SIST EN IEC 60320-1:2022

Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes - Part 1: General requirements (IEC 60320-1:2021)

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.
Annex E provides test requirements for derating the operating current of an accessory when used in ambient temperatures above +35 °C up to +90 °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 306 luminaire supporting couplers (LSCs). 307
NOTE Requirements for d.c. are under consideration.

Gerätesteckvorrichtungen für den Hausgebrauch und ähnliche allgemeine Zwecke –Teil 1: Allgemeine Anforderungen (IEC 60320-1:2021)

Connecteurs pour usages domestiques et usages généraux analogues - Partie 1: Exigences générales (IEC 60320-1:2021)

L'IEC 60320-1:2021 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 analogues.
Le présent document s'applique également aux socles de connecteurs/socles femelles de connecteurs intégrés ou incorporés dans des appareils d'utilisation.
Cette quatrième édition annule et remplace la troisième édition parue en 2015 et l'Amendement 1:2018. Cette édition constitue une révision technique.
Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:

   
1. les tolérances nécessaires ont été ajoutées dans l'ensemble du présent document;

   
2. l'essai d'échauffement de l'édition 2 a été rétabli en 18.2;

   
3. l'échauffement a été ajouté à l'Article 21 pour les fiches mobiles mâles;

   
4. le 23.3 a été réorganisé pour des raisons de lisibilité;

   
5. l'essai de traction latérale du 23.6 a été mis à jour pour les prises mobiles/fiches mobiles mâles qui comportent des pièces frontales séparées;

   
6. le 24.1 qui traite de l'essai à la bille a été revu;

   
7. l'Article 27 qui traite de l'essai au fil incandescent a été mis à jour;

   
8. l'Annexe C qui traite des séquences d'essais a été revue;

   
9. l'Annexe E a été ajoutée afin de définir les essais et exigences supplémentaires pour les connecteurs destinés à être utilisés à des températures ambiantes supérieures à +35 °C.

Aparatne spojke za gospodinjstva in podobne splošne namene - 1. del: Splošne zahteve (IEC 60320-1:2021)

Ta del standarda lEC 60320 določa splošne zahteve za aparatne spojke za dva pola in dva pola z ozemljitvijo ter povezavo električnih naprav za gospodinjstva in podobne namene z napajalnim omrežjem.
Ta del standarda lEC 60320 se uporablja tudi za vhode/izhode aparatov, ki so vgrajeni v aparate oziroma jih ti vključujejo.
Nazivna napetost ne presega 250 V izmeničnega napajanja, nazivni tok pa ne presega 16 A.
Aparatne spojke, ki so v skladu s tem delom standarda lEC 60320, so primerne za običajno uporabo pri temperaturah okolja, ki običajno ne presegajo 40 °C, njihovo povprečje v 24 urah pa ne presega 35 °C. Spodnja meja temperature okolja je –5 °C.
Dodatek E vsebuje preskusne zahteve za redukcijo toka pribora, kadar se uporablja pri temperaturah okolja nad 35 °C do vključno 90 °C.
Aparatne spojke niso primerne za:
– uporabo namesto vtičnih naprav v skladu s standardom IEC 60884-1;
– uporabo namesto naprav za priključitev svetilk (DCL) v skladu s standardom IEC 61995 ali spojk za podporo svetilk (LSC).
OPOMBA: Zahteve za enosmerni tok so v obravnavi.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 22-Nov-2020
• Publication Date: 03-Apr-2022
• ICS: 29.120.30 - Plugs, socket-outlets, couplers
• Technical Committee: EPR - Electrical accessories
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 21-Oct-2021
• Due Date: 26-Dec-2021
• Completion Date: 04-Apr-2022
• Directive: 2014/35/EU - Directive 2014/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits
• Mandate: M/511 - Mandate to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI relating to harmonised standards in the field of the Low Voltage Directive
• Ref Project: EN IEC 60320-1:2021 - Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes - Part 1: General requirements

