EN 60320-2-4:2006

SLOVENSKI SIST EN 60320-2-4:2007

STANDARD
januar 2007
Aparatne spojke za gospodinjstva in podobne splošne namene - 2-4. del:
Aparatne spojke, izdelane v odvisnosti od mase aparata (IEC 60320-2-4:2005)
(istoveten EN 60320-2-4:2006)
Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes - Part 2-4:
Appliance couplers dependent on appliance weight for engagement (IEC 60320-2-
4:2005)
ICS 29.120.30 Referenčna številka
©  Standard je založil in izdal Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje ali kopiranje celote ali delov tega dokumenta ni dovoljeno

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 60320-2-4
NORME EUROPÉENNE
January 2006
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 29.20.20
English version
Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes
Part 2-4: Couplers dependent on appliance weight for engagement
(IEC 60320-2-4:2005)
Connecteurs pour usages domestiques  Gerätesteckvorrichtungen
et usages généraux analogues für den Hausgebrauch
Partie 2-4: Connecteurs à connexion und ähnliche allgemeine Zwecke
par gravité Teil 2-4: Gerätesteckvorrichtungen
(CEI 60320-2-4:2005) mit vom Gerätegewicht abhängiger
Kupplung
(IEC 60320-2-4:2005)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2005-12-01. 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 Central Secretariat 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 Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
and United Kingdom.
CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels

© 2006 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 60320-2-4:2006 E
Foreword
The text of document 23G/251/FDIS, future edition 1 of IEC 60320-2-4, prepared by SC 23G, Appliance
couplers, of IEC TC 23, Electrical accessories, was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and was
approved by CENELEC as EN 60320-2-4 on 2005-12-01.
The following dates were fixed:
– latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2006-09-01
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2008-12-01
This European Standard makes reference to International Standards. Where the International Standard
referred to has been endorsed as a European Standard or a home-grown European Standard exists, this
European Standard shall be applied instead. Pertinent information can be found on the CENELEC web
site.
This Part 2-4 is to be used in conjunction with EN 60320-1:2001, Appliance couplers for household and
similar general purposes, Part 1: General requirements.
The clauses of this Part 2-4 supplement or modify the corresponding clauses of EN 60320-1. Where a
subclause of Part 1 is not mentioned in this Part 2-4, that subclause of EN 60320-1 applies as far as is
reasonable. Where this Part 2-4 states "addition", "modification" or "replacement", the relevant text of
Part 1 is to be adapted accordingly.
Subclauses, figures or tables which are additional to those in Part 1 are numbered starting from 101.
Additional annexes are lettered AA, BB, etc.
__________
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60320-2-4:2005 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
__________
NORME CEI
INTERNATIONALE
IEC
60320-2-4
INTERNATIONAL
Première édition
STANDARD
First edition
2005-10
Connecteurs pour usages domestiques
et usages généraux analogues –
Partie 2-4:
Connecteurs à connexion par gravité

Appliance couplers for household
and similar general purposes –
Part 2-4:
Couplers dependent on appliance weight
for engagement
 IEC 2005 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 any
utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie et les photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de l'éditeur. the publisher.
International Electrotechnical Commission, 3, rue de Varembé, PO Box 131, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 22 919 02 11 Telefax: +41 22 919 03 00 E-mail: inmail@iec.ch Web: www.iec.ch
CODE PRIX
U
PRICE CODE
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
International Electrotechnical Commission
МеждународнаяЭлектротехническаяКомиссия
Pour prix, voir catalogue en vigueur
For price, see current catalogue

60320-2-4  IEC:2005 – 3 –
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.5

1 Scope.9
2 Normative references.9
3 Definitions .11
4 General requirements .13
5 General notes on tests.13
6 Standard ratings .15
7 Classification .15
8 Marking .17
9 Dimensions and compatibility.19
10 Protection against electric shock.21
11 Provision for earthing.21
12 Terminals and terminations.21
13 Construction .21
14 Moisture resistance.23
15 Insulation resistance and electric strength.25
16 Forces necessary to insert and withdraw the connector .27
17 Operation of contacts.29
18 Resistance to heating of appliance couplers for hot conditions or very hot conditions.29
19 Breaking capacity .29
20 Normal operation .31
21 Temperature rise .33
22 Cords and their connection .35
23 Mechanical strength.35
24 Resistance to heat and ageing .37
25 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections .37
26 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through insulation .39
27 Resistance of insulating material to heat, fire and tracking .47
28 Resistance to rusting .49
29 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements .49

