SIST EN IEC 61535:2024

Installation couplers intended for permanent connection in fixed installations

IEC 61535:2023 is available as IEC 61535:2023 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.

IEC 61535:2023 applies to two-wire, up to five-wire installation couplers, with or without earthing contact, if provided, with a rated voltage up to and including 500 V AC or 500 V DC and a rated connecting capacity up to and including 10 mm2 and a rated current not exceeding 32 A for permanent connection in electrical installations. Installation couplers with additional contacts for voltages other than mains voltages are outside the scope of this document. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2019. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) inclusion of a definition for "live part" based on IEC 61140;
b) additional optional cross medial documentation, e.g. marking with QR-Code;
c) corrections on the consistent use of the expressions "earth", "earthing contact", "earthing circuit" and "protective earth(ing)" throughout the document;
d) addition of missing compliance provisions to 13.3;
e) update of Figure D.1 of Annex D;
f) inclusion of new Annex F for cold climate requirements.

Installationssteckverbinder für dauernde Verbindung in festen Installationen

Coupleurs d'installation pour connexions permanentes dans les installations fixes

IEC 61535:2023 est disponible sous forme de IEC 61535:2023 RLV qui contient la Norme internationale et sa version Redline, illustrant les modifications du contenu technique depuis l'édition précédente.

L'IEC 61535:2023 s'applique aux coupleurs d'installation qui comportent deux à cinq conducteurs, avec ou sans contact de terre (le cas échéant), de tension continue ou alternative assignée jusqu'à 500 V inclus et de capacité assignée de connexion jusqu'à 10 mm2 inclus, avec un courant assigné qui ne dépasse pas 32 A, pour connexion permanente dans les installations électriques. Les coupleurs d'installation avec des contacts supplémentaires pour des tensions autres que la tension d'alimentation du réseau ne relèvent pas du domaine d'application du présent document. Cette troisième édition annule et remplace la deuxième édition parue en 2019. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
a) inclusion d'une définition issue de l'IEC 61140 pour "partie active";
b) documentation facultative supplémentaire disponible sur plusieurs supports, par exemple marquage avec QR code;
c) corrections relatives à l'utilisation cohérente des expressions "terre", "contact de terre", "circuit de terre" et "(mise à la) terre de protection" dans l'ensemble du document;
d) ajout de dispositions de conformité manquantes au 13.3;
e) mise à jour de la Figure D.1 de l'Annexe D;
f) ajout d'une nouvelle Annexe F pour les exigences relatives aux climats froids.

Inštalacijske spojke za trajni spoj v fiksnih napeljavah (inštalacijah)

Ta dokument se uporablja za dvo- do petžične inštalacijske spojke z ozemljitvijo (če je priložena) ali brez nje, z nazivno napetostjo do vključno 500 V pri izmeničnem ali 500 V pri enosmernem toku, nazivno spojno zmogljivostjo do vključno 10 mm2 in nazivnim tokom največ 32 A za trajni spoj v električnih inštalacijah. Inštalacijske spojke z dodatnimi stiki za napetosti, razen omrežnih napetosti, ne spadajo na področje uporabe tega dokumenta.
Inštalacijska spojka je sestavljena iz inštalacijskega ženskega in moškega konektorja za trajni spoj, ki ni zasnovan za odklop ali priklop pod obremenitvijo, razen med prvo namestitvijo ali med preoblikovanjem ali vzdrževanjem inštalacijskega sistema, v katerem so nameščene inštalacijske spojke. Zaradi tega se inštalacijske spojke le redko uporabljajo.
Inštalacijske spojke niso primerne za uporabo namesto vtičnih naprav. Inštalacijske spojke niso primerne za uporabo namesto elementov za priključitev svetilk (DCL) v skladu s standardom IEC 61995 (vsi deli) ali spojk za podporo svetilk (LSC).
Inštalacijske spojke v skladu s tem dokumentom so primerne za uporabo pri temperaturah okolja, ki običajno ne presegajo +40 °C in njihovo povprečje v 24 urah ne presega +35 °C, pri čemer je spodnja meja temperature okolja –5 °C tako za notranjo kot zunanjo uporabo.
OPOMBA 1: Dodatni preskusi za uporabo v hladnih podnebjih so podani v dodatku F, ki je normativen v naslednjih državah:
Finska (FI). Potrebne informacije je mogoče navesti v proizvajalčevih navodilih za namestitev.
OPOMBA 2: Potrebne informacije za druge temperature je mogoče navesti v proizvajalčevih navodilih za namestitev. Na območjih, kjer prevladujejo posebne razmere, npr. na ladjah, v vozilih in podobno ter v nevarnih območjih, npr. kjer so možne eksplozije, so morda potrebne posebne konstrukcije.
OPOMBA 3: Inštalacijske spojke lahko namestijo le usposobljene ali kvalificirane osebe.
OPOMBA 4: Za navodila glede uporabe inštalacijskih spojk glej dodatek D.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 30-Mar-2022
• Publication Date: 10-Oct-2024
• ICS: 29.120.99 - Other electrical accessories
• Technical Committee: EPR - Electrical accessories
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 03-Sep-2024
• Due Date: 08-Nov-2024
• Completion Date: 11-Oct-2024
• 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 61535:2024 - Installation couplers intended for permanent connection in fixed installations

