IEC 62196-1:2011

IEC 62196-1 ®
Edition 2.0 2011-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets – Conductive
charging of electric vehicles –
Part 1: General requirements
Fiches, socles de prise de courant, prises mobiles et socles de connecteur de
véhicule – Charge conductive des véhicules électriques –
Partie 1: Règles générales
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by

any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either IEC or

IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
If you have any questions about IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication,
please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf indication contraire, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite
ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie
et les microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de la CEI ou du Comité national de la CEI du pays du demandeur.

Si vous avez des questions sur le copyright de la CEI ou si vous désirez obtenir des droits supplémentaires sur cette

publication, utilisez les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de la CEI de votre pays de résidence.

IEC Central Office
3, rue de Varembé
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Email: inmail@iec.ch
Web: www.iec.ch
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.
 Catalogue of IEC publications: www.iec.ch/searchpub
The IEC on-line Catalogue enables you to search by a variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical committee,…).
It also gives information on projects, withdrawn and replaced publications.
 IEC Just Published: www.iec.ch/online_news/justpub
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published details twice a month all new publications released. Available
on-line and also by email.
 Electropedia: www.electropedia.org
The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and electrical terms containing more than 20 000 terms and definitions
in English and French, with equivalent terms in additional languages. Also known as the International Electrotechnical
Vocabulary online.
 Customer Service Centre: www.iec.ch/webstore/custserv
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or need further assistance, please visit the Customer Service
Centre FAQ or contact us:
Email: csc@iec.ch
Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
Fax: +41 22 919 03 00
A propos de la CEI
La Commission Electrotechnique Internationale (CEI) est la première organisation mondiale qui élabore et publie des
normes internationales pour tout ce qui a trait à l'électricité, à l'électronique et aux technologies apparentées.

A propos des publications CEI
Le contenu technique des publications de la CEI est constamment revu. Veuillez vous assurer que vous possédez
l’édition la plus récente, un corrigendum ou amendement peut avoir été publié.
 Catalogue des publications de la CEI: www.iec.ch/searchpub/cur_fut-f.htm
Le Catalogue en-ligne de la CEI vous permet d’effectuer des recherches en utilisant différents critères (numéro de référence,
texte, comité d’études,…). Il donne aussi des informations sur les projets et les publications retirées ou remplacées.
 Just Published CEI: www.iec.ch/online_news/justpub
Restez informé sur les nouvelles publications de la CEI. Just Published détaille deux fois par mois les nouvelles
publications parues. Disponible en-ligne et aussi par email.
 Electropedia: www.electropedia.org
Le premier dictionnaire en ligne au monde de termes électroniques et électriques. Il contient plus de 20 000 termes et
définitions en anglais et en français, ainsi que les termes équivalents dans les langues additionnelles. Egalement appelé
Vocabulaire Electrotechnique International en ligne.
 Service Clients: www.iec.ch/webstore/custserv/custserv_entry-f.htm
Si vous désirez nous donner des commentaires sur cette publication ou si vous avez des questions, visitez le FAQ du
Service clients ou contactez-nous:
Email: csc@iec.ch
Tél.: +41 22 919 02 11
Fax: +41 22 919 03 00
IEC 62196-1 ®
Edition 2.0 2011-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets – Conductive
charging of electric vehicles –
Part 1: General requirements
Fiches, socles de prise de courant, prises mobiles et socles de connecteur de
véhicule – Charge conductive des véhicules électriques –
Partie 1: Règles générales
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX XC
ICS 29.120.30; 43.120 ISBN 978-2-88912-724-5

