IEC 60320-1:2015
(Main)Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes - Part 1: General requirements
Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes - Part 1: General requirements
lEC 60320-1:2015 sets the general requirements for appliance couplers for two poles and two poles with earth contact and for the connection of electrical devices for household and similar onto the mains supply. This part of lEC 60320 is also valid for appliance inlets/appliance outlets integrated or incorporated in appliances. The rated voltage does not exceed 250 V (a.c.) and the rated current does not exceed 16 A. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2001 and Amendment 1:2007. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) Standard sheets moved from IEC 60320-1 to IEC 60320-3.
b) Clarification of requirements for non-standardized appliance couplers.
This bilingual version (2016-11) corresponds to the monolingual English version, published in 2015-06. The French version of this standard has not been voted upon.
The contents of the corrigenda of January 2016 and May 2019 have been included in this copy.
Connecteurs pour usages domestiques et usages généraux analogues - Partie 1: Exigences générales
L'IEC 60320-1:2015 établit les exigences générales applicables aux connecteurs bipolaires et bipolaires avec contact de mise à la terre et destinés au raccordement au réseau d'alimentation des dispositifs électriques pour usages domestiques et assimilés. La présente partie de l'IEC 60320 est également valable pour les socles de connecteurs/socles femelles de connecteurs intégrés ou incorporés dans des appareils d'utilisation. La tension assignée ne dépasse pas 250 V (courant alternatif) et le courant assigné ne dépasse pas 16 A. Cette troisième édition annule et remplace la deuxième édition parue en 2001 et l'Amendement 1:2007. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
a) Feuilles de norme déplacées de l'IEC 60320-1 dans l'IEC 60320-3.
b) Clarification des exigences relatives aux connecteurs non normalisés.
La présente version bilingue (2016-11) correspond à la version anglaise monolingue publiée en 2015-06. La version française de cette norme n'a pas été soumise au vote.
Le contenu des corrigenda de janvier 2016 et mai 2019 a été intégré dans ce document.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
IEC 60320-1 ®
Edition 3.0 2015-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes –
Part 1: General requirements
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IEC 60320-1 ®
Edition 3.0 2015-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes –
Part 1: General requirements
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.120.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-2740-4
– 2 – IEC 60320-1:2015 IEC 2015
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references. 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 General requirements . 12
5 General notes on tests . 13
5.1 General . 13
5.2 Test samples . 13
5.3 Failures . 13
5.4 Routine tests . 13
6 Standard ratings . 14
7 Classification of appliance couplers . 14
8 Marking . 14
8.1 General . 14
8.2 Additional markings . 14
8.3 Appliance couplers for class II equipment . 15
8.4 Symbols or alphanumeric notations . 15
8.5 Legibility of markings. 15
8.6 Terminal markings and wiring instructions . 15
8.7 Durability . 16
8.8 Test and inspection . 16
9 Dimensions and compatibility . 16
9.1 General . 16
9.2 Single‐pole connections . 16
9.3 Compatibility . 16
9.4 Dimensions for standardized appliance couplers . 17
9.5 Dimensions for non-standardized appliance couplers . 17
10 Protection against electric shock . 17
10.1 Accessibility of live parts . 17
10.2 Protection against single pole connection . 18
10.3 Protection against access to live parts . 18
10.4 External parts . 18
10.5 Shrouds . 18
11 Provision for earthing . 18
12 Terminals and terminations . 18
12.1 General . 18
12.2 Rewirable appliance couplers . 19
12.3 Non‐rewirable appliance couplers . 19
13 Construction . 19
13.1 Risk of accidental contact . 19
13.2 Contact positions . 19
13.3 Parts covering live parts . 19
13.4 Pin construction . 20
13.4.1 Prevention of rotation . 20
13.4.2 Pin retention . 20
13.4.3 Non‐solid pins . 20
13.5 Contact pressure . 21
13.6 Enclosure. 21
13.6.1 General . 21
13.6.2 Rewirable connectors/plug connectors . 21
13.6.3 Non-rewirable connectors/plug connectors . 22
13.7 Earth connection . 22
13.8 Location of terminals and terminations . 23
13.8.1 General . 23
13.8.2 Free wire test for rewirable accessories . 23
13.8.3 Free wire test for non-rewirable non-moulded-on accessories . 23
13.8.4 Free wire verification for non-rewirable moulded-on accessories . 24
13.9 Connectors/plug connectors without earthing contact . 24
13.10 Fuses, relays, thermostats, thermal cut-outs and switches . 24
14 Moisture resistance . 24
15 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 25
15.1 General . 25
15.2 Insulation resistance . 26
15.3 Dielectric strength . 27
16 Forces necessary to insert and to withdraw the connector/appliance outlet . 28
16.1 General . 28
16.2 Verification of the maximum withdrawal force . 28
16.3 Verification of the minimum withdrawal force . 30
17 Operation of contacts . 31
18 Resistance to heating of appliance couplers for hot conditions or very hot
conditions . 31
18.1 General . 31
18.2 Heating test for connectors/plug connectors . 31
18.3 Heating test for appliance inlets/appliance outlets . 32
19 Breaking capacity . 32
20 Normal operation . 34
21 Temperature rise . 34
22 Cords and their connection . 35
22.1 Cords for non-rewirable connectors/plug connectors . 35
22.2 Cord anchorage . 36
22.2.1 General . 36
22.2.2 Additional requirements for rewirable connectors/plug connectors . 36
22.2.3 Pull test for cable anchorage . 37
22.3 Flexing test . 39
23 Mechanical strength . 41
23.1 General . 41
23.2 Free fall test . 42
23.3 Lateral pull test . 42
23.4 Impact test . 44
23.5 Deformation test . 44
23.6 Torque and pull test . 45
24 Resistance to heat and ageing . 45
– 4 – IEC 60320-1:2015 IEC 2015
24.1 Resistance to heat . 45
24.2 Resistance to ageing . 46
24.2.1 General . 46
24.2.2 Ageing test for elastomeric materials . 46
24.2.3 Ageing test for thermoplastic materials . 46
24.2.4 Ageing test assessment . 46
25 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 47
25.1 General . 47
25.2 Electrical connections . 48
25.3 Securement of connections . 48
25.4 Metallic parts . 48
26 Clearances, creepage distances and solid insulation . 49
26.1 General . 49
26.2 Clearances . 49
26.2.1 Dimensioning . 49
26.2.2 Minimum values for clearances . 50
26.3 Creepage distances . 51
26.3.1 Dimensioning . 51
26.3.2 Minimum creepage distances . 51
26.4 Solid insulation . 52
27 Resistance of insulating material to heat, fire and tracking . 53
27.1 Resistance to heat and fire . 53
27.1.1 General . 53
27.1.2 Object of the test . 53
27.1.3 General description of the test . 53
27.1.4 Description of test apparatus . 53
27.1.5 Degree of severity . 53
27.1.6 Verification of the thermocouple . 54
27.1.7 Preconditioning . 54
27.1.8 Initial measurements . 54
27.1.9 Test procedure . 54
27.1.10 Observations and measurements . 54
27.1.11 Evaluation of test results . 54
27.2 Resistance to tracking . 54
28 Resistance to rusting . 54
29 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements . 55
29.1 Immunity – Accessories not incorporating electronic components . 55
29.2 Emission – Accessories not incorporating electronic components . 55
Annex A (normative) Proof tracking test . 56
Annex B (normative) Routine tests for factory wired appliance couplers related to
safety . 57
B.1 General . 57
B.2 Polarized systems: Phase (L) and neutral (N) – Correct connection . 57
B.3 Earth (PE) continuity . 58
B.4 Short-circuit/wrong connection and reduction in creepage distance
and clearance . 58
B.4.1 Accessible surface safety check . 58
B.4.2 Short-circuit/wrong connection . 58
Annex C (normative) Test schedule . 59
