IEC TS 63236-1:2021

Direct current (DC) appliance couplers for information and communication technology (ICT) equipment installed in data centres and telecom central offices - Part 1: 2,6 kW system

IEC TS 63236-1:2021(E) applies to DC appliance couplers for class I equipment with two active contacts plus an earthing contact, a rated power of 2,6 kW and a rated voltage range from 294 V to 400 V DC. They are intended to power DC information and communication technology equipment only, as specified in IEC 62368‑1.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 24-Jun-2021
• ICS: 29.120.01 - Electrical accessories in general
• ICS: 29.120.30 - Plugs, socket-outlets, couplers
• Technical Committee: TC 23 - Electrical accessories
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 25-Jun-2021
• Completion Date: 27-Jul-2021

Overview

IEC TS 63236-1:2021 is a Technical Specification that defines requirements for DC appliance couplers used to power information and communication technology (ICT) equipment installed in data centres and telecom central offices. It covers a 2.6 kW system for Class I equipment with two active contacts plus an earthing contact, rated for a DC voltage range of 294 V to 400 V. These couplers are intended specifically for powering ICT equipment as specified by IEC 62368‑1.

Key topics and technical requirements

This specification addresses design, safety and verification requirements for DC appliance couplers, including:

• Electrical ratings and classification for a 2.6 kW DC appliance coupler (294–400 V DC).
• Mechanical and dimensional requirements to ensure compatibility and secure mating.
• Protection against electric shock, correct earthing/earth continuity and prevention of single‑pole connection.
• Terminal, cable and cord requirements (rewirable and non‑rewirable types) and cable anchorage tests.
• Insulation resistance and dielectric strength tests to verify electrical safety.
• Temperature rise and resistance to heating tests for connectors and inlets.
• Breaking capacity and normal operation criteria for safe disconnection under load.
• Mechanical strength tests: impact, pull, free-fall and flexing to ensure durability in data centre/telecom environments.
• Material resistance: ageing, heat, fire and tracking performance of insulating materials.
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for accessories not containing active electronics.
• Marking, legibility, and documentation requirements, plus standard sheets and test gauges (annexes).

Practical applications and who uses this standard

IEC TS 63236-1 is used to ensure safe, interoperable DC power connections in mission-critical ICT environments:

• Connector and cable manufacturers designing DC appliance couplers for data centres and telecom central offices.
• Data centre and telecom infrastructure engineers specifying DC power distribution and rack-level power delivery.
• ICT equipment manufacturers that design devices intended to be powered from DC appliance couplers.
• Testing and certification labs performing electrical, mechanical and environmental tests to verify compliance.
• Procurement and compliance teams ensuring equipment meets IEC safety and interoperability expectations.

Benefits include improved safety, consistent mechanical compatibility, reliable thermal and electrical performance, and simplified installation and maintenance of DC power systems in data centres and central offices.

Related standards

• IEC 62368‑1 - safety requirements for audio/video, information and communication technology equipment (referenced for intended use and equipment classification).
• Other IEC connector and power distribution standards for complementary technical details and testing guidance.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC TS 63236-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2021-06
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
Direct current (DC) appliance couplers for information and communication
technology (ICT) equipment installed in data centres and telecom central
offices –
Part 1: 2,6 kW system
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IEC TS 63236-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2021-06
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
Direct current (DC) appliance couplers for information and communication

technology (ICT) equipment installed in data centres and telecom central

offices –
Part 1: 2,6 kW system
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.120.01, 29.120.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-9927-2

– 2 – IEC TS 63236-1:2021 © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 9
3 Terms and definitions . 10
4 General requirements . 13
5 General notes on tests . 14
5.1 General . 14
5.2 Test samples . 14
5.3 Failures . 14
5.4 Routine tests. 14
5.5 Test voltages . 15
5.6 Grouping of samples . 15
6 Standard ratings . 15
7 Classification of appliance couplers . 15
8 Marking . 15
8.1 General . 15
8.2 Additional markings . 15
8.3 Symbols or alphanumeric notations . 16
8.4 Legibility of markings . 16
8.5 Terminal markings and wiring instructions . 16
8.6 Durability . 17
8.7 Test and inspection . 17
9 Dimensions and compatibility . 17
9.1 General . 17
9.2 Single‐pole connections . 17
9.3 Compatibility . 17
9.4 Dimensions for appliance couplers . 17
10 Protection against electric shock . 18
10.1 Accessibility of live parts . 18
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 . 19
12 Terminals and terminations . 19
12.1 General . 19
12.2 Rewirable appliance couplers . 19
12.3 Non‐rewirable appliance couplers . 19
13 Construction . 20
13.1 Risk of accidental contact . 20
13.2 Parts covering live parts . 20
13.3 Pin construction . 20
13.3.1 Prevention of rotation . 20
13.3.2 Pin retention . 20
13.3.3 Hollow pins . 20