Annex AA (normative) Proof tracking test .53
Annex BB (normative) Needle flame test .55

Figure 101 – Examples of clearances .51

Table 101 – Test voltages .27
Table 102 – Rated impulse voltage.39
Table 103 – Minimum clearances .41
Table 104 – Minimum creepage distances for basic insulation .45

60320-2-4  IEC:2005 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
APPLIANCE COUPLERS FOR HOUSEHOLD
AND SIMILAR GENERAL PURPOSES –

Part 2-4: Couplers dependent on appliance weight
for engagement
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 provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60320-2-4 has been prepared by subcommittee 23G: Appliance
couplers, of IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
23G/251/FDIS 23G/252/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

60320-2-4  IEC:2005 – 7 –
IEC 60320 consists of the following parts, under the general title Appliance couplers for
household and similar general purposes:
Part 1: General requirements
Part 2-1: Sewing machine couplers
Part 2-2: Interconnection couplers for household and similar equipment
Part 2-3: Appliance couplers with a degree of protection higher than IPX0
Part 2-4: Couplers dependent on appliance weight for engagement
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
second edition of that standard (2001).
The clauses of this standard supplement or modify the corresponding clauses of IEC 60320-1.
When a particular subclause of Part 1 is not mentioned in this part 2, the subclause of
IEC 60320-1 applies without modification as far as is reasonable. Where this standard states
“addition”, “modification” or “replacement”, the relevant requirement, test specification or
explanatory matter in IEC 60320-1 should be adapted accordingly.
Subclauses, figures or tables which are additional to those in Part 1 are numbered starting
from 101. Additional annexes are lettered AA, BB etc.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the
maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
60320-2-4  IEC:2005 – 9 –
APPLIANCE COUPLERS FOR HOUSEHOLD
AND SIMILAR GENERAL PURPOSES –

