IEC 61535:2009
(Main)Installation couplers intended for permanent connection in fixed installations
Installation couplers intended for permanent connection in fixed installations
IEC 61535:2009 applies to two up to five wire installation couplers including earth, if provided, with a rated voltage up to and including 500 V a.c. and a rated connecting capacity up to and including 10 mm² for permanent connection in indoor electrical installations. Installation couplers with additional contacts for voltages other than mains voltages are outside the scope of this standard. The contents of the corrigendum of January 2014 have been included in this copy.
Coupleurs d'installation pour connexions permanentes dans les installations fixes
La CEI 61535:2009 s'applique aux coupleurs d'installation comportant de deux à cinq conducteurs y compris le conducteur de terre (le cas échéant), de tension assignée jusqu'à 500 V inclus en courant alternatif et de capacité de connexion assignée jusqu'à 10 mm² inclus, pour connexion permanente dans installations électriques intérieures. Les coupleurs d'installation avec des contacts supplémentaires pour des tensions autres que la tension d'alimentation du réseau ne sont pas couverts par la présente norme. Le contenu du corrigendum de janvier 2014 a été pris en considération dans cet exemplaire.
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IEC 61535 ®
Edition 1.0 2009-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Installation couplers intended for permanent connection in fixed installations
Coupleurs d’installation pour connexions permanentes dans les installations
fixes
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IEC 61535 ®
Edition 1.0 2009-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Installation couplers intended for permanent connection in fixed installations
Coupleurs d’installation pour connexions permanentes dans les installations
fixes
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
X
CODE PRIX
ICS 29.120.99 ISBN 978-2-88910-533-5
– 2 – 61535 © IEC:2009
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.4
1 Scope.6
2 Normative references .6
3 Terms and definitions .7
4 General requirements .9
5 General notes on tests .9
6 Ratings.10
7 Classification.11
7.1 rated impulse voltage: .11
7.2 method of connecting the cable: .11
7.3 degree of protection against ingress of foreign solid objects and ingress of
water according to IEC 60529 (IP-Code) .11
7.4 location where installation couplers will be installed: .11
7.5 existence of an earthing contact: .11
7.6 type of conductor to be connected:.11
7.7 type of terminals for rewirable installation couplers only: .11
8 Marking and documentation.12
9 Dangerous compatibility .13
10 Protection against electric shock .14
11 Terminals, terminations and connectable conductors.15
11.1 Terminals and terminations .15
11.2 Connectable conductors .15
12 Construction .16
13 Protection against harmful ingress of solid foreign objects and against harmful
ingress of water.19
13.1 Protection against harmful ingress of foreign solid objects.19
13.2 Protection against harmful ingress of water .19
14 Insulation resistance and electric strength .20
15 Construction of contacts .21
16 Temperature rise .22
17 Breaking capacity .22
18 Forces necessary to disengage the parts of the installation coupler.23
19 Cables and their connection .23
20 Mechanical strength .27
21 Resistance to heat and ageing .28
22 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections.30
23 Clearances, creepage distances and distances through solid insulation .32
24 Resistance to abnormal heat and to tracking .33
24.1 Resistance to abnormal heat .33
24.2 Resistance to tracking .35
25 Resistance to rusting.35
Annex A (normative) Routine Earth (PE) continuity tests.37
Annex B (normative) Test circuits for temperature rise test (see Clause 16).38
61535 © IEC:2009 – 3 –
Annex C (normative) Number of sets of test samples used for the tests and sequence
of tests for each set .43
Annex D (informative) Guide to use .45
Bibliography.47
Figure 1 – Apparatus for testing the cable anchorage .26
Figure 2 – Apparatus for the measuring of the distortion (example).27
Figure 3 – Ball-pressure apparatus .29
Figure 4 – Explanation of “small part” .35
Figure B.1 – 1P + N + PE installation couplers, including N (left figure), including PE
(right figure).38
Figure B.2 – 3P + N + PE installation couplers, 3 phases loaded (left figure), N and PE
loaded (right figure) .38
Figure B.3 – 1P + N + PE distribution block, phase and N loaded .39
Figure B.4 – 1P + N + PE distribution block, phase and PE loaded .40
Figure B.5 – 3P + N + PE - to 1P + N + PE distribution block, 3 phases loaded .41
Figure B.6 – 3P + N + PE - to 1P + N + PE distribution block, N and PE loaded.42
Figure D.1 – Examples of use of installation couplers .46
Table 1 – Voltage rating for installation couplers.10
Table 2 – Test currents for installation couplers .22
Table 3 – Forces to be applied to cable anchorages .24
Table 4 – Torque applied for the tightening and loosening test.31
Table 5 – Installation couplers intended for use in supply systems.32
Table 5a – Installation couplers intended for use in supply systems with a maximum
voltage to earth of 150 V, rated impulse voltage 2,5 kV.32
Table 5b – Installation couplers intended for use in supply systems with a maximum
voltage to earth of 300 V, rated impulse voltage 4,0 kV.33
Table C.1 – Sets of samples .43
– 4 – 61535 © IEC:2009
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
INSTALLATION COUPLERS INTENDED FOR PERMANENT
CONNECTION IN FIXED INSTALLATIONS
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
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Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
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with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61535 has been prepared by technical committee 23: Electrical
accessories.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
23/466/FDIS 23/471/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
61535 IEC:2009 – 5 –
In this standard the following print types are used:
– requirements proper: in roman type;
– test specifications: in italic type;
– Explanatory matter: in smaller roman type.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site 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.
The contents of the corrigendum of January 2014 have been included in this copy.
– 6 – 61535 © IEC:2009
INSTALLATION COUPLERS INTENDED FOR PERMANENT
CONNECTION IN FIXED INSTALLATIONS
1 Scope
This standard applies to two up to five wire installation couplers including earth, if provided,
with a rated voltage up to and including 500 V a.c. and a rated connecting capacity up to and
²
including 10 mm for permanent connection in indoor electrical installations. Installation
couplers with additional contacts for voltages other than mains voltages are outside the scope
of this standard.
NOTE 1 Installation couplers according to this standard are used e.g. in prefabricated buildings, installation
cavities, such as suspended floors and ceilings, or cable tray systems, cable ladder systems, cable ducting
systems and cable trunking systems or in commercial show rooms, in partition walls and in any similar application
or in furniture complying with IEC 60364-7-713.
