IEC 60309-1:2021

IEC 60309-1 ®
Edition 5.0 2021-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Plugs, fixed or portable socket-outlets and appliance inlets for industrial
purposes –
Part 1: General requirements
Fiches, socles fixes de prise de courant, prises mobiles et socles de
connecteur pour usages industriels –
Partie 1: Exigences générales
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IEC 60309-1 ®
Edition 5.0 2021-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Plugs, fixed or portable socket-outlets and appliance inlets for industrial

purposes –
Part 1: General requirements
Fiches, socles fixes de prise de courant, prises mobiles et socles de

connecteur pour usages industriels –

Partie 1: Exigences générales
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.120.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-9841-1

– 2 – IEC 60309-1:2021 © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 General . 16
4.1 General requirements . 16
4.2 General notes on tests . 16
5 Standard ratings . 17
6 Classification of accessories . 17
7 Marking . 18
8 Dimensions. 22
9 Protection against electric shock . 23
10 Provision for earthing . 27
11 Terminals and terminations . 27
11.1 Common requirements for terminals and terminations . 27
11.2 Screw type terminals . 31
11.3 Screwless type terminals . 34
11.4 Insulation piercing terminals (IPT) . 38
11.5 Mechanical tests on terminals . 39
11.6 Voltage drop test for screwless type terminals and for insulation piercing
terminals . 42
11.7 Tests for insulation piercing terminals transmitting contact pressure via
insulating parts . 44
11.7.1 Temperature-cycling test . 44
11.7.2 Short-time withstand current test . 44
12 Interlocks . 44
13 Resistance to ageing of rubber and thermoplastic material . 45
14 Construction . 45
14.1 General construction . 45
14.2 Construction of contacts . 46
15 Construction of fixed socket-outlets . 46
16 Construction of plugs and portable socket-outlets . 48
17 Construction of appliance inlets . 49
18 Degrees of protection . 49
19 Insulation resistance and dielectric strength . 50
20 Breaking capacity . 52
21 Normal operation . 54
22 Temperature rise . 55
23 Flexible cables and their connection . 57
23.1 Cable anchorage . 57
23.2 Requirements for plugs and portable socket-outlets . 57
23.2.1 Non-rewireable plugs and portable socket-outlets . 57
23.2.2 Rewireable plugs and portable socket-outlets . 59
23.3 Pull test . 59

24 Mechanical strength . 63
25 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 69
26 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through sealing compound . 72
26.1 General . 72
26.2 Sealing compound . 75
27 Resistance to heat, to fire and to tracking . 75
28 Corrosion and resistance to rusting . 76
29 Conditional short-circuit current withstand test . 77
29.1 Minimum prospective short-circuit current . 77
29.2 Ratings and test conditions . 77
29.2.1 General . 77
29.2.2 Test-circuit . 77
29.2.3 Calibration . 78
29.2.4 Test procedure . 78
29.2.5 Acceptance conditions . 78
30 Electromagnetic compatibility . 81
30.1 Immunity . 81
30.2 Emission . 82
Annex A (normative) Guidance and description of test apparatus . 83
A.1 Pendulum and mount . 83
A.2 Impact energy and release angle . 83
A.3 Description of test apparatus . 84
Bibliography . 90

Figure 1 – Diagram showing the use of the accessories . 10
Figure 2 – Pillar terminals . 11
Figure 3 – Screw terminals . 12
Figure 4 – Stud terminals . 12
Figure 5 – Saddle terminals . 12
Figure 6 – Lug terminals . 13
Figure 7 – Mantle terminals. 13
Figure 8 – Screwless terminals . 13
Figure 9 – Insulation piercing terminals . 14
Figure 10 – Test piston . 21
Figure 11 – Gauge "A" for checking shutters . 25
Figure 12 – Gauge "B" for checking shutters . 26
Figure 13 – Gauges for testing insertability of round unprepared conductors having the
maximum specified cross-section . 33
Figure 14 – Information for the bending test . 36
Figure 15 – Test arrangement for terminals. 40
Figure 16 – Circuit diagrams for breaking capacity and normal operation tests . 53
Figure 17 – Apparatus for testing the cable anchorage . 60
Figure 18 – Arrangement for mechanical strength test for plugs and portable socket-
outlets . 66
Figure 19 – Apparatus for flexing test . 67

