EN 61984:2001

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2002
Connectors - Safety requirements and tests (IEC 61984:2001)
Connectors - Safety requirements and tests
Steckverbinder - Sicherheitsanforderungen und Prüfungen
Connecteurs - Prescriptions de sécurité et essais
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 61984:2001
ICS:
31.220.10 9WLþLLQYWLþQLFHNRQHNWRUML Plug-and-socket devices.
Connectors
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 61984
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM November 2001
ICS 31.220.10
English version
Connectors -
Safety requirements and tests
(IEC 61984:2001)
Connecteurs - Steckverbinder -
Prescriptions de sécurité et essais Sicherheitsanforderungen und Prüfungen
(CEI 61984:2001) (IEC 61984:2001)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2001-10-01. CENELEC members are bound to
comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and
notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels
© 2001 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 61984:2001 E
Foreword
The text of document 48B/1007/FDIS, future edition 1 of IEC 61984, prepared by SC 48B, Connectors,
of IEC TC 48, Electromechanical components and mechanical structures for electronic equipment,
was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and was approved by CENELEC as EN 61984 on
2001-10-01.
The following dates were fixed:
– latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2002-07-01
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2004-10-01
Annexes designated "normative" are part of the body of the standard.
Annexes designated "informative" are given for information only.
In this standard, annex ZA is normative and annex A is informative.
Annex ZA has been added by CENELEC.
__________
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 61984:2001 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards
indicated:
IEC 60068-2-20:1979 + A2:1987 NOTE Harmonized as HD 323.2.20 S3:1988 (not modified).
IEC 60417-1:1998 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60417-1:1999 (not modified).
IEC 60423:1993 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60423:1994 (modified).
IEC 60512-11-1:1995 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60512-11-1:1999 (not modified).
__________
- 3 - EN 61984:2001
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the
publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any
of these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or
revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies (including
amendments).
NOTE When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant
EN/HD applies.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60050-581 1978 International Electrotechnical Vocabulary--
(IEV) - Chapter 581: Electromechanical
components for electronic equipment
1)
IEC 60050-826 1982 Chapter 826: Electrical installations of HD 384.2 S2 2001
buildings
2)
IEC 60060-1 1989 High-voltage test techniques HD 588.1 S1 1991
Part 1: General definitions and test
requirements
3)
IEC 60068-1 1988 Environmental testing EN 60068-1 1994
Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60068-2-70 1995 Part 2: Tests - Test Xb: Abrasion of EN 60068-2-70 1996
markings and letterings caused by
rubbing of fingers and hands
IEC 60112 1979 Method for determining the comparative HD 214 S2 1980
and the proof tracking indices of solid
insulating materials under moist
conditions
IEC 60309-1 1999 Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for EN 60309-1 1999
industrial purposes
Part 1: General requirements
4) 5)
IEC 60352-1 - Solderless connections EN 60352-1 1997
Part 1: Wrapped connections - General
requirements, test methods and practical
guidance
1)
HD 384.2 S2 includes amendments A1:1990 + A2:1995 + A3:1999 to IEC 60050-826.
2)
HD 588.1 S1 includes corrigendum March 1990 to IEC 60060-1.
3)
EN 60068-1 includes corrigendum October 1988 + A1:1992 to IEC 60068-1.
4)
Undated reference.
5)
Valid edition at time of issue.

Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
4) 5)
IEC 60352-2 - Part 2: Solderless crimped connections - EN 60352-2 1994
General requirements, test methods and
practical guidance
4) 5)
IEC 60352-3 - Part 3: Solderless accessible insulation EN 60352-3 1994
displacement connections - General
requirements, test methods and practical
guidance
4) 5)
IEC 60352-4 - Part 4: Solderless non-accessible EN 60352-4 1994
insulation displacement connections -
General requirements, test methods and
practical guidance
4) 5)
IEC 60352-5 - Part 5: Press-in connections - General EN 60352-5 2001
requirements, test methods and practical
guidance
IEC 60364-4-41 1992 Electrical installations of buildings HD 384.4.41 S2 1996
(mod) Part 4: Protection for safety -
Chapter 41: Protection against electric
shock
IEC 60364-5-54 1980 Part 5: Selection and erection of HD 384.5.54 S1 1988
(mod) electrical equipment - Chapter 54:
Earthing arrangements and protective
conductors
IEC 60417-2 1998 Graphical symbols for use on equipment EN 60417-2 1999
Part 2: Symbol originals
IEC 60512 Series Connectors for electronic equipment - EN 60512 Series
Tests and measurements
IEC 60512-1 2001 Connectors for electronic equipment - EN 60512-1 2001
Tests and measurements
Part 1: General
IEC 60512-11-7 1996 Part 11: Climatic tests - EN 60512-11-7 1996
Section 7: Test 11g: Flowing mixed gas
corrosion test
IEC 60529 1989 Degrees of protection provided by EN 60529 1991
enclosures (IP Code) + corr. May 1993
IEC 60664-1 1992 Insulation coordination for equipment HD 625.1 S1 1996
(mod) within low-voltage systems + corr. November 1996
Part 1: Principles, requirements and tests
A1 2000 - -
IEC 60760 1989 Flat, quick-connect terminations - -
IEC 60884-1 1994 Plugs and socket-outlets for household--
and similar purposes
Part 1: General requirements
- 5 - EN 61984:2001
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60999-1 1999 Connecting devices - Electrical copper EN 60999-1 2000
conductors - Safety requirements for
screw-type and screwless-type clamping
units
Part 1: General requirements and
particular requirements for clamping units
for conductors from 0,2 mm² up to
35 mm² (included)
IEC 60999-2 1995 Part 2: Particular requirements for --
conductors from 35 mm² up to 300 mm²
IEC 61140 1997 Protection against electric shock – EN 61140 2001
Common aspects for installation and
equipment
IEC 61210 (mod) 1993 Connecting devices - Flat quick-connect EN 61210 1995
terminations for electrical copper
conductors - Safety requirements
ISO 6988 1985 Metallic and other non organic coatings – EN ISO 6988 1994
Sulfur dioxide test with general
condensation of moisture
NORME
CEI
INTERNATIONALE IEC
INTERNATIONAL
Première édition
STANDARD
First edition
2001-06
Connecteurs –
Prescriptions de sécurité et essais
Connectors –
Safety requirements and tests
© IEC 2001 Droits de reproduction réservés ⎯ Copyright - all rights reserved
Aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite ni No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in
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61984 © IEC:2001 – 3 –
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 7
1 Scope . 9
2 Normative references . 9
3 Definitions. 13
4 Technical information (electrical ratings). 21
5 Classification .21
5.1 General. 21
5.2 Existence of an enclosure (see 7.2.1.1 of IEC 60884-1). 21
5.3 Style of connector . 21
5.4 Additional characteristics. 21
6 Constructional requirements and performance. 23
6.1 General. 23
6.2 Marking and identification. 23
6.3 Provision against incorrect mating (non- intermateable) . 25
6.4 Protection against electric shock . 25
6.5 Provisions for earthing . 27
6.6 Terminations and connection methods. 29
6.7 Interlock. 31
6.8 Resistance to ageing. 31
6.9 General design. 31
6.10 Design of a CBC . 33
6.11 Design of a free connector . 33
6.12 Degree of protection IP . 33
6.13 Dielectric strength . 33
6.14 Mechanical and electrical durability . 33
6.15 Temperature limits . 35
6.16 Temperature rise. 35
6.17 Cable clamp. 35
6.18 Mechanical strength . 37
6.19 Clearances and creepage distances . 37
6.19.1 Clearances. 37
6.19.2 Creepage distances. 39
6.20 Insulation . 43
6.20.1 Functional and basic insulation. 43
6.20.2 Supplementary insulation. 43
6.20.3 Double insulation. 43
6.20.4 Reinforced insulation. 43
6.21 Protection against corrosion . 43

61984 © IEC:2001 – 5 –
7 Tests . 43
7.1 General. 43
7.2 Preparation of specimens. 47
7.3 Performance of tests. 47
7.3.1 General. 47
7.3.2 Durability of marking. . 47
7.3.3 "First make, last break" protective earthing contact. 47
7.3.4 Interlock. 47
7.3.5 Breaking capacity of a CBC . 49
7.3.6 Protection against electric shock . 49
7.3.7 Temperature rise. 49
7.3.8 Mechanical operation . 51
7.3.9 Bending (flexing) test (see 24.4, modified, of IEC 60309-1). 53
7.3.10 Measurement of clearances and creepage distances . 53
7.3.11 Dielectric strength . 53
7.3.12 Resistance between accessible metal parts and the protective
earthing contact . 55
7.3.13 Corrosion test . 55
7.4 In-process test schedule (routine test) for non-rewirable free connectors . 57
7.5 Test schedule . 59
Annex A (informative) Information to be specified in the detail specification, if any,
or manufacturer’s specification . 71
Bibliography . 75
Figure 1 – Device for the bending test. 51
Table 1 – Minimum cross-sectional area of the protective conductor or the connection to
inactive accessible metal parts . 27
Table 2 – Operating cycles and bendings – Preferred values. 35
Table 2a – Operating cycles . 35
Table 2b – Bendings.35
Table 3 – Preferred values of temperature . 35
Table 4 – Values for cable clamp testing. 37
Table 5 – Rated impulse voltages . 39
Table 6 – Minimum creepage distances . 41
Table 7 – Values of torque for screw-type clamping units . 45
Table 8 – Test voltages . 55
Table 9 – Plan of specimens required for tests. 57
Table 10 – Mechanical test group A . 59
Table 11 – Service life test group B . 63
Table 12 – Thermal test group C. 65
Table 13 – Climatic test group D . 65
Table 14 – Degree of protection, test group E . 69