Relations

• Revised: SIST EN IEC 61535:2020 - Installation couplers intended for permanent connection in fixed installations (IEC 61535:2019)
• Effective Date: 24-Nov-2020

Overview

EN IEC 61535:2024 (adoption of IEC 61535:2023 RLV) is the European/CENELEC standard for installation couplers intended for permanent connection in fixed installations. It applies to two‑ to five‑wire couplers, with or without earthing contact, for rated voltages up to and including 500 V AC or 500 V DC, rated connecting capacity up to 10 mm² and rated currents not exceeding 32 A. The third edition (2024) replaces EN IEC 61535:2019 and constitutes a technical revision, including redline changes vs the previous edition.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and classification: Defines types (rewirable / non‑rewirable), wire counts (2–5), earthing arrangements and excluded items (couplers with auxiliary contacts for non‑mains voltages).
• Ratings: Rated voltage, rated current and rated connecting capacity (≤ 10 mm²) are specified and tested.
• Safety and protection: Requirements for protection against electric shock, ingress of solid objects and water (IP ratings), access to live parts and marking of live parts consistent with IEC 61140.
• Terminals and terminations: Construction, strand‑retention tests, terminal types for rewirable and non‑rewirable couplers, and requirements to prevent loose conductor strands.
• Mechanical and electrical construction: Contact mechanical strength, contact pressure, shrouds, locking, housing integrity, and stress/dismantling tests for both rewirable and non‑rewirable types.
• Electrical endurance and performance tests: Insulation resistance, electric strength, temperature rise, breaking capacity and routine tests are defined.
• Compatibility & dangerous compatibility: Rules to avoid unintended connections and to ensure safe mating with other systems.
• Documentation and marking: Mandatory markings, documentation requirements and optional modern features (e.g., QR‑code marking for cross‑media documentation).
• Environmental considerations: New Annex F introduces cold climate requirements; other annexes updated (e.g., Figure D.1, compliance provisions).

Applications and users

This standard is essential for:

• Manufacturers and product designers of fixed‑installation couplers, distribution blocks and factory‑wired connectors.
• Electrical installers and contractors specifying safe, code‑compliant permanent connections in buildings and industrial installations.
• Testing and certification laboratories performing type and routine tests for conformity and CE marking under the Low Voltage Directive.
• Specifiers and safety engineers who need to ensure compatibility, IP protection and mechanical robustness in fixed wiring applications (lighting circuits, machinery fixed connections, distribution systems).

Related standards

Relevant referenced standards include (see Annex ZA): IEC/EN 60309, IEC/EN 60320, IEC/EN 60364 series (HD 60364), IEC 60664‑1, IEC 61032 and others referenced for tests and safety coordination. EN IEC 61535:2024 also supports conformity assessment under the EU Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU).