Part 2-4: Couplers dependent on appliance weight
for engagement
1 Scope
This clause of IEC 60320-1 is replaced as follows:
This standard is applicable to two-pole appliance couplers for a.c. only, with or without earthing
contact, with a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V and a rated current not exceeding 16 A, for
household and similar general purposes and intended for incorporation or integration within
electric appliances or other electric equipment of multi-part construction for 50 Hz or 60 Hz
supply which depend on the weight of the appliance to ensure correct engagement.
NOTE 1 Appliance couplers complying with this standard are suitable for use in appliances which are used in an
ambient temperature not normally exceeding 25 °C but occasionally reaching 35 °C. However the ambient
temperature surrounding the appliance coupler may exceed these figures and is to be declared by the
manufacturer. It is possible that the maximum working ambient temperature for the appliance inlet and for the
connector may be different.
NOTE 2 Appliance couplers dependent on appliance weight for engagement may be subject to spillage of liquid in
normal use. They are classified according to whether protection against water spillage is provided, when installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
NOTE 3 If appliance inlets according to this standard are used with appliances or other equipment which may be
subject to spillage of liquid affecting the appliance inlet when the functioning part of the appliance or equipment is
seated on its power base, then protection against moisture is to be provided by the equipment.
NOTE 4 References to standard sheets within IEC 60320-1 do not apply to appliance couplers dependent on
appliance weight for engagement.
NOTE 5 Special constructions may be required:
– in locations where special conditions may prevail, for example, in ships, vehicles and the like;
– in hazardous locations, for example, where explosions are likely to occur.
2 Normative references
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies with the following additions:
IEC 60320-1:2001, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – General
requirements
IEC 60320-2-2, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 2-2:
Interconnection couplers for household and similar equipment
IEC 60320-2-3, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 2-3:
Appliance couplers with a degree of protection higher than IPX0
IEC 60335-1:2001, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 1: General
requirements
60320-2-4  IEC:2005 – 11 –
1)
IEC 60664-1:1992, Insulation coordination for equipment within low voltage systems
Amendment 1 (2000)
IEC 60695-11-5, Fire hazard testing – Part 11-5: Test flames – Needle-flame test method –
Apparatus, confirmatory test arrangement and guidance
IEC 60695-11-10, Fire hazard testing, – Part 11-10: Test flames, – 50 W horizontal and vertical
flame test methods
IEC 61032, Protection of persons and equipment by enclosures – Probes for verification
ISO 9772, Cellular plastics – Determination of horizontal burning characteristics of small
specimens subjected to a small flame
3 Definitions
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies with the following additions:
3.101
weight-engaged coupler
coupler that relies on the weight of the functioning part of the appliance, in which it is
incorporated or integrated, to ensure correct engagement
NOTE The weight-engaged coupler is used in an appliance which is in two parts, for supplying the part that
performs the function of the appliance (the functioning part) from the power base which is connected to the power
supply.
3.102
weight-engaged connector
component part of the weight-engaged coupler which carries the power connections, and
engages with the corresponding appliance inlet.
3.103
weight-engaged appliance inlet
component part of a weight-engaged coupler intended for integration or incorporation in the
functioning part of the appliance
3.104
rewirable weight-engaged connector
weight-engaged connector so constructed that the supply cord can be replaced
NOTE 1 The method of attachment of the supply cord, when installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
installation instructions, is classified according to type X or type Y attachment requirements of the appliance
standards.
NOTE 2 The requirements for type X or Type Y attachment methods are given in IEC 60335-1.
3.105
type X attachment
method of attachment of the supply cord such that it can easily be replaced
NOTE The supply cord may be specially prepared and only available from the manufacturer or its service agent. A
specially prepared cord may include a part of the appliance.
___________
1)
A consolidated edition (1.2) exists containing IEC 60664-1:1992 and its Amendment 1 (2000) and Amendment 2
(2002).
60320-2-4  IEC:2005 – 13 –
3.106
type Y attachment
method of attachment of the supply cord such that any replacement is intended to be made by
the manufacturer, its service agent or similar qualified person
3.107
type Z attachment
method of attachment of the supply cord such that it cannot be replaced without breaking or
destroying the appliance
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:
5.2 Replacement:
The specimens are tested as delivered and under normal conditions of use, in accordance with
the installation instructions of the manufacturer; they are tested with a.c. at 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
Non-rewirable weight-engaged connectors shall be submitted with a cord at least 1 m long.
For those clauses requiring the tests to be carried out on weight-engaged connectors and
appliance inlets installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, representative
appliances or appliance parts shall be supplied.
5.5 Replacement:
For weight-engaged appliance inlets three specimens are required, to be subjected to the tests
specified.
For weight-engaged connectors six specimens are required:
– set 1 of three specimens is subjected to the tests specified, with the exception of those of
Clauses 14, 15, 16, 19, 20 and 21, and of 24.2;
– set 2 of three specimens is subjected to the tests of 14.1 and of Clauses 15, 16, 19, 20 and
21 (including the repetition of Clause 16).
For weight-engaged connectors which are declared as providing protection against water
spillage, three additional specimens are required, which are subjected to the test of 14.2.
For weight-engaged connectors of elastomeric or thermoplastic material, two additional
specimens are required which are subjected to the tests of 24.2.1 or 24.2.2, whichever is
applicable.
For non rewirable weight-engaged connectors with indicators, three additional specimens with
one pole of the indicator disconnected are required for the tests of Clause 15.

