scope:

This standard applies to t wo u p to five wire i nstallation couplers including e arth, if p rovided, with a r ated v oltage u p to a nd including 5 00 V a.c. a nd a r ated c onnecting capacity up to and including 1 0 mm² f or p ermanent c onnection in indoor electrical installations. Installation couplers with additional contacts for voltages other than mains voltages are outside the scope of this standard.

NOTE 1 Installation couplers a ccording to t his standard are used e.g. i n prefabricated buildings, installation cavities, such a s suspended floors and ceilings, or cable tray s ystems, cable ladder s ystems, cable ducting systems and cable trunking systems or in commercial show rooms, in partition walls and in any similar application or in furniture complying with IEC 60364-7-713.

NOTE 2 This standard may be used as a guide for installation couplers with additional contacts for voltages other than mains voltages.

NOTE 3 In the UK, where installation couplers have more than 5 wires, they shall meet the requirements of IEC 61535 as t hough they were included i n the scope and shall be tested in s uch a way that a ll of t he mains voltage pins are subjected to t he same level of testing.

NOTE 4 In the USA, these installation couplers a re not permitted to b e used where they will not be visible after installation.

An installation coupler consists of a n installation female c onnector and an installation male connector for permanent connection not intended t o be engaged o r disengaged under load nor t o be engaged or d isengaged other t han during first i nstallation o r during reconfiguration or maintenance of the w iring system in which installation couplers h ave b een installed. This means that installation couplers are only intended for infrequent use.

Installation couplers are not suitable f or use in place of s ocket-outlet systems. I nstallation couplers a re n ot suitable for u se i n place of d evices f or connecting luminaires ( DCLs) according to IEC 61995 or luminaire supporting couplers (LSCs).

NOTE 5 For lower limits of in-service temperatures the necessary information is given in the manufacturer's installation instructions.

In l ocations where special conditions p revail, as i n ships, vehicles and t he l ike and in hazardous locations, f or example where explosions a re l iable to o ccur, special constructions may be required.

NOTE 6 Particular requirements for installation couplers e.g. for. use at higher ambient temperatures, with higher mechanical durability (e.g. m etal housings), with h igher fire resistance and for use in control circuits (e.g. SELV), are under consideration.

NOTE 7 National rules may have requirements concerning the accessibility of installation couplers.

NOTE 8 Installation couplers are intended to be installed by instructed or skilled persons.

NOTE 9 National rules m ay specify who is a llowed t o carry out t he c onnection and d isconnection o f installation couplers.