Annex D (informative) Comparison of typical conductor cross-sectional areas . 61
Bibliography . 62
Figure 1 – Intended use of appliance couplers . 10
Figure 2 – Device for testing non-solid pins . 21
Figure 3 – Apparatus for checking the withdrawal force . 29
Figure 4 – Gauge for verification of the minimum withdrawal force . 30
Figure 5 – Circuit diagram for breaking capacity and normal operation tests . 33
Figure 6 – Apparatus for testing the cord anchorage . 37
Figure 7 – Apparatus for the flexing test . 40
Figure 8 – Example of apparatus for pulling test . 43
Table 1 – Position of contacts . 19
Table 2 – Maximum diameters of the cords . 26
Table 3 – Minimum insulation resistance . 27
Table 4 – Dielectric strength . 27
Table 5 – Maximum and minimum withdrawal forces . 28
Table 6 – Ratings for the tests of Clause 19 . 33
Table 7 – Ratings for the tests of Clause 20 . 34
Table 8 – Cords and conductors for the tests of Clause 21 . 35
Table 9 – Type and nominal cross-sectional area of cords . 36
Table 10 – Types of cord for the rewirable connector/plug connector test . 38
Table 11 – Values for the lateral pulls applied . 44
Table 12 – Values for torque and pull forces . 45
Table 13 – Torque applied for the tightening and loosening test . 48
Table 14 – Rated impulse withstand voltage for appliance couplers energized directly
from the low voltage mains . 50
Table 15 – Minimum clearances for basic insulation . 51
Table 16 – Minimum creepage distances for basic and functional insulation . 52
Table B.1 – Test overview . 57
Table C.1 – Test schedule . 59
Table D.1 – Comparison of conductor sizes . 61
– 6 – IEC 60320-1:2015 IEC 2015
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
APPLIANCE COUPLERS FOR HOUSEHOLD
AND SIMILAR GENERAL PURPOSES –
Part 1: General requirements
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
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2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
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5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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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 60320-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 23G: Appliance
couplers, of IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2001 and
Amendment 1:2007. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Standard sheets moved from IEC 60320-1 to IEC 60320-3.
b) Clarification of requirements for non-standardized appliance couplers.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
23G/345/FDIS 23G/346/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.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 60320 series, under the general title Appliance couplers for
household and similar general purposes, can be found on the IEC website.
Part 1 is to be used in conjunction with the following parts of the IEC 60320 series, if
applicable.
IEC 60320-2-1, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 2-1:
Sewing machine couplers
IEC 60320-2-3, Appliance coupler for household and similar general purposes – Part 2-3:
Appliance coupler with a degree of protection higher than IPX0
IEC 60320-2-4, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 2-4:
Couplers dependent on appliance weight for engagement
IEC 60320-3, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 3:
Standard sheets and gauges
NOTE If these standards are referring to another edition of IEC 60320-1, that edition is applicable.
The committee has decided that the contents of this 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.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.
The contents of the corrigenda of January 2016 and May 2019 have been included in this copy.
– 8 – IEC 60320-1:2015 IEC 2015
APPLIANCE COUPLERS FOR HOUSEHOLD
AND SIMILAR GENERAL PURPOSES –
Part 1: General requirements
1 Scope
This part of lEC 60320 sets the general requirements for appliance couplers for two poles and
two poles with earth contact and for the connection of electrical devices for household and
similar onto the mains supply.
This part of lEC 60320 is also valid for appliance inlets/appliance outlets integrated or
incorporated in appliances.
The rated voltage does not exceed 250 V (a.c.) and the rated current does not exceed 16 A.
Appliance couplers complying with this part of lEC 60320 are suitable for normal use at
ambient temperatures not normally exceeding +40 °C, but their average over a period of 24 h
does not exceed +35 °C, with a lower limit of the ambient air temperature of –5 °C.
Appliance couplers are not suitable for
– use in place of plug and socket-outlet systems according to IEC 60884-1.
– use in place of devices for connecting luminaires (DCLs) according to IEC 61995 or
luminaire supporting couplers (LSCs).
NOTE Requirements for d.c. are under consideration.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60068-2-31, Environmental testing – Part 2-31: Tests – Test Ec: Rough handling shocks,
primarily for equipment-type specimens
IEC 60068-2-60, Environmental testing – Part 2-60: Tests – Test Ke: Flowing mixed gas
corrosion test
IEC 60068-2-75, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60112, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking indices of
solid insulating materials
IEC 60227 (all parts), Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
IEC 60245 (all parts), Rubber insulated cables – Rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
IEC 60320 (all parts), Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes
IEC 60320-3:2014, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 3:
Standard sheets and gauges
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available from: http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment)
IEC 60664-1:2007, Insulation coordination for equipment within low voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60695‐2‐10:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2‐10: Glowing/hot‐wire based test methods –
Glow‐wire apparatus and common test procedure
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 (GWEPT)
IEC 60695‐2‐12:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2‐12: Glowing/hot‐wire based test methods –
Glow‐wire flammability index (GWFI) test method for materials
IEC 60695‐2‐13:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2‐13: Glowing/hot‐wire based test methods –
Glow‐wire ignition temperature (GWIT) test method for materials
IEC 60695‐10‐2, Fire hazard testing – Part 10: Abnormal heat – Ball pressure test method
IEC 60730-2-11, Automatic electrical controls for household and similar use – Part 2-11:
Particular requirements for energy regulators
IEC 60999-1, Connecting devices – Electrical copper conductors – Safety requirements for
screw-type and screwless-type clamping units – Part 1: General requirements and particular
2 2
requirements for clamping units for conductors from 0,2 mm up to 35 mm (included)
IEC 61032, Protection of persons and equipment by enclosures – Probes for verification
IEC 61058 (all parts), Switches for appliances
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
appliance coupler
means enabling the connection and disconnection of an appliance or equipment to the supply
SEE: Figure 1.
– 10 – IEC 60320-1:2015 IEC 2015
Apparatus Apparatus
IEC
1 Plug 5 Plug connector (see 3.2.1)
2 Connector (see 3.1.1) 6 Cord set (see 3.5)
3 Appliance inlet (see 3.1.2) 7 Interconnection cord set (see 3.6)
4 Appliance outlet (see 3.2.2)
Figure 1 – Intended use of appliance couplers
3.1.1
connector
part of the appliance coupler integral with, or intended to be attached to, one cord connected
to the supply
SEE: Figure 1.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-07-02]
3.1.2
appliance inlet
part of the appliance coupler integrated as a part of an appliance or incorporated as a
separate part in the appliance or equipment or intended to be fixed to it
SEE: Figure 1.