– 4 – IEC 60309-1:2021 © IEC 2021
Figure 20 – Diagram of the test circuit for the verification of short-circuit current
withstand of a two-pole accessory on a single-phase AC or DC . 79
Figure 21 – Diagram of the test circuit for the verification of short-circuit current

withstand of a three-pole accessory . 80
Figure 22 – Diagram of the test circuit for the verification of short-circuit current
withstand of a four-pole accessory . 81
Figure A.1 – Impact test fixture – Pendulum assembly . 85
Figure A.2 – Impact test fixture – Pendulum masses – Quantity: 4 . 86
Figure A.3 – Impact test fixture – Pendulum shaft end . 87
Figure A.4 – Impact test fixture – Pendulum anvil . 87
Figure A.5 – Impact test fixture – Pendulum shaft . 88
Figure A.6 – Impact text fixture – Pendulum pivot . 88
Figure A.7 – Impact test apparatus – Back and mounting plates . 89

Table 1 – Preferred rated currents . 17
Table 2 – Colour coding . 22
Table 3 – Size for connectable conductors . 30
Table 4 – Deflection test forces. 37
Table 5 – Pulling test values on terminals . 41
Table 6 – Pulling force . 42
Table 7 – Test current . 44
Table 8 – Dielectric strength test. 51
Table 9 – Breaking capacity . 54
Table 10 – Normal operation . 55
Table 11 – Temperature rise test . 56
Table 12 – Types of cables . 58
Table 13 – Dimensions of cables . 61
Table 14 – Torque test values . 63
Table 15 – Blow test impact energy . 65
Table 16 – Flexing test load values . 67
Table 17 – Test values for screwed glands . 68
Table 18 – Pulling force on insulated end caps . 69
Table 19 – Tightening torques. 70
Table 20 – Creepage distances, clearances and distances through sealing compound . 73
Table A.1 – Impact test release angles . 86

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
PLUGS, FIXED OR PORTABLE SOCKET-OUTLETS AND
APPLIANCE INLETS FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES –

Part 1: General requirements
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
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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
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
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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
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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
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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 60309-1 has been prepared by subcommittee SC 23H: Plugs,
socket-outlets and couplers for industrial and similar applications, and for electric vehicles, of
IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 1999, Amendment 1:2005
and Amendment 2:2012. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) addition of classification, requirements and tests for accessories with shutters;
b) additional marking to indicate neutral terminal and/or earthing terminal;
c) replacement of the term "connector" by the term "portable socket-outlet".

– 6 – IEC 60309-1:2021 © IEC 2021
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
23H/480/FDIS 23H/486/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/standardsdev/publications.
In this document, the following print types are used:
– requirements proper: in roman type;
– test specifications: in italic type;
– notes: in smaller roman type.
Subsequent parts of IEC 60309 deal with the requirements of particular types of accessories.
The clauses of these particular requirements supplement or modify the corresponding clauses
in this document.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60309 series, published under the general title Plugs, fixed or
portable socket-outlets and appliance inlets for industrial purposes, can be found on the IEC
website.
Future standards in this series will carry the new general title as cited above. Titles of existing
standards in this series will be updated at the time of the next edition.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
PLUGS, FIXED OR PORTABLE SOCKET-OUTLETS AND
APPLIANCE INLETS FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES –

Part 1: General requirements
1 Scope
This document applies to plugs, fixed or portable socket-outlets and appliance inlets hereinafter
referred to as accessories, with a rated operating voltage not exceeding 1 000 V DC or
1 000 V AC with a frequency not exceeding 500 Hz and a rated current not exceeding 800 A,
primarily intended for industrial use, either indoors or outdoors.
These accessories are intended to be installed by instructed persons or skilled persons only.
The list of preferred ratings is not intended to exclude other ratings.
This document applies to accessories for use when the ambient temperature is normally within
the range of −25 °C to +40 °C.
These accessories are intended to be connected to cables of copper or copper alloy only.
This document applies to accessories with screwless-type terminals or insulation piercing
terminals, with a rated current up to and including 32 A for series I and 30 A for series II.
The use of these accessories on building sites and for agricultural, commercial and domestic
applications is not precluded.
Fixed socket-outlets or appliance inlets incorporated in or fixed to electrical equipment are
within the scope of this document. This document also applies to accessories intended to be
used in extra-low voltage installations.
This document does not apply to accessories primarily intended for domestic and similar
general purposes.
This document does not cover single-pole accessories.
In locations where special conditions prevail, for example on board ship or where explosions
are liable to occur, additional requirements can be necessary.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60068-2-14, Environmental testing – Part 2-14: Tests – Test N: Change of temperature
IEC 60068-2-78, Environmental testing – Part 2-78: Tests – Test Cab: Damp heat, steady state
IEC TR 60083, Plugs and socket-outlets for domestic and similar general use standardized in
member countries of IEC
– 8 – IEC 60309-1:2021 © IEC 2021
IEC 60112, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking indices of
solid insulating materials
IEC 60227 (all parts), Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
IEC 60228:2004, Conductors of insulated cables
IEC 60245-4:2011, Rubber insulated cables – Rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V –
Part 4: Cords and flexible cables
IEC 60269-1, Low-voltage fuses – Part 1: General requirements
IEC 60269-2, Low-voltage fuses – Part 2: Supplementary requirements for fuses for use by
authorized persons (fuses mainly for industrial application) – Examples of standardized systems
of fuses A to K
IEC 60309-4:2021, Plugs, fixed or portable socket-outlets and appliance inlets for industrial
purposes – Part 4: Switched socket-outlets with or without interlock
IEC 60320 (all parts), Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available at http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment)
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013
IEC 60664-1:2020, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage supply systems –
Part 1: Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60664-3, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 3: Use of
coating, potting or moulding for protection against pollution
IEC 60695-2-11, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods – Glow-
wire flammability test method for end-products (GWEPT)
IEC 60695-10-2, Fire hazard testing – Part 10-2: Abnormal heat – Ball pressure test method
IEC 61000-6-2, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-2: Generic standards – Immunity
standard for industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-3, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-3: Generic standards – Emission
standard for equipment in residential environments
IEC 61032, Protection of persons and equipment by enclosures – Probes for verification
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 purpose of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
NOTE Where the terms "voltage" and "current" are used, they refer to the DC or the AC root mean square (RMS)
values.
The application of accessories is shown in Figure 1.
3.1
fixed socket-outlet
part intended to be installed with the fixed wiring or incorporated in equipment
Note 1 to entry: A fixed socket-outlet may also be incorporated in the output circuit of an isolating transformer.
Note 2 to entry: In some countries fixed socket-outlets are called "receptacles".
Note 3 to entry: When the term "socket-outlet" is used alone, it covers both fixed and portable socket-outlets.
3.2
plug
part integral with or intended to be attached directly to one flexible cable connected to the
equipment or to a portable socket-outlet
Note 1 to entry: In French, the resulting assembly when a plug is inserted into a socket-outlet is called "prise de
courant".
3.3
portable socket-outlet
part integral with or intended to be attached to one flexible cable connected to the supply
Note 1 to entry: In general, a portable socket-outlet has the same contact arrangement as a fixed socket-outlet.
Note 2 to entry: The resulting assembly when a plug is inserted into a portable socket outlet is called a "cable
coupler".
3.4
appliance inlet
part incorporated in, or fixed to, the equipment or intended to be fixed to it
Note 1 to entry: In general, an appliance inlet has the same contact arrangement as a plug.
Note 2 to entry: The resulting assembly when a portable socket outlet is inserted into an appliance is called an
"appliance coupler".
3.5
main part
part of an accessory carrying the contacts
3.6
rewireable accessory
accessory so constructed that the flexible cable can be replaced
3.7
non-rewireable accessory
accessory so constructed that the flexible cable cannot be separated from the accessory without
making it permanently useless
– 10 – IEC 60309-1:2021 © IEC 2021
Key
A supply
B fixed socket-outlet
C plug
D flexible cable
E portable socket-outlet
F appliance inlet
G appliance
Figure 1 – Diagram showing the use of the accessories
3.8
interlock
device, either electrical or mechanical, which prevents the contacts of a plug from becoming
live before it is in proper engagement with a socket-outlet, and which either prevents the plug
from being withdrawn while its contacts are live or makes the contacts dead before separation
3.9
retaining device
mechanical arrangement which holds a plug or portable socket-outlet in position when it is in
proper engagement, and prevents its unintentional withdrawal
3.10
rated current
current assigned to the accessory by the manufacturer
3.11
insulation voltage
voltage assigned to the accessory by the manufacturer and to which dielectric tests, clearances
and creepage distances are referred
3.12
rated operating voltage
nominal voltage of the supply for which the accessory is intended to be used
Note 1 to entry: An accessory may have a rated operating voltage range.