– 2 – 62196-1 © IEC:2011
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4

INTRODUCTION . 6

1 Scope . 7

2 Normative references . 7

3 Terms and definitions . 9

4 General . 13

5 Ratings . 14

6 Connection between the power supply and the electric vehicle . 15
7 Classification of accessories . 17
8 Marking . 18
9 Dimensions . 20
10 Protection against electric shock . 20
11 Size and colour of earthing conductors . 22
12 Provision for earthing . 22
13 Terminals . 24
14 Interlocks . 29
15 Resistance to ageing of rubber and thermoplastic material . 29
16 General construction . 30
17 Construction of socket-outlets . 33
18 Construction of plugs and vehicle connectors . 35
19 Construction of vehicle inlets . 36
20 Degrees of protection . 37
21 Insulation resistance and dielectric strength . 38
22 Breaking capacity . 39
23 Normal operation . 41
24 Temperature rise . 42
25 Flexible cables and their connection . 43
26 Mechanical strength . 45
27 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 49

28 Creepage distances, clearances and distances . 51
29 Resistance to heat, to fire and to tracking . 53
30 Corrosion and resistance to rusting . 54
31 Conditional short-circuit current withstand test . 55
32 Electromagnetic compatibility . 57
33 Vehicle driveover . 57
Annex A (informative) EV charging modes and type of connection . 72
Bibliography . 74

Figure 1 – Diagram showing the use of the accessories . 58
Figure 2 – Standard test finger. 59
Figure 3 – Circuit diagrams for breaking capacity and normal operation tests . 60

62196-1 © IEC:2011 – 3 –
Figure 4 – Apparatus for testing the cable anchorage . 61

Figure 5 – Ball Impact test . 61

Figure 6 – Arrangement for mechanical strength test for plugs and vehicle connectors . 62

Figure 7 – Apparatus for flexing test . 62

Figure 8 – Gauges for testing insertability of round unprepared conductors having the

maximum specified cross-section . 63

Figure 9 – Examples of terminals . 65

Figure 10 – Equipment test arrangement . 65

Figure 11 – Diagram of the test circuit for the verification of short-circuit current

withstand of a two-pole equipment on a single-phase a.c. or d.c. . 66
Figure 12 – Diagram of the test circuit for the verification of short-circuit current
withstand of a three-pole equipment . 67
Figure 13 – Diagram of the test circuit for the verification of short-circuit current
withstand of a four-pole equipment . 68
Figure 14 – Gauge “A” for checking shutters . 69
Figure 15 – Gauge “B” for checking shutters . 70
Figure 16 – Apparatus for checking the withdrawal force . 71

Table 1 – Compatibility of mating devices at vehicle . 16
Table 2 – Overview of the universal vehicle interface . 16
Table 3 – Overview of the basic vehicle interface . 17
Table 4 – Overview of the d.c. vehicle interface . 17
Table 5 – Short-time test currents . 23
Table 6 – Size for conductors . 24
Table 7 – Value for flexing under mechanical load test . 28
Table 8 – Value for terminal pull test . 29
Table 9 – Cable length used to determine pull force on latch assembly . 31
Table 10 – Gauges to measure withdrawal force . 34
Table 11 – Diameter of pins of the test plug . 35
Table 12 – Maximum withdrawal force . 35
Table 13 – Test voltage for dielectric strength test . 39
Table 14 – Breaking capacity . 40

Table 15 – Normal operation . 42
Table 16 – Test current and nominal cross-sectional areas of copper conductors for
temperature rise test . 43
Table 17 – Pull force and torque test values for cable anchorages . 45
Table 18 – Impact energy for ball impact test . 46
Table 19 – Mechanical load flexing test . 48
Table 20 – Torque test values for glands . 48
Table 21 – Tightening torque for verification of mechanical strength of screw-type
terminals . 50

– 4 – 62196-1 © IEC:2011
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________
PLUGS, SOCKET-OUTLETS,
VEHICLE CONNECTORS AND VEHICLE INLETS –

CONDUCTIVE CHARGING OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES –

Part 1: General requirements
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.