60320-2-4  IEC:2005 – 15 –
6 Standard ratings
This clause of IEC 60320-1 is replaced as follows
6.1 The standard rated voltage is 250 V. Other rated voltages may be declared by the
manufacturer provided they do not exceed 250 V.
6.2 The rated current shall be declared by the manufacturer. A coupler may have different
current ratings dependent on use within specified applications. The rated current shall not in
any case exceed 16 A.
Compliance with the requirements of 6.1 and 6.2 is checked by visual inspection of the marking
or the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.
7 Classification
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
7.1 Replacement:
7.1 Weight-engaged couplers are classified:
7.1.1 According to whether or not protection against water spillage is provided when the
connector is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7.1.2 According to type of equipment to be connected:
– appliance couplers for class I equipment;
– appliance couplers for class II equipment.
NOTE For a description of the classes, see IEC 61140
7.1.3 According to whether or not the coupler is intended to be engaged and disengaged
with current flowing.
7.1.4 According to the maximum ambient working temperature of the coupler.
NOTE The maximum ambient working temperature of the connector and appliance inlet may be different.
7.1.5 According to the number of cycles to be performed in the test of Clause 20. Preferred
values are:
7.1.5.1 100 000
7.1.5.2 60 000
7.1.5.3 30 000
7.1.5.4 20 000
7.1.5.5 10 000
7.1.5.6 6 000
NOTE Different numbers of endurance cycles may be declared for different current ratings of the same coupler.

60320-2-4  IEC:2005 – 17 –
7.2 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 does not apply.
NOTE The notes at the end of this subclause in IEC 60320-1 are also not applicable.
8 Marking
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
8.1 Replacement:
Weight-engaged connectors shall be marked with the name, trademark or identification mark of
the maker or of the responsible vendor and a type reference.
8.2 Replacement:
Weight-engaged appliance inlets shall be marked with the name, trademark or identification
mark of the maker or of the responsible vendor and a type reference.
8.5 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 does not apply.
8.6 Replacement:
In rewirable, non-reversible weight-engaged connectors, terminals shall be indicated as
follows:
earthing terminal: the symbol
neutral terminal: the letter N
In non-rewirable, non-reversible weight-engaged connectors, no marking of contacts is
necessary, but cores shall be connected as specified in 22.1.
Appliance inlets, other than those integrated or incorporated in an appliance or equipment, for
use with connectors according to this subclause, shall have terminal markings to correspond
with this subclause.
The marking symbol or letters shall not be placed on screws, removable washers or other
removable parts.
NOTE The requirement concerning the marking of terminals and the connection of conductors has been
introduced to take account of those countries who already require a polarized supply system with regard to a
possible future introduction of a unified plug and socket-outlet system, which will be to a great extent a polarized
system. It is recommended to take this requirement into account already now in countries which at present have no
polarized plug and socket-outlet system.
Rewirable connectors shall be supplied with the following instructions:
(1) a diagram illustrating the method of connection of the conductors, in particular the (excess)
length of the earthing conductor and the operation of the cord anchorage;
(2) a full-scale diagram showing the length of sleeving and insulation to be stripped back;
(3) the sizes and types of cords suitable.
(4) the type of attachment for connector and inlet.

60320-2-4  IEC:2005 – 19 –
NOTE 1 It is essential that the connection of the earthing conductor is shown in an instructive way, preferably with
sketches.
NOTE 2 These instructions need not follow connectors supplied directly to an equipment manufacturer.
NOTE 3 In order to comply with the National Electrical Code of the United States the neutral terminal must be
either white in colour, or labelled “white”. One way of accomplishing this is to nickel plate the neutral terminal and to
leave the other terminal(s) unplated.
Additional subclause:
8.101 Instructions for installation and use shall be supplied with weight-engaged appliance
couplers. These instructions shall contain the information necessary to ensure compliance with
this standard.
9 Dimensions and compatibility
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
9.1 Replacement:
Weight-engaged appliance couplers may take any form appropriate to their function, but shall
comply with the requirements of this standard as far as applicable.
9.2 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 does not apply.
9.3 Replacement:
It shall not be possible to make improper connections between weight-engaged connectors and
weight-engaged appliance inlets when installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. In those constructions where the design is such that transient single-pole
connections occur as the weight-engaged connector is placed into and withdrawn from the
appliance inlet during normal use, then such transient single-pole connections are allowed.
Weight-engaged couplers shall not allow improper connections with plugs or portable socket
outlets complying with IEC 60083.
Weight-engaged couplers shall not allow improper connections with connectors or appliance
inlets complying with the standard sheets of IEC 60320-1, IEC 60320-2-2 or IEC 60320-2-3.
Compliance is checked by examination and reference to the manufacturer’s declarations.
NOTE “Improper connections” include single-pole connection and other connections which do not comply with the
requirements concerning protection against electric shock.
If in doubt, reference should be made to the appropriate appliance standards regarding the requirements for weight-
engaged connectors and appliance inlets.
9.4 Replacement:
It shall not be possible to engage connectors for class II equipment with appliance inlets for
class I equipment.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
9.5 Note 1 of this subclause is not applicable.
9.6 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 does not apply.