3.2
interconnection coupler
appliance coupler enabling the connection and disconnection of an appliance or equipment to
a cord leading to another appliance or equipment
SEE: Figure 1.
Note 1 to entry: An interconnection coupler is a type of appliance coupler.
3.2.1
plug connector
part of the interconnection coupler integral with or intended to be attached to one cord
SEE: Figure 1.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-07-09]
3.2.2
appliance outlet
part of the interconnection coupler which is the part integrated or incorporated in the
appliance or equipment or intended to be fixed to it and from which the supply is obtained
SEE: Figure 1.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-07-08]
3.3
rewirable accessory
accessory so constructed that a cable or cord can be replaced
3.4
non‐rewirable accessory
accessory so constructed that it forms a complete unit with flexible supply cable or cord after
connection and assembly by the manufacturer of the accessory
3.5
cord set
assembly consisting of one cable or cord fitted with one non-rewirable plug and one non-
rewirable connector, intended for the connection of an electrical appliance or equipment to the
electrical supply
SEE: Figure 1.
3.6
interconnection cord set
assembly consisting of one cable or cord fitted with one non-rewirable plug connector and one
non-rewirable connector, intended for the interconnection between two electrical appliances
SEE: Figure 1
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-07-06, modified – “a” has been changed to “one” in two
places and a reference to Figure 1 has been added.]
3.7
integrated appliance coupler
appliance coupler which is formed by the housing or enclosure of the appliance or equipment
and cannot be tested separately
3.8
incorporated appliance coupler
appliance coupler built in or fixed to an appliance or equipment, but that can be tested
separately
3.9
base of a pin
part of the pin where it protrudes from the engagement face
3.10
retaining device
mechanical provision/arrangement which holds a connector in proper engagement with a
corresponding appliance inlet and prevents its unintentional withdrawal
– 12 – IEC 60320-1:2015 IEC 2015
3.11
rated voltage
voltage assigned by the manufacturer for a specified operating condition of an accessory
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-01-03]
3.12
rated current
current assigned by the manufacturer for a specified operating condition of an accessory
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442‐01‐02]
3.13
terminal
part of an accessory to which a conductor is attached, providing a re-usable connection
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442‐06‐05]
3.14
termination
part of an accessory to which a conductor is permanently attached
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442‐06-06]
3.15
thread‐cutting screw
screw having an interrupted thread which, by screwing in, makes a thread by removing
material from the cavity
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-06-03]
3.16
type test
test of one or more devices made to a certain design to show that the design meets certain
requirements
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:1991, 811-10-04]
3.17
routine test
test to which each individual device is subjected during and/or after manufacture to ascertain
whether it complies with certain criteria
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:1991, 811-10-05]
4 General requirements
Appliance couplers shall be so designed and constructed that in normal use their performance
is reliable and without danger to the user or the surroundings.
Non-standardized appliance couplers shall comply with all safety requirements of this
standard and shall be tested together with its counterpart.
Compliance is checked by carrying out all the tests specified.
Appliance couplers according to this standard are not intended to be used in portable
accessories covered by IEC TC 23.
5 General notes on tests
5.1 General
Tests shall be made to prove compliance with the requirements laid down in this standard,
where applicable.
Tests are as follows:
– Type tests shall be made on representative samples of each accessory.
– Routine tests shall be conducted by the manufacturer and made on each accessory.
– Unless otherwise specified, the tests are carried out in the order of the clauses.
– Unless otherwise specified, appliance couplers are tested with their counterparts,
complying with this standard.
– Appliance inlets and appliance outlets integrated or incorporated in an appliance or
equipment are tested under the conditions of use of the equipment, the number of test
samples then being the same as the number of test samples of equipment required
according to the relevant standard for the equipment.
– Appliance couplers are considered to comply with this standard if there is not more than
one failure of one test sample in one of the tests. If one test sample fails in a test, that test
and those preceding which may have influenced the result of that test are repeated on
another set of test samples, all of which shall then comply with the repeated tests.
Subclauses 5.2 to 5.3 are applicable to type tests. For number of samples and test
sequences, see Annex C.
5.2 Test samples
Unless otherwise specified, the test samples are tested as delivered and under normal
conditions assembled and installed as in normal use according to the manufacturer's
instructions at an ambient temperature of 20 °C ± 5 °C; they are tested with a.c. at 50 Hz or
60 Hz. Tests shall not commence earlier than 168 h after manufacture.
Non‐rewirable connectors/plug connectors, other than those forming part of a cord set, shall
be submitted with a cord at least 1 m long.
5.3 Failures
In general, only the test which caused the failure need be repeated unless
a) a failure occurs to one of the three test samples when tested in accordance with Clauses
19, 20 or 21, in which case the tests are repeated from Clause 16 onwards; or
b) a failure occurs to one of the three test samples when tested in accordance with Clauses
22 or 23 (except 22.3), in which case the tests are repeated from Clause 18 onwards.
The applicant may submit, together with the first set of test samples, the additional set which
may be wanted should one test sample fail. The testing station will then, without further
request, test the additional test samples and will only reject if a further failure occurs. If the
additional set of test samples is not submitted at the same time, a failure of one test sample
will entail a rejection.
5.4 Routine tests
Routine tests are specified in Annex B.
– 14 – IEC 60320-1:2015 IEC 2015
6 Standard ratings
6.1 The maximum permitted rated voltage is 250 V.
6.2 The maximum permitted rated current is 16 A.
Preferred rated currents for appliance couplers are 0,2 A, 2,5 A, 6 A, 10 A and 16 A.
NOTE For details of standard type ratings refer to IEC 60320-3.
7 Classification of appliance couplers
7.1 According to maximum pin temperature at the base of the pins of the corresponding
appliance inlet or the socket contacts of the corresponding appliance outlet:
a) appliance couplers for cold conditions, pin temperature not exceeding 70 °C;
b) appliance couplers for hot conditions, pin temperature not exceeding 120 °C;
c) appliance couplers for very hot conditions, pin temperature not exceeding 155 °C.
NOTE Appliance couplers for hot conditions can also be used under cold conditions; appliance couplers for very
hot conditions can also be used under cold or hot conditions.
7.2 According to the type of equipment to be connected:
a) appliance couplers for class I equipment;
b) appliance couplers for class II equipment.
NOTE 1 For a description of the classes, see lEC 61140.
NOTE 2 Appliance couplers for 0,2 A are intended only for the connection of small hand‐held class II equipment,
if allowed by the relevant standard for the equipment.
7.3 Connectors/plug connectors according to the method of connecting the cord:
a) rewirable;
b) non-rewirable.
8 Marking
8.1 General
Appliance couplers shall be marked with:
– name, trade mark or identification mark of the manufacturer or responsible vendor;
– type reference.
NOTE The type reference can be a catalogue number.
8.2 Additional markings
Connectors and plug connectors shall be additionally marked with:
– rated current in amperes, except for 0,2 A connectors;
– rated voltage in volts;
– symbol for nature of supply;
– the marking as specified in IEC 60999-1 to identify the type of conductors suitable for
screwless terminals.