NOTE 2 This standard may be used as a guide for installation couplers with additional contacts for voltages other
than mains voltages.
NOTE 3 In the UK, where installation couplers have more than 5 wires, they shall meet the requirements of
IEC 61535 as though they were included in the scope and shall be tested in such a way that all of the mains
voltage pins are subjected to the same level of testing.
NOTE 4 In the USA, these installation couplers are not permitted to be used where they will not be visible after
installation.
An installation coupler consists of an installation female connector and an installation male
connector for permanent connection not intended to be engaged or disengaged under load
nor to be engaged or disengaged other than during first installation or during reconfiguration
or maintenance of the wiring system in which installation couplers have been installed. This
means that installation couplers are only intended for infrequent use.
Installation couplers are not suitable for use in place of socket-outlet systems. Installation
couplers are not suitable for use in place of devices for connecting luminaires (DCLs)
according to IEC 61995 or luminaire supporting couplers (LSCs).
NOTE 5 For lower limits of in-service temperatures the necessary information is given in the manufacturer’s
installation instructions.
In locations where special conditions prevail, as in ships, vehicles and the like and in
hazardous locations, for example where explosions are liable to occur, special constructions
may be required.
NOTE 6 Particular requirements for installation couplers e.g. for. use at higher ambient temperatures, with higher
mechanical durability (e.g. metal housings), with higher fire resistance and for use in control circuits (e.g. SELV),
are under consideration.
NOTE 7 National rules may have requirements concerning the accessibility of installation couplers.
NOTE 8 Installation couplers are intended to be installed by instructed or skilled persons.
NOTE 9 National rules may specify who is allowed to carry out the connection and disconnection of installation
couplers.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
61535 © IEC:2009 – 7 –
IEC 60068-2-31:2008, Environmental testing – Part 2-31: Tests - Test Ec: Rough handling
shocks, primarily for equipment-type specimens
IEC 60112:2003, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking
indices of solid insulating materials
IEC 60364 (all parts), Electrical installations of buildings
IEC 60529:2001, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60664-1:2007, Insulation co-ordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60695-2-11:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability test method for end-products
IEC 60998-2-3:2002, Connecting devices for low-voltage circuits for household and similar
purposes – Part 2-3: Particular requirements for connecting devices as separate entities with
insulation-piercing clamping units
IEC 60999-1:1999, Connecting devices - Electrical copper conductors - Safety requirements
for screw-type and screwless-type clamping units - Part 1: General requirements and
2 2
particular requirements for clamping units for conductors from 0,2 mm up to 35 mm
(included)
IEC 61032:1997, Protection of persons and equipment by enclosures – Probes for verification
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
Where the terms "voltage" and "current" are used in this standard, they are r.m.s. values,
unless otherwise specified.
3.1
rated voltage
voltage assigned to the installation coupler by the manufacturer
3.2
rated current
maximum current assigned to the installation coupler by the manufacturer
NOTE Rated current refers to the installation coupler itself and not to an electric circuit.
3.3
rated connecting capacity
cross-sectional area of the largest conductor(s) to be connected as stated by the
manufacturer of the installation coupler
3.4
permanent connection
connecting method in an installation which is only opened for maintenance or wiring system
re-configuration
NOTE The expression "permanent connection" is to be understood as a connection which is maintained as long
as an installation exists.
– 8 – 61535 © IEC:2009
3.5
installation coupler
connecting device consisting of an installation female connector and an installation male
connector provided with retaining means for permanent connection not intended to be
engaged or disengaged under load nor to be engaged or disengaged other than during first
installation, during maintenance of the wiring system or during re-configuration of the wiring
system
3.5.1
installation male connector
load side portion of an installation coupler which contains the male contacts
3.5.2
installation female connector
supply side portion of an installation coupler which contains the female contacts
3.6
installation coupler system
family of installation couplers consisting of one or more installation female connectors
compatible by mechanical coding features with one or more installation male connectors, with
the same ratings produced according to the specification of one manufacturer
3.7
wiring system
assembly made up of a cable or cables or busbars and the parts which secure and if
necessary enclose the cables or busbars
NOTE See IEC 60364-5-52.
3.8
rewirable installation coupler
installation coupler so constructed that the cable can be replaced
3.9
non-rewirable installation coupler
installation coupler so constructed that it forms a complete unit with the cable after connection
and assembly by the manufacturer
NOTE See also 12.15.
3.9.1
non-rewirable moulded-on installation coupler
non-rewirable installation coupler so constructed that the contacts, terminals or connections
and the attached cable end are surrounded by insulating material manufactured by a moulding
process
3.9.2
non-rewirable non-moulded-on installation coupler
non-rewirable installation coupler so constructed that the contacts, terminals or connections
and the attached cable end are surrounded by separate parts of insulating material
3.10
distribution block
device intended for branching of circuits
3.11
retaining means
arrangement by which an installation female connector and an installation male connector are
held in position when they are properly engaged and prevents unintentional disengagement
61535 © IEC:2009 – 9 –
NOTE The disengagement may be made by hand or by the use of a tool.
3.12
cap
removable barrier to prevent ready accessibility to an unused installation female connector
3.13
routine test
test to which each device is subjected during and/or after manufacture to ascertain whether it
complies with certain criteria
3.14
type test
test of one or more devices made to a certain design to show that the design meets certain
requirements
3.15
readily accessible
accessibility to touch extending from any point on a surface where persons usually stand or
move about to the limits which a person can reach with the hand, in any direction without
assistance
NOTE See IEC 60364-4-41 Annex B.
3.16
terminal
part of an accessory to which a conductor is attached, providing a reusable connection
3.17
termination
part of an accessory to which a conductor is permanently attached
[IEV 442-06-06]
4 General requirements
Installation couplers shall be so designed and constructed that, in normal use, their
performance is reliable and without danger to the user or damage to the surroundings.
Compliance is checked by carrying out all the relevant tests specified.
5 General notes on tests
5.1 Tests shall be carried out to check compliance with the relevant requirements of this
standard.
Tests are as follows:
– type tests shall be made on representative specimens of each type of installation
coupler;
– routine tests shall be made on each installation coupler as required in this standard.
Tests of 5.2 to 5.6 are applicable to type tests and 5.7 to routine tests.
5.2 Unless otherwise specified, the tests shall be carried out on specimens as delivered and
o o
under conditions of normal use at an ambient temperature between 15 C and 35 C.
