SC 23B - Plugs, socket-outlets and switches

IEC 60670-22:2024 applies to boxes, enclosures and parts of enclosures (hereafter called "boxes" and "enclosures") for electrical accessories with a rated voltage not exceeding 1 000 V AC and 1 500 V DC intended for household or similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors. Boxes and enclosures complying with this document are suitable for use at ambient temperatures not normally exceeding +40 °C, but their average over a period of 24 h does not exceed +35 °C, with a lower limit of the ambient air temperature of −5 °C. Other temperatures outside the above range can apply according to the classification of the boxes and the enclosures. This document applies to junction connecting boxes or tapping connecting boxes or both.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2003 and Amendment 1:2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) addition of cable joints as a new type of box with the related tests and requirements;
b) addition of tests and requirements for boxes and enclosures exposed to direct sunlight with the related Annex CC;
c) addition of connecting boxes and enclosures having encapsulation capability as a new type of boxes with the related tests, requirements and related Annex DD.

IEC 60670-21:2024 applies to boxes, enclosures and parts of enclosures (hereafter called "boxes" and "enclosures") for electrical accessories with a rated voltage not exceeding 1 000 V AC and 1 500 V DC intended for household or similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors. Boxes and enclosures complying with this document are suitable for use at ambient temperatures not normally exceeding +40 °C, but their average over a period of 24 h does not exceed +35 °C, with a lower limit of the ambient air temperature of −5 °C. Other temperatures outside the above range can apply according to the classification of the boxes and the enclosures. This document applies to boxes and enclosures for ceiling and wall mounting with provision for suspension means. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2004 and Amendment 1:2016. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) Complete revision of the tests and requirements of the suspension means.

IEC 60670-24:2024 applies to enclosures and parts of them for housing protective devices and other power dissipating electrical equipment intended to be used with a rated voltage not exceeding 400 V and a total incoming load current not exceeding 125 A for household and similar fixed electrical installations. These enclosures are intended to be installed in locations where unskilled persons have access. They are intended to be equipped with electrical equipment by skilled persons (installers). These enclosures are intended to be installed where the prospective short circuit current does not exceed 10 kA unless they are protected by current limiting protective devices with a cut-off current not exceeding 17 kA. Enclosures complying with this document are suitable for use at ambient temperature not normally exceeding 40 °C, but their average temperature over a period of 24 h does not exceed 35 °C, with a lower limit of the ambient air temperature of −5 °C. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) revision of requirements for protection against electric shock in Clause 10;
b) addition of requirements for functional earthing in 11.101;
c) revision of the requirements for fixing of flush type and semi-flush type enclosures in 12.12;
d) revision of the requirements for resistance of insulating material to abnormal heat and to fire in Clause 18;
e) addition of calculations to take into account the power loss of electronic devices in Clause AA.6;
f) addition of tests and requirements for enclosures exposed to direct sunlight with the related Annex CC;
g) addition of tests and requirements for enclosures with separate area to accommodate multimedia-equipment with the related Annex DD;
h) addition of tests and requirements for enclosures used with connected devices or equipment with the related Annex EE.

IEC 60670-1:2024 applies to boxes, enclosures and parts of enclosures (hereafter called "boxes" and "enclosures") for electrical accessories with a rated voltage not exceeding 1 000 V AC and 1 500 V DC intended for household or similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors. Boxes and enclosures complying with this document are suitable for use at ambient temperatures not normally exceeding +40 °C, but their average over a period of 24 h does not exceed +35 °C, with a lower limit of the ambient air temperature of −5 °C. Other temperatures outside the above range can apply according to the classification of the boxes and the enclosures. This document is intended to apply to boxes and enclosures for electrical accessories within the scope of IEC technical committee 23.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) the classifications, markings and tests of boxes and enclosures for use and installation in ambient temperature below normal use are modified;
b) the test for the durability of markings is modified;
c) a test is added for fixing screws protected by caps;
d) a normative annex is added to specify the tests applied to boxes and enclosures declared with an IK code;
e) requirements for the resistance to abnormal heat and fire of internal parts not necessary to retain current carrying parts are specified.

IEC 60884-3-1:2021 applies to fixed or portable socket-outlets for AC only, with or without earthing contact, with a rated voltage greater than 50 V but not exceeding 440 V and a rated current not exceeding 32 A, intended for household and similar purposes, either indoors or outdoors, incorporating USB power supply.
This document defines the safety and EMC requirements for socket-outlets incorporating USB power supply.
Specifications, performance and dimensional requirements of the USB technologies are not covered by this document; they are defined in the relevant part(s) of IEC 62680.