60320-2-4  IEC:2005 – 21 –
10 Protection against electric shock
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
10.1 Note 2 of this subclause is not applicable.
11 Provision for earthing
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
11.2 The note of this clause is not applicable.
12 Terminals and terminations
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
Replace the first three paragraphs as follows:
For weight-engaged appliance inlets and weight-engaged connectors integrated in or
incorporated in an appliance or equipment, the requirements in the appropriate IEC standard
for that appliance or equipment shall apply.
12.1 Replacement
For weight-engaged appliance inlets and weight-engaged connectors, the requirements in the
appropriate IEC standard for the appliance or equipment into which they are intended to be
integrated or incorporated shall apply.
12.2 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 does not apply.
13 Construction
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
13.1 The note of this clause is not applicable.
13.4 Replacement:
Pins of appliance inlets shall:
• be securely retained,
• have adequate mechanical strength,
• not be possible to remove without the aid of a tool, and
• be surrounded by a shroud.
NOTE This requirement does not exclude pins which are to some extent floating.
The security of components designed to function as contact pins, whether in the inlet or
connector part, is checked by inspection and by the tests of Clause 19 and Clause 20.
13.5 Replacement:
The contact system of a weight-engaged coupler shall be self-adjusting so as to provide
adequate contact pressure.
60320-2-4  IEC:2005 – 23 –
For connectors other than 0,2 A connectors self-adjustment of the contacts shall not depend
upon the resiliency of insulating material.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
NOTE The self-adjustment of the contacts may be provided in either the appliance inlet or the connector or both.
13.9 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
NOTE 2 is not applicable.
13.11 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 does not apply.
13.12 Replacement:
Fuses, relays, thermostats and thermal cut-outs incorporated in weight-engaged connectors
and appliance inlets shall comply with the relevant IEC standards.
Switches or energy regulators incorporated in weight-engaged connectors or weight-engaged
inlets shall comply with IEC 61058 and IEC 60730 respectively.
Where a weight-engaged inlet is integrated in or incorporated in an appliance or equipment,
then that part which can be identified as the appliance inlet shall comply with the requirements
of this standard.
Compliance is checked by inspection and by testing the switches, fuses, relays, thermostats,
thermal cut-outs or energy regulators according to the relevant IEC standard.
14 Moisture resistance
This clause of IEC 60320-1 is replaced as follows:
14.1 Weight-engaged couplers shall be proof against humid conditions, which may occur in
normal use.
NOTE If weight-engaged couplers are used with equipment that is subject to the spillage of liquid in normal use
the protection is assumed to be provided by the equipment.
Compliance is checked by the humidity treatment described in this clause, followed
immediately by the tests of Clause 15.
Weight-engaged connectors and appliance inlets are not in engagement when subjected to
humidity treatment and rewirable weight-engaged connectors are not fitted with a cord.
The humidity test is carried out in a humidity cabinet containing air with a relative humidity
maintained between 91% and 95%. The temperature of the air, at all places where specimens
can be located, is maintained within ±1 °C of any convenient value t °C, between 20 °C and
30 °C.
60320-2-4  IEC:2005 – 25 –
Before being placed in the humidity cabinet, the specimens are brought to a temperature
between t °C and (t + 4) °C.
The specimens are kept in the cabinet for:
– 168 h (7days) for connectors with earthing contact and for appliance inlets with earthing
contact, which are submitted as individual accessories, not incorporated in other
equipment;
– 48 h (2 days) in all other cases.
NOTE 1 In most cases, the specimens may be brought to the specified temperature by keeping them at this
temperature for at least 4h before the humidity treatment.
NOTE 2 A relative humidity between 91 % and 95 % can be obtained by placing in the humidity cabinet a
saturated solution of sodium sulphate (Na SO ) or potassium nitrate (KNO ) in water, having a sufficiently large
2 4 3
contact surface with the air.
NOTE 3 In order to achieve the specified conditions within the cabinet, it is necessary to ensure constant
circulation of the air within and, in general, to use a cabinet which is thermally insulated.
After this treatment, the specimen shall show no damage within the meaning of this standard.
14.2 Weight-engaged connectors which are declared as providing protection against water
spillage shall be constructed so that, when installed into a representative power base, in
accordance with manufacturer’s installation instructions, the connector is not affected by water.
Compliance is checked by the following test:
The power base is placed on a horizontal surface and 30 ml of water of a minimum conductivity
of 1 000 µS is poured over the appliance connector through a vertical tube 20 mm long and
having an internal diameter of 8 mm. The outlet of the tube is located 200 mm above the upper
surface of the connector and the saline solution is poured steadily over a period of 2 s.
For connectors having multiple contact apertures spaced more than 30 mm apart this test is
repeated on clean samples of the power base over each contact aperture or aperture group.
The representative power base and connector installation shall then withstand the electric
strength test of 15.3, the voltage for reinforced insulation however, being reduced to 2 500 V.
NOTE An electrical conductivity of 1 000 µS may be obtained by dissolving pure NaCl in de-mineralised water to
give a strength of 350 ppm.
15 Insulation resistance and electric strength
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
15.3 Replacement:
Immediately after the test of 15.2 the insulation is subjected for 1 min to a voltage of
substantially sine-wave form and having a frequency of 50 Hz to 60 Hz. The value of the test
voltage and the points of application are shown in Table 101.
Accessible parts of insulating material are covered with metal foil.