– 10 – 61535 © IEC:2009
Where the value of the temperature is of importance, the test shall be carried out at 20 ºC
± 5 ºC.
5.3 For testing purposes non-rewirable installation couplers shall be provided with cables of
at least 1 m length unless otherwise specified in this standard.
5.4 If not otherwise specified in this standard, the tests shall be carried out in the order of
the clauses as specified in Table C.1. Installation male connectors, caps, installation female
connectors and distribution blocks shall be tested in connection with their matching
counterparts complying with this standard.
5.5 The sets of test specimens shall undergo the tests as specified in Table C.1.
5.6 Specimen are deemed not to comply with this standard if there is more than one
specimen failure in any one of the tests.
If one specimen of a given set fails in a test due to an assembly or manufacturing fault, that
test and those preceding, which may have influenced the result of that test, are repeated on
another set of specimens of the same set number as specified in Table C.1, all of which shall
then comply with the repeated tests.
NOTE The applicant may submit, together with the specified number of specimens, the additional set of
specimens, which may be required, should one specimen fail. The testing station will then, without further request,
test additional specimens and will reject only if a further failure occurs. If the additional set of specimens is not
submitted at the same time, the failure of one specimen will entail rejection.
5.7 Routine tests for non-rewirable installation couplers are specified in Annex A.
6 Ratings
6.1 Installation couplers should preferably have a rated voltage chosen from Table 1.
All components of the same installation coupler system shall have the same phase to neutral
voltage rating.
Table 1 – Voltage rating for installation couplers
Nominal voltage of Rated voltage Rated impulse voltage
power supply system
V V kV
100 125 2,5
100/200 125/250 2,5
230 250 4,0
230/400 250/400 4,0
277/480 320/500 4,0
61535 © IEC:2009 – 11 –
6.2 Installation couplers should preferably have a rated current chosen from the following
values:
– 10 A
– 16 A
– 20 A
– 25 A
– 32 A
2 2 2
6.3 The preferred values for rated connecting capacities are 1,5 mm , 2,5 mm , 4 mm ,
2 2
6 mm , 10 mm .
Compliance of 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 is checked by inspection of markings according to Clause 8.
7 Classification
Installation couplers are classified according to the
7.1 rated impulse voltage:
7.1.1 rated impulse voltage of 2,5 kV;
7.1.2 rated impulse voltage of 4 kV.
7.2 method of connecting the cable:
7.2.1 rewirable installation couplers;
7.2.2 non-rewirable installation couplers.
7.3 degree of protection against ingress of foreign solid objects and ingress of water
according to IEC 60529 (IP-Code)
7.4 location where installation couplers will be installed:
7.4.1 readily accessible installation couplers;
7.4.2 non-readily accessible installation couplers.
NOTE 1 Installation couplers for readily accessible areas can also be used in non-readily accessible areas.
7.5 existence of an earthing contact:
7.5.1 installation couplers with earthing contact;
7.5.2 installation couplers without earthing contact.
7.6 type of conductor to be connected:
7.6.1 solid conductor only;
7.6.2 rigid (solid and stranded) conductor only;
7.6.3 flexible conductor only;
7.6.4 both rigid (solid and stranded) and flexible conductors.
7.7 type of terminals for rewirable installation couplers only:
7.7.1 installation couplers with screw-type terminals;
7.7.2 installation couplers with screwless terminals;
7.7.3 installation couplers with insulation piercing terminals.
– 12 – 61535 © IEC:2009
8 Marking and documentation
8.1 Installation couplers shall be marked with
a) rated current in amperes (A);
b) rated voltage in volts (V);
c) manufacturer’s or responsible vendor’s name, trade mark or identification mark;
d) IP-code if higher than IP43 as follows:
The first characteristic numeral for the degree of protection against access to hazardous parts
and against harmful effects due to ingress of solid foreign objects shall be marked if declared
to be higher than 4, in which case the second characteristic numeral shall also be marked.
The second characteristic numeral for the degree of protection against harmful effects due to
ingress of water shall be marked if declared to be higher than 1, in which case the first
characteristic numeral shall also be marked.
e) type reference;
f) rated connecting capacity for rewirable installation coupler in mm ;
g) connected conductor size in mm for non-rewirable installation coupler.
8.2 When symbols or letters are used, they shall be as follows:
rated connecting capacity in square millimetres mm or
volts V
amperes A
alternating current ~ or AC
neutral N
earth
or PE
8.3 Markings on the installation coupler according to items in 8.1 shall be readily visible
before installation.
8.4 Terminal markings shall be L1, L2, L3 or 1, 2, 3 or equivalent. Earthing terminals in
rewirable installation couplers shall have the relevant marking. Neutral terminals shall be
marked with N. These markings shall not be placed on screws, removable washers or any
other easily removable parts.
If terminals are designed to accept only one type of conductor, e.g. flexible, or rigid (stranded
or solid), this shall either be clearly marked on the installation coupler by the letter "f" for
flexible or "r" for rigid or "s" for solid or shall be indicated on the smallest packaging unit or in
the technical information and catalogue.
8.5 Markings shall be durable and clearly legible.
Compliance is checked by inspection and by the following test:
The marking is rubbed by hand for 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with water and again for 15 s
with a piece of cloth soaked with petroleum spirit.
61535 IEC:2009 – 13 –
NOTE Petroleum spirit is defined as an aliphatic solvent hexane with a content of aromatics of maximum 0,1
volume percentage, a kauri-butanol value of 29, an initial boiling point of approximately 65 °C, a dry-point of
approximately 69 °C and a density of approximately 0,68 g/cm .
Markings made by impression, moulding, pressing or engraving or the alike are not subjected
to this test.
8.6 The manufacturer’s catalogue or installation instructions shall contain the following
information:
a) installation couplers are intended for connection and disconnection without load, only;
b) types of cables intended to be fitted into the installation couplers;
c) if the installation coupler is not suitable for installation in readily accessible areas;
d) if additional parts or precautions are necessary for use in readily accessible areas;
e) an appropriate marking indicating the length of insulation to be removed before the
insertion of the conductor into the screwless terminal;
f) length of slack of a PE-conductor for rewirable installation couplers (see 12.14);
g) warning advising the installer that the dangerous compatibility between different
manufacturer installation coupler systems is not automatically prevented by compliance
with IEC 61535;
h) statement that installation coupler systems are not replacements for the national domestic
plug and socket outlet-system;
i) if looping-in is intended, wiring instructions shall be specified in the manufacturer's
technical documentation.
j) statement that installation couplers shall be used with the retaining means as provided by
the manufacturers (refer to 12.10).
