IEC 61076-1:2006/AMD1:2019

Amendment 1 - Connectors for electronic equipment - Product requirements - Part 1: Generic specification

Amendement 1 - Connecteurs pour équipements électroniques - Exigences de produit - Partie 1 : Spécification générique

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 10-Jan-2019
• ICS: 31.220.10 - Plug-and-socket devices. Connectors
• ICS: 33.180.20 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices
• Technical Committee: SC 48B - Electrical connectors
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 11-Jan-2019
• Completion Date: 09-Nov-2018

Relations

• Amends: IEC 61076-1:2006 - Connectors for electronic equipment - Product requirements - Part 1: Generic specification
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 61076-1:2006/AMD1:2019 is an amendment to the international standard that defines generic product requirements for connectors used in electronic equipment. Issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this amendment updates the 2006 edition, providing clarifications and additional specifications related to connector compatibility. This standard is fundamental for manufacturers, engineers, and designers working with electrical connectors, ensuring interoperability, interchangeability, and consistent performance across various connector types and applications.

The key focus of this amendment is to elaborate on levels of compatibility between connectors, introduce precise terminology, and emphasize the importance of standardized dimensions and performance criteria. It serves to harmonize connector design and facilitate integration from multiple sources while maintaining safety and functional integrity.

Key Topics

• Compatibility Definitions
  The amendment introduces refined definitions around compatibility, including:

  • Intermountability - Connectors share identical overall and mounting dimensions enabling them to fit into the same physical locations.
  • Intermateability - Connectors have identical electrical and mechanical interface dimensions allowing them to mate physically, though performance may vary.
  • Interoperability - Connectors comply with interface dimensions and performance criteria that allow them to function properly even if from different IEC connector families.
  • Interchangeability - A comprehensive level where connectors match in all critical dimensions and performance metrics, ensuring full compatibility and backward compatibility.

• Dimensional Specifications
  The amendment elaborates on key dimension categories essential to compatibility:

  • Overall dimensions – The physical space a connector occupies.
  • Mounting dimensions – Geometries required for fixing connectors to panels, printed circuit boards (PCBs), or cables.
  • Interface dimensions – Detailed specifications of mating faces, including insert and contact layout.
  • Electrical wiring-related dimensions – Dimensions concerning the number and type of electrical contacts.

• Performance Metrics
  Emphasis is placed on electrical, mechanical, and climatic performance levels needed to verify that connectors meet their intended application standards, encompassing aspects such as signal integrity and environmental durability.

• Compatibility Levels Table
  The amendment defines four distinct levels of compatibility (Levels 1 to 4), summarized as follows:

  • Level 1 - Intermountable: Connectors share overall and mounting dimensions.
  • Level 2 - Intermateable: Connectors share interface dimensions in addition to mounting requirements.
  • Level 3 - Both intermountable and intermateable.
  • Level 4 - Interchangeable: Includes electrical wiring-related dimensions and performance metrics ensuring full compatibility.

  This structured framework guides manufacturers in declaring the compatibility of their connectors, facilitating clear communication within the industry.

Applications

The IEC 61076-1 generic specification and its amendment directly support industries and applications requiring reliable electrical connector solutions such as:

• Consumer Electronics
  Ensures device connectors from various manufacturers can physically fit and function correctly, improving product interoperability.

• Industrial Automation
  Provides standards for rugged connectors with defined compatibility levels critical for machinery and control systems in harsh environments.

• Telecommunications
  Enables matching of connectors across devices and infrastructure components, maintaining signal integrity and mechanical reliability.

• Automotive and Transportation
  Assures electrical connectors meet strict environmental and mechanical performance requirements while maintaining backward compatibility for legacy systems.

• General Electronic Equipment Design
  Assists designers and engineers in selecting connectors that comply with international standards for size, mounting, and performance requirements.

Overall, this standard streamlines product development and quality assurance processes, reduces risks of mismatched connectors, and supports global supply chains in ensuring connector compatibility.

Related Standards

IEC 61076-1:2006/AMD1:2019 interacts closely with several related IEC standards, including:

• IEC 61076-3 Series
  Detail product specifications for specific types of connectors that build upon this generic specification.

• IEC 60603-7 Series
  Standards covering rectangular connectors that may be interoperable or compatible with IEC 61076-1 connectors under certain conditions.

• IEC 60050-581
  The International Electrotechnical Vocabulary that defines terms such as intermountability and intermateability referenced in IEC 61076-1.

• Other IEC Connector and Interface Standards
  Including standards addressing contact performance, mechanical structures, and environmental testing relevant to connectors.