9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 62196-1 has been prepared by IEC subcommittee 23H: Industrial
plugs and socket-outlets, of IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2003 and constitutes a
technical revision. The main changes from the previous edition are as follows:
– increase in d.c.voltage for accessories;
– permitted use of accessories with vehicles complying with Subclause 7.2.3.1 of
61851-1:2010;
– minor changes to definitions;
– additional voltage and current ratings (Clause 5) and test values (Clause 12, 13,) ;
– removal of markings to identify generic types of vehicle inlets and connectors;
– addition of a “high power d.c.” to the type of accessories covered by the Standard;

62196-1 © IEC:2011 – 5 –
– modification of the description of “universal” and “basic” interfaces based on changes

to 61851-1:2010;
– simplification of the marking requirements (Clause 8);

– additional requirements for accessories with shutters;

– division of Clause 9 to create Clauses 9 and 11;

– Clause 9: specific requirements for inlet, plug and socket–outlet;

– Clause 11: EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) requirements: the basic generic
requirements for charging stations;

– renumbering of annexes.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
23H/266/FDIS 23H/269/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.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 62196 series, under the general title Plugs, socket-outlets,
vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets – Conductive charging of electric vehicles, can be found
on the IEC website.
In this standard, the following print types are used:
- compliance statements: in italic type.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability 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.
– 6 – 62196-1 © IEC:2011
INTRODUCTION
IEC 61851-1:2010 specifies Electric Vehicle Conductive Charging Equipment. This

International Standard, referred to as IEC 62196 series in IEC 61851-1:2010, specifies the

requirements for plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors, vehicle inlets and cable

assemblies as described in IEC 61851-1:2010. Some charging can be achieved by direct

connection from an electric vehicle to common mains socket-outlets. Some modes of charging

require a dedicated supply and charging equipment incorporating control and communication

circuits. This standard covers the mechanical, electrical and performance requirements for

dedicated plugs, socket outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets for interfacing between

such dedicated charging equipment and the electric vehicle.

This standard may be divided into several parts as necessary, as follows:
– Part 1: General requirements, comprising clauses of a general character.
Subsequent parts: Particular requirements dealing with particular types of accessories. The
clauses of these particular requirements supplement or modify the corresponding clauses in
Part 1. Where the text of subsequent parts indicates an "addition" to or a "replacement" of the
relevant requirement, test specification or explanation of Part 1, these changes are made to
the relevant text of Part 1, which then becomes part of the standard. Where no change is
necessary, the words "This clause of Part 1 is applicable" are used.
– Part 2: Dimensional compatibility and interchangeability requirements for a.c. pin and
contact-tube accessories.
– Part 3: Dimensional compatibility and interchangeability requirements for pin and contact-
tube accessories for dedicated d.c. charging or for combined a.c./d.c. charging (under
consideration)
62196-1 © IEC:2011 – 7 –
PLUGS, SOCKET-OUTLETS,
VEHICLE CONNECTORS AND VEHICLE INLETS –

CONDUCTIVE CHARGING OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES –

Part 1: General requirements
1 Scope
This part of IEC 62196 is applicable to plugs, socket-outlets, connectors, inlets and cable
assemblies for electric vehicles (EV), herein referred to as “accessories”, intended for use in
conductive charging systems which incorporate control means, with a rated operating voltage
not exceeding
– 690 V a.c. 50 Hz – 60 Hz, at a rated current not exceeding 250 A,
– 1 500 V d.c. at a rated current not exceeding 400 A.
These accessories and cable assemblies are intended to be used for circuits specified in
IEC 61851-1:2010 which operate at different voltages and frequencies and which may include
ELV and communication signals.
The accessories covered by this standard are intended only to be used with vehicles that
comply with the requirements of 7.2.3.1 of IEC 61851-1:2010.
These accessories and cable assemblies are to be used in an ambient temperature of
between –30 °C and +50 °C.
NOTE In some countries, other requirements may apply.
These accessories are intended to be connected only to cables with copper or copper-alloy
conductors.
The accessories covered by this standard are for use in certain modes of charging EVs.
These modes are defined in IEC 61851-1:2010. These definitions and a description of the
types of connection (cases A, B and C), also described in IEC 61851-1:2010, are reproduced
herein as Annex A.
NOTE In the following country, Mode 1 will not be allowed: UK.
This standard does not apply to those standardised accessories used in charging systems

where the use of such accessories constructed to the requirements of other standards is
permitted (e.g. in mode 1 and mode 2). Such standardized accessories may be used for those
situations (mode and case) identified in IEC 61851-1:2010.
This standard can be used as a guide for accessories with a lesser number of contacts and
lower ratings for use with light duty vehicles.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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.