The installation instructions shall be available in the manufacturer's catalogue, in the
technical documentation or in or on the smallest packaging unit.
9 Dangerous compatibility
9.1 An installation coupler system shall be designed and constructed so that unintended or
improper connection is prevented.
NOTE Unintended or improper connection includes single-pole connection, except for earth-to-earth connection.
Compliance is checked by inspection and the following test.
It shall not be possible to insert the installation male connector into the installation female
connector resulting in a dangerous situation.
Engagement of the installation male and installation female connector is attempted in any
unintended configuration using a force of 80 N for installation couplers marked as “10 A”,
“16 A” and “20 A” or 120 N for installation couplers marked as 25 A and 32 A. The force shall
be applied on the same axis of the connection for 1 min during which time the installation
male and installation female connector contacts shall not engage.
Where the use of elastomeric or thermoplastic material is likely to influence the results of the
test, it shall be carried out at an ambient temperature of the 35 C 2 C, all parts installation
coupler being at this temperature.
During the test no contact shall occur.
9.2 It shall not be possible, within a given installation coupler system, to engage an
installation male connector with an installation female connector:
– 14 – 61535 © IEC:2009
– with a different number of live poles; exceptions may be admitted for installation female
connectors which are specially constructed for the purpose of allowing engagement with
installation male connectors of a lower number of poles, provided that no dangerous
situation can arise;
– without earthing contact if the installation male connector is an installation male connector
with earthing contact;
– with different phase to neutral voltage ratings.
Compliance is checked by the test according to 9.1.
9.3 Installation couplers of different systems from the same manufacturer shall not be
dangerously compatible.
Compliance is checked by the test according to 9.1.
9.4 Installation couplers according to this standard shall not be compatible with systems
specified in standard sheets of IEC 60309, IEC 60320, IEC 60906 and with the national
household plug and socket-outlet systems of the country where the product is placed on the
market.
NOTE Some national plug and socket-outlet systems are shown in IEC/TR 60083.
Compliance is checked by manual test and in case of doubt by examination of drawings.
10 Protection against electric shock
10.1 An engaged installation coupler shall comply with the requirements for IP 2XC. The
installation coupler shall be so designed that live parts are not accessible if the installation
male and installation female connector are partially or completely engaged. The installation
female connector shall be so designed that live parts are not accessible when disengaged
and shall comply with the requirements for IP 2X. The earthing contact and any metal parts
connected to the earthing contact shall not be accessible when the installation coupler is
completely engaged.
Installation couplers for use in readily accessible areas shall comply with IP 2XD both
engaged and unengaged.
If the engagement face of the installation female connector for readily accessible areas does
not comply with IP 2XD the manufacturer shall make caps available. These caps shall only be
removable with the aid of a tool.
Compliance is checked after the removal of parts which can be removed without the use of a
tool by using the test probe C according to Figure 3 of IEC 61032, the test probe D according
to Figure 4 of IEC 61032 and the test probe 11 according to Figure 7 of IEC 61032
respectively.
Test probes are applied according to IEC 60529.
10.2 It shall not be possible to access live parts without the aid of a tool.
Bushes, if any, in the entry holes for the male contacts shall be adequately fixed and it shall
not be possible to remove them without dismantling the installation coupler.
Compliance is checked by inspection and by manual test.
61535 © IEC:2009 – 15 –
10.3 External parts of installation couplers, with the exception of assembly screws and the
like, shall be of insulating material.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
11 Terminals, terminations and connectable conductors
11.1 Terminals and terminations
For installation couplers with clamping units, IEC 60999-1 applies as applicable with the
exception of the test of 9.10.
NOTE The test of 9.10 of IEC 60999-1 is covered by the cycling ageing test according to 21.5 of this standard.
11.1.1 Rewirable installation couplers shall be provided with screw-type terminals, with
screwless terminals or reusable insulation piercing terminals.
Terminals with screw clamping means shall allow the conductor to be connected without any
special preparation but shall also allow prepared conductors if specified.
Insulation piercing terminals shall comply with IEC 60998-2-3.
11.1.2 Non-rewirable installation couplers shall be provided with soldered, welded, crimped
terminations or means for insulation piercing or screwless clamping units or equally effective
permanent means.
Screwless terminals and insulation piercing terminals are not allowed for non-rewirable
moulded-on installation couplers with the exception that means are included which prevent
the moulding material from penetrating into the clamping unit.
Solder type terminations shall be provided with means for mechanically fixing the conductor in
position which are independent of the solder.
Compliance is checked by inspection, measurement and the test of 22.1.
11.2 Connectable conductors
Terminals for the rewirable installation female connector and installation male connector shall
not have smaller rated connecting capacities than as follow:
– 1,5 mm for installation couplers marked 10 A according to the maximum current rating;
– 1,5 mm for installation couplers marked 16 A according to the maximum current rating;
– 2,5 mm for installation couplers marked 20 A according to the maximum current rating;
– 4 mm for installation couplers marked 25 A according to the maximum current rating;
– 4 mm for installation couplers marked 32 A according to the maximum current rating.
NOTE National wiring rules determine the rating of the circuit in which the relevant installation coupler is allowed
to be used.
Compliance is checked by the following test:
Conductors with the indicated cross-sectional areas and types shall be connected and screws
shall be tightened with the torque values specified in Table 4. For installation couplers
classified according to 7.6.3 and 7.6.4, the test is carried out in conjunction with the test of
12.8.
– 16 – 61535 © IEC:2009
12 Construction
12.1 Installation couplers shall be so constructed that when inserting the installation male
connector the earth connection, if any, is made at least 1 mm before the current-carrying
contacts of the installation male connector become live.
When withdrawing the installation male connector, the current-carrying male contacts shall
separate before the earth connection is broken.
Compliance is checked by inspection of the manufacturing drawings taking into account the
effect of tolerances and the most unfavourable positions and by checking the specimens
against these drawings and/or by manual test.
12.2 Contacts of installation male connectors shall be locked against rotation if male
contacts can be touched without the aid of tool.
