SIST EN IEC 60320-2-4:2021

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2021
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 60320-2-4:2007
SIST EN 60320-2-4:2007/A1:2010
Spojni elementi za gospodinjske aparate in podobne namene - 2-4. del: Aparatne
spojke, izdelane v odvisnosti od mase aparata (IEC 60320-2-4:2018)
Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes - Part 2-4: Couplers
dependent on appliance weight for engagement (IEC 60320-2-4:2018)
Gerätesteckvorrichtungen für den Hausgebrauch und ähnliche allgemeine Zwecke - Teil
2-4: Gerätesteckvorrichtungen mit vom Gerätegewicht abhängiger Kupplung (IEC 60320
-2-4:2018)
Connecteurs pour usages domestiques et usages généraux analogues - Partie 2-4:
Connecteurs à connexion par gravité (IEC 60320-2-4:2018)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 60320-2-4:2021
ICS:
29.120.30 Vtiči, vtičnice, spojke Plugs, socket-outlets,
couplers
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 60320-2-4

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
March 2021
ICS 29.120.20 Supersedes EN 60320-2-4:2006 and all of its
amendments and corrigenda (if any)
English Version
Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes -
Part 2-4: Couplers dependent on appliance weight for
engagement
(IEC 60320-2-4:2018)
Connecteurs pour usages domestiques et usages généraux
Gerätesteckvorrichtungen für den Hausgebrauch und
analogues - Partie 2-4: Connecteurs à connexion par ähnliche allgemeine Zwecke - Teil 2-4:
gravité Gerätesteckvorrichtungen mit vom Gerätegewicht
(IEC 60320-2-4:2018) abhängiger Kupplung
(IEC 60320-2-4:2018)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2018-08-03. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 60320-2-4:2021 E

European foreword
The text of document 23G/402/FDIS, future edition 2 of IEC 60320-2-4, prepared by IEC/TC 23G:
"Appliance couplers" of IEC technical committee 23: "Electrical accessories" was submitted to the IEC-
CENELEC parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as EN IEC 60320-2-4:2021.

The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has to be (dop) 2021-09-19
implemented at national level by publication of
an identical national standard or by
endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards (dow) 2024-03-19
conflicting with this document have to be
withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 60320-2-4:2006 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if any).

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CENELEC by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive
2014/35/EU.
For the relationship with EU Directive 2014/35/EU see informative Annex ZZ, which is an integral part
of this document.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60320-2-4:2018 was approved by CENELEC as a
European Standard without any modification.
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications

The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
NOTE 1  Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant
EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2  Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available here:
www.cenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC/TR 60083 2015 Plugs and socket-outlets for domestic and
similar general use standardized in
member countries of IEC
IEC 60068-2-31 - Environmental testing - Part 2-31: Tests - EN 60068-2-31 2008
Test Ec: Rough handling shocks, primarily
for equipment-type specimens
IEC 60068-2-60 - Environmental testing - Part 2-60: Tests - EN 60068-2-60 2015
Test Ke: Flowing mixed gas corrosion test
IEC 60068-2-75 - Environmental testing - Part 2-75: Tests - EN 60068-2-75 2014
Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60112 - Method for the determination of the proof EN 60112 2003
and the comparative tracking indices of + A1 2009
solid insulating materials
EN 50525 series
IEC 60227 series Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated
voltages up to and including 450/750 V
EN 50525 series
IEC 60245 series Rubber insulated cables - Rated voltages
up to and including 450/750 V
IEC 60320 series Appliance couplers for household and EN 60320 series
similar general purposes -
IEC 60320-1 2015 Appliance couplers for household and EN 60320-1 2015
similar general purposes - Part 1: General
requirements
IEC 60320-3 2014 Appliance couplers for household and EN 60320-3 2014
similar general purposes - Part 3: Standard
sheets and gauges
Dated as no equivalent European Standard exists.

Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60335-1 (mod) 2010 Household and similar electrical appliances EN 60335-1 2012
- Safety - Part 1: General requirements
- -  + A11 2014
- -  + AC 2014
- -  + A13 2017
+ A1 (mod) 2013  + A1 2018
+ A2 2016  + A2 2018
IEC 60417 -  Graphical symbols for use on equipment. - -
Index, survey and compilation of the single
sheets.
IEC 60529 2013 Degrees of protection provided by - -
enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60664-1 2007 Insulation coordination for equipment EN 60664-1 2007
within low-voltage systems - Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60695-2-10 2000 Fire hazard testing -- Part 2-10: EN 60695-2-10 2001
Glowing/hot-wire based test methods -
Glow-wire apparatus and common test
procedure
IEC 60695-2-11 2000 Fire hazard testing -- Part 2-11: EN 60695-2-11 2001
Glowing/hot-wire based test methods -
Glow-wire flammability test method for
end-products
IEC 60695-2-12 2000 Fire hazard testing -- Part 2-12: EN 60695-2-12 2001
Glowing/hot-wire based test methods -
Glow-wire flammability test method for
materials
IEC 60695-2-13 2000 Fire hazard testing -- Part 2-13: EN 60695-2-13 2001
Glowing/hot-wire based test methods -
Glow-wire ignitability test method for
materials
IEC 60695-10-2 - Fire hazard testing - Part 10-2: Abnormal EN 60695-10-2 2014
heat - Ball pressure test method
IEC 60695-11-5 2016 Fire hazard testing - Part 11-5: Test flames EN 60695-11-5 2017
- Needle-flame test method - Apparatus,
confirmatory test arrangement and
guidance
IEC 60695-11-10 - Fire hazard testing - Part 11-10: Test EN 60695-11-10 2013
flames - 50 W horizontal and vertical flame
test methods
IEC 60730 series Automatic electrical controls EN 60730 series
IEC 60730-2-11 - Automatic electrical controls for household EN 60730-2-11 2008
and similar use - Part 2-11: Particular
requirements for energy regulators
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60999-1 - Connecting devices - Electrical copper EN 60999-1 2000
conductors - Safety requirements for
screw-type and screwless-type clamping
units - Part 1: General requirements and
particular requirements for clamping units
for conductors from 0,2 mm2 up to 35 mm2
(included)
IEC 61032 - Protection of persons and equipment by EN 61032 1998
enclosures - Probes for verification
IEC 61058 series Switches for appliances EN IEC 61058 series
ISO 9772 2012 Cellular plastics -- Determination of - -
horizontal burning characteristics of small
specimens subjected to a small flame

Annex ZZ
(informative)
Relationship between this European standard and the safety
objectives of Directive 2014/35/EU [2014 OJ L96] aimed to be
covered
This European standard has been prepared under a Commission’s standardisation request relating to
harmonised standards in the field of the Low Voltage Directive, M/511, to provide one voluntary means
of conforming to safety objectives of Directive 2014/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the
making available on the market of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits
[2014 OJ L96].
Once this standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union under that Directive,
compliance with the normative clauses of this standard given in Table ZZ.1 confers, within the limits of
the scope of this standard, a presumption of conformity with the corresponding safety objectives of
that Directive, and associated EFTA regulations.

Table ZZ.1 – Correspondence between this European standard and Annex I of Directive
2014/35/EU [2014 OJ L96]
Safety objectives of Clause(s) / sub-clause(s) of this
Remarks / Notes
Directive 2014/35/EU EN
Clause 8
(1)(a)
Clause 4, 9, 12, 13.5,13.4
(1)(b)
see below detailed clauses
(1)(c)
Clause 4, 8.6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,
(2)(a)
14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26 and
Clause 17, 19, 20, 21, 25 and 27
(2)(b)
N. A.
(2)(c)
Clause 15, 20, 22, 26
(2)(d)
Clause 16, 22 and 23
(3)(a)
Clause 14, 22, 24 and 28
(3)(b)
Clause 21 and 22
(3)(c)
WARNING 1: Presumption of conformity stays valid only as long as a reference to this European
standard is maintained in the list published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Users of this
standard should consult frequently the latest list published in the Official Journal of the European
Union.
WARNING 2: Other Union legislation may be applicable to the product(s) falling within the scope of
this standard.
IEC 60320-2-4 ®
Edition 2.0 2018-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes –

Part 2-4: Couplers dependent on appliance weight for engagement

Connecteurs pour usages domestiques et usages généraux analogues –

Partie 2-4: Connecteurs à connexion par gravité

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.120.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-5824-8

– 2 – IEC 60320-2-4:2018 © IEC 2018
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 General requirements . 8
5 General notes on tests . 8
6 Standard ratings . 8
7 Classification . 9
8 Marking . 10
9 Dimensions and compatibility . 11
10 Protection against electric shock . 12
11 Provision for earthing . 13
12 Terminals and terminations . 13
13 Construction . 13
14 Moisture resistance . 14
15 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 15
16 Forces necessary to insert and withdraw the connector/appliance outlet . 16
17 Operation of contacts . 17
18 Resistance to heating of appliance couplers for hot conditions or very hot
conditions . 17
19 Breaking capacity . 18
20 Normal operation . 19
21 Temperature rise . 20
22 Cords and their connection . 21
23 Mechanical strength . 21
24 Resistance to heat and ageing. 22
25 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 22
26 Clearances, creepage distances and solid insulation . 23
27 Resistance of insulating material to heat, fire and tracking . 29
28 Resistance to rusting . 30
29 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements . 30
Annex AA (normative) Needle-flame test . 31
Annex BB (normative) Apparatus for the test of 14.102 . 32
Annex C (normative) Test schedule . 33

Figure 101 – Examples of clearances . 26
Figure BB.1 – Apparatus for the test of Subclause 14.102 . 32

Table 101 – Test voltages . 16
Table 102 – Ratings for the tests of Clause 20 . 20

IEC 60320-2-4:2018 © IEC 2018 – 3 –
Table 103 – Rated impulse voltage . 24
Table 104 – Minimum clearances . 24
Table 105 – Minimum creepage distances for basic insulation . 28

– 4 – IEC 60320-2-4:2018 © IEC 2018
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 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 60320-2-4 has been prepared by subcommittee 23G: Appliance
couplers, of IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2005 and
Amendment 1:2009. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) IEC 60320-2-4 is aligned with IEC 60320-1:2015.
b) IEC 60320-2-4 is aligned with IEC 60335-1 and IEC 60335-2-15. IEC 60320-2-4 appliance
couplers are incorporated into appliances designed and manufactured to these standards.
To this end, particular attention is drawn to 14.2 and Clause 20.
c) It also now proposes that appliance couplers with auxiliary contacts be considered.

IEC 60320-2-4:2018 © IEC 2018 – 5 –
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
23G/402/FDIS 23G/404/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
This Part 2-4 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 third edition of that standard (2015).
The clauses of this standard supplement or modify the corresponding clauses of IEC 60320-1.
When a particular subclause or annex of Part 1 is not mentioned in this Part 2-4, the
subclause or annex 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.
In this particular standard the following print types are used:
• requirements: in roman type;
• test specifications: in italic type;
• explanatory matter: in smaller roman type.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60320 series, published under the general title Appliance couplers
for household and similar general purposes, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://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.
– 6 – IEC 60320-2-4:2018 © IEC 2018
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 part of IEC 60320 is applicable to two-pole appliance couplers for alternating current
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.
This document is also applicable to appliance couplers with auxiliary contacts rated for
alternating current, direct current or both, with a total rated current not exceeding 16 A.
This document is also valid for appliance inlets/appliance outlets integrated or incorporated in
appliances.
NOTE 1 Appliance couplers complying with this document 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 can exceed these figures and can be declared by the manufacturer.
It is possible that the maximum working ambient temperature for the appliance inlet and for the connector can be
different.
NOTE 2 Appliance couplers dependent on appliance weight for engagement can be subject to spillage of liquid in
normal use. They are classified according to whether protection against liquid spillage is provided, when installed
in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
NOTE 3 If appliance inlets according to this document are used with appliances or other equipment which can 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 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 can be required:
• in locations where special conditions can prevail, for example, in ships, vehicles and the like;
• in hazardous locations, for example, where explosions are likely to occur.
NOTE 6 Additional auxiliary contacts can be used as part of the appliance coupler. An example of an auxiliary
contact is a contact used to supply a low power device or used to transmit signals for sensors and to/from a
microprocessor.
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.
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies with the following additions:

IEC 60320-2-4:2018 © IEC 2018 – 7 –
IEC TR 60083, Plugs and socket-outlets for domestic and similar general use standardized in
member countries of IEC
IEC 60320-1:2015, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 1:
General requirements
IEC 60335-1:2010, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 1: General
requirements
IEC 60335-1:2010/AMD1:2013
IEC 60335-1:2010/AMD2:2016
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60664-1:2007, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems − Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60695-11-5:2016, 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 60730-(all parts), Automatic electrical controls
ISO 9772, Cellular plastics – Determination of horizontal burning characteristics of small
specimens subjected to a small flame
3 Terms and 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 1 to entry: The weight-engaged coupler is used in an appliance which is in two parts, in order to supply 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 to entry: 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.
– 8 – IEC 60320-2-4:2018 © IEC 2018
Note 2 to entry: 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 1 to entry: 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.
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
3.108
auxiliary contact
contact included in the appliance coupler to operate an auxiliary circuit as part of the normal
operation of the appliance, with a maximum allowable current rating of 2 A
Note 1 to entry: An example of an auxiliary contact is a pole used to supply a low current device, used to transmit
signals for sensors and to/from a microprocessor.
3.109
non-polarized
designed so that the inlet and connector auxiliary contact poles are interchangeable
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. For alternating current they are tested 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
weight-engaged appliance inlets installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions,
representative appliances or appliance parts shall be supplied.
6 Standard ratings
This clause of IEC 60320-1 is replaced as follows:

IEC 60320-2-4:2018 © IEC 2018 – 9 –
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 is replaced as follows:
7.1 According to maximum temperature of the corresponding appliance inlet:
a) appliance couplers for cold conditions, appliance inlet temperature not exceeding 70 °C;
b) appliance couplers for hot conditions, appliance inlet temperature not exceeding 120 °C;
c) appliance couplers for very hot conditions, appliance inlet temperature not exceeding
155 °C.
NOTE Appliance couplers for hot conditions can also be used under cold conditions; appliance couplers for very
hot conditions can also be used under cold or hot conditions.
7.2 According to the type of equipment to be connected:
a) appliance couplers for class I equipment;
b) appliance couplers for class II equipment.
NOTE For a description of the classes, see lEC 61140.
7.3 According to protection against liquid spillage when the connector is installed according
to the manufacturer’s instructions:
a) protected;
b) not protected.
7.4 According to breaking capacity:
a) the coupler is intended to be engaged and disengaged with current flowing;
b) the coupler is intended to be engaged and disengaged without current flowing.
7.5 According to the maximum ambient working temperature of the coupler
NOTE The maximum ambient working temperature of the connector and appliance inlet can be different.
7.6 According to the number of cycles to be performed in the test of Clause 20. Preferred
values are:
• 100 000
• 60 000
• 30 000
• 20 000
• 10 000
• 6 000
NOTE Different numbers of endurance cycles can be declared for different current ratings of the same coupler. A
cycle is two strokes as defined in Clause 19, that is, one connection followed by one disconnection.