IEC 60669-2-1:2021 applies to electronic control devices, a general term to cover electronic switches, home and building electronic systems (HBES) / building automation and control systems (BACS) switches and electronic extension units.
It applies to electronic switches and to HBES/BACS switches, for alternating current (AC) only with a rated switching voltage not exceeding 250 V and a rated current not exceeding 16 A, intended for household and similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors.
It also applies to electronic extension units with a rated supply voltage not exceeding 250 V AC and 120 V DC, such as sensors and push buttons.
This document also applies to electronic remote control switches (RCS) and electronic time delay switches (TDS). Particular requirements are given in Annex FF.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2002, Amendment 1:2008 and Amendment 2:2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) incorporation of the requirements for HBES switches, previously included in IEC 60669-2-5;
b) modification of 19.106, test and requirements for switches for LEDs;
c) general indication to cover electronic control devices;
d) test for looping through.

IEC 60669-2-4:2024 applies to manually operated general purpose isolating switches with a rated voltage not exceeding 440 V and a rated current not exceeding 125 A, intended for household and similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2004. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) revision of the present edition with reference to the published IEC 60669-1:2017 Edition 4 with its amendments and references to clauses and tables;
b) introducing the values for isolating switches with ratings from 6 A to 13 A;
c) introducing a circuit motor load with a rated current not exceeding 10 A and a power factor not less than 0,6 in the scope;
d) modification of Table 1 and Table 5.

IEC 60669-2-2:2024 applies to electromagnetic remote control switches (hereinafter referred to as electromagnetic RCS) with a rated voltage not exceeding 440 V AC and a rated current not exceeding 63 A, intended for household and similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors. For the control circuit, the rated control voltage does not exceed 440 V AC or 220 V DC. This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2006. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) Revision of the present edition with reference to IEC 60669-1:2017 (Edition 4);
b) Introduction of a revision to Annex E "Additional requirements and tests for switches intended to be used at a temperature lower than −5 °C".

IEC 60669-2-3:2024 applies to time-delay switches (hereinafter referred to as TDS) with a rated voltage not exceeding 440 V AC and a rated current not exceeding 63 A, intended for household and similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors, operated by hand and/or by remote control. For the control circuit, the rated control voltage does not exceed 440 V AC or 220 V DC. This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2006. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) Revision of the present edition with reference to IEC 60669-1:2017 (Edition 4);
b) Introduction of a revision to Annex E "Additional requirements and tests for switches intended to be used at a temperature lower than −5 °C".

IEC 60884-1:2022 applies to plugs and fixed or portable socket-outlets for AC only, with or without earthing contact, with a rated voltage greater than 50 V but not exceeding 440 V and a rated current not exceeding 32 A, intended for household and similar purposes, either indoors or outdoors.
Compatible plugs and socket-outlets, when combined, form a plug and socket-outlet system. Standardized systems used around the world are reported in IEC/TR 60083.
The rated current is limited to 16 A maximum for accessories provided with screwless-type terminals.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2002, Amendment 1:2006 and Amendment 2:2013. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
plugs and socket-outlets incorporating pilot lights;
crimped connections in accessories;
insulation piercing terminals (IPT);
accessories to be used with American Wire Gauge (AWG) cables;
accessories used in T° below −5 °C down to and including −45 °C;
accessories used in T° above +40 °C up to and including +70 °C;
plugs and socket-outlets for high load (HL);
clarification of some definitions;
durability of markings test;
introduction of thermal monitoring in the plug;
requirements for shutters in portable socket-outlets;
test walls for the verification of ingress of water;
rewriting of the temperature rise clause.

IEC 60884-1:2022 applies to plugs and fixed or portable socket-outlets for AC only, with or without earthing contact, with a rated voltage greater than 50 V but not exceeding 440 V and a rated current not exceeding 32 A, intended for household and similar purposes, either indoors or outdoors.
Compatible plugs and socket-outlets, when combined, form a plug and socket-outlet system. Standardized systems used around the world are reported in IEC/TR 60083.
The rated current is limited to 16 A maximum for accessories provided with screwless-type terminals.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2002, Amendment 1:2006 and Amendment 2:2013. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
plugs and socket-outlets incorporating pilot lights;
crimped connections in accessories;
insulation piercing terminals (IPT);
accessories to be used with American Wire Gauge (AWG) cables;
accessories used in T° below −5 °C down to and including −45 °C;
accessories used in T° above +40 °C up to and including +70 °C;
plugs and socket-outlets for high load (HL);
clarification of some definitions;
durability of markings test;
introduction of thermal monitoring in the plug;
requirements for shutters in portable socket-outlets;
test walls for the verification of ingress of water;
rewriting of the temperature rise clause.
The contents of the corrigendum of November 2023 have been included in this copy.

