EN 60320-2-3:1998

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2000
Appliances couplers for household and similar general purposes - Part 2-3:
Appliance couplers with a degree of protection higher than IPX0 (IEC 60320-2-
3:1998)
Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes -- Part 2-3: Appliance
coupler with a degree of protection higher than IPX0
Gerätesteckvorrichtungen für den Hausgebrauch und ähnliche allgemeine Zwecke -- Teil
2-3: Gerätesteckvorrichtungen mit einem Schutzgrad höher als IPXO
Connecteurs pour usages domestiques et usages généraux analogues -- Partie 2-3:
Connecteurs avec degré de protection supérieur à IPX0
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 60320-2-3:1998
ICS:
29.120.30 9WLþLYWLþQLFHVSRMNH Plugs, socket-outlets,
couplers
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

NORME
CEI
INTERNATIONALE
IEC
60320-2-3
INTERNATIONAL
Première édition
STANDARD
First edition
1998-09
Connecteurs pour usages domestiques
et usages généraux analogues –
Partie 2-3:
Connecteurs avec degré de protection
supérieur à IPX0
Appliance coupler for household and similar
general purposes –
Part 2-3:
Appliance coupler with a degree of protection
higher than IPX0
 IEC 1998 Droits de reproduction réservés  Copyright - all rights reserved
Aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite ni No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in
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procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photo- including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in
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CODE PRIX
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
PRICE CODE U
International Electrotechnical Commission
Pour prix, voir catalogue en vigueur
For price, see current catalogue

60320-2-3 © IEC:1998 – 3 –
CONTENTS
Page
FOREWORD . 5
Clause
1 Scope. 9
2 Normative references. 9
3 Definitions. 9
4 General requirements. 11
5 General notes on tests . 11
6 Standard ratings. 13
7 Classification. 13
8 Marking. 15
9 Dimensions and compatibility . 17
10 Protection against electric shock . 19
11 Provision for earthing . 21
12 Terminals and terminations . 21
13 Construction. 23
14 Moisture resistance. 27
15 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 29
16 Forces necessary to insert and to withdraw the connector. 31
17 Operation of contacts . 33
18 Resistance to heating of appliance couplers for hot conditions or very hot conditions . 33
19 Breaking capacity. 33
20 Normal operation. 33
21 Temperature rise. 33
22 Cords and their connection. 35
23 Mechanical strength. 39
24 Resistance to heat and ageing. 43
25 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 43
26 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through insulation . 43
27 Resistance of insulating material to heat, fire and tracking. 43
28 Resistance to rusting. 45
29 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements . 45
Annex A (informative) Routine tests for factory wired appliance couplers related
to safety (protection against electric shock and correct polarity) . 47
Standard sheets . 48
Figures. 51

60320-2-3 © IEC:1998 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
___________
APPLIANCE COUPLERS FOR HOUSEHOLD
AND SIMILAR GENERAL PURPOSES –
Part 2-3: Appliance couplers with a degree of protection higher than IPX0
FOREWORD
1) The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of the 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, the IEC publishes International Standards. 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. The 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 the 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 National Committees.
3) The documents produced have the form of recommendations for international use and are published in the form
of standards, technical reports or guides and they are accepted by the National Committees in that sense.
4) In order to promote international unification, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC International
Standards transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional standards. Any
divergence between the IEC Standard and the corresponding national or regional standard shall be clearly
indicated in the latter.
5) The IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with one of its standards.
6) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject
of patent rights. The IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60320-2-3 has been prepared by subcommittee 23G: Appliance
couplers, of IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories.
The text of this part is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
23G/185/FDIS 23G/188/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This part 2 is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60320-1: Appliance couplers for household
and similar general purposes – Part 1: General requirements. It was established on the basis of
the first edition of that standard (1994) and its amendments 1 (1995) and 2 (1996).
The clauses of this standard supplement or modify the corresponding clauses in IEC 60320-1.
When a particular subclause of part 1 is not mentioned in this part 2, the subclause of
IEC 60320-1 applies as far as is reasonable. Where this standard states “addition”,
“amendment” or “replacement”, the relevant requirement, test specification or explanatory
matter in IEC 60320-1 is to be adapted accordingly.