Compliance is checked by the following tests:
A torque with a value of 0,4 Nm is applied to the contacts for 60 s in one direction and for 60 s
in the opposite direction. The contact parts shall not rotate more than an angle of 30º in total.
NOTE Terminal screws may be used to prevent the contacts from rotating.
12.3 Contacts shall be securely fixed and shall have sufficient mechanical strength. They
shall not be removable without the aid of a tool.
NOTE This requirement does not exclude floating contacts.
Compliance is checked by inspection and by the following test.
The installation coupler shall be mounted as for normal use and with all contacts installed.
Any accessory or cover which is not essential for
...
IEC 61535 ®
Edition 1.1 2012-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Installation couplers intended for permanent connection in fixed installations
Coupleurs d'installation pour connexions permanentes dans les installations
fixes
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IEC 61535 ®
Edition 1.1 2012-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Installation couplers intended for permanent connection in fixed installations
Coupleurs d'installation pour connexions permanentes dans les installations
fixes
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX CN
ICS 29.120.99 ISBN 978-2-8322-0113-8
– 2 – 61535 IEC:2009+A1:2012
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 General requirements . 9
5 General notes on tests . 9
6 Ratings . 10
7 Classification . 11
7.1 rated impulse voltage: . 11
7.2 method of connecting the cable: . 11
7.3 degree of protection against ingress of foreign solid objects and ingress of
water according to IEC 60529 (IP-Code) . 11
7.4 location where installation couplers will be installed: . 11
7.5 existence of an earthing contact: . 11
7.6 type of conductor to be connected: . 11
7.7 type of terminals for rewirable installation couplers only: . 11
8 Marking and documentation . 12
9 Dangerous compatibility . 13
10 Protection against electric shock . 14
11 Terminals, terminations and connectable conductors . 15
11.1 Terminals and terminations . 15
11.2 Connectable conductors . 15
12 Construction . 16
13 Protection against harmful ingress of solid foreign objects and against harmful
ingress of water . 19
13.1 Protection against harmful ingress of foreign solid objects. 19
13.2 Protection against harmful ingress of water . 20
14 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 20
15 Construction of contacts . 21
16 Temperature rise . 22
17 Breaking capacity . 23
18 Forces necessary to disengage the parts of the installation coupler . 23
19 Cables and their connection . 24
20 Mechanical strength . 27
21 Resistance to heat and ageing . 28
22 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 30
23 Clearances, creepage distances and distances through solid insulation . 32
24 Resistance to abnormal heat and to tracking . 33
24.1 Resistance to abnormal heat . 33
24.2 Resistance to tracking . 35
25 Resistance to rusting . 35
Annex A (normative) Routine Earth (PE) continuity tests . 37
Annex B (normative) Test circuits for temperature rise test (see Clause 16). 38
61535 IEC:2009+A1:2012 – 3 –
Annex C (normative) Number of sets of test samples used for the tests and sequence
of tests for each set . 43
Annex D (informative) Guide to use . 45
Bibliography . 47
Figure 1 – Apparatus for testing the cable anchorage . 26
Figure 2 – Apparatus for the measuring of the distortion (example) . 27
Figure 3 – Ball-pressure apparatus . 29
Figure 4 – Explanation of “small part” . 35
Figure B.1 – 1P + N + PE installation couplers, including N (left figure), including PE
(right figure) . 38
Figure B.2 – 3P + N + PE installation couplers, 3 phases loaded (left figure), N and PE
loaded (right figure) . 38
Figure B.3 – 1P + N + PE distribution block, phase and N loaded . 39
Figure B.4 – 1P + N + PE distribution block, phase and PE loaded . 40
Figure B.5 – 3P + N + PE - to 1P + N + PE distribution block, 3 phases loaded . 41
Figure B.6 – 3P + N + PE - to 1P + N + PE distribution block, N and PE loaded . 42
Figure D.1 – Examples of use of installation couplers . 46
Table 1 – Voltage rating for installation couplers . 10
Table 2 – Test currents for installation couplers . 22
Table 3 – Forces to be applied to cable anchorages . 25
Table 4 – Torque applied for the tightening and loosening test. 31
Table 5 – Installation couplers intended for use in supply systems . 32
Table 5a – Installation couplers intended for use in supply systems with a maximum
voltage to earth of 150 V, rated impulse voltage 2,5 kV . 32
Table 5b – Installation couplers intended for use in supply systems with a maximum
voltage to earth of 300 V, rated impulse voltage 4,0 kV . 33
Table C.1 – Sets of samples . 43
– 4 – 61535 IEC:2009+A1:2012
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
INSTALLATION COUPLERS INTENDED FOR PERMANENT
CONNECTION IN FIXED INSTALLATIONS
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This consolidated version of IEC 61535 consists of the first edition (2009) [documents
23/466/FDIS and 23/471/RVD] and its amendment 1 (2012) [documents 23/577/FDIS and
23/581/RVD]. It bears the edition number 1.1.
The technical content is therefore identical to the base edition and its amendment and
has been prepared for user convenience. A vertical line in the margin shows where the
base publication has been modified by amendment 1. Additions and deletions are
displayed in red, with deletions being struck through.
61535 IEC:2009+A1:2012 – 5 –
International Standard IEC 61535 has been prepared by technical committee 23: Electrical
accessories.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
In this standard the following print types are used:
– requirements proper: in roman type;
– test specifications: in italic type;
– Explanatory matter: in smaller roman type.
The committee has decided that the contents of the base publication and its amendments will
remain unchanged until the stability date indicated on the IEC web site 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.
The contents of the corrigendum of January 2014 have been included in this copy.
IMPORTANT – The “colour inside” logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this publication using a colour printer.
– 6 – 61535 IEC:2009+A1:2012
INSTALLATION COUPLERS INTENDED FOR PERMANENT
CONNECTION IN FIXED INSTALLATIONS
1 Scope
This standard applies to two up to five wire installation couplers including earth, if provided,
with a rated voltage up to and including 500 V a.c. and a rated connecting capacity up to and
²
including 10 mm for permanent connection in indoor electrical installations. Installation
couplers with additional contacts for voltages other than mains voltages are outside the scope
of this standard.
NOTE 1 Installation couplers according to this standard are used e.g. in prefabricated buildings, installation
cavities, such as suspended floors and ceilings, or cable tray systems, cable ladder systems, cable ducting
systems and cable trunking systems or in commercial show rooms, in partition walls and in any similar application
or in furniture complying with IEC 60364-7-713.