IEC 60884-3-1:2021 applies to fixed or portable socket-outlets for AC only, with or without earthing contact, with a rated voltage greater than 50 V but not exceeding 440 V and a rated current not exceeding 32 A, intended for household and similar purposes, either indoors or outdoors, incorporating USB power supply.
This document defines the safety and EMC requirements for socket-outlets incorporating USB power supply.
Specifications, performance and dimensional requirements of the USB technologies are not covered by this document; they are defined in the relevant part(s) of IEC 62680.
The contents of the corrigendum of July 2024 have been included in this copy.

IEC 60669-2-1:2021 applies to electronic control devices, a general term to cover electronic switches, home and building electronic systems (HBES) / building automation and control systems (BACS) switches and electronic extension units.
It applies to electronic switches and to HBES/BACS switches, for alternating current (AC) only with a rated switching voltage not exceeding 250 V and a rated current not exceeding 16 A, intended for household and similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors.
It also applies to electronic extension units with a rated supply voltage not exceeding 250 V AC and 120 V DC, such as sensors and push buttons.
This document also applies to electronic remote control switches (RCS) and electronic time delay switches (TDS). Particular requirements are given in Annex FF.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2002, Amendment 1:2008 and Amendment 2:2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) incorporation of the requirements for HBES switches, previously included in IEC 60669-2-5;
b) modification of 19.106, test and requirements for switches for LEDs;
c) general indication to cover electronic control devices;
d) test for looping through.
The contents of the corrigendum of May 2024 have been included in this copy.

IEC 63180:2020 provides a methodology and test procedures to be able to declare and verify the detection area for motion detectors using passive infrared technology in electronic control devices and appliance switches, whether stand-alone (direct control of one or more applications) or as part of home and building electronic systems or building automation control systems (HBES/BACS) or similar.

IEC 60884-2-5:2017 applies to adaptors for a.c. only with or without earthing contact, with a rated voltage greater than 50 V but not exceeding 440 V and a rated current not exceeding 32 A, intended for household and similar purposes, either indoors or outdoors.
This document also applies to travel adaptors (see Annex AA). For travel adaptors the scope is limited to a voltage rating greater than 50 V but not exceeding 250 V and to a current rating not exceeding 20 A.
Travel adaptors allowing the simultaneous connection of two or more plugs are not covered by this document.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1995. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) a general alignment with IEC 60884-1:2002, Amendment 1:2006 and Amendment 2:2013;
b) new and modified definitions;
c) requirements for travel adaptors, for adaptors with additional functions and for adaptors with a cable outlet;
d) requirements for adaptors with incorporated overcurrent protective devices;
e) requirement to warn against inserting an adaptor into another adaptor;
f) new requirements for the construction and shape of the adaptors.

IEC 60669-1:2017 applies to manually operated general purpose functional switches, for alternating current (AC) only with a rated voltage not exceeding 440 V with a rated current not exceeding 63 A, intended for household and similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors. For switches provided with screwless terminals, the rated current is limited to 16 A. This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 1998, Amendment 1:1999 and Amendment 2:2006. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) change of the scope for motor load switches;
b) deletion of some dated normative references;
c) changes to the definitions;
d) in Clause 5 the number of specimens to be used for the tests are clearly given in Table 1 (Corresponding Annex A of IEC 60669-1:1998 was therefore deleted);
e) in Clause 5 it was clarified on which switches the tests of Clause 19 shall be carried out;
f) requirements concerning 13 A switches have been included;
g) mandatory indication that a terminal is suitable for rigid conductor only;
h) requirements and test conditions for flexible conductors have been included in Clause 12;
i) requirements for pilot light units have been included;
j) new test for self-ballasted lamp loads in 19.3;
k) Table 20 has been completely redrawn to cover normal, mini and micro-gap switches and renumbered Table 21;
l) new informative Annex B including changes planned for the future in order to align IEC 60669-1 with the requirements of IEC 60998 (all parts), IEC 60999 (all parts) and IEC 60228;
m) new informative Annex C about the circuit development for 19.3;
n) new informative Annex D including additional requirements for insulation-piercing terminals;
o) new informative Annex E including additional requirements and tests for switches intended to be used at a temperature lower than -5 °C.
The contents of the corrigendum of January 2020 have been included in this copy.