Note 2 to entry: An accessory may have more than one rated operating voltage.
3.13
basic insulation
insulation necessary for the proper functioning of the accessory and for basic protection against
electric shock
3.14
supplementary insulation
protective insulation
independent insulation provided in addition to the basic insulation, in order to ensure protection
against electric shock in the event of a failure of the basic insulation
3.15
double insulation
insulation comprising both basic insulation and supplementary insulation
3.16
reinforced insulation
improved basic insulation with such mechanical and electrical qualities that it provides the same
degree of protection against electric shock as double insulation
3.17
terminal
conductive part provided for the connection of a conductor to an accessory
3.17.1
pillar terminal
terminal in which the conductor is inserted into a hole or cavity, where it is clamped under the
shank of the screw or screws
Note 1 to entry: 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 (see Figure 2).

Figure 2 – Pillar terminals
3.17.2
screw terminal
terminal in which the conductor is clamped under the head of the screw
Note 1 to entry: 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 (see Figure 3).

– 12 – IEC 60309-1:2021 © IEC 2021

Figure 3 – Screw terminals
3.17.3
stud terminal
terminal in which the conductor is clamped under a nut
Note 1 to entry: 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 (see Figure 4).

Figure 4 – Stud terminals
3.17.4
saddle terminal
terminal in which the conductor is clamped under a saddle by means of two or more screws or
nuts
SEE: Figure 5
Figure 5 – Saddle terminals
3.17.5
lug terminal
screw terminal or a stud terminal, designed for clamping a cable lug or bar by means of a screw
or nut
SEE: Figure 6
Figure 6 – Lug terminals
3.17.6
mantle terminal
terminal in which the conductor is clamped against the base of a slot in a threaded stud by
means of a nut
Note 1 to entry: 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 (see Figure 7).

Figure 7 – Mantle terminals
3.17.7
screwless type terminal
terminal for the connection and subsequent disconnection of one or more conductors, the
connection being made, directly or indirectly, by means other than screws
Note 1 to entry: Examples of screwless type terminals are given in Figure 8.

Figure 8 – Screwless terminals

– 14 – IEC 60309-1:2021 © IEC 2021
3.17.8
insulation piercing terminal
IPT
terminal for the connection and subsequent disconnection of one or more conductors, the
connection being made by piercing, boring through, cutting through, displacing or making
ineffective in some other manner the insulation of the conductor(s) without previous stripping
Note 1 to entry: The removal of the outer sheath of the cable, if necessary, is not considered as a previous stripping.
Note 2 to entry: Examples of IPT are given in Figure 9.