13.4 Contact pressure . 21
13.5 Enclosure . 21
13.5.1 General . 21
13.5.2 Rewirable connectors . 21
13.5.3 Non-rewirable connectors . 21
13.6 Earth connection . 22
13.7 Location of terminals and terminations . 22
13.7.1 General . 22
13.7.2 Free wire test for rewirable accessories . 22
13.7.3 Free wire test for non-rewirable non-moulded-on accessories . 23
13.7.4 Free wire verification for non-rewirable moulded-on accessories . 23
14 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 23
14.1 General . 23
14.2 Insulation resistance . 24
14.3 Dielectric strength . 24
15 Forces necessary to insert and to withdraw the connector . 24
15.1 General . 24
15.2 Verification of the maximum withdrawal force . 25
15.3 Verification of the minimum withdrawal force . 26
16 Operation of contacts . 26
17 Resistance to heating of appliance couplers . 26
17.1 General . 26
17.2 Heating test for connectors . 26
17.3 Heating test for appliance inlets . 27
18 Breaking capacity . 27
19 Normal operation . 29
20 Temperature rise . 29
21 Cords and their connection . 30
21.1 Cords for non-rewirable connectors . 30
21.2 Cable anchorage . 31
21.2.1 General . 31
21.2.2 Additional requirements for rewirable connectors . 31
21.2.3 Pull test for cable anchorage . 31
21.3 Flexing test . 33
22 Mechanical strength . 35
22.1 General . 35
22.2 Free fall test . 35
22.3 Lateral pull test for contacts . 36
22.4 Impact test . 38
22.5 Pull tests for connectors with a separate front part . 38
22.5.1 General . 38
22.5.2 Straight pull test . 38
22.5.3 Lateral pull test . 38
23 Resistance to heat and ageing. 39
23.1 Resistance to heat . 39
23.2 Resistance to ageing . 39
23.2.1 General . 39
23.2.2 Ageing test for elastomeric materials . 39

– 4 – IEC TS 63236-1:2021 © IEC 2021
23.2.3 Ageing test for thermoplastic materials . 40
23.2.4 Ageing test assessment . 40
24 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 40
24.1 General . 40
24.2 Electrical connections . 41
24.3 Securement of connections . 41
24.4 Current-carrying parts . 42
25 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through sealing compound . 42
26 Resistance of insulating material to heat, fire and tracking . 44
26.1 Resistance to heat and fire . 44
26.1.1 General . 44
26.1.2 Object of the test . 44
26.1.3 General description of the test . 44
26.1.4 Degree of severity . 45
26.1.5 Evaluation of test results . 45
26.2 Resistance to tracking . 45
27 Resistance to rusting . 45
28 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements . 46
28.1 General . 46
28.2 Immunity – Accessories not incorporating electronic components . 46
28.3 Emission – Accessories not incorporating electronic components . 46
Annex A (normative) Safety-related routine tests for factory-wired accessories
(protection against electric shock and correct polarity) . 47
A.1 General remarks . 47
A.2 Polarized systems, “+” and “−” : Correct connection . 47
A.3 Earth continuity . 48
A.4 Short-circuit/wrong connection and reduction of creepage distance and
clearances between “+” and “−” to earth . 48
A.4.1 Accessible surface safety check . 48
A.4.2 Short-circuit/wrong connection . 48
Annex B (normative) Test schedule. 49
Annex C (informative) Alternative gripping tests . 51
C.1 Gripping test C1 . 51
C.2 Gripping test C2 . 53
Annex D (normative) Standard sheets and gauges . 54
D.1 Standard sheets . 54
D.2 Gauges . 58
D.2.1 Distance to the point of first contact . 58
D.2.2 "GO" gauge for appliance inlets according to standard sheet 1
(Figure D.1) . 59
D.2.3 "GO" gauge for connectors according to standard sheet 2 (Figure D.2). 60
D.2.4 Gauge for checking the maximum withdrawal force (see 15.2) . 62
D.2.5 Gauges for checking the minimum withdrawal force (see 15.3) . 63
D.2.6 Position of switch cam of optional micro switches . 63
Bibliography . 65