– 8 – 62196-1 © IEC:2011
IEC 60112:2003, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking

indices of solid insulating materials

Amendment1 (2009)
IEC 60227 (all parts), Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including

450/750 V
IEC 60228:2004, Conductors of insulated cables

IEC 60245-4:1994, Rubber insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V –

Part 4: Cords and flexible cables

Amendment 1 (1997)
Amendment 2 (2003)
IEC 60269-1:2006, Low-voltage fuses – Part 1: General requirements
Amendment 1 (2009)
IEC 60269-2:2010, Low-voltage fuses – Part 2: Supplementary requirements for fuses for use
by authorised persons (fuses mainly for industrial application) – Examples of standardized
systems of fuses A to J
IEC 60309-4, Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes – Part 4: Switched
socket-outlets and connectors with or without interlock
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
Amendment 1 (1999)
IEC 60664-1:2007, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60664-3:2003, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 3:
Use of coating, potting or moulding for protection against pollution
IEC 60695-2-11:2004, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability test method for end-products
IEC 60695-10-2, Fire hazard testing – Part 10-2: Abnormal heat – Ball pressure test
IEC 60947-1, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 1: General rules

IEC 60999 -1:1999, Connecting devices – Electrical copper conductors – Safety requirements
for screw-type and screwless-type clamping units – Part 1: General requirements and
2 2
particular requirements for conductors from 0,2 mm up to 35 mm (included)
IEC 60999 -2:2003, Connecting devices – Electrical copper conductors – Safety requirements
for screw-type and screwless-type clamping units – Part 2: Particular requirements for
2 2
clamping units for conductors above 35 mm up to 300 mm (included)
___________
There exists a consolidated edition (2009) that includes IEC 60112 (1993) and its Amendment 1 (2009).
There exists a consolidated edition (2004) that includes IEC 60245-4 (1994) and its Amendments 1 (1997)
and 2 (2003).
There exists a consolidated edition (2009) that includes IEC 60269-1 (2006) and its Amendment 1 (2009).
There exists a consolidated edition (2001) that includes IEC 60529 (1989) and its Amendment 1 (1999).

62196-1 © IEC:2011 – 9 –
IEC 61851-1:2010, Electric vehicle conductive charging system – Part 1: General requirement

ISO 1456, Metallic and other inorganic coatings – Electrodeposited coatings of nickel, nickel

plus chromium, copper plus nickel and of copper plus nickel plus chromium

ISO 2081, Metallic and other inorganic coatings – Electroplated coatings of zinc with

supplementary treatments on iron or steel

ISO 2093, Electroplated coatings of tin – Specification and test methods

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions in IEC 61851-1:2010 as well as the
following apply.
NOTE 1 Where the terms voltage and current are used, they imply r.m.s. values, unless otherwise specified.
NOTE 2 Throughout this standard, the word «earthing» is used for «protective earthing» unless otherwise
specified.
NOTE 3 The terms «basic interface» and «universal interface» refer to terms described in IEC 61851–1.
NOTE 4 The application of accessories is shown in Figure 1.
3.1
cable assembly
piece of equipment which is used to establish the connection between the electric vehicle and
the electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). It may be either fixed to and included in one of
these devices, or detachable. It includes the flexible cable, the vehicle connector and/or plug
that are required for proper connection
NOTE A cable assembly may include one or more cables, with or without a fixed jacket, which may be in a flexible
tube, conduit or wire way.
3.2
cable management system
a device which is intended to protect a cable assembly from mechanical damage and/or to
facilitate its handling
NOTE A cable suspension device is an example of cable management system.
3.3
cap
a part separated or attached, which may be used to provide the degree of protection of a plug
or vehicle inlet, when it is not engaged with a socket–outlet or connector
3.4
clamping unit
the part of a terminal necessary for the clamping and the electrical connection of the
conductor
3.5
compatibility, compatible
the ability of accessories to join together with the complementary accessories they are
intended to be used with, and be functional
NOTE Non-compatible accessories may physically join together, but not be functional.