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2024
Inštalacijske spojke za trajni spoj v fiksnih napeljavah (inštalacijah)
Installation couplers intended for permanent connection in fixed installations
Installationssteckverbinder für dauernde Verbindung in festen Installationen
Coupleurs d'installation pour connexions permanentes dans les installations fixes
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 61535:2024
ICS:
29.120.99 Druga električna dodatna Other electrical accessories
oprema
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 61535

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM August 2024
ICS 29.120.99 Supersedes EN IEC 61535:2019
English Version
Installation couplers intended for permanent connection in fixed
installations
(IEC 61535:2023)
Coupleurs d'installation pour connexions permanentes dans Installationssteckverbinder für dauernde Verbindung in
les installations fixes festen Installationen
(IEC 61535:2023) (IEC 61535:2023)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2024-06-12. 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,
Türkiye 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
© 2024 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 61535:2024 E
European foreword
The text of document 23/1062/FDIS, future edition 3 of IEC 61535, prepared by IEC/TC 23 "Electrical
accessories" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2025-03-12
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2027-06-12
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN IEC 61535:2019 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 addressed to CENELEC by the
European Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these
requests for its Member States.
For the relationship with EU Legislation, 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 61535:2023 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 standard indicated:
IEC 60309 (series) NOTE Approved as EN IEC 60309 (series)
IEC 60320 (series) NOTE Approved as EN 60320 (series)
IEC 60364 (series) NOTE Approved as HD 60364 (series)
IEC 60364-4-41:2005 NOTE Approved as HD 60364-4-41:2017 + A11:2017
IEC 60364-5-52:2009 NOTE Approved as HD 60364-5-52:2011 + A11:2017
IEC 61995 (series) NOTE Approved as EN 61995 (series)
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.cencenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60068-2-31 2008 Environmental testing – Part 2-31: Tests - Test EN 60068-2-31 2008
Ec: Rough handling shocks, primarily for

equipment-type specimens
IEC 60112 2020 Method for determining the comparative and EN IEC 60112 2020
proof tracking indices of solid insulating
materials under moist conditions
1)
IEC 60529 – Degrees of protection provided by enclosures EN 60529 1991
(IP Code)
+ A1 2000
+ A2 2013
IEC 60664-1 2020 Insulation co-ordination for equipment within EN IEC 60664-1 2020
low-voltage systems – Part 1: Principles,
requirements and tests
1)
IEC 60695-2-11 – Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire EN 60695-2-11 2021
based test methods – Glow-wire flammability
test method for end-products
1)
IEC 60998-2-3 – Connecting devices for low-voltage circuits for EN 60998-2-3 2004
household and similar purposes – Part 2-3:
Particular requirements for connecting devices
as separate entities with insulation-piercing
clamping units
IEC 60999-1 1999 Connecting devices - Electrical copper 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 61032 1997 Protection of persons and equipment by EN 61032 1998
enclosures – Probes for verification

1)
Undated reference.
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
Remarks / Notes
Directive 2014/35/EU
of this EN
(1)(a) Clauses 1, 7, 8, Annex D, Annex
E
(1)(b) Clauses 6.2, 6.3, 8.3, 8.4, 9, 11,
12, 19, 22, Annex A, Annex E
(1)(c) Clause 4
(2)(a) Clauses 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 19.5,
20, 21, 23, Annex A
(2)(b) Clauses 11.2, 12.9, 15, 16, 17,
21.5
(2)(c) Clauses 10.1, 12, 24
(2)(d) Clauses 6, 10, 14, 21, 23, 24
(3)(a) Clauses 9.1, 12, 13, 18, 19.2,
19.3, 19.4, 20, 21.3, 21.4, 22
(3)(b) Clauses 13, 21, 24, 25, Annex F
(3)(c) Clauses 11.2, 12.2, 12.3
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 61535 ®
Edition 3.0 2023-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Installation couplers intended for permanent connection in fixed installations