60320-2-4  IEC:2005 – 27 –
Care should be taken to avoid overstressing basic insulation. In particular the metal foil shall
approach no closer than the specified creepage distance for reinforced insulation to earthed
parts.
Initially, not more than half the prescribed voltage is applied, then it is raised rapidly to the full
value.
No flashover or breakdown shall occur during the test.
Table 101 – Test voltages
Points of application Test voltage (V)
Class II Other
appliances and appliances
class II
constructions
1. Between live parts and accessible parts separated from live parts by
– basic insulation only - 1 250
– reinforced insulation 3 750 3 750
2. For parts with double insulation, between metal parts separated
from live parts by basic insulation only and
– live parts 1 250 1 250
– accessible parts 2 500 2 500
3. Between metal enclosures or covers lined with insulating material
and metal foil in contact with the inner surface of the lining, if the
2 500 1 250
distance between live parts and these metal enclosures or covers,
measured through the lining, is less than the appropriate clearance
as specified in Clause 26
NOTE 1 The high-voltage transformer used for the test is so designed that, when the output terminals are short
circuited after the output voltage has been adjusted to the appropriate test voltage, the output current is at least
200 mA. The overcurrent relay must not trip when the output current is less than 100 mA.
NOTE 2 Care is taken that the r.m.s. value of the test voltage is measured within ±3 %.
NOTE 3 Glow discharges without drop in voltage are neglected.
16 Forces necessary to insert and withdraw the connector
This Clause of IEC 60320-1 is replaced as follows:
16.1 The construction of weight-engaged appliance couplers shall be such that the connector
will fully engage under the weight of the appliance or equipment, and will disengage under the
weight of the power base. The minimum values of these weights shall be specified by the
manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Compliance is checked by the tests of 16.2 and 16.3, which are made on a connector and an
appliance inlet, and is repeated after the test of Clause 21. A representative appliance and
power base, each having the minimum weight declared by the manufacturer, may be supplied
for this test.
60320-2-4  IEC:2005 – 29 –
16.2 The minimum weight for full engagement is determined by mounting a weight-engaged
connector and appliance inlet so that they may engage freely, and that the axis of engagement
is vertical. A force equal to the specified minimum appliance weight, less the weight of the
appliance inlet, is applied vertically downwards to the appliance inlet. The appliance inlet shall
fully enter the connector, in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
NOTE The apparatus with which this test is performed will depend on the construction of the weight-engaged
appliance coupler under consideration. A representative appliance having the declared minimum weight may be
used to apply the force.
16.3 The minimum weight for correct disengagement of the power base shall be determined
by placing the weight-engaged appliance connector on a horizontal surface so that its axis of
engagement is vertical, and attaching to the connector a weight equal to the minimum weight
declared by the manufacturer. The weight-engaged connector shall be free to move on the
surface.
The weight-engaged appliance inlet is then engaged fully with the connector and withdrawn.
The connector shall not remain in the appliance inlet.
NOTE A representative power base of the minimum weight declared by the manufacturer may be used to provide
the weight required in this test.
Weight-engaged connectors for which a maximum operating temperature is specified which is
higher than ambient are tested twice, once at ambient temperature, and once after the
appliance inlet has been raised to the maximum specified operating temperature.
17 Operation of contacts
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
Delete the reference to Clause 18 in the third paragraph of this clause.
18 Resistance to heating of appliance couplers for hot conditions or very hot
conditions
This clause of IEC 60320-1 does not apply.
19 Breaking capacity
This clause of IEC 60320-1 is replaced as follows:
Weight-engaged appliance couplers shall have adequate breaking capacity.
This test is not carried out on weight-engaged connectors and appliance inlets specifically
intended never to be disengaged with the current flowing.
Compliance is checked, for couplers having a current rating in excess of 0,2 A, by the following
test:
The connector shall be mounted in a suitable apparatus.

