This part of IEC 60320 is applicable to two-pole appliance couplers for a.c. 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 the connection of a supply
cord to electrical appliances or other electrical equipment for 50 Hz or 60 Hz supply.
NOTE 1 Appliance inlets integrated or incorporated in appliances or other equipment are within the scope of this
standard. The dimensional and general requirements of this standard apply to such inlets, but certain tests may not
be relevant.
NOTE 2 The requirements for connectors are based on the assumption that the temperature of the pins of the
corresponding appliance inlets does not exceed
70 °C for connectors for cold conditions;
120 °C for connectors for hot conditions;
155 °C for connectors for very hot conditions.
NOTE 3 Appliance couplers complying with this standard are suitable for use at ambient temperatures not
normally exceeding 25 °C, but occasionally reaching 35 °C.
NOTE 4 Appliance couplers complying with the standard sheets in this standard are intended for the connection of
equipment having no special protection against moisture. If appliance couplers are used with equipment which may
be subject to spillage of liquid in normal use then protection against moisture is to be provided by the equipment.
NOTE 5 Special constructions may be required
– in locations where special conditions prevail, for example, as in ships, vehicles and the like;
– in hazardous locations, for example, where explosions are liable to occur.