By adhering to IEC 61076-1 and its amendments, manufacturers and users can ensure compliance with a harmonized global framework, improving product compatibility and market acceptance.

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Keywords: IEC 61076-1, electrical connectors, connector compatibility, intermateability, intermountability, interoperability, interchangeability, connector standards, electrical wiring dimensions, connector performance, IEC amendment, connector product requirements, international connector specification.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 61076-1 ®
Edition 2.0 2019-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
A MENDMENT 1
AM ENDEMENT 1
Connectors for electronic equipment – Product requirements –
Part 1: Generic specification
Connecteurs pour équipements électroniques – Exigences de produit –
Partie 1: Spécification générique

IEC 61076-1:2006-04/AMD1:2019-01(en-fr)

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IEC 61076-1 ®
Edition 2.0 2019-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
A MENDMENT 1
AM ENDEMENT 1
Connectors for electronic equipment – Product requirements –

Part 1: Generic specification
Connecteurs pour équipements électroniques – Exigences de produit –

Partie 1: Spécification générique

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 31.220.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-6252-8

– 2 – IEC 61076-1:2006/AMD1:2019
© IEC 2019
FOREWORD
This amendment has been prepared by subcommittee 48B: Electrical connectors, of IEC
technical committee 48: Electrical connectors and mechanical structures for electrical and
electronic equipment.
The text of this amendment is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
48B/2678/FDIS 48B/2691/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this amendment can be found in the report
on voting indicated in the above table.
The committee has decided that the contents of this amendment and the base publication will
remain unchanged until the stability date indicated on the IEC website under
"http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the
publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
_____________
1.4.5 Compatibility
Replace the first paragraph with the following new text:
Compatibility comprises specification of intermountability, intermateability and/or
interchangeability, as well as of interoperability and backward compatibility, where applicable,
as detailed in 2.2.3 and in Annex B (normative) to guarantee compliance with requirements of
mated connector pairs, of which the individual connectors are supplied by different sources.
2.1 Terms and definitions
Add the following new terms and definitions:
2.1.6
interoperability
interoperability of different IEC 61076-1 connectors and of IEC 61076-1 connectors with
connectors of other families (e.g. IEC 60603-7 series) is ensured by compliance with the
specified interface dimensions, when they have the same number of contacts, the same
electrical wiring-related dimensions and when the lowest electrical, mechanical and climatic
performance (performance level) among the two connectors is suitable for the intended
application
SEE: Clause B.5.
© IEC 2019
2.1.7
number of contacts
number of contacts (or ways) that a connector owns, including the protective and/or functional
earth contact(s), if any
Note 1 to entry: A connector for removable contacts is characterized by its number of contact positions (seats): its
number of contacts (ways) may be lower than the number of contact positions (seats).
Note 2 to entry: The same number of contacts does not grants the same electrical interface: the geometry of said
contacts may be different while their number is the same.
2.1.8
overall dimensions
dimensions providing the overall space occupied by a connector
Note 1 to entry: Two connectors of the same gender may have the same overall dimensions but different
mounting dimensions and/or different interface dimensions
2.1.9
interface dimensions
set of dimensions required to fully describe the connector’s mating interface, belonging to
both the connector insert and to the relevant electric contacts
Note 1 to entry: Interface dimensions enable the proper functioning of a mated set of connectors according to the
relevant product detail specification or manufacturer’s detail specification.
Note 2 to entry: Two connectors with same interface dimensions have the same number of contact seats (or
positions), whereas they may not show the same number of contacts (ways).
2.1.10
mounting dimensions
dimensions enabling the mounting of a connector
Note 1 to entry: Examples of mounting dimensions are panel cutout size, size and interaxes of fixing holes or
threads.
Note 2 to entry: The geometry of the mounting interface of Printed Circuit Board connectors to the PCB belongs
to the mounting dimensions: two Printed Circuit Board connectors of the same gender with the same mounting
dimensions share the same pattern and pitch of their contacts.
Note 3 to entry: Two connectors not of the Printed Circuit Board type of the same gender with the same mounting
dimensions may have different interface dimensions.
Note 4 to entry: Two connectors of the same gender with the same mounting dimensions may have different
overall dimensions.
2.1.11
electrical wiring-related dimensions
dimensions related to the wiring of the connector, i.e. to its number and type of contacts
(ways)
Note 1 to entry: Two connectors of the same gender with the same electrical wiring-related dimensions have the
same number of contacts (ways) or contact positions (seats), the same dimensions of these contacts or contact
positions, the same overall dimensions, the same interface dimensions, and if they are Printed Circuit Board
connectors, the same mounting dimensions.
2.1.12
electrical, mechanical and climatic performances
levels of electrical, mechanical and climatic performance assigned to a connector in the
relevant product detail specification or manufacturer’s detail specification, therein verified
through dedicated groups of tests
Note 1 to entry: The electrical performance includes signal integrity.