Key
A Conductor
Figure 9 – Insulation piercing terminals
3.18
clamping unit
part(s) of a terminal necessary for the mechanical clamping and the electrical connection of the
conductor(s), including the parts which are necessary to ensure correct contact pressure
3.19
conditional short-circuit current
prospective current that an accessory, protected by a specified short-circuit protective device,
can satisfactorily withstand for the total operating time of that device under specified conditions
of use and behaviour
Note 1 to entry: This definition differs from that of IEC 60050-441:2000, 441-17-20 by broadening the concept of
current-limiting device to a short-circuit protective device, the function of which is not only to limit the current.
3.20
cap
part separated or attached, which may be used to provide the degree of protection of a plug or
appliance inlet when it is not engaged with a socket-outlet

3.21
lid
means, attached, to ensure the degree of protection on a socket-outlet when it is not engaged
with a plug or an appliance inlet
3.22
shutter
movable part(s) incorporated into an accessory arranged to automatically shield at least the
live contacts when the accessory is withdrawn from the complementary accessory
[SOURCE: IEC 60884-1:2002 and IEC 60884-1:2002:AMD2:2013, 3.27, modified –
"socket-outlet" and "plug" have been replaced by "accessory", and the words "from the
complementary accessory" have been added.]
3.23
insulated end cap
part made of insulating material, located at the tip of a contact, ensuring a protection against
access to hazardous parts with a standard test finger (IPXXB)
3.24
contact
conductive element of an accessory intended to make an electric contact with the corresponding
contact of a mating accessory
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-151:2001, 151-12-16, modified – a preferred term "contact member" has
been omitted, and "of an accessory" and "with the corresponding contact of a mating accessory"
have been added to the definition.]
3.25
pilot contact
auxiliary electric contact for use in a control, signalling, monitoring or interlock function
Note 1 to entry: Pilot contact is not considered to be a pole.
[SOURCE: IEC 60309-4:2006, 2.108, modified – "signalling" has been added.]
3.26
compatibility
compatible
ability of accessories to join together and be functional
Note 1 to entry: Non-compatible accessories may physically join together, but not be functional.
3.27
instructed person
person adequately advised or supervised by electrically skilled persons to enable him or her to
perceive risks and to avoid hazards which electricity can create
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-195:1998, 195-04-02, modified – "(electrically)" has been omitted from
the term.]
3.28
skilled person
person with relevant education and experience to enable him or her to perceive risks and to
avoid hazards which electricity can create
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-195:1998, 195-04-01, modified – "(electrically)" has been omitted from
the term.]
– 16 – IEC 60309-1:2021 © IEC 2021
4 General
4.1 General requirements
Accessories shall be so designed and constructed that in normal use their performance is
reliable and safety is achieved by reducing risk to a tolerable level, as defined in
ISO/IEC Guide 51.
Unless otherwise stated, the normal use environment in which the devices complying with this
document are normally used is pollution degree 3 according to IEC 60664-1.
If other pollution degrees are needed, clearances and creepage distances shall be in
accordance with IEC 60664-1. The comparative tracking index (CTI) value shall be evaluated
in accordance with IEC 60112. Tests and requirements are set out in 26.1.3.
Accessories shall have a minimum degree of protection IP23 according to IEC 60529.
Combinations of plugs, appliance inlets, socket-outlets that are intended for use together shall
comply with the requirements of this document and with the relevant standard sheets, if any.
In general, compliance is checked by carrying out all the tests specified.
4.2 General notes on tests
4.2.1 Tests according to this document 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. When a part or a component is incorporated in a device
or accessory according to this document and if this part or component meets an appropriate
IEC International Standard, then no further test(s) or requirement(s) shall be required for this
part or component, unless it is being used in a way significantly different from the intent of its
own standard.
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
document.
4.2.4 Three samples are subjected to all the tests, except if necessary for the tests of 11.1.4
and Clause 29 where, for each of these two tests, one new set of samples is tested. If, however,
the tests of Clau
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