IEC TS 62735-2: 2016(E) applies to plugs and fixed socket-outlets for class I equipment with two active contacts plus an earthing contact, a rated power of 5,2 kW and a rated voltage range from 294 V to 400 V d.c. They are intended to power d.c. information and communication technology equipment only. The 2,6 kW system complying with Part 1 is safely compatible with the system complying with this part as it is possible to insert the 2,6 kW plug in the 5,2 kW socket-outlet but it is not possible to insert the 5,2 kW plug into the 2,6 kW socket-outlet.
This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC TS 62735-1:2015

IEC TR 63036:2016(E) specifies the electrical interface and test procedures for the control by mains voltage phase-cut dimming of the brightness of mains operated electronic lighting equipment intended to be controlled by mains voltage phase-cut dimmers, such as LED integrated lamps, and light sources with external control gear. Electronic switches that use a comparable circuitry to a phase-cut dimmer but do not contain means for the adjustability of the phase-cut angle should fulfill the same requirements as a phase-cut dimmer. Safety requirements are not covered by this document, but by respective product standards.

IEC TR 60083:2015 The object of this technical report is to give general information about the systems of plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes which are used in the IEC countries. The report only contains National Systems which are commonly used in homes and offices. It is therefore limited to systems for a.c. with a rated voltage above 50 V but not exceeding 440 V, intended for household and similar purposes, either indoors or outdoors. The report only contains systems for which standard sheets have been published in a National Standard, which may be a National Standard of the country itself or any other IEC member country. The seventh edition cancels and replaces the sixth edition published in 2009 and constitutes a technical revision. It includes some replacements of the sheets concerning the following countries: AT, CA, DK, FR, DE, IT, JP, NL, NZ, PT, SA, SG, ES and CH. New sheets for HU, RO and TH have been added to those of the previous edition.

IEC TS 62735-1:2015(E) applies to plugs and fixed socket-outlets for class I equipment with two active contacts plus an earthing contact, a rated power of 2,6 kW and a rated voltage range from 294 V to 400 V d.c. They are intended to power d.c. information and communication technology equipment only, products according to IEC 60950.

Applies to electronic switches and to associated electronic extension units for household and similar fixed electrical installations either indoors or outdoors. The contents of the Interpretation sheet 1 of December 2011 have been included in this copy.

IEC 60670-1:2015 applies to boxes, enclosures and parts of enclosures (hereafter called "boxes" and "enclosures") for electrical accessories with a rated voltage not exceeding 1 000 V a.c. and 1 500 V d.c. intended for household or similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2002 and its Amendment 1:2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: Review of classification Table 1.

The contents of the corrigendum of March 2014 have been included in this copy.

IEC 60669-2-6:2012 is applicable to fireman's switches used for the breaking of the low-voltage circuits for exterior and interior signs and luminaires e.g. neon signs for a.c. only with a rated voltage not exceeding 440 V and a rated current not exceeding 125 A.
This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 60669-1:1998.

Applies to sounders which are treated as entirely passive electroacoustic transducer elements. Piezoelectric diaphragms, which are the principal components of piezoelectric sounders, are also included. Standardize the definitions relating to these electroacoustic transducers, lists characteristics to be specified and the relevant methods of measurement.

This part of IEC 60670 applies to boxes, enclosures and parts of enclosures (hereafter called "boxes" and "enclosures") for electrical accessories with a rated voltage not exceeding 1 000 V a.c. and 1 500 V d.c. intended for household or similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors. This edition cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 60670 published in 1989 and its amendment 1 (1994). This edition constitutes a technical revision. The contents of the corrigendum of February 2003 have been included in this copy.

IEC 60906-2:2011 applies to the IEC system of plugs and socket-outlets rated 15 A 125 V a.c. and 20 A 125 V a.c. for household and similar purposes, for the connection of equipment to distribution systems having nominal voltages between 100 V and 130 V a.c. in so far as dimensional requirements are concerned. This third edition of IEC 60906-2 cancels and replaces the second edition published in 1997, and constitutes a technical revision. The main changes from the previous edition are as follows:
- revision to tolerances on the slot dimensions;
- incorporate a shorter maximum length of blade;
- new dimensions to define the recess of electrical contacts;
- new gage for inspection to verify dimensional compliance to protection from electrical shock during partial insertion and withdrawal of plug blades.