Figure 1 – Intended use of appliance couplers . 10
Figure 2 – Apparatus for checking the withdrawal force . 25

Figure 3 – Circuit diagram for breaking capacity and normal operation tests . 28
Figure 4 – Apparatus for testing the cable anchorage . 32
Figure 5 – Apparatus for the flexing test . 34
Figure 6 – Example of apparatus for pull test . 37
Figure C.1 – Reference gauge for gripping test . 52
Figure C.2 – Example of the test apparatus for connector gripping test . 53
Figure D.1 – Appliance inlet . 56
Figure D.2 – Connector . 57
Figure D.3 – Positioning of the “+” and “−” pins/connector-contacts . 58
Figure D.4 – Gauges for checking point of first contact . 59
Figure D.5 – "GO" gauge for appliance inlets according to standard sheet 1
(Figure D.1) . 60
Figure D.6 – "GO" gauge for connectors according to standard sheet 2 (Figure D.2). 61
Figure D.7 – Gauge representing the counterpart inlet for checking the maximum
withdrawal force . 62
Figure D.8 – Gauge for checking the minimum withdrawal force for “+” and “-“ socket-
contact . 63
Figure D.9 – Gauge for checking the minimum withdrawal force for PE socket-contact . 63
Figure D.10 – Area for positioning of actuator of optional micro switch . 64
Figure D.11 – Minimum dimension of switch cam . 64

Table 1 – Relationship between rated power and nominal cross-sectional areas or
American Wire Gauge (AWG) size of copper conductors . 19
Table 2 – Maximum diameters of the cords . 24
Table 3 – Maximum and minimum withdrawal forces . 25
Table 4 – Cords and conductors for the tests of Clause 16 . 30
Table 5 – Type and nominal cross-sectional area of cords . 30
Table 6 – Types of cable for the rewirable connector test. 32
Table 7 – Values for the lateral pulls applied . 38
Table 8 – Values for torque and pull forces . 39
Table 9 – Torque applied for the tightening and loosening test . 41
Table 10 – Creepage distances, clearances and distances through insulating sealing
compound . 43
Table B.1 – Test schedule . 49
Table D.1 – Dimension of contact gauge . 59

– 6 – IEC TS 63236-1:2021 © IEC 2021
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
DIRECT CURRENT (DC) APPLIANCE COUPLERS FOR INFORMATION
AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) EQUIPMENT INSTALLED
IN DATA CENTRES AND TELECOM CENTRAL OFFICES –

Part 1: 2,6 kW system
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,
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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.
IEC TS 63236-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories. It is
a Technical Specification.
IEC TS 63236-1 is to be used in conjunction with the other parts of the IEC 63236 series, if
applicable.
The text of this Technical Specification is based on the following documents:
DTS Report on voting
23/915/DTS 23/957A/RVDTS
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this Technical Specification is English
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/standardsdev/publications.
In this document, the following print types are used:
• requirements proper: in roman type;
• test specifications: in italic type;
• notes: in small roman type.
A list of all parts in the IEC 63236 series, published under the general title Direct current (DC)
appliance couplers for information and communication technology (ICT) equipment installed in
data centres and telecom central offices, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
– 8 – IEC TS 63236-1:2021 © IEC 2021
DIRECT CURRENT (DC) APPLIANCE COUPLERS FOR INFORMATION
AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) EQUIPMENT INSTALLED
IN DATA CENTRES AND TELECOM CENTRAL OFFICES –

