scope:

This standard applies to plugs and fixed or portable socket-outlets for a.c. only, with and without earthing contact, with a rated voltage above 50 V but not exceeding 440 V d a rated current not exceeding 32 A, intended for household and similar purposes, eith rs or outdoors.

The rated current is limited to 10 A for socket-outlets provided with screwless terminals.

The extension to rated current values above 10 A is under consideration.

This standard does not cover requirements for mounting boxes; however it covers only those requirements for surface-type mounting boxes which are necessary for the tests on the socket-outlet.

General requirements for mounting boxes are under consideration.

This standard applies also to plugs incorporated in cord sets and to plug and portable socket-outlets incorporated in cord extension sets. It also applies to plugs and socket-outlets which are a components of an appliance, unless otherwise stated in the standard for the relevant appliance.

Supplementary requirements are under consideration for:

- adaptors,

- fused plugs,

- socket-outlets for appliances,

- switched socket-outlets,

- cable reels,

- accessories with increased protection.

This standard does not apply to:

- Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes,

- Plugs and fixed or portable socket-outlets for extra low-voltage.

Extra-low voltage values are specified in IEC publication 364: Electrical Installations of Buildings,

- appliance couplers,

appliance couplers are covered by IEC publication 320: Appliance Couplers for Household and Similar General Purposes,

- fixed socket-outlets combined with fused , automatic switches, etc.,

Socket-outlets with pilot lights are not excluded provided that pilots lights comply with the relevant standards.

Plugs and fixed or portable socket-outlets complying with this standard are suitable for use at ambient temperatures not normally exceeding 25ºC, but occasionally reaching 35ºC.

Socket-outlets complying with this standard are only suitable for incorporation in equipment in such a way and in such a place where it is unlikely that the ambient surrounding the socket-outlets reaches a temperature exceeding 35ºC.

In location where special condition prevail, as in ships, vehicles and the like, and in hazardous locations, for example where explosions are liable to occur, special constructions may be required.