IEC 60670-24:2011 applies to enclosures and parts of them for housing protective devices and other power dissipating electrical equipment intended to be used with a rated voltage not exceeding 400 V and a total incoming load current not exceeding 125 A for household and similar fixed electrical installations. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2005 and constitutes a technical revision. The following major changes from the first edition are introduced:
- new definition for basic, general purpose enclosures (GP enclosure) and enclosures for pre-determined equipment (PD enclosure);
- new classification and marking for general purpose enclosure (GP enclosure) and enclosure for pre-determined equipment (PD enclosure);
- required data for instruction sheet and/or documentation according to the type of enclosure;
- adequate space to allow mounting and connection of the accessories (fully equipped) as declared by the manufacturer;
- requirements for general purpose enclosure (GP enclosure) as in Clause 101;
- requirements for enclosure for pre-determined equipment (PD enclosure) as in Clause 102;
- instructions to be given by the manufacturer of the GP enclosure to the installer how to integrate accessories and example of calculation given in Annex AA;
- instructions to be given by the manufacturer of the PD enclosure to the installer how to integrate accessories given in Annex BB.
This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 60670-1:2002.

IEC 60884-2-7:2011 applies to cord extension sets, rewirable and non rewirable, with or without earthing contact, with a rated voltage greater than 50 V but not exceeding 440 V and a rated current not exceeding 16 A, intended for household and similar purposes, either indoors or outdoors.
This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 60884-1:2002.

IEC 60906-1:2009 applies to the IEC System of plugs and socket-outlets rated 16 A 250 V a.c. for household and similar purposes for the connection of equipment to distribution systems having nominal voltages between 200 V and 250 V a.c., insofar as dimensional requirements are concerned. This standard does not apply to plugs and socket-outlets rated 15 A 125 V a.c. for household and similar purposes for the connection of equipment to distribution systems having nominal voltages between 100 V and 125 V a.c. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1986 and constitutes a technical revision. The main changes from the first edition are as follows:
- Class 0 plugs have been deleted;
- addition of the gauges necessary for checking dimensions of standard sheets and IEC 60884-1 requirements;
- shutters are mandatory.

IEC/TR 60083:2009 is to give general information about the systems of plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes which are used in the IEC countries. The report only contains National Systems which are commonly used in homes and offices. It is therefore limited to systems for a.c. with a rated voltage above 50 V but not exceeding 440 V, intended for household and similar purposes, either indoors or outdoors. The report only contains systems for which standard sheets have been published in a National Standard, which may be a National Standard of the country itself or any other IEC member country. The sixth edition cancels and replaces the fifth edition published in 2006 and constitutes a technical revision. It includes some replacements of the sheets concerning the following countries: BR, CN, CZ, DK, JP, NO, PT and ES. New sheets for IN and ZA have been added to those of the previous edition.

IEC 61995-2:2009 which is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61995-1, applies to devices for the connection of luminaires (DCL) 250 V, 6 A a.c. intended for household and similar purposes, for the electrical connection to final circuits rated not more than 16 A, without providing mechanical support for the luminaire.
This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61995-1:2005.

This standard IEC 60669-2-1: 2009 applies to electronic switches and to associated electronic extension units for household and similar fixed electrical installations either indoors or outdoors. It applies to electronic switches for a.c. only, for the operation of lamp circuits and the control of the brightness of lamps (dimmers) as well as the control of the speed of motors (for example, those used in ventilating fans) and for other purposes (for example, heating controls), with a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V and a rated current not exceeding 16 A. This consolidated version consists of the fourth edition (2002) and its amendment 1 (2008). Therefore, no need to order amendment in addition to this publication.

This Part 2-4 of IEC 60884 applies to plugs, fixed or portable socket-outlets, and to socket-outlets for appliances from 6 V up to and including 48 V d.c. or a.c. (50/60 Hz) SELV with rated current of 16 A, intended for household and similar purposes, either indoors or outdoors. The main changes from the previous edition concern the following clauses: Clause 7 - Classification: Clause 8 - Marking Clause 9 - Checking of dimensions Clause 13 - Construction of fixed socket-outlets Clause 14 - Construction of plugs and portable socket-outlets new figures for gauges for the verification of maximum and minimum withdrawal force. Annexes:-deletion of informative Annex AA and inclusion of the relevant information in normative Annex B. Please consult the preview for more details.