– 4 – IEC 61076-1:2006/AMD1:2019
© IEC 2019
Add the following new Annex B:
Annex B
(normative)
Levels of compatibility
B.1 General
In applications where products according an IEC 61076-1 and any of the related IEC 61076-3-
1xx product detail specifications are used, a mixture of connectors from different sources may
be available. No problems should occur if all of these products fully comply with the same
standard (product detail specification) and have the same ratings. In cases where these
products were given a different rating by the manufacturer, and also when dimensional details
are deviating, it is important to know and consider the right level of compatibility.
The levels of compatibility are intended to compare connectors of the same gender on their
capability to be mated with a complementary connector of the different gender. The levels
indicate the functional differences (if any) between connector products of the same gender but
from different sources.
A product detail specification under this standard may declare a certain level of compatibility –
e.g. in terms of backward compatibility – with other product detail specification(s) within the
same family of standards (e.g. this IEC 61076-1 and the related IEC 61076-3-1xx family) or
with a cross reference to a connector covered by a product detail specification belonging to a
different IEC family.
In fact, for historical reasons some recent additions have been assigned to the IEC 61076-3
family of standards, while other new connectors have been assigned to the IEC 60603-7
family of rectangular connectors. For this reason a similar Annex has been included in the
generic specification IEC 60603-7 in order to align the terminology used in both families in
regard to levels of compatibility.
The levels of compatibility between connectors from different sources are characterized – as
a function of the standardization degree – by 4 levels. These levels are already defined in
2.2.3.2 to 2.2.3.5 of this document and shall, when appropriate, be indicated in the relevant
detail product specification of connectors.
In Table B.1, for each level of compatibility the required parameters are indicated by “x“ in a
graphical way.
_____________________________________________________________________________
This space intentionally left blank

© IEC 2019
b) c) b)
Table B.1 – Levels of compatibility and required parameters

Level of Number of Overall Interface Mounting Electrical Electrical,
compatibility contacts dimensions dimensions dimensions wiring- mechanical
of IEC 61076-1 related and climatic
dimensions performance
a)
Intermountable Level 1 x x
a)
Intermateable Level 2 x x
a)
Intermountable and
Level 3 x x x x
a)
intermateable
a) d)
Interoperable  x x x x
a)
Interchangeable Level 4 x x x x x x
Backward
e)
x x x x
e)
compatible
a)
The prefix “inter” in the terms “intermountable”, “intermateable”, “interoperable”, and “interchangeable” has the meaning of
“interchangeably” (adv), i.e. intermountable = interchangeably mountable, and so on. Thus the prefix “inter” has not the
meaning “among them”, i.e. intermountable does not mean “mountable among them”, intermateable does not mean “mateable
among them”. In other words, two intermateable connectors are not a male and a female connector mateable among them.
b)
Levels of compatibility and relevant required parameters include also the influence of features for latching, locking and
keying.
c)
Special attention is required for safety: all levels of compatibility may pose a certain risk for safety, especially when voltages
higher than SELV levels (50 V AC / 120 V DC) and/or high currents are applied.
d)
Two interoperable connectors shall grant electrical, mechanical and climatic performance suitable for the application. In other
words their performance level is not necessarily the same, but none of them owns a performance level unsuitable for the
application.
e)
IEC 60050-581:2008, 581-24-08: “feature of connectors which ensures at least the lower requirements in case of mating
connectors with higher and lower requirements”. The backward compatibility requirement ensures that a free or fixed
connector in compliance with this standard, when mated with a fixed or free connector in compliance with any lower
frequency IEC 61076-3 series connector standard or IEC 60603-7 series connector standard, fully complies with the
requirements of the lower frequency IEC 61076-3 series connector standard or IEC 60603-7 series connector standard.

B.2 Intermountability
The term intermountable (adj) and consequently intermountability (noun) is defined in
IEC 60050-581:2008, 581-24-04: “pertaining to each of two connectors when their overall
dimensions, dimensions on printed board or panel cut-out, and cable termination are
identical”.
This level is defined as level 1 – Intermountable in 2.2.3.2 of this document. This levels
standardizes only overall dimensions and mounting dimensions on printed board or panel cut-
out and cable termination assembly; mating face dimensions are not relevant to standardize
intermountability.
This means that each of two intermountable connectors will fit in a given location (e.g. a
position/footprint on a PCB, and/or in a panel cut-out, and/or at the end of a cable). The
electrical (e.g. different current rating) or mechanical performance (one connector may be a
free or fixed connector with male contacts, the other one with female contacts) may be
different. This IEC 60050-581 description even allows two connectors with two completely
different types of interface.
Intermountability – once declared for a connector by its manufacturer with respect to certain
dimensions common to other products or product families – shall be declared by referencing
an unambiguous set of dimensions. This may also be achieved by reference to a set of
dimensions as given by a published standard.