Coupleurs d'installation pour connexions permanentes dans les installations

fixes
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.120.99  ISBN 978-2-8322-6700-4

– 2 – IEC 61535:2023 © IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6
INTRODUCTION . 8
1 Scope . 9
2 Normative references . 9
3 Terms and definitions . 10
4 General requirements . 12
5 Conditions for tests . 13
5.1 General . 13
5.2 Test conditions . 13
5.3 Tests on non-rewirable installation couplers . 13
5.4 Order of tests . 13
5.5 Specification of tests . 13
5.6 Compliance requirements . 13
5.7 Routine tests for non-rewirable installation couplers . 14
6 Ratings . 14
6.1 Rated voltage . 14
6.2 Rated current . 14
6.3 Rated connecting capacity . 15
6.4 Tests . 15
7 Classification . 15
8 Marking and documentation . 16
8.1 General . 16
8.2 Use of symbols or letters . 16
8.3 Markings . 16
8.4 Documentation . 17
9 Dangerous compatibility . 18
9.1 Unintended or improper connection . 18
9.2 Engagement . 18
9.3 Compatibility of different installation coupler systems . 18
9.4 Compatibility with standard systems . 18
10 Protection against electric shock . 19
10.1 Degree of protection against ingress of solid foreign objects . 19
10.2 Access to live parts . 19
10.3 External parts . 19
11 Terminals, terminations and connectable conductors . 19
11.1 Terminals and terminations . 19
11.1.1 General . 19
11.1.2 Terminals of rewirable installation couplers . 20
11.1.3 Terminations of non-rewirable installation couplers . 20
11.2 Connectable conductors. 20
12 Construction . 21
12.1 Connection between earthing contacts . 21
12.2 Locking against rotation . 21
12.3 Mechanical strength of contacts . 21
12.4 Housing of rewirable installation couplers . 21

IEC 61535:2023 © IEC 2023 – 3 –
12.5 Housing of non-rewirable installation couplers . 22
12.6 Dismantling and opening of rewirable installation couplers . 22
12.7 Earthing contact and earthing terminal . 22
12.8 Loose conductor strands . 22
12.8.1 General . 22
12.8.2 Strand test for rewirable installation couplers . 23
12.8.3 Strand test for non-rewirable non-molded-on installation couplers . 23
12.8.4 Strand test for non-rewirable moulded-on installation couplers . 23
12.9 Incorporation of electrical devices . 23
12.10 Retaining means . 24
12.11 Distribution blocks . 24
12.12 Shrouds . 24
12.13 Factory wiring . 24
12.14 Stress test . 24
12.14.1 General . 24
12.14.2 Stress test of rewirable installation couplers . 24
12.14.3 Stress test of non-rewirable installation couplers . 25
12.15 Separation of non-rewirable installation couplers . 25
13 Protection against harmful ingress of solid foreign objects and against harmful
ingress of water . 25
13.1 General . 25
13.2 Protection against harmful ingress of solid foreign objects . 25
13.3 Protection against harmful ingress of water . 25
14 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 26
14.1 General . 26
14.2 Insulation resistance . 26
14.3 Electric strength . 26
15 Construction of contacts . 27
15.1 Resiliency . 27
15.2 Resistance of connections . 27
15.3 Contact pressure . 28
16 Temperature rise . 28
17 Breaking capacity . 29
18 Forces necessary to disengage the parts of the installation coupler . 30
19 Cables and their connection . 30
19.1 Capability of being fitted . 30
19.2 Relief from pull, thrust and torsion . 30
19.3 Cable anchorage . 30
19.4 Capability to connect cables with different cross-sectional area . 31
19.5 Sharp edges . 33
20 Mechanical strength . 33
21 Resistance to heat and ageing. 34
21.1 Resistance to heat . 34
21.2 Dry heat storage . 34
21.3 Ball pressure test . 34
21.4 Ageing of elastomeric and thermoplastic material . 35
21.5 Current cycling test . 35
22 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 36