60320-2-4  IEC:2005 – 31 –
The appliance inlet shall be positioned so that the plane through the direction of engagement is
vertical.
The two live contacts of the appliance inlet are connected internally to one another and an
external electrical load is connected in series with the supply. The external load is of such a
value that the current is 1,25 times the rated current at a test voltage of 275 V, the power factor
+0,05
being 0,95 for weight-engaged connectors with a rated current of 10 A or greater, and
0,6 ± 0,05 for other weight-engaged connectors. The external load is positioned so as not to
affect the ambient temperature of the test enclosure. An example of a suitable circuit is shown
in IEC 60320-1, Figure 15.
The weight-engaged connector and the appliance inlet are connected and disconnected 50
times (100 strokes), at a rate between 15 and 20 strokes per minute. The length of stroke shall
be sufficient to ensure separation of the connector and inlet mating faces by at least 30 mm.
No current is passed through the earthing circuit, if any.
If an air core inductor is used, a resistor taking approximately 1% of the current through the
inductor is connected in parallel with it. Iron-core inductors may be used provided the current is
of substantially sine-wave form.
During the test, there shall be no flashover between live parts of different polarity or such parts
and parts of the earthing circuit, if any, neither shall there be any sustained arcing.
After the test, the specimen shall show no damage impairing its further use and the entry areas
for the appliance inlet contacts shall not show any serious damage. In case of doubt the test is
repeated with a new appliance inlet fitted to the test apparatus. If the specimen passes this
second test without further significant deterioration, the coupler is considered to comply with
the requirement.
NOTE A stroke is an insertion or a withdrawal of the connector.
20 Normal operation
This clause of IEC 60320-1 is replaced as follows:
Appliance couplers shall withstand, without excessive wear or other harmful effects, the
mechanical, electrical and thermal stresses occurring in normal use.
Compliance is checked by testing connectors in the apparatus used for Clause 19.
The number of connections and disconnections performed in this test shall be as declared by
the manufacturer. Where the weight-engaged coupler system is intended for use in a number
of different appliance types, and with different current ratings, tests shall be carried out on a
separate set of specimens for the specified number of cycles for each appliance type, the test
current being determined from the manufacturer’s rated current declarations.
The connections and other test conditions shall be as specified in Clause 19, except that the
current shall be 1,1 times rated current, and the voltage applied shall be the maximum rated
voltage. Half the number of strokes shall be applied with current flowing, followed by half the
number of strokes without current flowing. On weight-engaged connectors and appliance inlets
specific
...