8.3 Appliance couplers for class II equipment
Appliance couplers for class II equipment shall not be marked with the symbol for class II
construction.
8.4 Symbols or alphanumeric notations
When symbols or alphanumeric notations are used, they shall be as follows:
amperes A
volts V
alternating current AC or ~
protective earth or PE
[IEC 60417-5019 (2006-08)]
earth
[IEC 60417-5017 (2006-08)]
neutral terminal N
For the marking of rated current and rated voltage, figures may be used alone, t
...
IEC 60320-1 ®
Edition 3.0 2015-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes –
Part 1: General requirements
Connecteurs pour usages domestiques et usages généraux analogues –
Partie 1: Exigences générales
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IEC 60320-1 ®
Edition 3.0 2015-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes –
Part 1: General requirements
Connecteurs pour usages domestiques et usages généraux analogues –
Partie 1: Exigences générales
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.120.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-3746-5
– 2 – IEC 60320-1:2015 IEC 2015
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 General requirements . 12
5 General notes on tests . 13
5.1 General . 13
5.2 Test samples . 13
5.3 Failures . 13
5.4 Routine tests. 13
6 Standard ratings . 14
7 Classification of appliance couplers . 14
8 Marking . 14
8.1 General . 14
8.2 Additional markings . 14
8.3 Appliance couplers for class II equipment . 15
8.4 Symbols or alphanumeric notations . 15
8.5 Legibility of markings . 15
8.6 Terminal markings and wiring instructions . 15
8.7 Durability . 16
8.8 Test and inspection . 16
9 Dimensions and compatibility . 16
9.1 General . 16
9.2 Single‐pole connections . 16
9.3 Compatibility . 16
9.4 Dimensions for standardized appliance couplers . 17
9.5 Dimensions for non-standardized appliance couplers . 17
10 Protection against electric shock . 17
10.1 Accessibility of live parts . 17
10.2 Protection against single pole connection . 18
10.3 Protection against access to live parts . 18
10.4 External parts . 18
10.5 Shrouds . 18
11 Provision for earthing . 18
12 Terminals and terminations . 18
12.1 General . 18
12.2 Rewirable appliance couplers . 19
12.3 Non‐rewirable appliance couplers . 19
13 Construction . 19
13.1 Risk of accidental contact . 19
13.2 Contact positions . 19
13.3 Parts covering live parts . 19
13.4 Pin construction . 20
13.4.1 Prevention of rotation . 20
13.4.2 Pin retention . 20
13.4.3 Non‐solid pins. 20
13.5 Contact pressure . 21
13.6 Enclosure . 21
13.6.1 General . 21
13.6.2 Rewirable connectors/plug connectors . 21
13.6.3 Non-rewirable connectors/plug connectors . 22
13.7 Earth connection . 22
13.8 Location of terminals and terminations . 23
13.8.1 General . 23
13.8.2 Free wire test for rewirable accessories . 23
13.8.3 Free wire test for non-rewirable non-moulded-on accessories . 23
13.8.4 Free wire verification for non-rewirable moulded-on accessories . 24
13.9 Connectors/plug connectors without earthing contact . 24
13.10 Fuses, relays, thermostats, thermal cut-outs and switches . 24
14 Moisture resistance . 24
15 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 25
15.1 General . 25
15.2 Insulation resistance . 26
15.3 Dielectric strength . 27
16 Forces necessary to insert and to withdraw the connector/appliance outlet . 28
16.1 General . 28
16.2 Verification of the maximum withdrawal force . 28
16.3 Verification of the minimum withdrawal force . 30
17 Operation of contacts . 31
18 Resistance to heating of appliance couplers for hot conditions or very hot
conditions . 31
18.1 General . 31
18.2 Heating test for connectors/plug connectors . 31
18.3 Heating test for appliance inlets/appliance outlets . 32
19 Breaking capacity . 32
20 Normal operation . 34
21 Temperature rise . 34
22 Cords and their connection . 35
22.1 Cords for non-rewirable connectors/plug connectors . 35
22.2 Cord anchorage . 36
22.2.1 General . 36
22.2.2 Additional requirements for rewirable connectors/plug connectors . 36
22.2.3 Pull test for cable anchorage . 37
22.3 Flexing test . 39
23 Mechanical strength . 41
23.1 General . 41
23.2 Free fall test . 42
23.3 Lateral pull test . 42
23.4 Impact test . 44
23.5 Deformation test . 44
23.6 Torque and pull test . 45
– 4 – IEC 60320-1:2015 IEC 2015
24 Resistance to heat and ageing. 45
24.1 Resistance to heat . 45
24.2 Resistance to ageing . 46
24.2.1 General . 46
24.2.2 Ageing test for elastomeric materials . 46
24.2.3 Ageing test for thermoplastic materials . 46
24.2.4 Ageing test assessment . 46
25 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 47
25.1 General . 47
25.2 Electrical connections . 48
25.3 Securement of connections . 48
25.4 Metallic parts . 48
26 Clearances, creepage distances and solid insulation . 49
26.1 General . 49
26.2 Clearances . 49
26.2.1 Dimensioning . 49
26.2.2 Minimum values for clearances . 50
26.3 Creepage distances . 51
26.3.1 Dimensioning . 51
26.3.2 Minimum creepage distances . 51
26.4 Solid insulation . 52
27 Resistance of insulating material to heat, fire and tracking . 53
27.1 Resistance to heat and fire . 53
27.1.1 General . 53
27.1.2 Object of the test . 53
27.1.3 General description of the test . 53
27.1.4 Description of test apparatus . 53
27.1.5 Degree of severity . 53
27.1.6 Verification of the thermocouple . 54
27.1.7 Preconditioning . 54
27.1.8 Initial measurements . 54
27.1.9 Test procedure . 54
27.1.10 Observations and measurements . 54
27.1.11 Evaluation of test results . 54
27.2 Resistance to tracking . 54
28 Resistance to rusting . 54
29 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements . 55
29.1 Immunity – Accessories not incorporating electronic components . 55
29.2 Emission – Accessories not incorporating electronic components . 55
Annex A (normative) Proof tracking test . 56
Annex B (normative) Routine tests for factory wired appliance couplers related to
safety. 57
B.1 General . 57
B.2 Polarized systems: Phase (L) and neutral (N) – Correct connection . 57
B.3 Earth (PE) continuity . 58
B.4 Short-circuit/wrong connection and reduction in creepage distance
and clearance . 58
B.4.1 Accessible surface safety check . 58
B.4.2 Short-circuit/wrong connection . 58
Annex C (normative) Test schedule . 59
Annex D (informative) Comparison of typical conductor cross-sectional areas . 61
Bibliography . 62
Figure 1 – Intended use of appliance couplers . 10
Figure 2 – Device for testing non-solid pins . 21
Figure 3 – Apparatus for checking the withdrawal force . 29
Figure 4 – Gauge for verification of the minimum withdrawal force . 30
Figure 5 – Circuit diagram for breaking capacity and normal operation tests . 33
Figure 6 – Apparatus for testing the cord anchorage . 37
Figure 7 – Apparatus for the flexing test . 40
Figure 8 – Example of apparatus for pulling test . 43
Table 1 – Position of contacts . 19
Table 2 – Maximum diameters of the cords . 26
Table 3 – Minimum insulation resistance . 27
Table 4 – Dielectric strength . 27
Table 5 – Maximum and minimum withdrawal forces . 28
Table 6 – Ratings for the tests of Clause 19 . 33
Table 7 – Ratings for the tests of Clause 20 . 34
Table 8 – Cords and conductors for the tests of Clause 21 . 35
Table 9 – Type and nominal cross-sectional area of cords . 36
Table 10 – Types of cord for the rewirable connector/plug connector test . 38
Table 11 – Values for the lateral pulls applied . 44
Table 12 – Values for torque and pull forces . 45
Table 13 – Torque applied for the tightening and loosening test . 48
Table 14 – Rated impulse withstand voltage for appliance couplers energized directly
from the low voltage mains . 50
Table 15 – Minimum clearances for basic insulation. 51
Table 16 – Minimum creepage distances for basic and functional insulation . 52
Table B.1 – Test overview . 57
Table C.1 – Test schedule . 59
Table D.1 – Comparison of conductor sizes . 61
– 6 – IEC 60320-1:2015 IEC 2015
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
APPLIANCE COUPLERS FOR HOUSEHOLD
AND SIMILAR GENERAL PURPOSES –
Part 1: General requirements
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.