– 10 – 62196-1 © IEC:2011
3.6
conditional short-circuit current

the prospective current that an accessory, protected by a specified short-circuit protective

device, can withstand satisfactorily for the total operating time of that device under specified

conditions of use and behaviour

NOTE This definition differs from IEC 60050-441 definition 17-20 by broadening the concept of current-limiting
device into a short-circuit protective device, the function of which is not only to limit the current.

3.7
connection
a single conductive path
3.8
cover
a means providing the degree of protection of an accessory when it is not engaged with a
socket-outlet or vehicle connector. It can be used as the retaining means or a part of the
retaining means
NOTE Caps, lids, shutters and similar devices can perform the function of a cover.
3.9
domestic
intended for household and similar purposes, up to a maximum current rating of 30 to
32 A a.c.
3.10
double insulation
insulation comprising both basic insulation and supplementary insulation
3.11
electric vehicle
EV
any vehicle propelled by an electric motor drawing current from a rechargeable storage
battery or from other portable energy storage devices (rechargeable using energy from a
source off the vehicle such as residential or public electric service), which is manufactured
primarily for use on public streets, roads or highways
3.12
EV supply equipment
EVSE
conductors, including the phase, neutral and protective earth conductors, the EV couplers,
attachment plugs, and all other accessories, devices, power outlets or apparatuses installed

specifically for the purpose of delivering energy from the premises wiring to the EV and
allowing communication between them if required
3.13
in-cable control box
a device which is incorporated in the cable assembly and which performs control functions
NOTE The location of the in-cable control box is defined in IEC 61851-1:2010.
3.14
insulation voltage
the voltage assigned to the accessory by the manufacturer and to which dielectric tests,
clearances and creepage distances are referred
3.15
interchangeability, interchangeable
ability of an accessory to replace another, without any modification

62196-1 © IEC:2011 – 11 –
NOTE Interchangeable accessories generally have similar outer dimensions, fixing centers, etc.

3.16
interlock
a device, either electrical or mechanical, which prevents the contacts of a socket-

outlet/vehicle connector from becoming live before it is in proper engagement with a

plug/vehicle inlet, and which either prevents the plug/inlet from being withdrawn while its

contacts are live or makes the contacts dead before separation

3.17
lid
a means to ensure the degree of protection on a socket-outlet or a vehicle connector

NOTE A lid is generally hinged.
3.18
locking mechanism
a means to allow engagement of a device intended to reduce the likelihood of tampering with,
or an unauthorised removal of, the accessories
3.19
non-rewireable accessory
an accessory so constructed that the cable or wiring cannot be separated from the accessory
without making it permanently useless
NOTE A plug which is integrally moulded to the cable is an example of non-rewireable accessory.
3.20
plug and socket-outlet
a means enabling the connection at will of a flexible cable to fixed wiring. It consists of two
parts: a socket-outlet and a plug
3.20.1
plug
the part of a plug and a socket-outlet integral with or intended to be attached to one flexible
cable connected to the electric vehicle or to a vehicle connector. It may include mechanical,
electrical or electronic components and circuitry, which perform control functions
3.20.2
socket-outlet
the part of a plug and a socket-outlet intended to be installed with the fixed wiring or
incorporated in equipment
3.21
rated current(s)
the current assigned to the accessory by the manufacturer
3.22
rated operating voltage
the nominal voltage of the supply(ies) for which the pole of the accessory is intended to be
used
3.23
reinforced insulation
an improved basic insulation with such mechanical and electrical qualities that it provides the
same degree of protection against electric shock as double insulation