Relations

• Replaces: SIST EN 60320-1:2015/A1:2021 - Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes - Part 1: General requirements (IEC 60320-1:2015/A1:2018)
• Effective Date: 07-Jun-2022
• Replaces: SIST EN 60320-1:2015/AC:2019 - Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes - Part 1: General requirements (IEC 60320-1:2015/COR2:2019)
• Effective Date: 12-Oct-2021
• Replaces: SIST EN 60320-1:2015 - Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes - Part 1: General requirements (IEC 60320-1:2015)
• Effective Date: 12-Oct-2021
• Replaces: SIST EN 60320-1:2015/AC:2016 - Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes - Part 1: General requirements
• Effective Date: 12-Oct-2021

Overview - SIST EN IEC 60320-1:2022 (IEC 60320-1:2021)

SIST EN IEC 60320-1:2022 specifies general requirements for appliance couplers used for household and similar general purposes. It covers two‑pole couplers and two‑pole plus earth couplers, including appliance inlets and outlets integrated into appliances. The standard applies to devices with a rated voltage up to 250 V (AC) and a rated current up to 16 A, intended for normal use in ambient temperatures normally not exceeding +40 °C (24‑h average ≤ +35 °C, lower limit −5 °C). Annex E gives test procedures for derating accessory current up to ambient temperatures of +90 °C.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Scope and ratings: Two‑pole and two‑pole with earth couplers, max 250 V / 16 A; valid for integrated inlets/outlets.
• Mechanical and dimensional requirements: Standardized dimensions, compatibility, and pin retention to ensure interchangeability and safe mating.
• Electrical safety: Insulation resistance, dielectric strength and protection against electric shock (accessibility, shrouds, single‑pole protection).
• Earthing / protective measures: Requirements for earthing contacts, contact pressure and earth continuity.
• Terminals and terminations: Rules for rewirable and non‑rewirable couplers, free‑wire tests and terminal markings.
• Environmental and mechanical tests: Moisture resistance, temperature limits, glow‑wire and ball pressure tests, and mechanical endurance (insertion/withdrawal forces).
• Marking and documentation: Ratings, wiring instructions, durability of markings, and symbols (including Class II considerations).
• Derating at high ambient temperatures: Annex E test requirements for use above +35 °C up to +90 °C.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

SIST EN IEC 60320-1:2022 is essential for:

• Manufacturers of appliance couplers, power cords, appliance inlets/outlets and connected accessories.
• Appliance and equipment designers specifying safe mains connections for household and similar products.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing conformity and safety testing.
• Compliance engineers and procurement teams ensuring components meet safety, interoperability and Low Voltage Directive requirements. Typical applications include mains connectors for household appliances, consumer electronics and office equipment where standardized, safe removable or fixed couplers are required.

Related standards and regulatory context

• IEC 60320‑2 series (standard sheets and gauges, specific types)
• IEC 60884‑1 (plug and socket‑outlet systems) - appliance couplers are not a replacement
• IEC 61995 / luminaire supporting couplers (DCLs/LSCs) - not covered
• IEC 60695 (glow‑wire tests), IEC 60664 (insulation coordination) This standard supports conformity with the EU Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) when cited in the Official Journal.

Keywords: SIST EN IEC 60320-1:2022, appliance couplers, IEC 60320-1, appliance inlets, appliance outlets, 250 V, 16 A, derating, earthing, electrical safety.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-maj-2022
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 60320-1:2015
SIST EN 60320-1:2015/A1:2021
SIST EN 60320-1:2015/AC:2016
SIST EN 60320-1:2015/AC:2019
Aparatne spojke za gospodinjstva in podobne splošne namene - 1. del: Splošne
zahteve (IEC 60320-1:2021)
Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes - Part 1: General
requirements (IEC 60320-1:2021)
Gerätesteckvorrichtungen für den Hausgebrauch und ähnliche allgemeine Zwecke –Teil
1: Allgemeine Anforderungen (IEC 60320-1:2021)
Connecteurs pour usages domestiques et usages généraux analogues - Partie 1:
Exigences générales (IEC 60320-1:2021)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 60320-1:2021
ICS:
29.120.30 Vtiči, vtičnice, spojke Plugs, socket-outlets,
couplers
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 60320-1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
October 2021
ICS 29.120.30 Supersedes EN 60320-1:2015 and all of its amendments
and corrigenda (if any)
English Version
Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes -
Part 1: General requirements
(IEC 60320-1:2021)
Connecteurs pour usages domestiques et usages généraux Gerätesteckvorrichtungen für den Hausgebrauch und
analogues - Partie 1: Exigences générales ähnliche allgemeine Zwecke - Teil 1: Allgemeine
(IEC 60320-1:2021) Anforderungen
(IEC 60320-1:2021)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2021-08-31. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 60320-1:2021 E

