IEC 60320-2-4:2018

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

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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

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
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4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
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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.

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 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:

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:
• 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.
– 12 – IEC 60320-2-4:2018 © IEC 2018
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.
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.

– 14 – IEC 60320-2-4:2018 © IEC 2018
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.
NOTE 1 If weight-engaged couplers are used with equipment that is subject to the spillage of liquid in normal use,
the protection is assumed to be provided by the equipment.
Compliance is checked by the humidity treatment described in Clause 14, followed
immediately by the tests of Clause 15.
Weight-engaged connectors and appliance inlets are not in engagement when subjected to
humidity treatment and rewirable weight-engaged connectors are not fitted with a cord.
The humidity test is carried out in a humidity cabinet containing air with a relative humidity
maintained between 91 % and 95 %. The temperature of the air, at all places where
specimens can be located, is maintained within ± 1 °C of any convenient value t °C, between
20 °C and 30 °C.
Before being placed in the humidity cabinet, the specimens are brought to a temperature
between t °C and (t + 4) °C.
The specimens are kept in the cabinet for:
• 168 h (7 days) for connectors with earthing contact and for appliance inlets with earthing
contact, which are submitted as individual accessories, not incorporated in other
equipment;
• 48 h (2 days) in all other cases.
NOTE 2 In most cases, the specimens can be brought to the specified temperature by keeping them at this
temperature for at least 4 h before the humidity treatment.
NOTE 3 A relative humidity between 91 % and 95 % can be obtained by placing in the humidity cabinet a
saturated solution of sodium sulphate (Na SO ) or potassium nitrate (KNO ) in water, having a sufficiently large
2 4 3
contact surface with the air.
After this treatment, the specimen shall show no damage within the meaning of this
document.
14.102 The connecting devices of stands for cordless appliances shall not be affected by
water.
Compliance is checked by the following test.
The stand is placed on a horizontal surface and 30 ml of water containing approximately 1 %
NaCl is poured onto the connecting device. The solution is poured steadily through a tube
having an inner diameter of 8 mm over a period of 2 s, the lower end of the tube being
200 mm above the connecting device.
The stand shall then withstand the following electric strength.
Immediately following the deposition of the water, metal foil is smoothed over the accessible
surface of the connector, avoiding contact with any earth connection by means of a hole or
gap in the foil. The application of the foil is carried out in such a manner as to minimize any
disturbance to water on the surface of the connector, where possible.
The specified test voltage is then applied between:
a) the live parts and the metal foil over the surface of the connector at 2 500 V AC,
b) the live part and the metal foil surface under the appliance base at 2 500 V AC,
c) live parts to the earth connector at 1 250 V AC.
NOTE The above text is taken from IEC 60335-2-15:2012, 15.102, with the scope extended to cover other
appliances and the test voltages from CTL sheet PDSH758 and OSM decision 429 added.
The test is performed using the apparatus of Annex BB.
14.103 Weight-engaged appliance couplers intended to be partially or completely immersed
in water for cleaning shall have adequate protection against the effects of immersion and shall
be tested as defined in the appropriate appliance standard(s) specified in Clause 7 (relevant
appliance standards), or the appropriate rating of IEC 60529.
15 Insulation resistance and electric strength
This clause of IEC 60320-1 applies amended as follows:
15.3 Replacement:
Immediately after the test of 15.2 the insulation is subjected for 1 min to a voltage of
substantially sine-wave form and having a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz. The values of the test
voltage are shown in Table 101.
Accessible parts of insulating material are covered with metal foil.
Care should be taken to avoid overstressing basic insulation. In particular the metal foil shall
approach no closer than the specified creepage distance for reinforced insulation to earthed
parts.
Weight-engaged connectors are tested when in engagement with a weight-engaged appliance
inlet and also when not in engagement.
Initially, not more than half the specified voltage is applied, then it is raised rapidly to the full
value.
No flashover or breakdown shall occur during the test.

– 16 – IEC 60320-2-4:2018 © IEC 2018
Table 101 – Test voltages
Insulation or Test voltage
a
disconnection to be (RMS)
b
tested
Rated voltage up to and Rated voltage above 50 V Rated voltage above
including 50 V up to and including 130 V 130 V up to and including
250 V
V V V
c
Functional insulation 500 1 300 1 500
d
Basic insulation 500 1 300 1 500
e
Supplementary insulation 1 300 1 500
d e
Reinforced insulation 500 2 600 3 000
a
The high-voltage transformer used for the test shall be designed so that, when the output terminals are short
circuited after the output voltage has been adjusted to the test voltage, the output current is at least 200 mA.
The overcurrent relay shall not trip when the output current is less than 100 mA. Care is taken that the RMS
values of the test voltage are measured within ± 3 %.
b
Special components which might render the test impractical such as discharge lamps, coils, windings, or
capacitors are disconnected at one pole, or bridged, as appropriate to the insulation being tested.
c
An example is the insulation between poles.
d
For the test, all live parts are connected together and care is taken to ensure that all moving parts are in the
most unfavourable position.
e
For appliance couplers incorporating reinforced insulation as well as double insulation, care is taken that the
voltage applied to the reinforced insulation does not overstress the basic or the supplementary parts of the
double insulation.
The high-voltage transformer used for the test is so designed that, when the output terminals
are short circuited after the output voltage has been adjusted to the appropriate test voltage,
the output current is at least 200 mA. The overcurrent relay shall not trip when the output
current is less than 100 mA.
NOTE 1 Care is taken that the RMS value of the test voltage is measured within ± 3 %.
NOTE 2 Glow discharges without drop in voltage are neglected.
16 Forces necessary to insert and withdraw the connector/appliance outlet
This clause of IEC 60320-1 is replaced as follows:
16.1 The construction of weight-engaged appliance couplers shall be such that the
connector will fully engage under the weight of the appliance or equipment, and will
disengage under the weight of the power base. The minimum values of these weights shall be
specified by the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Compliance is
...