NOTE 2 This standard may be used as a guide for installation couplers with additional contacts for voltages other
than mains voltages.
NOTE 3 In the UK, where installation couplers have more than 5 wires, they shall meet the requirements of
IEC 61535 as though they were included in the scope and shall be tested in such a way that all of the mains
voltage pins are subjected to the same level of testing.
NOTE 4 In the USA, these installation couplers are not permitted to be used where they will not be visible after
installation.
An installation coupler consists of an installation female connector and an installation male
connector for permanent connection not intended to be engaged or disengaged under load
nor to be engaged or disengaged other than during first installation or during reconfiguration
or maintenance of the wiring system in which installation couplers have been installed. This
means that installation couplers are only intended for infrequent use.
Installation couplers are not suitable for use in place of socket-outlet systems. Installation
couplers are not suitable for use in place of devices for connecting luminaires (DCLs)
according to IEC 61995 or luminaire supporting couplers (LSCs).
NOTE 5 For lower limits of in-service temperatures the necessary information is given in the manufacturer’s
installation instructions.
In locations where special conditions prevail, as in ships, vehicles and the like and in
hazardous locations, for example where explosions are liable to occur, special constructions
may be required.
NOTE 6 Particular requirements for installation couplers e.g. for. use at higher ambient temperatures, with higher
mechanical durability (e.g. metal housings), with higher fire resistance and for use in control circuits (e.g. SELV),
are under consideration.
NOTE 7 National rules may have requirements concerning the accessibility of installation couplers.
NOTE 8 Installation couplers are intended to be installed by instructed or skilled persons.
NOTE 9 National rules may specify who is allowed to carry out the connection and disconnection of installation
couplers.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
61535 IEC:2009+A1:2012 – 7 –
IEC 60068-2-31:2008, Environmental testing – Part 2-31: Tests - Test Ec: Rough handling
shocks, primarily for equipment-type specimens
IEC 60112:2003, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking
indices of solid insulating materials
IEC 60364 (all parts), Electrical installations of buildings
IEC 60529:2001, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60664-1:2007, Insulation co-ordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60695-2-11:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability test method for end-products
IEC 60998-2-3:2002, Connecting devices for low-voltage circuits for household and similar
purposes – Part 2-3: Particular requirements for connecting devices as separate entities with
insulation-piercing clamping units
IEC 60999-1:1999, Connecting devices - Electrical copper conductors - Safety requirements
for screw-type and screwless-type clamping units - Part 1: General requirements and
2 2
particular requirements for clamping units for conductors from 0,2 mm up to 35 mm
(included)
IEC 61032:1997, Protection of persons and equipment by enclosures – Probes for verification
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
Where the terms "voltage" and "current" are used in this standard, they are r.m.s. values,
unless otherwise specified.
3.1
rated voltage
voltage assigned to the installation coupler by the manufacturer
3.2
rated current
maximum current assigned to the installation coupler by the manufacturer
NOTE Rated current refers to the installation coupler itself and not to an electric circuit.
3.3
rated connecting capacity
cross-sectional area of the largest conductor(s) to be connected as stated by the
manufacturer of the installation coupler
3.4
permanent connection
connecting method in an installation which is only opened for maintenance or wiring system
re-configuration
NOTE The expression "permanent connection" is to be understood as a connection which is maintained as long
as an installation exists.
– 8 – 61535 IEC:2009+A1:2012
3.5
installation coupler
connecting device consisting of an installation female connector and an installation male
connector provided with retaining means for permanent connection not intended to be
engaged or disengaged under load nor to be engaged or disengaged other than during first
installation, during maintenance of the wiring system or during re-configuration of the wiring
system
3.5.1
installation male connector
load side portion of an installation coupler which contains the male contacts
3.5.2
installation female connector
supply side portion of an installation coupler which contains the female contacts
3.6
installation coupler system
family of installation couplers consisting of one or more installation female connectors
compatible by mechanical coding features with one or more installation male connectors, with
the same ratings produced according to the specification of one manufacturer
3.7
wiring system
assembly made up of a cable or cables or busbars and the parts which secure and if
necessary enclose the cables or busbars
NOTE See IEC 60364-5-52.
3.8
rewirable installation coupler
installation coupler so constructed that the cable can be replaced
3.9
non-rewirable installation coupler
installation coupler so constructed that it forms a complete unit with the cable after connection
and assembly by the manufacturer
NOTE See also 12.15.
3.9.1
non-rewirable moulded-on installation coupler
non-rewirable installation coupler so constructed that the contacts, terminals or connections
and the attached cable end are surrounded by insulating material manufactured by a moulding
process
3.9.2
non-rewirable non-moulded-on installation coupler
non-rewirable installation coupler so constructed that the contacts, terminals or connections
and the attached cable end are surrounded by separate parts of insulating material
3.10
distribution block
device intended for branching of circuits
3.11
retaining means
arrangement by which an installation female connector and an installation male connector are
held in position when they are properly engaged and prevents unintentional disengagement
NOTE The disengagement may be made by hand or by the use of a tool.
61535 IEC:2009+A1:2012 – 9 –
3.12
cap
removable barrier to prevent ready accessibility to an unused installation female connector
3.13
routine test
test to which each device is subjected during and/or after manufacture to ascertain whether it
complies with certain criteria
3.14
type test
test of one or more devices made to a certain design to show that the design meets certain
requirements
3.15
readily accessible
accessibility to touch extending from any point on a surface where persons usually stand or
move about to the limits which a person can reach with the hand, in any direction without
assistance
NOTE See IEC 60364-4-41 Annex B.
3.16
terminal
part of an accessory to which a conductor is attached, providing a reusable connection
3.17
termination
part of an accessory to which a conductor is permanently attached
[IEV 442-06-06]
4 General requirements
Installation couplers shall be so designed and constructed that, in normal use, their
performance is reliable and without danger to the user or damage to the surroundings.
Compliance is checked by carrying out all the relevant tests specified.
5 General notes on tests
5.1 Tests shall be carried out to check compliance with the relevant requirements of this
standard.
Tests are as follows:
– type tests shall be made on representative specimens of each type of installation
coupler;
– routine tests shall be made on each installation coupler as required in this standard.