European foreword
The text of document 23G/464/FDIS, future edition 4 of IEC 60320-1, prepared by SC 23G "Appliance
couplers" of IEC/TC 23 "Electrical accessories" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and
approved by CENELEC as EN IEC 60320-1:2021.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2022-05-31
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2024-08-31
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 60320-1:2015 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if any).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document has been prepared under a Standardization Request given to CENELEC by the
European Commission and the European Free Trade Association, and supports essential
requirements of EU Directive(s) / Regulation(s).
For the relationship with EU Directive(s) / Regulation(s), see informative Annex ZZ, which is an
integral part of this document.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60320-1:2021 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards
indicated:
IEC 60320-2-1 NOTE Harmonized as EN IEC 60320-2-1
IEC 60320-2-3 NOTE Harmonized as EN IEC 60320-2-3
IEC 60320-2-4 NOTE Harmonized as EN IEC 60320-2-4
IEC 60364-4-44 NOTE Harmonized as HD 60364-4-444
IEC 61140 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61140
ISO 1456 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 1456
ISO 2081 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 2081
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
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.
NOTE 1  Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod),
the relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2  Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available
here: www.cenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60068-2-31 - Environmental testing - Part 2-31: Tests - EN 60068-2-31 2008
Test Ec: Rough handling shocks, primarily
for equipment-type specimens
IEC 60068-2-60 - Environmental testing - Part 2-60: Tests - EN 60068-2-60 2015
Test Ke: Flowing mixed gas corrosion test
IEC 60068-2-75 - Environmental testing - Part 2-75: Tests - EN 60068-2-75 2014
Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60112 2020 Method for the determination of the proof EN IEC 60112 2020
and the comparative tracking indices of
solid insulating materials
IEC 60227 series Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated EN 50525 series
voltages up to and including 450/750 V -
IEC 60245 series Rubber insulated cables - Rated voltages EN 50525 series
up to and including 450/750 V
IEC 60320-3 2014 Appliance couplers for household and EN 60320-3 2014
similar general purposes - Part 3: Standard
+A1 2018 + A1 2021
sheets and gauges
IEC 60417 - Graphical symbols for use on equipment. - -
Index, survey and compilation of the single
sheets.
IEC 60664-1 2020 Insulation coordination for equipment within EN IEC 60664-1 2020
low-voltage systems - Part 1: Principles,
requirements and tests
IEC 60695-2-11 2014 Fire hazard testing - Part 2-11: Glowing/hot- EN 60695-2-11 2014
wire based test methods - Glow-wire
flammability test method for end-products
IEC 60695-10-2 2014 Fire hazard testing - Part 10-2: Abnormal EN 60695-10-2 2014
heat - Ball pressure test method
IEC 60730-2-11 2019 Automatic electrical controls for household EN IEC 60730-2-11 2020
and similar use - Part 2-11: Particular
requirements for energy regulators
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60999-1 1999 Connecting devices - Electrical copper EN 60999-1 2000
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 61058 series Switches for appliances EN 61058 series