Part 1: 2,6 kW system
1 Scope
This part of IEC 63236, which is a Technical Specification, applies to DC appliance couplers for
class I equipment with two active contacts plus an earthing contact, a rated power of 2,6 kW
and a rated voltage range from 294 V to 400 V DC. They are intended to power DC information
and communication technology equipment only, as specified in IEC 62368-1.
The accessories according to this document are intended to be used by ordinary persons in
data centres only where the value of the DC voltage distribution system is defined as follows:
– 380 V with a tolerance of ±20 V for installations with no backup battery or with a voltage
regulation system;
– 380 V with a voltage range of 294 V to 400 V for installations with a backup battery where
voltage regulation is not guaranteed;
– the voltage value between each live conductor and earth does not exceed 200 V DC during
normal operation;
– there are two abnormal voltage ranges (duration below 10 min):
• 260 V up to 294 V, and
• above 400 V to 410 V.
The maximum current of the appliance couplers is
– 6,5 A when the voltage between live contacts is 400 V DC,
– 8,8 A when the voltage between live contacts is 294 V DC,
and can rise up to 10 A when the voltage between live contacts decreases to 260 V DC for
10 min maximum.
The voltage between live conductors can fall down to 260 V DC when the voltage discharge
value of the battery reaches the disconnecting level. The consequence is that the current
increases accordingly.
The accessories according to this document do not require maintenance.
The accessories according to this document are intended for use in circuits where
– basic protection,
– an overcurrent protection (of 8,8 A or less for each socket-outlet or multiple socket-outlet),
– the fault protection (indirect contact protection), and
– additional protection
are already assured.
Appliance couplers complying with this document are suitable for normal use at ambient
temperatures not normally exceeding +60 °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 the IEC TS 62735 series.
Appliance couplers according to this document are not intended to be used in portable
accessories covered by IEC TC 23.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements 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.
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 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available at:
http://www.graphicalsymbols.info/equipment)
IEC 60695‐2‐11, Fire hazard testing – Part 2‐11: Glowing/hot‐wire based test methods – Glow‐
wire flammability test method for end‐products (GWEPT)
IEC 60695‐10‐2, Fire hazard testing – Part 10-2: Abnormal heat – Ball pressure test method
IEC 60999-1, Connecting devices – Electrical copper conductors – Safety requirements for
screw-type and screwless-type clamping units – Part 1: General requirements and particular
requirements for clamping units for conductors from 0,2 mm2 up to 35 mm2 (included)
IEC 61032, Protection of persons and equipment by enclosures – Probes for verification
IEC 62368-1, Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment – Part 1:
Safety requirements
IEC TS 63236-3, Direct current (DC) appliance couplers for information and communication
technology (ICT) equipment installed in data centres and telecom central offices – Part 3:
AC/DC appliance inlet
ISO/IEC GUIDE 51, Safety aspects – Guidelines for their inclusion in standards
ISO 1456, Metallic coatings and other inorganic coatings – Electrodeposited coatings of nickel,
nickel plus chromium, copper plus nickel and of copper plus nickel plus chromium

– 10 – IEC TS 63236-1:2021 © IEC 2021
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
appliance coupler
means enabling the connection and disconnection of an appliance or equipment to the supply
SEE: Figure 1.
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
rewirable accessory
accessory so constructed that a cable or cord can be replaced

3.3
non‐rewirable accessory
accessory so constructed that it forms a complete unit with the flexible supply cable or cord
after connection and assembly by the manufacturer of the accessory
3.4
cord set
assembly consisting of a flexible cable or cord fitted with a non-rewirable plug and a non-
rewirable connector, intended for the connection of an electrical appliance to the electrical
supply
SEE: Figure 1.
3.5
integrated appliance coupler
appliance coupler which is formed by the housing or enclosure of the appliance or equipment
and cannot be tested separately
3.6
incorporated appliance coupler
appliance coupler built in or fixed to an appliance or equipment, but that can be tested
separately
3.7
retaining device
mechanical provision or arrangement which holds a connector in proper engagement with a
corresponding appliance inlet and prevents its unintentional withdrawal
3.8
rated voltage
voltage assigned by the manufacturer for a specified operating condition of an accessory
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-01-03]
3.9
rated current
current assigned by the manufacturer for a specified operating condition of an accessory
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442‐01‐02]
3.10
terminal
part of an accessory to which a conductor is attached, providing a re-usable connection
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442‐06‐05]
3.11
termination
part of an accessory to which a conductor is permanently attached
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442‐06-06]
3.12
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]