International Standard IEC 60320-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 23G: Appliance
couplers, of IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2001 and
Amendment 1:2007. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Standard sheets moved from IEC 60320-1 to IEC 60320-3.
b) Clarification of requirements for non-standardized appliance couplers.
This bilingual version (2016-11) corresponds to the monolingual English version, published in
2015-06.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
23G/345/FDIS 23G/346/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.
The French version of this standard has not been voted upon.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 60320 series, under the general title Appliance couplers for
household and similar general purposes, can be found on the IEC website.
Part 1 is to be used in conjunction with the following parts of the IEC 60320 series, if
applicable.
IEC 60320-2-1, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 2-1:
Sewing machine couplers
IEC 60320-2-3, Appliance coupler for household and similar general purposes – Part 2-3:
Appliance coupler with a degree of protection higher than IPX0
IEC 60320-2-4, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 2-4:
Couplers dependent on appliance weight for engagement
IEC 60320-3, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 3:
Standard sheets and gauges
NOTE If these standards are referring to another edition of IEC 60320-1, that edition is applicable.
The committee has decided that the contents of this 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.
The contents of the corrigenda of January 2016 and May 2019 have been included in this
copy.
– 8 – IEC 60320-1:2015 IEC 2015
APPLIANCE COUPLERS FOR HOUSEHOLD
AND SIMILAR GENERAL PURPOSES –
Part 1: General requirements
1 Scope
This part of lEC 60320 sets the general requirements for appliance couplers for two poles and
two poles with earth contact and for the connection of electrical devices for household and
similar onto the mains supply.
This part of lEC 60320 is also valid for appliance inlets/appliance outlets integrated or
incorporated in appliances.
The rated voltage does not exceed 250 V (a.c.) and the rated current does not exceed 16 A.
Appliance couplers complying with this part of lEC 60320 are suitable for normal use at
ambient temperatures not normally exceeding +40 °C, but their average over a period of 24 h
does not exceed +35 °C, with a lower limit of the ambient air temperature of –5 °C.
Appliance couplers are not suitable for
– use in place of plug and socket-outlet systems according to IEC 60884-1.
– use in place of devices for connecting luminaires (DCLs) according to IEC 61995 or
luminaire supporting couplers (LSCs).
NOTE Requirements for d.c. are under consideration.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60068-2-31, Environmental testing – Part 2-31: Tests – Test Ec: Rough handling shocks,
primarily for equipment-type specimens
IEC 60068-2-60, Environmental testing – Part 2-60: Tests – Test Ke: Flowing mixed gas
corrosion test
IEC 60068-2-75, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60112, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking indices of
solid insulating materials
IEC 60227 (all parts), Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
IEC 60245 (all parts), Rubber insulated cables – Rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
IEC 60320 (all parts), Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes
IEC 60320-3:2014, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 3:
Standard sheets and gauges
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available from: http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment)
IEC 60664-1:2007, Insulation coordination for equipment within low voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60695‐2‐10:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2‐10: Glowing/hot‐wire based test methods –
Glow‐wire apparatus and common test procedure
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 (GWEPT)
IEC 60695‐2‐12:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2‐12: Glowing/hot‐wire based test methods –
Glow‐wire flammability index (GWFI) test method for materials
IEC 60695‐2‐13:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2‐13: Glowing/hot‐wire based test methods –
‐wire ignition temperature (GWIT) test method for materials
Glow
IEC 60695‐10‐2, Fire hazard testing – Part 10: Abnormal heat – Ball pressure test method
IEC 60730-2-11, Automatic electrical controls for household and similar use – Part 2-11:
Particular requirements for energy regulators
IEC 60999-1, Connecting devices – Electrical copper conductors – Safety requirements for
screw-type and screwless-type clamping units – Part 1: General requirements and particular
2 2
requirements for clamping units for conductors from 0,2 mm up to 35 mm (included)
IEC 61032, Protection of persons and equipment by enclosures – Probes for verification
IEC 61058 (all parts), Switches for appliances
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
appliance coupler
means enabling the connection and disconnection of an appliance or equipment to the supply
SEE: Figure 1.
– 10 – IEC 60320-1:2015 IEC 2015
Apparatus Apparatus
IEC
1 Plug 5 Plug connector (see 3.2.1)
2 Connector (see 3.1.1) 6 Cord set (see 3.5)
3 Appliance inlet (see 3.1.2) 7 Interconnection cord set (see 3.6)
4 Appliance outlet (see 3.2.2)
Figure 1 – Intended use of appliance couplers
3.1.1
connector
part of the appliance coupler integral with, or intended to be attached to, one cord connected
to the supply
SEE: Figure 1.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-07-02]
3.1.2
appliance inlet
part of the appliance coupler integrated as a part of an appliance or incorporated as a
separate part in the appliance or equipment or intended to be fixed to it
SEE: Figure 1.
3.2
interconnection coupler
appliance coupler enabling the connection and disconnection of an appliance or equipment to
a cord leading to another appliance or equipment
SEE: Figure 1.
Note 1 to entry: An interconnection coupler is a type of appliance coupler.
3.2.1
plug connector
part of the interconnection coupler integral with or intended to be attached to one cord
SEE: Figure 1.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-07-09]
3.2.2
appliance outlet
part of the interconnection coupler which is the part integrated or incorporated in the
appliance or equipment or intended to be fixed to it and from which the supply is obtained
SEE: Figure 1.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-07-08]
3.3
rewirable accessory
accessory so constructed that a cable or cord can be replaced
3.4
non‐rewirable accessory
accessory so constructed that it forms a complete unit with flexible supply cable or cord after
connection and assembly by the manufacturer of the accessory
3.5
cord set
assembly consisting of one cable or cord fitted with one non-rewirable plug and one non-
rewirable connector, intended for the connection of an electrical appliance or equipment to the
electrical supply
SEE: Figure 1.