Annex ZZ
(informative)
Relationship between this European standard and the safety
objectives of Directive 2014/35/EU [2014 OJ L96] aimed to be
covered
This European standard has been prepared under a Commission’s standardisation request relating to
harmonised standards in the field of the Low Voltage Directive, M/511, to provide one voluntary means
of conforming to safety objectives of Directive 2014/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the
making available on the market of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits
[2014 OJ L96].
Once this standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union under that Directive,
compliance with the normative clauses of this standard given in Table ZZ.1 confers, within the limits of
the scope of this standard, a presumption of conformity with the corresponding safety objectives of
that Directive, and associated EFTA regulations.
Table ZZ.1 — Correspondence between this European standard and Annex I of Directive
2014/35/EU [2014 OJ L96]
Clause(s) / sub-clause(s)
Safety objectives of Directive
Remarks / Notes
2014/35/EU
of this EN
(1)(a) 8
(1)(b) 4, 9, 12, 20
(1)(c) See below detailed clauses
(2)(a) 4, 8.6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20,
21, 22, 23, 26, 27
9 in combination with
EN 60320-3
(2)(b) 17, 19, 20, 21, 25, 27
(2)(c) N.A.
(2)(d) 10, 14, 15, 20, 22, 26
(3)(a) 22, 23
(3)(b) 14, 22, 24, 28
(3)(c) 21, 22
WARNING 1 — Presumption of conformity stays valid only as long as a reference to this European
standard is maintained in the list published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Users of this
standard should consult frequently the latest list published in the Official Journal of the European
Union.
WARNING 2 — Other Union legislation may be applicable to the product(s) falling within the scope of
this standard.
IEC 60320-1 ®
Edition 4.0 2021-07
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 978-2-8322-1001-2

– 2 – IEC 60320-1:2021 © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 7
1 Scope . 9
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 Routine tests. 14
6 Standard ratings . 15
7 Classification of appliance couplers . 15
8 Marking . 15
8.1 General . 15
8.2 Additional markings . 15
8.3 Appliance couplers for class II equipment . 16
8.4 Symbols or alphanumeric notations . 16
8.5 Legibility of markings . 16
8.6 Terminal markings and wiring instructions . 16
8.7 Durability . 17
8.8 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 standardized appliance couplers . 18
9.5 Dimensions for non-standardized appliance couplers . 18
10 Protection against electric shock . 19
10.1 Accessibility of live parts . 19
10.2 Protection against single pole connection . 19
10.3 Protection against access to live parts . 19
10.4 External parts . 19
10.5 Shrouds . 19
11 Provision for earthing . 19
12 Terminals and terminations . 20
12.1 General . 20
12.2 Rewirable appliance couplers . 20
12.3 Non‐rewirable appliance couplers . 20
13 Construction . 20
13.1 Risk of accidental contact . 20
13.2 Contact positions . 20
13.3 Parts covering live parts . 21
13.4 Pin construction . 21
13.4.1 Prevention of rotation . 21
13.4.2 Pin retention . 21
13.4.3 Non‐solid pins. 22

IEC 60320-1:2021 © IEC 2021 – 3 –
13.4.4 Pins for appliance couplers for higher ambient temperatures up to
+90 °C . 22
13.5 Contact pressure . 22
13.6 Enclosure . 23
13.6.1 General . 23
13.6.2 Rewirable connectors and rewirable plug connectors . 23
13.6.3 Non-rewirable connectors and non-rewirable plug connectors . 23
13.7 Earth connection . 24
13.8 Location of terminals and terminations . 24
13.8.1 General . 24
13.8.2 Free wire test for rewirable accessories . 24
13.8.3 Free wire test for non-rewirable non-moulded-on accessories . 24
13.8.4 Free wire verification for non-rewirable moulded-on accessories . 25
13.9 Connectors/plug connectors without earthing contact . 25
13.10 Fuses, relays, thermostats, thermal cut-outs and switches . 25
14 Moisture resistance . 25
15 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 26
15.1 General . 26
15.2 Insulation resistance . 28
15.3 Dielectric strength . 28
16 Forces necessary to insert and to withdraw the connector/appliance outlet . 29
16.1 General . 29
16.2 Verification of the maximum withdrawal force . 30
16.3 Verification of the minimum withdrawal force . 31
17 Operation of contacts . 32
18 Resistance to heating of appliance couplers for hot conditions or very hot
conditions . 32
18.1 General . 32
18.2 Heating test for connectors/plug connectors . 33
18.3 Heating test for appliance inlets/appliance outlets . 34
19 Breaking capacity . 34
20 Normal operation . 36
21 Temperature rise . 36
22 Cords and their connection . 37
22.1 Cords for non-rewirable connectors/plug connectors . 37
22.2 Cord anchorage . 38
22.2.1 General . 38
22.2.2 Additional requirements for rewirable connectors and rewirable plug
connectors . 39
22.2.3 Pull test for cable anchorage . 39
22.3 Flexing test . 41
23 Mechanical strength . 43
23.1 General . 43
23.2 Free fall test . 44
23.3 Lateral pull test for contacts . 44
23.4 Impact test . 46
23.5 Deformation test . 46
23.6 Pull tests for connectors/plug connectors with a separate front part . 47