Tests of 5.2 to 5.6 are applicable to type tests and 5.7 to routine tests.
5.2 Unless otherwise specified, the tests shall be carried out on specimens as delivered and
o o
under conditions of normal use at an ambient temperature between 15 C and 35 C.
Where the value of the temperature is of importance, the test shall be carried out at 20 ºC
± 5 ºC.
– 10 – 61535 IEC:2009+A1:2012
5.3 For testing purposes non-rewirable installation couplers shall be provided with cables of
at least 1 m length unless otherwise specified in this standard.
5.4 If not otherwise specified in this standard, the tests shall be carried out in the order of
the clauses as specified in Table C.1. Installation male connectors, caps, installation female
connectors and distribution blocks shall be tested in connection with their matching
counterparts complying with this standard.
5.5 The sets of test specimens shall undergo the tests as specified in Table C.1.
5.6 Specimen are deemed not to comply with this standard if there is more than one
specimen failure in any one of the tests.
If one specimen of a given set fails in a test due to an assembly or manufacturing fault, that
test and those preceding, which may have influenced the result of that test, are repeated on
another set of specimens of the same set number as specified in Table C.1, all of which shall
then comply with the repeated tests.
NOTE The applicant may submit, together with the specified number of specimens, the additional set of
specimens, which may be required, should one specimen fail. The testing station will then, without further request,
test additional specimens and will reject only if a further failure occurs. If the additional set of specimens is not
submitted at the same time, the failure of one specimen will entail rejection.
5.7 Routine tests for non-rewirable installation couplers are specified in Annex A.
6 Ratings
6.1 Installation couplers should preferably have a rated voltage chosen from Table 1.
All components of the same installation coupler system shall have the same phase to neutral
voltage rating.
Table 1 – Voltage rating for installation couplers
Nominal voltage of Rated voltage Rated impulse voltage
power supply system
V V kV
100 125 2,5
100/200 125/250 2,5
230 250 4,0
230/400 250/400 4,0
277/480 320/500 4,0
61535 IEC:2009+A1:2012 – 11 –
6.2 Installation couplers should preferably have a rated current chosen from the following
values:
– 10 A
– 16 A
– 20 A
– 25 A
– 32 A
2 2 2
6.3 The preferred values for rated connecting capacities are 1,5 mm , 2,5 mm , 4 mm ,
2 2
6 mm , 10 mm .
Compliance of 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 is checked by inspection of markings according to Clause 8.
7 Classification
Installation couplers are classified according to the
7.1 rated impulse voltage:
7.1.1 rated impulse voltage of 2,5 kV;
7.1.2 rated impulse voltage of 4 kV.
7.2 method of connecting the cable:
7.2.1 rewirable installation couplers;
7.2.2 non-rewirable installation couplers.
7.3 degree of protection against ingress of foreign solid objects and ingress of water
according to IEC 60529 (IP-Code)
7.4 location where installation couplers will be installed:
7.4.1 readily accessible installation couplers;
7.4.2 non-readily accessible installation couplers.
NOTE 1 Installation couplers for readily accessible areas can also be used in non-readily accessible areas.
7.5 existence of an earthing contact:
7.5.1 installation couplers with earthing contact;
7.5.2 installation couplers without earthing contact.
7.6 type of conductor to be connected:
7.6.1 solid conductor only;
7.6.2 rigid (solid and stranded) conductor only;
7.6.3 flexible conductor only;
7.6.4 both rigid (solid and stranded) and flexible conductors.
7.7 type of terminals for rewirable installation couplers only:
7.7.1 installation couplers with screw-type terminals;
7.7.2 installation couplers with screwless terminals;
7.7.3 installation couplers with insulation piercing terminals.
– 12 – 61535 IEC:2009+A1:2012
8 Marking and documentation
8.1 Installation couplers shall be marked with
a) rated current in amperes (A);
b) rated voltage in volts (V);
c) manufacturer’s or responsible vendor’s name, trade mark or identification mark;
d) IP-code if higher than IP43 as follows:
The first characteristic numeral for the degree of protection against access to hazardous parts
and against harmful effects due to ingress of solid foreign objects shall be marked if declared
to be higher than 4, in which case the second characteristic numeral shall also be marked.
The second characteristic numeral for the degree of protection against harmful effects due to
ingress of water shall be marked if declared to be higher than 1, in which case the first
characteristic numeral shall also be marked.
e) type reference;
;
f) rated connecting capacity for rewirable installation coupler in mm
g) connected conductor size in mm for non-rewirable installation coupler.
8.2 When symbols or letters are used, they shall be as follows:
rated connecting capacity in square millimetres mm or
volts V
amperes A
alternating current ~ or AC
neutral N
earth
or PE
8.3 Markings on the installation coupler according to items in 8.1 shall be readily visible
before installation.
8.4 Terminal markings shall be L1, L2, L3 or 1, 2, 3 or equivalent. Earthing terminals in
rewirable installation couplers shall have the relevant marking. Neutral terminals shall be
marked with N. These markings shall not be placed on screws, removable washers or any
other easily removable parts.
If terminals are designed to accept only one type of conductor, e.g. flexible, or rigid (stranded
or solid), this shall either be clearly marked on the installation coupler by the letter "f" for
flexible or "r" for rigid or "s" for solid or shall be indicated on the smallest packaging unit or in
the technical information and catalogue.
8.5 Markings shall be durable and clearly legible.
Compliance is checked by inspection and by the following test:
The marking is rubbed by hand for 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with water and again for 15 s
with a piece of cloth soaked with petroleum spirit.
61535 IEC:2009+A1:2012 – 13 –
NOTE Petroleum spirit is defined as an aliphatic solvent hexane with a content of aromatics of maximum 0,1
volume percentage, a kauri-butanol value of 29, an initial boiling point of approximately 65 °C, a dry-point of
approximately 69 °C and a density of approximately 0,68 g/cm .
Markings made by impression, moulding, pressing or engraving or the alike are not subjected
to this test.