60320-2-3 © IEC:1998 – 7 –
Subclauses which are additional to those in part 1 are numbered starting from 101.
Annex A is for information only.
In this particular standard the following print types are used:
– requirements: in roman type;
– test specifications: in italic type;
– explanatory matter: in smaller roman type.

60320-2-3 © IEC:1998 – 9 –
APPLIANCE COUPLERS FOR HOUSEHOLD
AND SIMILAR GENERAL PURPOSES –
Part 2-3: Appliance couplers with a degree of protection higher than IPX0
1 Scope
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
This standard applies to two-pole non-reversible appliance couplers for cold conditions for a.c.
only, with a degree of protection against ingress of water higher than IPX0, with a rated voltage
not exceeding 250 V and a rated current not exceeding 10 A for a 50 Hz or 60 Hz supply.
They are intended for the connection of the supply cord to portable electrical appliances of
class II for household, commercial and light industrial use.
NOTE 1 – This note of IEC 60320-1 applies.
NOTE 2 – This note of IEC 60320-1 applies.
NOTE 3 – This note of IEC 60320-1 applies.
NOTE 4 – This note of IEC 60320-1 does not apply.
NOTE 5 – This note of IEC 60320-1 applies.
Additional notes:
NOTE 6 – IEC 60529 specifies the degree of protection against the ingress of water (IP code).
NOTE 7 – IEC 60536 specifies the class of equipment.
2 Normative references
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies with the following additions:
IEC 60320-1:1994, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 1:
General requirements
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
3 Definitions
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies with the following additions:
3.101
plug connector
appliance inlet intended to be attached by a cord to equipment
3.102
accessible surface of an accessory
surface of an accessory that can be touched by means of the test finger shown in figure 10 of
IEC 60320-1, when the accessory is assembled as in normal use and in the following
conditions:
a) for connectors: without the complementary accessory in engagement but with the cover in
the open position;
60320-2-3 © IEC:1998 – 11 –
b) for plug connectors and appliance inlets: with the complementary accessory in the most
unfavourable degree of engagement but such that electrical contact is made between the
contacts (pins and tubes).
3.103
cover
part that is accessible when the accessory is in normal use and removable only with the use of
a tool, but which does not require the use of a tool to open it
3.104
type test sample
sample consisting of one or more similar specimens submitted for the purpose of a type test.
4 General requirements
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
5 General notes on tests
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
5.1 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
5.2 Replacement:
Unless otherwise specified, the specimens are tested as delivered and under normal conditions
of use, at an ambient temperature of 20 °C ± 5 °C; they are tested with a.c. at 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
The specimens used for the tests shall be substantially identical to normal production items in
respect of all details which may affect the test results.
Non-rewirable accessories shall be submitted with a cord at least 1 m long. The cord used for
testing rewirable accessories shall be a sheathed circular flexible cord complying with
60227 IEC 53 unless otherwise specified in a particular clause.
5.3 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 does not apply.
5.4 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 does not apply.
5.5 Replacement:
A total sample comprising 18 specimens, of any one type, shall be submitted to inspection and
tests as given in the following table:
Test Number of Order of tests
specimens (clause and subclause references)
1 Visual inspection and 3 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 24.1, 25, 26, 28
manual examination
2 General tests 3 14 (except 14.101), 15
3 General tests 3 22 (except 22.4), 16, 17, 19, 20, 21
4 Flexing test 3 22.4
5 Material test 3 23, 24.2, 14.101, 15.3
6 Material test 3 24.2, 27
60320-2-3 © IEC:1998 – 13 –
NOTE 1 – If any particular test is repeated, as part of the normal sequence, this requirement is specified in the
appropriate clause.
NOTE 2 – With the agreement of the manufacturer the same specimen may be used for more than one test
sequence.
5.6 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
5.7 Replacement:
If no accessory fails in the complete series of tests specified in 5.5, then the accessories of
that type are considered to comply with this standard.
If one accessory in any group fails in the complete series of tests specified in 5.5, then the
accessories of that type are considered to have failed to comply with this standard, unless that
accessory can be shown not to be of normal production or design, in which case a further set
of accessories shall be submitted to the test or tests in that group. If there is no failure in this
retest then the accessories of that type shall be deemed to comply with this standard.
If more than one accessory fails in the complete series of tests specified in 5.5, the
accessories of that type shall be deemed to have failed to comply with this standard.
6 Standard ratings
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
6.1 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
6.2 Replacement:
The rated current is 10 A.
7 Classification
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
7.1.1 Amendment:
Only the reference to cold conditions applies.
7.1.2 Amendment:
Only the reference to class II equipment applies.
7.2 Replacement:
Accessories are classified, according to the method of connecting the cord, as:
– rewirable accessories;
– non-rewirable accessories.
60320-2-3 © IEC:1998 – 15 –
Additional subclause:
7.101 Add a new classification:
Accessories are classified, according to the ambient temperature for their use, as:
– appliance couplers for use in normal temperature;
– appliance couplers for use in low temperature (–15 °C).
NOTE – Additional tests are under consideration for appliance couplers for use in low temperature.
8 Marking
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
8.1 Replacement:
Couplers, except for appliance inlets supplied with the equipment, shall be marked with:
a) name, trade mark or identification mark of the maker or responsible vendor;
b) number of this standard;
c) rated current;
d) rated voltage;
e) symbol for nature of supply;
f) IP rating;
g) type reference, which may be a catalogue number, code number, etc.
8.2 Replacement:
Appliance inlets shall be marked with the information given in 8.1 a) and 8.1 g) which need not
be visible when installed for use outdoors.
NOTE – The marking on connectors and appliance inlets need not be visible when these are connected together.
8.3 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
8.4 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies with the following additional symbols:
Line L
Neutral N
Protected against splashing water IPX4
NOTE – In the IP code the letter X, concerning protection against ingress of solid objects, is replaced by the
relevant number.
8.5 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 does not apply.