– 6 – IEC 61076-1:2006/AMD1:2019
© IEC 2019
B.3 Intermateability
The term intermateable (adj) and consequently intermateability (noun) is defined in IEC 60050-
581:2008, 581-24-07: “pertaining to each of two connectors when they feature identical
dimensions for electrical and dimensional interfaces”.
This level is defined as level 2 – Intermateable in 2.2.3.3 of this document. This levels
standardizes only dimensions of electrical and mechanical interfaces. The electrical and
mechanical performances and the functionality of connectors from different sources, when
mated, are not fully guaranteed.
In other words: here, each of two connectors will fit in one counterpart connector, but the
electrical, mechanical and environmental performances and the functionality may be different.
For instance, the two connectors from different sources may contain a different number of
contacts, different conductive materials, differently rated insulating materials – if the relevant
product detail specification allows such choice, different – although compatible – contact
plating, different sizing of wire terminations or conductive paths, thus differently sized allowed
wiring).
Intermateability shall be proven by testing the mechanical performance and verification of the
electrical conductivity of the mated electrical contacts according the relevant requirements of
the Product Detail Specification.
NOTE 1 Intermateable connectors can have different numbers of contacts (ways), i.e. a different electrical
interface, within the same mechanical interface. It is allowed that the missing contacts of one of them do not mate
with the contacts of the corresponding mating connector, as well as the opposite, i.e. the contacts in excess in one
of them do not find contacts in the corresponding mating connector.
A connector can have less female contacts but due to the lack of holes to accept the male contacts may not be
intermateable with a connector having a full set of male contacts.
As the mechanical interface does not include overall dimensions and mounting dimensions covered by
intermountability (Clause B.2), two connectors can be intermateable but not intermountable.
NOTE 2 In general, product detail specifications for connectors should include dimensions to provide that two
connectors in compliance with said detail specification are both intermountable and intermateable, see further B.4.
B.4 Intermountability and intermateability
The terms intermountable (adj) and intermateable (adj) and consequently the relevant nouns
“intermountability” and “intermateability” are already defined in the IEC 60050-581 as
described in Clause B.2 and Clause B.3.
There is a further level of compatibility defined as level 3 – Intermountable and intermateable
in 2.2.3.4 of this document. This level standardizes mounting dimensions, electrical and
mechanical interface and overall dimensions.
This means that each of two intermountable and intermateable connectors will fit in a given
location (e.g. a position/footprint on a PCB, and/or in a panel cut-out, and/or at the end of a
cable) and each of two connectors will fit in one counterpart connector, but the electrical,
mechanical and environmental performances and the functionality may be different. For
instance, the two connectors from different sources may contain a different number of
contacts within a compatible mating face geometry, different conductive materials, differently
rated insulating materials (if the relevant product detail specification allows such choice),
different – although compatible – contact plating, different sizing of wire terminations or
conductive paths, thus differently sized allowed wiring.
Intermateability shall be demonstrated as described in Clause B.3., intermountability as
described in Clause B.2.
© IEC 2019
NOTE Intermateable connectors can have different numbers of contacts (ways), i.e. a different electrical
interface, within the same mechanical interface. It is allowed that the missing contacts of one of them do not mate
with the contacts of the corresponding mating connector, as well as the opposite, i.e. the contacts in excess of one
of them do not find correspondence in the corresponding mating connector.
B.5 Interoperability
In the case of interoperability, the performance level of this interoperability is always that of
the less performing connector, but the performance level shall be suitable for the application.
In other words one of the two interoperable connectors of the same gender may be provided
with a performance level in excess of the requirements for the application, none can be
provided with performance level unfit for the application.
B.6 Interchangeability
The term interchangeable (adj.) and consequently interchangeability (noun) is defined in
IEC 60050-581:2008, 581-24-03: “pertaining to a connector when all elements guaranteeing
compliance of electrical, mechanical and climatic performance of mated connectors when
individual connector halves from different sources are identical."
This level of compatibility is defined as level 4 – Interchangeable in 2.2.3.5 of this document.
This level standardizes all the elements guaranteeing compliance of the electrical, mechanical
and environmental performances of mated connector pairs when individual connectors are
from different sources.
To be interchangeable, the form, fit, function and performance of connectors from different
sources are identical, so that a con
...