– 12 – 62196-1 © IEC:2011
3.24
retaining means, retaining device (latch)

a mechanical arrangement which holds a plug or vehicle connector in position when it is in

proper engagement, and prevents its unintentional withdrawal

3.25
rewireable accessory
an accessory so constructed that the cable or wiring can be replaced. It can be either a user-

serviceable accessory or a field-serviceable accessory

3.25.1
user-serviceable accessory
an accessory so constructed that it can be rewired, or parts can be replaced, using commonly
available tools and without having to replace individual parts of the accessory
NOTE An ordinary plug, which can be disassembled and wired using a common screwdriver, is an example of
user-serviceable accessory.
3.25.2
field-serviceable accessory
an accessory so constructed that it can only be rewired, repaired or replaced by
manufacturer’s authorised personnel or skilled person according to national regulation
3.26
terminal
a conductive part provided for the connection of a conductor to an accessory
3.26.1
pillar terminal
a terminal in which the conductor is inserted into a hole or cavity, where it is clamped under
the shank of the screw or screws. The clamping pressure may be applied directly by the
shank of the screw or through an intermediate clamping member to which pressure is applied
by the shank of the screw
NOTE See Figure 9a.
3.26.2
screw terminal
a terminal in which the conductor is clamped under the head of the screw. The clamping
pressure may be applied directly by the head of the screw or through an intermediate part,
such as a washer, clamping plate or anti-spread device
NOTE See Figures 9b and 9c.
3.26.3
stud terminal
a terminal in which the conductor is clamped under a nut. The clamping pressure may be
applied directly by a suitably shaped nut or through an intermediate part, such as a washer,
clamping plate or anti-spread device
NOTE See Figure 9d.
3.26.4
saddle terminal
a terminal in which the conductor is clamped under a saddle by means of two or more screws
or nuts
NOTE See Figure 9e.
62196-1 © IEC:2011 – 13 –
3.26.5
lug terminal
a screw terminal or a stud terminal, designed for clamping a cable lug or bar by means of a

screw or nut
NOTE See Figure 9f.
3.26.6
mantle terminal
a terminal in which the conductor is clamped against the base of a slot in a threaded stud by

means of a nut. The conductor is clamped against the base of the slot by a suitably shaped

washer under the nut, by a central peg if the nut is a cap nut, or by equally effective means

for transmitting the pressure from the nut to the conductor within the slot
NOTE See Figure 9g.
3.27
vehicle coupler
EV coupler
a means enabling the connection at will of a flexible cable to an electric vehicle. It consists of
two parts: a vehicle connector and a vehicle inlet
3.27.1
connector
vehicle connector
EV connector
the part of a vehicle coupler integral with, or intended to be attached to, one flexible cable
3.27.2
vehicle inlet
EV inlet
the part of a vehicle coupler incorporated in, or fixed to, the electric vehicle
4 General
4.1 General requirements
Accessories shall be so designed and constructed that in normal use their performance is
reliable and minimises the risk of danger to the user or surroundings.
Compliance is checked by meeting all of the relevant requirements and tests specified.

Accessories shall be so designed and constructed that it is not possible to make a cord
extension set (see IEC 61851-1:2010). The plug and the vehicle connector shall not be
compatible.
Compliance is checked by a manual test.

– 14 – 62196-1 © IEC:2011
4.2 General notes on tests
4.2.1 Tests according to this standard are type tests. If a part of an accessory has previously

passed tests for a given degree of severity, the relevant type tests shall not be repeated if the

severity is not greater.
4.2.2 Unless otherwise specified, the samples are tested as delivered and under normal

conditions of use, at an ambient temperature of (20 ± 5) °C; the tests are made at rated

frequency.
4.2.3 Unless otherwise specified, the tests are carried out in the order of the clauses of this

