to make it more confusing, many also sell adapters, so you can use a 15A IEC into a 20A IEC.

Cheers,
John

Audio, Don't worry about the cord. Worry about the home AC circuit. A 20 amp wall plug accepts a horizontal blade as well as a vertical one. What we are trying to avoid here is drawing 20 amps to something that cooks at 15. If your equipment needs 20 amps, feed it that. You will be happy you did. Z.

Zieman, "if equipment needs 20amps feed it that". This is my confusion. I do knw that a 20amp wall plug can accept a 15am or 20amp plug. However, if an equipment needs 20amp IEC like my CJ350, why does most 20amp power cord comes with a 15amp plug? " Worry abt the home AC circuit"? If the wall plug is 15amp isnt that the max draw by the amp? is that is so isnt a 20amp IEC redundant? Pardon my confusing tq

Equipment manufacturers are starting to use 20amp IEC inlets on their gear because it is a more solid connection than the 15amp IEC.

First I would bet the cord is not listed by UL or any other recognized testing agency.

Under UL guidelines a NEMA 5-15P plug, (15 amp), cannot be connected to a continuous load of more than 12 amps.
A NEMA 5-20P plug a continuous load of more than 16 amps.

NEC allows 2 or more NEMA 5-15R (15 amp) receptacles to be connected to a 20 amp branch circuit. (A duplex receptacle is two). But because of the requirements placed on the NEMA 5-15P the continuous load should never be more than 12 amps. NEC also says the receptacle shall not have a continuous load of more than 12 amps placed upon it.
Remember many 15 amp convenience outlets, receptacles, are connected to 15 amp branch circuits. That's why a 20 amp plug will not plug into a 15 amp receptacle.....

Now to your equipment with an 20 amp IEC connector. I doubt it would ever draw more than 12 amps continuous load. Continuous load? 3 or more hours..... Check the data plate on the back of the unit. Usually rated in watts or VA. Divide by 120V that will give you amps.