8.6 The manufacturer’s catalogue or installation instructions shall contain the following
information:
a) installation couplers are intended for connection and disconnection without load, only;
b) types of cables intended to be fitted into the installation couplers;
c) if the installation coupler is not suitable for installation in readily accessible areas;
d) if additional parts or precautions are necessary for use in readily accessible areas;
e) an appropriate marking indicating the length of insulation to be removed before the
insertion of the conductor into the screwless terminal;
f) length of slack of a PE-conductor for rewirable installation couplers (see 12.14);
g) warning advising the installer that the dangerous compatibility between different
manufacturer installation coupler systems is not automatically prevented by compliance
with IEC 61535;
h) statement that installation coupler systems are not replacements for the national domestic
plug and socket outlet-system;
i) if looping-in is intended, wiring instructions shall be specified in the manufacturer's
technical documentation.
j) statement that installation couplers shall be used with the retaining means as provided by
the manufacturers (refer to 12.10).
The installation instructions shall be available in the manufacturer's catalogue, in the
technical documentation or in or on the smallest packaging unit.
9 Dangerous compatibility
9.1 An installation coupler system shall be designed and constructed so that unintended or
improper connection is prevented.
NOTE Unintended or improper connection includes single-pole connection, except for earth-to-earth connection.
Compliance is checked by inspection and the following test.
It shall not be possible to insert the installation male connector into the installation female
connector resulting in a dangerous situation.
Engagement of the installation male and installation female connector is attempted in any
unintended configuration using a force of 80 N for installation couplers marked as “10 A”,
“16 A” and “20 A” or 120 N for installation couplers marked as 25 A and 32 A. The force shall
be applied on the same axis of the connection for 1 min during which time the installation
male and installation female connector contacts shall not engage.
Where the use of elastomeric or thermoplastic material is likely to influence the results of the
test, it shall be carried out at an ambient temperature of the 35 C 2 C, all parts installation
coupler being at this temperature.
During the test no contact shall occur.
– 14 – 61535 IEC:2009+A1:2012
9.2 It shall not be possible, within a given installation coupler system, to engage an
installation male connector with an installation female connector:
– with a different number of live poles; exceptions may be admitted for installation female
connectors which are specially constructed for the purpose of allowing engagement with
installation male connectors of a lower number of poles, provided that no dangerous
situation can arise;
– without earthing contact if the installation male connector is an installation male connector
with earthing contact;
– with different phase to neutral voltage ratings or different rated currents.
Compliance is checked by the test according to 9.1.
9.3 Installation couplers of different systems from the same manufacturer shall not be
dangerously compatible.
Compliance is checked by the test according to 9.1.
9.4 Installation couplers according to this standard shall not be compatible with systems
specified in standard sheets of IEC 60309, IEC 60320, IEC 60906 and with the national
household plug and socket-outlet systems of the country where the product is placed on the
market.
NOTE Some national plug and socket-outlet systems are shown in IEC/TR 60083.
Compliance is checked by manual test and in case of doubt by examination of drawings.
10 Protection against electric shock
10.1 An engaged installation coupler shall comply with the requirements for IP 2XC. The
installation coupler shall be so designed that live parts are not accessible if the installation
male and installation female connector are partially or completely engaged. The installation
female connector shall be so designed that live parts are not accessible when disengaged
and shall comply with the requirements for IP 2X. The earthing contact and any metal parts
connected to the earthing contact shall not be accessible when the installation coupler is
completely engaged.
Installation couplers for use in readily accessible areas shall comply with IP 2XD both
engaged and unengaged.
If the engagement face of the installation female connector for readily accessible areas does
not comply with IP 2XD the manufacturer shall make caps available. These caps shall only be
removable with the aid of a tool.
Compliance is checked after the removal of parts which can be removed without the use of a
tool by using the test probe C according to Figure 3 of IEC 61032, the test probe D according
to Figure 4 of IEC 61032 and the test probe 11 according to Figure 7 of IEC 61032
respectively.
Test probes are applied according to IEC 60529.
10.2 It shall not be possible to access live parts without the aid of a tool.
Bushes, if any, in the entry holes for the male contacts shall be adequately fixed and it shall
not be possible to remove them without dismantling the installation coupler.
61535 IEC:2009+A1:2012 – 15 –
Compliance is checked by inspection and by manual test.
10.3 External parts of installation couplers, with the exception of assembly screws and the
like, shall be of insulating material.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
11 Terminals, terminations and connectable conductors
11.1 Terminals and terminations
For installation couplers with clamping units, IEC 60999-1 applies as applicable with the
exception of the test of 9.10.
NOTE 1 The test of 9.10 of IEC 60999-1 is covered by the cycling ageing test according to 21.5 of this standard.
NOTE 2 The test of 9.8 of IEC 60999-1 is covered by the contact resistance test according to 15.2 of this
standard.
11.1.1 Rewirable installation couplers shall be provided with screw-type terminals, with
screwless terminals or reusable insulation piercing terminals.
Terminals with screw clamping means shall allow the conductor to be connected without any
special preparation but shall also allow prepared conductors if specified.
Insulation piercing terminals shall comply with IEC 60998-2-3.
11.1.2 Non-rewirable installation couplers shall be provided with soldered, welded, crimped
terminations or means for insulation piercing or screwless clamping units or equally effective
permanent means.
Screwless terminals and insulation piercing terminals are not allowed for non-rewirable
moulded-on installation couplers with the exception that means are included which prevent
the moulding material from penetrating into the clamping unit.
Solder type terminations shall be provided with means for mechanically fixing the conductor in
position which are independent of the solder.
Compliance is checked by inspection, measurement and the test of 22.1.
11.2 Connectable conductors
Terminals for the rewirable installation female connector and installation male connector shall
not have smaller rated connecting capacities than as follow:
– 1,5 mm for installation couplers marked 10 A according to the maximum current rating;
– 1,5 mm for installation couplers marked 16 A according to the maximum current rating;
– 2,5 mm for installation couplers marked 20 A according to the maximum current rating;
– 4 mm for installation couplers marked 25 A according to the maximum current rating;
– 4 mm for installation couplers marked 32 A according to the maximum current rating.
NOTE National wiring rules determine the rating of the circuit in which the relevant installation coupler is allowed
to be used.
Compliance is checked by the following test:
– 16 – 61535 IEC:2009+A1:2012
Conductors with the indicated cross-sectional areas and types shall be connected and screws
shall be tightened with the torque values specified in Table 4. For installation couplers
classified according to 7.6.3 and 7.6.4, the test is carried out in conjunction with the test of
12.8.
12 Construction
12.1 Installation couplers shall be so constructed that when inserting the installation male
connector the earth connection, if any, is made at least 1 mm before the current-carrying
contacts of the installation male connector become live.
Whe
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