60320-2-3 © IEC:1998 – 17 –
8.6 Amendment:
This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies except for the reference to earthing contact and
earthing terminal.
8.7 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
8.8 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
Additional subclauses:
8.101 Cords of non-rewirable accessories shall not be coloured black, green, white or brown.
8.102 For couplers intended for retail sale the supplier shall include an instruction leaflet, on
or inside the sales package, with each coupler or accessory, clearly describing the extent of its
suitability for use outdoors. Information regarding weather resistance shall be clearly visible to
the purchaser and a recommendation shall be made that the cord to be fitted to the accessory
should not be coloured black, green, white or brown. The instruction sheet shall include
information stating that the plug connector shall be connected to the equipment and the
connector to the mains supply side.
If the coupler or accessory is non-rewirable with a cord attached, each free end shall be
marked for connection to the appliance or mains supply as appropriate, with guidance on the
danger of an incorrect connection or of a connection to an appliance requiring the protection of
an earth continuity conductor.
Except when a plug connector or appliance inlet fitted with a cord is supplied direct to a
manufacturer for incorporation in other equipment, the free end of such an assembly shall have
a label attached stating:
"The cord of this accessory must be properly connected to a piece of equipment before the
appliance is energised."
If the coupler or accessory is rewirable, instructions shall be provided on the following:
a) stripping lengths for sheath and insulation;
b) identity of accessories to be connected to appliance or mains cord, as appropriate;
c) connection of brown wire to terminal marked L and blue wire to terminal marked N;
d) importance of correct assembly of cord anchorage including need for at least 3 mm of
sheath to protrude beyond the clamping device;
e) suitable for use with circular type cords only.
Compliance with the requirements of 8.101 and 8.102 is checked by inspection.
9 Dimensions and compatibility
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:

60320-2-3 © IEC:1998 – 19 –
9.1 Replacement:
Couplers shall comply with the appropriate dimensions given in standard sheets A and B of this
standard, except as permitted by 9.6.
Compliance is checked by measurement and, where relevant, by the use of the appropriate
gauge(s) shown in figures 1 and 2.
When the gauge shown in figure 1 is used it shall be possible to insert the connector fully into
the gauge with a force not exceeding 60 N. To verify correct and full insertion the gauge insert
shall be provided with an aperture.
When the primary and supplementary gauges of figure 2 are used it shall be possible to insert
the primary gauge fully into the appliance inlet with a force not exceeding 60 N. The
supplementary gauge shall be pushed over the bar.
Planes shall be provided with the primary gauge to check pin and shroud lengths; successful
engagement of the supplementary gauge checks the appliance inlet outer recess.
9.2 Replacement:
Provision for retaining the connector in the plug connector or appliance inlet shall comply with
standard sheets A and B.
Compliance is checked by the tests of clause 16.
9.3 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
9.4 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
9.5 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
9.6 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
10 Protection against electric shock
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
10.1 Replacement:
Appliance couplers shall be so designed that live parts of appliance inlets are not accessible
when the connector is in partial or complete engagement.
Connectors shall be so designed that live parts are not accessible when the connector is
properly assembled and wired as in normal use, but with the cover open.
Compliance is checked by inspection and, if necessary, by a test with the test finger shown in
figure 10 of IEC 60320-1. This finger is applied in every possible position, an electrical indicator
being used to show contact with the relevant parts. For connectors with shrouds, enclosures or

60320-2-3 © IEC:1998 – 21 –
bodies of elastomeric or thermoplastic material, the test finger is applied for 30 s ± 5 s with a
force of 20 N ± 3 N at all points where yielding of the insulating material could impair the safety
of the connector; this test is made at an ambient temperature of 35 °C ± 2 °C.
NOTE 1 – An electrical indicator with a voltage between 40 V and 50 V is used to show contact with the relevant
part.
NOTE 2 – Conformity to the standard sheets ensures compliance with the requirements so far as the inaccessibility
of contact members during insertion of a connector into an appliance inlet is concerned.
10.2 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
10.3 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
10.4 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
11 Provision for earthing
This clause of IEC 60320-1 does not apply.
12 Terminals and terminations
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
12.1 General
The requirements of this subclause apply only to connectors and plug connectors.
For appliance inlets submitted as individual accessories not integrated or incorporated in an
electrical appliance or equipment, particular requirements may be needed.
For appliance inlets integrated or incorporated in an electrical appliance or equipment, the
requirements in the appropriate IEC standard for that equipment shall apply.
12.1.1 Replacement of first paragraph:
Rewirable accessories shall be provided with terminals with screw clamping.
Replacement of third paragraph:
Non-rewirable accessories shall be provided with soldered, welded, crimped or equally
effective screwless connections, which shall not allow disconnection of the conductor: screwed
connections shall not be used.
12.1.2 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
12.1.3 Replacement:
Rewirable accessories shall have terminals suitable for the connection of cords complying with
2 2
60227 IEC 53 and having conductor nominal cross-sectional areas of 0,75 mm and 1 mm .
Compliance is checked by inspection, by measurement and by fitting conductors having
2 2
nominal cross-sectional areas of 0,75 mm and 1 mm .

60320-2-3 © IEC:1998 – 23 –
12.2 Screw-type terminals
12.2.1 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
12.2.2 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
12.2.3 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
12.2.4 Replacement of fourth paragraph:
Each conductor is then subjected to a pull of 30 N ± 3 N applied without jerks for 60 s ± 5 s in
the direction of the axis of the conductor space.
12.2.5 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
12.2.6 Replacement of third paragraph:
Terminals are fitted with a 1 mm conductor.
12.2.7 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
12.2.8 Replacement of third paragraph:
A solid rigid copper conductor of 1 mm nominal cross-sectional area is placed in the terminal.
12.2.9 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 does not apply.
12.2.10 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 does not apply.
12.2.11 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 does not apply.
12.2.12 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
The test conductor shall have a nominal cross-sectional area of 1 mm .
13 Construction
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
13.1 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 does not apply.
13.2 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
13.3 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
13.4 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
13.5 Replacement:
Contacts of connectors shall be self-adjusting so as to provide adequate contact pressure.
The self-adjustment of the contacts shall not depend upon the resiliency of the insulating
material.
60320-2-3 © IEC:1998 – 25 –
Compliance is checked by inspection and by using the withdrawal pull gauge shown in figure 4
to check each individual line and neutral contact, ensuring that the hinged cover of the
enclosure does not have any effect on the results of the test. During the test the connector
contact shall retain the gauge for not less than 30 s when the connector is held vertically and
the ga
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