– 4 – IEC 60320-1:2021 © IEC 2021
23.6.1 General . 47
23.6.2 Straight pull test . 47
23.6.3 Lateral pull test . 47
24 Resistance to heat and ageing. 48
24.1 Resistance to heat . 48
24.2 Resistance to ageing . 48
24.2.1 General . 48
24.2.2 Ageing test for elastomeric materials . 49
24.2.3 Ageing test for thermoplastic materials . 49
24.2.4 Ageing test assessment . 49
25 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 49
25.1 General . 49
25.2 Electrical connections . 50
25.3 Securement of connections . 51
25.4 Metallic parts . 51
26 Clearances, creepage distances and solid insulation . 51
26.1 General . 51
26.2 Clearances . 52
26.2.1 Dimensioning . 52
26.2.2 Minimum values for clearances . 52
26.3 Creepage distances . 53
26.3.1 Dimensioning . 53
26.3.2 Minimum creepage distances . 53
26.4 Solid insulation . 54
27 Resistance of insulating material to heat, fire and tracking . 55
27.1 Resistance to heat and fire . 55
27.1.1 General . 55
27.1.2 Objective of the test . 55
27.1.3 General description of the test . 55
27.1.4 Degree of severity . 55
27.1.5 Evaluation of test results . 55
27.2 Resistance to tracking . 56
28 Resistance to rusting . 56
29 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements . 56
29.1 Immunity – Accessories not incorporating electronic components . 56
29.2 Emission – Accessories not incorporating electronic components . 57
Annex A (normative) Proof tracking test . 58
Annex B (normative) Routine tests for factory wired appliance couplers related to
safety. 59
B.1 General . 59
B.2 Polarized systems: Line (L) and neutral (N) – Correct connection . 59
B.3 Earth (PE) continuity . 60
B.4 Short-circuit/wrong connection and reduction in creepage distance
and clearance . 60
B.4.1 Accessible surface safety check . 60
B.4.2 Short-circuit/wrong connection . 60
Annex C (normative) Test schedule . 61
Annex D (informative) Comparison of typical conductor cross-sectional areas . 63

IEC 60320-1:2021 © IEC 2021 – 5 –
Annex E (normative) Additional tests and requirements for appliance couplers
intended to be used in ambient temperatures above +35 °C up to and including +90 °C. 64
E.1 General . 64
E.2 General requirements on tests . 64
E.2.1 General . 64
E.2.2 Test setup . 64
E.2.3 Conditions of temperature measurement. 64
E.2.4 Method of measurement . 65
E.3 Markings . 65
E.4 Determination of t and the rated and derated current in relation to the
a
ambient temperature . 65
E.4.1 Determination of the maximum ambient temperature (t ) for operation of
a
the accessory at the rated current. 65
E.4.2 Determination of the derated operating currents for ambient
temperatures above t . 66
a
E.5 Test to evaluate the long-term behaviour of the appliance couplers in
ambient temperatures above +35 °C up to and including +90 °C . 66
E.5.1 Resistance to heat . 66
E.5.2 Resistance to ageing . 67
E.5.3 Resistance to tracking . 68
E.6 Cords and their connections . 68
Bibliography . 69

