In this guide
A kettle lead is a common name for an IEC 60320 power cable — usually a C13 female connector to a national mains plug (such as a UK 13A plug) — used to power computers, monitors, TVs, and similar appliances. Confusingly, the cable used in actual kettles is a slightly different type called C15.
- Your device has a matching C14 inlet (for a C13 cable)
- The cable is rated for your current draw (up to 10A/250V for C13)
- The mains plug matches your region and socket
- Your device runs hot enough to need a C15/C16 connector (above 70°C)
- Current draw exceeds the cable’s rating
- You try to plug a C13 into a C16 inlet — the shape won’t fit
Why Is It Called a Kettle Lead?
The name comes from the C15 connector used on electric kettles, which looks almost identical to the C13 used on computers. Over time, people started calling any IEC 60320 power cable a “kettle lead” — even though the true kettle version is a different spec. The key visual difference: C15 has a small notch that C13 lacks.
C13 vs C15 — What’s the Difference?
| Connector | Inlet | Max Temp | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| C13 | C14 | 70°C | PCs, monitors, TVs, hi-fi |
| C15 | C16 | 120°C | Kettles, coffee machines, hot appliances |
Both connectors carry up to 10A at 250V, but the C15/C16 pairing is rated for higher operating temperatures. Using a C13 cable on a high-heat appliance risks the connector softening or melting. For a full technical breakdown of the IEC 60320 standard, see the IEC 60320 Wikipedia article.
Where You’ll Find Kettle Leads
- Desktop computers and PC towers (C14 inlet on the PSU)
- Monitors and flat-panel TVs
- Hi-fi amplifiers and AV receivers
- Network switches and rack-mount equipment
- Some gaming consoles and projectors
If your device has a three-pin rectangular socket on the back (not a round barrel or proprietary connector), it almost certainly takes a standard C13 kettle lead.
Can You Use Any Kettle Lead Interchangeably?
For low-heat devices sharing the same C14 inlet, yes — a spare kettle lead from another PC or monitor will work fine. Just check the current rating on the cable label matches or exceeds what your device draws. Problems arise when people assume all IEC cables are identical and plug a C13 into a C16 inlet; the shapes are incompatible by design, so it physically won’t fit.
Thinking about other cable compatibility questions? See our guide on whether USB-C can connect to HDMI or find out why USB-C to HDMI sometimes stops working for related troubleshooting help.
Bottom line: A kettle lead is an IEC C13-to-mains power cable suitable for most home electronics. It is safe and correct for computers, TVs, and AV gear, but if you need to power an actual kettle or any appliance that generates significant heat at the connector, use the proper C15 version instead.