– 10 – IEC 60320-2-4:2018 © IEC 2018
7.7 The following information is recorded to cover required tests:
a) The specified minimum cross-sectional area of cord.
b) The maximum allowable terminal temperature rise.
c) The maximum allowable termination temperature rise.
d) The maximum allowable contact temperature rise.
e) The minimum appliance weight required for correct engagement.
f) The minimum base weight required for correct disengagement.
g) The end equipment standard.
h) The type of load to be connected:
– resistive load
– inductive load
– capacitive load
– specific load
– direct current (auxiliary contacts)
i) Type of cord to be connected (e.g. IEC type 52).
j) Function of the connector:
– connectors which normally make the connected load
– connectors which do not normally make the connected load
– connectors which normally break the connected load
– connectors which do not normally break the connected load
NOTE Connectors which carry a current of 200 mA or less are considered to be off-load.
k) For connectors with auxiliary contacts,
– number of auxiliary contacts
– maximum current rating of auxiliary contacts
– maximum voltage rating of auxiliary contacts
– specified for use in DC applications the contacts shall be classified as
i) polarized or
ii) non-polarized
– the insulation classification between the auxiliary circuit and primary circuit
NOTE For SELV and PELV refer to the appropriate intended product standard.
8 Marking
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
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:
IEC 60320-2-4:2018 © IEC 2018 – 11 –
• earthing terminal: the symbol (IEC 60417-5019:2006) or PE
• 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 8.6, shall have terminal markings to correspond with 8.6.
The marking symbol or letters shall not be placed on screws, removable washers or other
removable parts.
Rewirable connectors shall be supplied with the following instructions:
a) 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;
b) a full-scale diagram showing the length of sleeving and insulation to be stripped back;
c) the sizes and types of cords suitable;
d) the type of attachment for connector and inlet.
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 subclauses:
8.101 Instructions for installation
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
document and shall contain the classifications declared by the manufacturer according to
Clause 7.
For weight-engaged couplers intended to be exclusively delivered to the equipment
manufacturer, the instruction sheet may be replaced by a leaflet, letter, or drawing, etc. It is
not necessary for each coupler to be accompanied by such a document.
8.102 Marking of auxiliary contacts
Auxiliary contacts shall be clearly marked to ensure no confusion occurs during installation.
For polarized couplers, polarities shall be marked on both the appliance inlet and connector.
9 Dimensions and compatibility
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
9.1 Replacement:
Appliance couplers shall be designed and constructed so that unintended or improper
connection is prevented.
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Weight-engaged appliance couplers may take any form appropriate to their function, but shall
comply with the requirements of this document 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, such transient single-pole connections are allowed.
Weight-engaged couplers shall not allow improper connections with plugs or portable socket
outlets complying with IEC TR 60083.
Weight-engaged couplers shall not allow improper connections with connectors or appliance
inlets complying with the standard sheets of the IEC 60320 series.
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 is made to the appropriate appliance standards regarding the requirements for weight-
engaged connectors and appliance inlets.
It shall not be possible to engage connectors for class II equipment with appliance inlets for
class I equipment.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
9.4 This subclause of IEC 60320-1 does not apply.
10 Protection against electric shock
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
10.1 Replace the first two paragraphs with:
Appliance couplers shall be so designed that live parts of the appliance inlets are not
accessible when the connector is in partial or complete engagement.
Weight-engaged appliance connectors shall be so designed that the live parts and parts
connected thereto are not accessible when the connector is properly assembled and wired as
in normal use.
10.2 Addition:
NOTE To be assessed when incorporated in the end product.
Additional subclause (after 10.5):
10.101 Additional protection against access to live parts
Test probe 13 of IEC 61032 is applied without appreciable force through openings in
appliance connectors.
IEC 60320-2-4:2018 © IEC 2018 – 13 –
NOTE “Without appreciable force” is considered to be a force not exceeding 1 N.
It shall not be possible to touch live parts with the test probe.
11 Provision for earthing
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies.
12 Terminals and terminations
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
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:
13.2 The note of this subclause is not applicable.
13.4 Replacement:
Pins of weight-engaged appliance inlets shall
• be securely retained,
• have adequate mechanical strength,
• not be removable without the aid of a tool, and
• have any live parts 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.
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 can be provided in either the appliance inlet or the connector or both.

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13.10 Replacement:
Fuses, relays, thermostats and thermal cut-outs incorporated in weight-engaged connectors
and weight-engaged appliance inlets shall comply with the relevant IEC standards.
Switches or energy regulators incorporated in weight-engaged connectors or weight-engaged
appliance inlets shall comply with IEC 61058 (all parts) and IEC 60730 (all parts),
respectively.
Where a weight-engaged appliance 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 document.
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:
14.101 Weight-engaged couplers shall be proof against humid conditions, which may occur
in normal use.
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