– 4 – IEC 61535:2023 © IEC 2023
22.1 Screws and nuts . 36
22.2 Screws and insulating material . 37
22.3 Screws and rivets for electrical and mechanical connections. 38
22.4 Metals of current-carrying parts . 38
23 Clearances, creepage distances and distances through solid insulation . 38
24 Resistance to abnormal heat and to tracking . 42
24.1 Resistance to abnormal heat . 42
24.2 Resistance to tracking . 44
25 Resistance to rusting . 44
Annex A (normative) Routine protective earth continuity tests . 46
Annex B (normative) Test circuits for temperature rise test . 47
Annex C (normative) Number of sets of test samples used for the tests and sequence
of tests for each set . 50
Annex D (informative) Guide to use . 51
D.1 General . 51
D.2 Applications . 51
D.3 Examples of use of installation couplers . 51
Annex E (normative) Warning symbol used in DC applications . 54
Annex F (informative) Additional tests and requirements for installation couplers
intended to be used in ambient air temperature below −5 °C down to and including
−45 °C . 55
F.1 General . 55
F.2 General requirements on tests . 55
F.3 Additional marking and documentation . 55
F.3.1 Additional marking . 55
F.3.2 Additional documentation . 55
F.4 Mechanical strength at lower ambient air temperatures . 55
Bibliography . 57

Figure 1 – Apparatus for testing the cable anchorage . 32
Figure 2 – Apparatus for measuring the distortion (example) . 33
Figure 3 – Ball-pressure apparatus . 35
Figure 4 – Explanation of "small part" . 44
Figure B.1 – 1P + N + PE installation couplers, including N . 47
Figure B.2 – 1P + N + PE installation couplers, including PE . 47
Figure B.3 – 3P + N + PE installation couplers, 3 phases loaded . 47
Figure B.4 – 3P + N + PE installation couplers, N and PE loaded . 47
Figure B.5 – 1P + N + PE distribution block, phase and N loaded . 48
Figure B.6 – 1P + N + PE distribution block, phase and PE loaded . 48
Figure B.7 – 3P + N + PE to 1P + N + PE distribution block, 3 phases loaded . 49
Figure B.8 – 3P + N + PE to 1P + N + PE distribution block, N and PE loaded . 49
Figure D.1 – Examples of use of installation couplers . 52
Figure D.2 – Magnified area of Figure D.1 to show installation couplers . 53
Figure E.1 – Symbol "DO NOT CONNECT OR DISCONNECT UNDER LOAD" . 54

Table 1 – Voltage rating for installation couplers in AC application . 14

IEC 61535:2023 © IEC 2023 – 5 –
Table 2 – Voltage rating for installation couplers in DC application . 14
Table 3 – Classification of installation couplers . 15
Table 4 – Test currents for installation couplers . 29
Table 5 – Forces to be applied to cable anchorages . 31
Table 6 – Torque applied for the tightening and loosening test . 37
Table 7 – Installation couplers intended for use in supply systems with a maximum
voltage to earth of 150 V AC, rated impulse voltage 2,5 kV . 38
Table 8 – Installation couplers intended for use in supply systems with a maximum
voltage to earth of 300 V AC, rated impulse voltage 4,0 kV . 39
Table 9 – Installation couplers intended for use in single-phase two-wire systems
50 V DC and single-phase three-wire systems 60 V DC, rated impulse voltage 0,8 kV . 40
Table 10 – Installation couplers intended for use in single-phase two-wire systems
120 V DC and single-phase three-wire systems 240 V DC, rated impulse voltage

2,5 kV . 41
Table 11 – Installation couplers intended for use in single-phase two-wire systems
220 V DC and single-phase three-wire systems 440 V DC, rated impulse voltage
4,0 kV . 42
Table C.1 – Sets of samples . 50

– 6 – IEC 61535:2023 © IEC 2023
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
INSTALLATION COUPLERS INTENDED FOR PERMANENT
CONNECTION IN FIXED INSTALLATIONS

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
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Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
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consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
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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.
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assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
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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 61535 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories. It is an
International Standard.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2019. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) inclusion of a definition for "live part" based on IEC 61140;
b) additional optional cross medial documentation, e.g. marking with QR-Code;
c) corrections on the consistent use of the expressions "earth", "earthing contact", "earthing
circuit" and "protective earth(ing)" throughout the document;
d) addition of missing compliance provisions to 13.3;
e) update of Figure D.1 of Annex D;
f) inclusion of new Annex F for cold climate requirements.