Figure 1 – Intended use of appliance couplers . 11
Figure 2 – Device for testing non-solid pins . 22
Figure 3 – Apparatus for checking the withdrawal force . 30
Figure 4 – Gauge for verification of the minimum withdrawal force . 31
Figure 5 – Example of an apparatus for heating test (see 18.2) . 33
Figure 6 – Circuit diagram for breaking capacity and normal operation tests . 35
Figure 7 – Apparatus for testing the cord anchorage . 39
Figure 8 – Apparatus for the flexing test . 42
Figure 9 – Example of apparatus for pulling test . 45
Figure E.1 – Schematic drawing of a derating curve with an example of a derated
current I at the operating ambient temperature t . 66
d d
Table 1 – Position of contacts . 20
Table 2 – Maximum diameters of the cords . 27
Table 3 – Minimum insulation resistance . 28
Table 4 – Dielectric strength . 29
Table 5 – Maximum and minimum withdrawal forces . 30
Table 6 – Ratings for the tests of Clause 19 . 35
Table 7 – Ratings for the tests of Clause 20 . 36
Table 8 – Cords and conductors for the tests of Clause 21 . 37
Table 9 – Type and nominal cross-sectional area of cords . 38
Table 10 – Types of cord for the rewirable connector/plug connector test . 40
Table 11 – Applicable tests . 44
Table 12 – Values for the lateral pulls applied . 46

– 6 – IEC 60320-1:2021 © IEC 2021
Table 13 – Values for pull forces . 47
Table 14 – Torque applied for the tightening and loosening test . 50
Table 15 – Rated impulse withstand voltage for appliance couplers energized directly
from the low voltage mains . 52
Table 16 – Minimum clearances for basic insulation. 53
Table 17 – Minimum creepage distances for basic and functional insulation . 54
Table B.1 – Test overview . 59
Table C.1 – Test schedule . 61
Table D.1 – Comparison of conductor sizes . 63

IEC 60320-1:2021 © IEC 2021 – 7 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
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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.
IEC 60320-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 23G: Appliance couplers, of IEC technical
committee 23: Electrical accessories. It is an International Standard.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2015 and
Amendment 1:2018. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) introduction of necessary tolerances throughout this document;
b) the heating test from edition 2 is reintroduced in 18.2;
c) temperature rise added for plug connectors in Clause 21;
d) change for better readability in 23.3;
e) updated lateral pull test in 23.6 for connectors/plug connectors with separate front parts;

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f) revision of 24.1 for ball pressure test;
g) Clause 27 for glow wire test is updated;
h) revision of Annex C for test sequences;
i) additional Annex E for additional tests and requirements for appliance couplers intended
to be used in ambient temperatures above +35 °C.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
23G/464/FDIS 23G/467/RVD
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 International Standard is English.
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.
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.
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.
IEC 60320-1:2021 © IEC 2021 – 9 –
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 document is also valid for appliance inlets/appliance outlets integrated or incorporated in
appliances.
The rated voltage does not exceed 250 V (AC) and the rated current does not exceed 16 A.
Appliance couplers complying with this document 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.
Annex E provides test requirements for derating the operating current of an accessory when
used in ambient temperatures above +35 °C up to and including +90 °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);
– use in place of installation couplers according to IEC 61535.
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 60112:2020, 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
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IEC 60245 (all parts), Rubber insulated cables – Rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
IEC 60320-3:2014, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 3:
Standard sheets and gauges
IEC 60320-3:2014/AMD1:2018
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available from: http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment)
IEC 60664-1:2020, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60695‐2‐11:2014, Fire hazard testing – Part 2‐11: Glowing/hot‐wire based test methods –
Glow‐wire flammability test method for end‐products (GWEPT)
IEC 60695‐10‐2:2014, Fire hazard testing – Part 10-2: Abnormal heat – Ball pressure test
method
IEC 60730-2-11:2019, Automatic electrical controls – Part 2-11: Particular requirements for
energy regulators
IEC 60999-1:1999, Connecting devices – Electrical copper conductors – Safety requirements
for screw-type and screwless-type clamping units – Part 1: General requirements and
2 2
particular requirements for clamping units for conductors from 0,2 mm up to 35 mm
(included)
IEC 61032:1997, Protection of persons and equipment by enclosures – Probes for verification
IEC 61058 (all parts), Switches for appliances
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
...