3.6
interconnection cord set
assembly consisting of one cable or cord fitted with one non-rewirable plug connector and one
non-rewirable connector, intended for the interconnection between two electrical appliances
SEE: Figure 1
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-07-06, modified – “a” has been changed to “one” in two
places and a reference to Figure 1 has been added.]
3.7
integrated appliance coupler
appliance coupler which is formed by the housing or enclosure of the appliance or equipment
and cannot be tested separately
3.8
incorporated appliance coupler
appliance coupler built in or fixed to an appliance or equipment, but that can be tested
separately
3.9
base of a pin
part of the pin where it protrudes from the engagement face
3.10
retaining device
mechanical provision/arrangement which holds a connector in proper engagement with a
corresponding appliance inlet and prevents its unintentional withdrawal
– 12 – IEC 60320-1:2015 IEC 2015
3.11
rated voltage
voltage assigned by the manufacturer for a specified operating condition of an accessory
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-01-03]
3.12
rated current
current assigned by the manufacturer for a specified operating condition of an accessory
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442‐01‐02]
3.13
terminal
part of an accessory to which a conductor is attached, providing a re-usable connection
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442‐06‐05]
3.14
termination
part of an accessory to which a conductor is permanently attached
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442‐06-06]
3.15
thread‐cutting screw
screw having an interrupted thread which, by screwing in, makes a thread by removing
material from the cavity
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-06-03]
3.16
type test
test of one or more devices made to a certain design to show that the design meets certain
requirements
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:1991, 811-10-04]
3.17
routine test
test to which each individual device is subjected during and/or after manufacture to ascertain
whether it complies with certain criteria
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:1991, 811-10-05]
4 General requirements
Appliance couplers shall be so designed and constructed that in normal use their performance
is reliable and without danger to the user or the surroundings.
Non-standardized appliance couplers shall comply with all safety requirements of this
standard and shall be tested together with its counterpart.
Compliance is checked by carrying out all the tests specified.
Appliance couplers according to this standard are not intended to be used in portable
accessories covered by IEC TC 23.
5 General notes on tests
5.1 General
Tests shall be made to prove compliance with the requirements laid down in this standard,
where applicable.
Tests are as follows:
– Type tests shall be made on representative samples of each accessory.
– Routine tests shall be conducted by the manufacturer and made on each accessory.
– Unless otherwise specified, the tests are carried out in the order of the clauses.
– Unless otherwise specified, appliance couplers are tested with their counterparts,
complying with this standard.
– Appliance inlets and appliance outlets integrated or incorporated in an appliance or
equipment are tested under the conditions of use of the equipment, the number of test
samples then being the same as the number of test samples of equipment required
according to the relevant standard for the equipment.
– Appliance couplers are considered to comply with this standard if there is not more than
one failure of one test sample in one of the tests. If one test sample fails in a test, that test
and those preceding which may have influenced the result of that test are repeated on
another set of test samples, all of which shall then comply with the repeated tests.
Subclauses 5.2 to 5.3 are applicable to type tests. For number of samples and test
sequences, see Annex C.
5.2 Test samples
Unless otherwise specified, the test samples are tested as delivered and under normal
conditions assembled and installed as in normal use according to the manufacturer's
instructions at an ambient temperature of 20 °C ± 5 °C; they are tested with a.c. at 50 Hz or
60 Hz. Tests shall not commence earlier than 168 h after manufacture.
Non‐rewirable connectors/plug connectors, other than those forming part of a cord set, shall
be submitted with a cord at least 1 m long.
5.3 Failures
In general, only the test which caused the failure need be repeated unless
a) a failure occurs to one of the three test samples when tested in accordance with Clauses
19, 20 or 21, in which case the tests are repeated from Clause 16 onwards; or
b) a failure occurs to one of the three test samples when tested in accordance with Clauses
22 or 23 (except 22.3), in which case the tests are repeated from Clause 18 onwards.
The applicant may submit, together with the first set of test samples, the additional set which
may be wanted should one test sam
...
IEC 60320-1 ®
Edition 3.1 2018-09
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes –
Part 1: General requirements
Connecteurs pour usages domestiques et usages généraux analogues –
Partie 1: Exigences générales
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IEC 60320-1 ®
Edition 3.1 2018-09
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes –
Part 1: General requirements
Connecteurs pour usages domestiques et usages généraux analogues –
Partie 1: Exigences générales
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.120.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-6043-2
IEC 60320-1 ®
Edition 3.1 2018-09
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
REDLINE VERSION
VERSION REDLINE
colour
inside
Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes –
Part 1: General requirements
Connecteurs pour usages domestiques et usages généraux analogues –
Partie 1: Exigences générales
– 2 – IEC 60320-1:2015+AMD1:2018 CSV
IEC 2018
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 General requirements . 12
5 General notes on tests . 13
5.1 General . 13
5.2 Test samples . 13
5.3 Failures . 13
5.4 Routine tests. 13
6 Standard ratings . 14
7 Classification of appliance couplers . 14
8 Marking . 14
8.1 General . 14
8.2 Additional markings . 14
8.3 Appliance couplers for class II equipment . 15
8.4 Symbols or alphanumeric notations . 15
8.5 Legibility of markings . 15
8.6 Terminal markings and wiring instructions . 15
8.7 Durability . 16
8.8 Test and inspection . 16
9 Dimensions and compatibility . 16
9.1 General . 16
9.2 Single‐pole connections . 16
9.3 Compatibility . 16
9.4 Dimensions for standardized appliance couplers . 17
9.5 Dimensions for non-standardized appliance couplers . 17
10 Protection against electric shock . 17
10.1 Accessibility of live parts . 17
10.2 Protection against single pole connection . 18
10.3 Protection against access to live parts . 18
10.4 External parts . 18
10.5 Shrouds . 18
11 Provision for earthing . 18
12 Terminals and terminations . 18
12.1 General . 18
12.2 Rewirable appliance couplers . 19
12.3 Non‐rewirable appliance couplers . 19
13 Construction . 19
13.1 Risk of accidental contact . 19
13.2 Contact positions . 19
13.3 Parts covering live parts . 19
13.4 Pin construction . 20
13.4.1 Prevention of rotation . 20
IEC 2018
13.4.2 Pin retention . 20
13.4.3 Non‐solid pins. 20
13.5 Contact pressure . 21
13.6 Enclosure . 21
13.6.1 General . 21
13.6.2 Rewirable connectors/plug connectors . 21
13.6.3 Non-rewirable connectors/plug connectors . 22
13.7 Earth connection . 22
13.8 Location of terminals and terminations . 23
13.8.1 General . 23
13.8.2 Free wire test for rewirable accessories . 23