IEC 61535:2023 © IEC 2023 – 7 –
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
23/1062/FDIS 23/1066/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.
In this standard, the following print types are used:
• requirements proper: in roman type;
• test specifications: in italic type;
• explanatory matter: in smaller roman type.
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/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.
– 8 – IEC 61535:2023 © IEC 2023
INTRODUCTION
AC and DC installation couplers according to this document may be used, for example, in
prefabricated buildings, commercial showrooms, installation cavities, such as suspended floors
and ceilings, in partition walls and in any similar applications, or cable tray systems, cable
ladder systems, cable ducting systems and cable trunking systems or in furniture complying
with IEC 60364-7-713.
This document may be used as a guide for installation couplers with additional contacts for
voltages other than mains voltages.
Particular requirements for installation couplers, for example, for use at higher or lower ambient
temperatures, with higher mechanical durability (e.g. metal housings), with higher fire
resistance and for use in control circuits (e.g. SELV), are under consideration.
National rules can have requirements concerning the accessibility of installation couplers.
National rules can specify who is allowed to carry out the connection and disconnection of
installation couplers.
National rules can have requirements concerning installation couplers with metal conduits.

IEC 61535:2023 © IEC 2023 – 9 –
INSTALLATION COUPLERS INTENDED FOR PERMANENT
CONNECTION IN FIXED INSTALLATIONS

1 Scope
This document applies to two-wire, up to five-wire installation couplers, with or without earthing
contact, if provided, with a rated voltage up to and including 500 V AC or 500 V DC and a rated
connecting capacity up to and including 10 mm and a rated current not exceeding 32 A for
permanent connection in electrical installations. Installation couplers with additional contacts
for voltages other than mains voltages are outside the scope of this document.
An installation coupler consists of an installation female connector and an installation male
connector for permanent connection not intended to be engaged or disengaged under load nor
to be engaged or disengaged other than during first installation or during reconfiguration or
maintenance of the wiring system in which installation couplers have been installed. This means
that installation couplers are intended for infrequent use only.
Installation couplers are not suitable for use in place of socket-outlet systems. Installation
couplers are not suitable for use in place of devices for connecting luminaires (DCLs) according
to IEC 61995 (all parts) or in place of luminaire supporting couplers (LSCs).
Installation couplers complying with this document are suitable for 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, either for indoor or outdoor use.
NOTE 1 Additional tests for use in cold climates are shown in Annex F, which is normative in following countries:
FI. Necessary information can be given in the manufacturer's installation instructions.
NOTE 2 For other temperatures, necessary information can be given in the manufacturer's installation instructions.
In locations where special conditions prevail, as in ships, vehicles and the like and in hazardous
locations, for example where explosions are liable to occur, special constructions can be
required.
NOTE 3 Installation couplers are intended to be installed by instructed or skilled persons.
NOTE 4 As a guide to using installation coupler systems, see Annex D.
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 60068-2-31:2008, Environmental testing – Part 2-31: Tests – Test Ec: Rough handling
shocks, primarily for equipment-type specimens
IEC 60112, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking indices of
solid insulating materials
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013
– 10 – IEC 61535:2023 © IEC 2023
IEC 60664-1:2020, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage supply systems –
Part 1: Principles, requirements and tests
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 60998-2-3, Connecting devices for low-voltage circuits for household and similar purposes
– Part 2-3: Particular requirements for connecting devices as separate entities with
insulation-piercing clamping units
IEC 60999-1:1999, Connecting devices – Electrical copper conductors – Safety requirements
for screw-type and screwless-type clamping units – Part 1: General requirements and particular
2 2
requirements for clamping units for conductors from 0,2 mm up to 35 mm (included)
IEC 61032:1997, Protection of persons and equipment by enclosures – Probes for verification
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
Where the terms "voltage" and "current" are used in this document, they are RMS values, unless
otherwise specified.
3.1
rated voltage
voltage assigned to the installation coupler by the manufacturer
3.2
rated current
maximum current assigned to the installation coupler by the manufacturer
Note 1 to entry: Rated current refers to the installation coupler itself and not to an electric circuit.
3.3
rated connecting capacity
cross-sectional area of the largest conductor(s) to be connected as stated by the manufacturer
of the installation coupler
3.4
permanent connection
connecting method in an installation which is only opened for maintenance or wiring system
re-configuration
Note 1 to entry: The expression "permanent connection" is to be understood as a connection which is maintained
as long as an installation exists.
3.5
installation coupler
connecting device consisting of an installation female connector and an installation male
connector provided with retaining means for permanent connection not intended to be engaged
or disengaged under load nor to be engaged or disengaged other than during first installation,
during maintenance of the wiring system or during re-configuration of the wiring system