– 12 – IEC TS 63236-1:2021 © IEC 2021
3.13
type test
conformity test made on one or more items representative of the production
[SOURCE IEC 60050-151:2001, 151-16-16]
3.14
routine test
conformity test made on each individual item during or after manufacture
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-151:2001, 151-16-17]
3.15
clamping unit
part(s) of the terminal necessary for the mechanical clamping and the electrical connection of
the conductor(s), including the parts which are necessary to ensure the correct contact pressure
3.16
screw-type terminal
terminal for the connection and subsequent disconnection of a conductor or the interconnection
of two or more conductors, capable of being dismantled, the connection being made, directly or
indirectly, by means of screws or nuts of any kind
3.16.1
pillar terminal
screw-type terminal in which the conductor is inserted into a hole or cavity, where it is clamped
under the end of the screw or screws
3.16.2
stud terminal
screw-type terminal in which the conductor is clamped under a nut
3.16.3
saddle terminal
screw-type terminal in which the conductor is clamped under a saddle by means of two or more
screws or nuts
3.16.4
mantle terminal
screw-type terminal in which the conductor is clamped against the base of a slot in a threaded
stud by means of a nut
3.17
screwless terminal
connecting device for the connection and subsequent disconnection of a rigid (solid or stranded)
or flexible conductor or the interconnection of two or more conductors, capable of being
dismantled, the connection being made, directly or indirectly, by means of springs, parts of
angled, eccentric or conical form, etc., without special preparation of the conductor concerned,
other than removal of insulation
3.18
thread-forming screw
screw having an uninterrupted thread which, by screwing in, forms a thread by displacing
material
3.19
rated power
power assigned to the appliance coupler

3.20
rated voltage range
voltage range assigned to the appliance coupler
3.21
base
part of the connector or inlet supporting the socket-contacts
3.22
live part
conductor or conductive part intended to be energized in normal use, including a neutral
conductor, but, by convention, not a PEN conductor
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-826: 826-12-08, modified – "normal operation" has been replaced by
"normal use", "PEM or PEL conductor" has been deleted, and the note has been deleted.]
3.23
cable anchorage
part of an accessory which has the ability to limit the displacement of a fitted flexible cable
against pull, push and turning forces
3.24
main part
assembly consisting of the base and other parts
3.25
prospective short-circuit current
current that would flow in the circuit if the connector, the limitation device and the short circuit
in the appliance inlet were replaced by links of negligible impedance without any other change
in the circuit
3.26
t value
prospective let-through i
value that would be let through by the current limiting device if the connector and the short
circuit in the appliance inlet were replaced by links of negligible impedance
3.27
stroke
insertion or a withdrawal of the appliance coupler
3.28
exposed-conductive-part
conductive part of equipment which can be touched and which is not normally live, but which
can become live when basic insulation fails
4 General requirements
Appliance couplers shall be so designed and constructed that, in normal use, their performance
is reliable and safety is achieved by reducing risk to a tolerable level, as defined in ISO/IEC
Guide 51.
Compliance is checked by meeting all the relevant requirements and tests specified.

– 14 – IEC TS 63236-1:2021 © IEC 2021
5 General notes on tests
5.1 General
Tests shall be made to demonstrate compliance with the requirements specified in this
document, 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 document.
• Appliance inlets 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 document if there is not more than
one failure of one test sample in one of the tests.
• The test samples are tested with direct current.
Subclauses 5.2 and 5.3 are applicable to type tests. For number of samples and test sequences,
see Annex B.
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.
Tests shall not commence earlier than 168 h after manufacture.
Non‐rewirable 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 has to be repeated unless
a) a failure occurs to one of the three test samples when tested in accordance with Clause 18,
Clause 19 or Clause 20, in which case the tests are repeated from Clause 15 onwards; or
b) a failure occurs to one of the three test samples when tested in accordance with Clause 21
(except 21.3), in which case the tests are repeated from Clause 17 onwards.
The applicant may submit, together with the first set of test samples, the additional set – from
the same lot or run as the original set – which can be necessary 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 A.

5.5 Test voltages
Tests shall be carried out according to the voltage described in the test with a maximum
tolerance of ±5 %. In case of DC test voltage produced from rectifying the AC voltage and not
coming from a battery, the ripple voltage shall not exceed 5 %.
5.6 Grouping of samples
The test schedule as given in Annex B shall be used.
6 Standard ratings
Accessories shall have a rated power of 2,6 kW at any voltage within the rated voltage range
of 294 V to 400 V.
7 Classification of appliance couplers
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:
– rated power in kilowatts;
– rated voltage range in volts;
– symbol for nature of supply;
– name, trademark
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