This part of lEC 60320 sets the general requirements for appliance couplers for two poles and two poles with earth contact and for the connection of electrical devices for household and similar onto the mains supply.

This part of lEC 60320 is also valid for appliance inlets/appliance outlets integrated or incorporated in appliances.

The rated voltage does not exceed 250 V (a.c.) and the rated current does not exceed 16 A.

Appliance couplers complying with this part of lEC 60320 are suitable for normal 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.

Appliance couplers are not suitable for

— use in place of plug and socket-outlet systems according to IEC 60884-1.

— use in place of devices for connecting luminaires (DCLs) according to IEC 61995 or luminaire supporting couplers (LSCs).

NOTE Requirements for d.c. are under consideration.