IEC 61535:2023 © IEC 2023 – 11 –
3.6
installation male connector
load side portion of an installation coupler which contains the male contacts
3.7
installation female connector
supply side portion of an installation coupler which contains the female contacts
3.8
installation coupler system
family of installation couplers consisting of one or more installation female connectors
compatible by mechanical coding features with one or more installation male connectors, with
the same ratings produced according to the specification of one manufacturer
Note 1 to entry: The meaning of "one manufacturer" in this case, is "one and the same manufacturer".
3.9
wiring system
assembly made up of a cable or cables or busbars and the parts which secure and if necessary
enclose the cables or busbars
[SOURCE: IEC 60364-5-52:2009, 520.3.1, modified – "bare or insulated conductors" has been
replaced with "a cable".]
3.10
rewirable installation coupler
installation coupler so constructed that the cable can be replaced
3.11
non-rewirable installation coupler
installation coupler so constructed that it forms a complete unit with the cable after connection
and assembly by the manufacturer
Note 1 to entry: See also 12.15.
3.12
non-rewirable moulded-on installation coupler
non-rewirable installation coupler so constructed that the contacts, terminals or connections
and the attached cable ends are surrounded by insulating material manufactured by a moulding
process
3.13
non-rewirable non-moulded-on installation coupler
non-rewirable installation coupler so constructed that the contacts, terminals or connections
and the attached cable ends are surrounded by separate parts of insulating material
3.14
distribution block
device intended for branching of circuits
3.15
retaining means
arrangement by which an installation female connector and an installation male connector are
held in position when they are properly engaged and prevents unintentional disengagement
Note 1 to entry: The disengagement may be done by hand or by the use of a tool.

– 12 – IEC 61535:2023 © IEC 2023
3.16
cap
removable barrier to prevent ready accessibility to an unused installation female connector
3.17
routine test
test to which each device is subjected during and/or after manufacture to ascertain whether it
complies with certain criteria
3.18
type test
test of one or more devices made to a certain design to show that the design meets certain
requirements
3.19
readily accessible, adj
accessible to touch from any point on a surface where persons usually stand or move about to
the limits which a person can reach with the hand, in any direction without assistance
Note 1 to entry: See IEC 60364-4-41:2005, Annex B.
3.20
terminal
part of an accessory to which a conductor is attached, providing a reusable connection
3.21
termination
part of an accessory to which a conductor is permanently attached
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-06-06]
3.22
live part
conductive part intended to be energized in normal conditions, including a neutral conductor or
mid-point conductor, but by convention not a PEN conductor or PEM conductor or PEL
conductor
Note 1 to entry: This concept does not necessarily imply a risk of electric sh
...