standard.
4.2.4 Three samples are subjected to all the tests, except if necessary for the test of Clause
31, one new additional sample is tested. If, however, the tests of Clauses 22, 23 and 24 have
to be made with both d.c. and a.c., the tests with a.c. in Clauses 22, 23 and 24, are made on
three additional samples.
4.2.5 Accessories are deemed to comply with this standard if no sample fails in the complete
series of appropriate tests. If one sample fails in a test, that test and those preceding which
may have influenced the test result are repeated on another set of three samples, all of which
shall then pass the repeated tests.
NOTE In general, it will only be necessary to repeat the test which caused the failure, unless the sample fails in
one of the tests of Clauses 23 and 24, in which case the tests are repeated from that of Clause 22 onwards. The
applicant may submit, together with the first set of samples, the additional set which may be wanted should one
sample fail. The testing station, without further request, will then test the additional samples and will reject only if a
further failure occurs. If the additional set of samples is not submitted at the same time, the failure of one sample
will entail a rejection.
4.2.6 When the tests are carried out with conductors, they shall be copper and comply with
IEC 60227, IEC 60228 [Clause 3, solid (class 1), stranded (class 2), flexible (class 5 and 6)],
and IEC 60245-4 as accessories according to this standard are intended to be connected to
cables with copper or copper-alloy conductors only.
5 Ratings
5.1 Preferred rated operating voltage ranges:
0 to 30 V (signal or control purposes only)
100 – 130 V a.c.
200 – 250V a.c.
380 – 480 V a.c.
600 – 690 V a.c.
600 V d.c.
750 V d.c.
5.2 Preferred rated currents:
13 A
16 – 20 A
30 – 32 A
60 – 63 A
70 A
125 A
200 A (d.c. only)
62196-1 © IEC:2011 – 15 –
250 A
400 A (d.c. only)
NOTE 1 In the following countries, the branch circuit overcurrent protection device is based upon 125 % of the

accessory rating: US.
NOTE 2 Throughout this standard, reference to a 16 A-20 A or 30 A–32 A or 60 A-63 A rating is made in

accordance with National requirements.

5.3 Rated current for signal or control purposes is 2 A.

5.4 An accessory rated 250 A a.c. or above 30 V d.c. shall be rated for disconnecting use

only, not for current interruption.
5.5 An accessory, rated up to and including 70 A, with a pilot circuit contact may be rated as
suitable for, or not suitable for, making and breaking an electrical circuit. See 7.4.
6 Connection between the power supply and the electric vehicle
6.1 This section provides a description of the physical conductive electrical interface
requirements between the vehicle and the power supply, which allows different types at the
vehicle interface:
a) a universal interface for all modes of charging which provides for either:
1) high power a.c. and 32 A a.c., or
2) high power d.c. and 32 A a.c.,
b) a basic interface for mode 1, 2 and 3 charging only,
c) a high power d.c.
6.2 There are four types of vehicle inlets:
universal, high power a.c.
universal, high power d.c.
basic
high power d.c.
6.3 There are four types of vehicle connectors:
universal, high power a.c.
universal, high power d.c.
basic
high power d.c.
6.4 The universal interface may contain up to 13 power or signal contacts, with only one
physical configuration of contact positions. These positions may be used or not, according to
the mode of charging of the vehicle. The electrical ratings and their function are described in
Table 2.
The universal vehicle inlet shall be compatible with either the high power a.c. vehicle
connector or the high power d.c. vehicle connector. This vehicle inlet shall be compatible with
the 32 A a.c. vehicle connector, as shown in Table 1. A means shall be provided to prevent
the connection of d.c. power from the vehicle connector with the a.c. vehicle inlet and vice
versa.
– 16 – 62196-1 © IEC:2011
Table 1 – Compatibility of mating devices at vehicle

Vehicle connector
Vehicle Inlet Universal a.c. Universal d.c. Basic High power d.c.

Universal a.c. Yes No No No
Universal d.c. No Yes No Yes
Basic No No Yes No
High power d.c. No No No Yes
Table 2 – Overview of the universal vehicle interface
a
Position n° High power a.c./a.c. High power d.c./a.c. Functions
b b
1 500 V 250 A 600 V 400 A High power d.c. or a.c.
b
2 500 V 250 A 600 V 400 A High power d.c. or a.c.
3 500 V 250 A -- High power a.c.

c c
4 480 V  32 A 480 V  32 A L1 (Mains 1)
5 480 V  32 A 480 V  32 A L2 (Mains 2)
6 480 V  32 A 480 V  32 A L3 (Mains 3)
7 480 V  32 A 480 V  32 A N (Neutral)
d d
8 R
...