13.8.3 Free wire test for non-rewirable non-moulded-on accessories . 23
13.8.4 Free wire verification for non-rewirable moulded-on accessories . 24
13.9 Connectors/plug connectors without earthing contact . 24
13.10 Fuses, relays, thermostats, thermal cut-outs and switches . 24
14 Moisture resistance . 24
15 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 25
15.1 General . 25
15.2 Insulation resistance . 26
15.3 Dielectric strength . 27
16 Forces necessary to insert and to withdraw the connector/appliance outlet . 28
16.1 General . 28
16.2 Verification of the maximum withdrawal force . 28
16.3 Verification of the minimum withdrawal force . 30
17 Operation of contacts . 31
18 Resistance to heating of appliance couplers for hot conditions or very hot
conditions . 31
18.1 General . 31
18.2 Heating test for connectors/plug connectors . 31
18.3 Heating test for appliance inlets/appliance outlets . 32
19 Breaking capacity . 32
20 Normal operation . 34
21 Temperature rise . 34
22 Cords and their connection . 35
22.1 Cords for non-rewirable connectors/plug connectors . 35
22.2 Cord anchorage . 36
22.2.1 General . 36
22.2.2 Additional requirements for rewirable connectors/plug connectors . 36
22.2.3 Pull test for cable anchorage . 37
22.3 Flexing test . 39
23 Mechanical strength . 41
23.1 General . 41
23.2 Free fall test . 42
23.3 Lateral pull test . 42
23.4 Impact test . 44
23.5 Deformation test . 44
23.6 Torque and pull test . 45
– 4 – IEC 60320-1:2015+AMD1:2018 CSV
IEC 2018
24 Resistance to heat and ageing. 45
24.1 Resistance to heat . 45
24.2 Resistance to ageing . 46
24.2.1 General . 46
24.2.2 Ageing test for elastomeric materials . 46
24.2.3 Ageing test for thermoplastic materials . 46
24.2.4 Ageing test assessment . 46
25 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 47
25.1 General . 47
25.2 Electrical connections . 48
25.3 Securement of connections . 48
25.4 Metallic parts . 48
26 Clearances, creepage distances and solid insulation . 49
26.1 General . 49
26.2 Clearances . 49
26.2.1 Dimensioning . 49
26.2.2 Minimum values for clearances . 50
26.3 Creepage distances . 51
26.3.1 Dimensioning . 51
26.3.2 Minimum creepage distances . 51
26.4 Solid insulation . 52
27 Resistance of insulating material to heat, fire and tracking . 53
27.1 Resistance to heat and fire . 53
27.1.1 General . 53
27.1.2 Object of the test . 53
27.1.3 General description of the test . 53
27.1.4 Description of test apparatus . 53
27.1.5 Degree of severity . 53
27.1.6 Verification of the thermocouple . 54
27.1.7 Preconditioning . 54
27.1.8 Initial measurements . 54
27.1.9 Test procedure . 54
27.1.10 Observations and measurements . 54
27.1.11 Evaluation of test results . 54
27.2 Resistance to tracking . 54
28 Resistance to rusting . 54
29 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements . 55
29.1 Immunity – Accessories not incorporating electronic components . 55
29.2 Emission – Accessories not incorporating electronic components . 55
Annex A (normative) Proof tracking test . 56
Annex B (normative) Routine tests for factory wired appliance couplers related to
safety. 57
B.1 General . 57
B.2 Polarized systems: Phase (L) and neutral (N) – Correct connection . 57
B.3 Earth (PE) continuity . 58
B.4 Short-circuit/wrong connection and reduction in creepage distance
and clearance . 58
B.4.1 Accessible surface safety check . 58
IEC 2018
B.4.2 Short-circuit/wrong connection . 58
Annex C (normative) Test schedule . 59
Annex D (informative) Comparison of typical conductor cross-sectional areas . 61
Bibliography . 62
Figure 1 – Intended use of appliance couplers . 10
Figure 2 – Device for testing non-solid pins . 21
Figure 3 – Apparatus for checking the withdrawal force . 29
Figure 4 – Gauge for verification of the minimum withdrawal force . 30
Figure 5 – Circuit diagram for breaking capacity and normal operation tests . 33
Figure 6 – Apparatus for testing the cord anchorage . 37
Figure 7 – Apparatus for the flexing test . 40
Figure 8 – Example of apparatus for pulling test . 43
Table 1 – Position of contacts . 19
Table 2 – Maximum diameters of the cords . 26
Table 3 – Minimum insulation resistance . 27
Table 4 – Dielectric strength . 27
Table 5 – Maximum and minimum withdrawal forces . 28
Table 6 – Ratings for the tests of Clause 19 . 33
Table 7 – Ratings for the tests of Clause 20 . 34
Table 8 – Cords and conductors for the tests of Clause 21 . 35
Table 9 – Type and nominal cross-sectional area of cords . 36
Table 10 – Types of cord for the rewirable connector/plug connector test . 38
Table 11 – Values for the lateral pulls applied . 44
Table 12 – Values for torque and pull forces . 45
Table 13 – Torque applied for the tightening and loosening test . 48
Table 14 – Rated impulse withstand voltage for appliance couplers energized directly
from the low voltage mains . 50
Table 15 – Minimum clearances for basic insulation. 51
Table 16 – Minimum creepage distances for basic and functional insulation . 52
Table B.1 – Test overview . 57
Table C.1 – Test schedule . 59
Table D.1 – Comparison of conductor sizes . 61
– 6 – IEC 60320-1:2015+AMD1:2018 CSV
IEC 2018
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
APPLIANCE COUPLERS FOR HOUSEHOLD
AND SIMILAR GENERAL PURPOSES –
Part 1: General requirements
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
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 the official IEC Standard and its amendment has been prepared
for user convenience.
IEC 60320-1 edition 3.1 contains the third edition (2015-06) [documents 23G/345/FDIS and
23G/346/RVD] and its corrigenda 1 (2016-01) and 2 (2019-05), and its amendment 1 (2018-09)
[documents 23G/405/FDIS and 23G/409/RVD].
In this Redline version, a vertical line in the margin shows where the technical content is
modified by amendment 1. Additions are in green text, deletions are in strikethrough red text. A
separate Final version with all changes accepted is available in this publication.
IEC 2018
International Standard IEC 60320-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 23G: Appliance
couplers, of IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories.
This third edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Standard sheets moved from IEC 60320-1 to IEC 60320-3.
b) Clarification of requirements for non-standardized appliance couplers.
The French version of this standard has not been voted upon.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 60320 series, under the general title Appliance couplers for
household and similar general purposes, can be found on the IEC website.
Part 1 is to be used in conjunction with the following parts of the IEC 60320 series, if
applicable.
IEC 60320-2-1, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 2-1:
Sewing machine couplers
IEC 60320-2-3, Appliance coupler for household and similar general purposes – Part 2-3:
Appliance coupler with a degree of protection higher than IPX0
IEC 60320-2-4, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 2-4:
Couplers dependent on appliance weight for engagement
IEC 60320-3, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 3:
Standard sheets and gauges
NOTE If these standards are referring to another edition of IEC 60320-1, that edition is applicable.
The committee has decided that the contents of the base publication and its amendment 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.
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 document using a
colour printer.
– 8 – IEC 60320-1:2015+AMD1:2018 CSV
IEC 2018
APPLIANCE COUPLERS FOR HOUSEHOLD
AND SIMILAR GENERAL PURPOSES –
Part 1: General requirements
1 Scope
This part of lEC 60320 sets the general requirements for appliance couplers for two poles and
two poles with earth contact and for the connection of electrical devices for household and
similar onto the mains supply.
This part of lEC 60320 is also valid for appliance inlets/appliance outlets integrated or
incorporated in appliances.
The rated voltage does not exceed 250 V (a.c.) and the rated current does not exceed 16 A.
Appliance couplers complying with this part of lEC 60320 are suitable for normal use at
ambient temperatures not normally exceeding +40 °C, but their average over a period of 24 h
does not exceed +35 °C, with a lower limit of the ambient air temperature of –5 °C.
Appliance couplers are not suitable for
– use in place of plug and socket-outlet systems according to IEC 60884-1.
– use in place of devices for connecting luminaires (DCLs) according to IEC 61995 or
luminaire supporting couplers (LSCs).
NOTE Requirements for d.c. are under consideration.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60068-2-31, Environmental testing – Part 2-31: Tests – Test Ec: Rough handling shocks,
primarily for equipment-type specimens
IEC 60068-2-60, Environmental testing – Part 2-60: Tests – Test Ke: Flowing mixed gas
corrosion test
IEC 60068-2-75, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60112, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking indices of
solid insulating materials
IEC 60227 (all parts), Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
IEC 60245 (all parts), Rubber insulated cables – Rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
IEC 2018
IEC 60320 (all parts), Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes
IEC 60320-3:2014, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 3:
Standard sheets and gauges
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available from: http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment)
IEC 60664-1:2007, Insulation coordination for equipment within low voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60695‐2‐10:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2‐10: Glowing/hot‐wire based test methods –
Glow‐wire apparatus and common test procedure
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 (GWEPT)
IEC 60695‐2‐12:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2‐12: Glowing/hot‐wire based test methods –
Glow‐wire flammability index (GWFI) test method for materials
IEC 60695‐2‐13:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2‐13: Glowing/hot‐wire based test methods –
‐wire ignition temperature (GWIT) test method for materials
Glow
IEC 60695‐10‐2, Fire hazard testing – Part 10-2: Abnormal heat – Ball pressure test method
IEC 60730-2-11, Automatic electrical controls for household and similar use – Part 2-11:
Particular requirements for energy regulators
IEC 60999-1, Connecting devices – Electrical copper conductors – Safety requirements for
screw-type and screwless-type clamping units – Part 1: General requirements and particular
2 2
requirements for clamping units for conductors from 0,2 mm up to 35 mm (included)
IEC 61032, Protection of persons and equipment by enclosures – Probes for verification
IEC 61058 (all parts), Switches for appliances
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
appliance coupler
means enabling the connection and disconnection of an appliance or equipment to the supply
SEE: Figure 1.
– 10 – IEC 60320-1:2015+AMD1:2018 CSV
IEC 2018
Apparatus Apparatus
IEC
1 Plug 5 Plug connector (see 3.2.1)
2 Connector (see 3.1.1) 6 Cord set (see 3.5)
3 Appliance inlet (see 3.1.2) 7 Interconnection cord set (see 3.6)
4 Appliance outlet (see 3.2.2)
Figure 1 – Intended use of appliance couplers
3.1.1
connector
part of the appliance coupler integral with, or intended to be attached to, one cord connected
to the supply
SEE: Figure 1.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-07-02]
3.1.2
appliance inlet
part of the appliance coupler integrated as a part of an appliance or incorporated as a
separate part in the appliance or equipment or intended to be fixed to it
SEE: Figure 1.
3.2
interconnection coupler
appliance coupler enabling the connection and disconnection of an appliance or equipment to
a cord leading to another appliance or equipment
SEE: Figure 1.
Note 1 to entry: An interconnection coupler is a type of appliance coupler.
3.2.1
plug connector
part of the interconnection coupler integral with or intended to be attached to one cord
SEE: Figure 1.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-07-09]
IEC 2018
3.2.2
appliance outlet
part of the interconnection coupler which is the part integrated or incorporated in the
appliance or equipment or intended to be fixed to it and from which the supply is obtained
SEE: Figure 1.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-07-08]
3.3
rewirable accessory
accessory so constructed that a cable or cord can be replaced
3.4
non‐rewirable accessory
accessory so constructed that it forms a complete unit with flexible supply cable or cord after
connection and assembly by the manufacturer of the accessory
3.5
cord set
assembly consisting of one cable or cord fitted with one non-rewirable plug and one non-
rewirable connector, intended for the connection of an electrical appliance or equipment to the
electrical supply
SEE: Figure 1.
3.6
interconnection cord set
assembly consisting of one cable or cord fitted with one non-rewirable plug connector and one
non-rewirable connector, intended for the interconnection between two electrical appliances
SEE: Figure 1
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-07-06, modified – “a” has been changed to “one” in two
places and a reference to Figure 1 has been added.]
3.7
integrated appliance coupler
appliance coupler which is formed by the housing or enclosure of the appliance or equipment
and cannot be tested separately
3.8
incorporated appliance coupler
appliance coupler built in or fixed to an appliance or equipment, but that can be tested
separately
3.9
base of a pin
part of the pin where it protrudes from the engagement face
3.10
retaining device
mechanical provision/arrangement which holds a connector in proper engagement with a
corresponding appliance inlet and prevents its unintentional withdrawal
– 12 – IEC 60320-1:2015+AMD1:2018 CSV
IEC 2018
3.11
rated voltage
voltage assigned by the manufacturer for a specified operating condition of an accessory
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-01-03]
3.12
rated current
current assigned by the manufacturer for a specified operating condition of an accessory
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442‐01‐02]
3.13
terminal
part of an accessory to which a conductor is attached, providing a re-usable connection
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442‐06‐05]
3.14
termination
part of an accessory to which a conductor is permanently attached
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442‐06-06]
3.15
thread‐cutting screw
screw having an interrupted thread which, by screwing in, makes a thread by removing
material from the cavity
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-06-03]
3.16
type test
test of one or more devices made to a certain design to show that the design meets certain
requirements
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:1991, 811-10-04]
3.17
routine test
test to which each individual device is subjected during and/or after manufacture to ascertain
whether it complies with certain criteria
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:1991, 811-10-05]
4 General requirements
Appliance couplers shall be so designed and constructed that in normal use their performance
is reliable and without danger to the user or the surroundings.
Non-standardized appliance couplers shall comply with all safety requirements of this
standard and shall be tested together with its counterpart.
Compliance is checked by carrying out all the tests specified.
IEC 2018
Appliance couplers according to this standard are not intended to be used in portable
accessories covered by IEC TC 23.
5 General notes on tests
5.1 General
Tests shall be made to prove compliance with the requirements laid down in this standard,
where applicable.
Tests are as follows:
– Type tests shall be made on representative samples of each accessory.
– Routine tests shall be conducted by the manufacturer and made on each accessory.
– Unless otherwise specified, the tests are carried out in the order of the clauses.
– Unless otherwise specified, appliance couplers are tested with their counterparts,
complying with this standard.
– Appliance inlets and appliance outlets integrated or incorporated in an appliance or
equipment are tested under the conditions of use of the equipment, the number of test
samples then being the same as the number of test samples of equipment required
according to the relevant standard for the equipment.
– Appliance couplers are considered to comply with this standard if there is not more than
one
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