61984 © IEC:2001 – 7 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
___________
CONNECTORS –
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND TESTS
FOREWORD
1) The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of the 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, the IEC publishes International Standards. 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. The 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 the IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an
international consensus of opinion on the reievant subjects since each technical committee has representation
from all interested National Committees.
3) The documents produced have the form of recommendations for international use and are published in the form
of standards, technical specifications, technical reports or guides and they are accepted by the National
Committees in that sense.
4) In order to promote international unification, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC International
Standards transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional standards. Any
divergence between the IEC Standard and the corresponding national or regional standard shall be clearly
indicated in the latter.
5) The IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with one of its standards.
6) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject
of patent rights. The IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61984 has been prepared by subcommittee 48B: Connectors, of
IEC technical committee 48: Electromechanical components and mechanical structures for
electronic equipment.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
48B/1007/FDIS 48B/1056/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
Annex A is for information only.
The committee has decided that this publication remains valid until 2005. At this date, in
accordance with the committee’s decision, the publication will be
• reconfirmed:
• withdrawn:
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
61984 © IEC:2001 – 9 –
CONNECTORS –
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND TESTS
1 Scope
This International Standard applies to connectors with rated voltages above 50 V and up to
1 000 V and rated currents up to 125 A per contact, for which either no detail specification (DS)
exists or the DS calls up this standard for safety aspects.
For connectors with rated voltages up to 50 V, this standard may be used as a guide. In this
case, reference is made to IEC 60664-1 for clearances and creepage distances.
This standard does not apply to connectors in or on equipment where the applicable safety
standard for the equipment includes comprehensive safety requirements for those connectors.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this International Standard. For dated references, subsequent
amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. However, parties to
agreements based on this International Standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility
of applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. For undated
references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of IEC
and ISO maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
IEC 60050(581):1978, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Chapter 581:
Electromechanical components for electronic equipment
IEC 60050(826):1982, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Chapter 826: Electrical
installations of buildings
IEC 60060-1:1989, High-voltage test techniques – Part 1: General definitions and test
requirements
IEC 60068-1:1988, Environmental testing – Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60068-2-70:1995, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test Xb: Abrasion of marking
and letterings caused by rubbing of fingers and hands
IEC 60112:1979, Method for determining the comparative and proof tracking indices of solid
insulating materials under moist conditions
IEC 60309-1:1999, Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes – Part 1: General
requirements
IEC 60352-1, Solderless connections – Part 1: Wrapped connections – General requirements,
test methods and practical guidance
IEC 60352-2, Solderless connections – Part 2: Solderless crimped connections – General
requirements, test methods and practical guidance

61984 © IEC:2001 – 11 –
IEC 60352-3, Solderless connections – Part 3: Solderless accessible insulation displacement
connections – General requirements, test methods and practical guidance
IEC 60352-4, Solderless connections – Part 4: Solderless non-accessible insulation
displacement connections – General requirements, test methods and practical guidance
IEC 60352-5, Solderless connections – Part 5: Solderless press-in connections – General
requirements, test methods and practical guidance
IEC 60364-4-41:1992, Electrical installations of buildings – Part 4: Protection for safety –
Chapter 41: Protection against electric shock
IEC 60364-5-54:1980, Electrical installations of buildings. Part 5: Selection and erection of
electrical equipment. Chapter 54: Earthing arrangements and protective conductors
IEC 60417-2:1998, Graphical symbols for use on equipment – Part 2: Symbol originals
1)
IEC 60512 (all parts), Electromechanical components for electronic equipment
IEC 60512-1, Electromechanical components for electronic equipment – Basic testing
procedures and measuring methods – Part 1: General
IEC 60512-11-7:1996, Eletromechanical components for electronic equipment – Basic testing
procedures and measuring methods – Part 11: Climatic tests – Section 7: Test 11g: Flowing
mixed gas corrosion test
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60664-1:1992, Insulation coordination for equipment within low voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
Amendment 1 (2000)
IEC 60760:1989, Flat, quick-connect terminations
IEC 60884-1:1994, Plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes – Part 1:
General requirements
IEC 60999-1:1999, Connecting devices – Electrical copper conductors – Safety requirements
for screw-type and screwless-type clamping units – Part 1: General requirements and particular
2 2
requirements for clamping units for conductors from 0,2 mm up to 35 mm
IEC 60999-2:1995, Connecting devices – Safety requirements for screw-type and screwless-
type clamping units for electrical copper conductors – Part 2: Particular requirements for
2 2
conductors from 35 mm up to 300 mm
IEC 61140:1997, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and
equipment
___________
1)
IEC 60512-1-100 gives the list of tests of the IEC 60512 series and the part of IEC 60512 corresponding to
each test.
61984 © IEC:2001 – 13 –
IEC 61210:1993, Connecting devices – Flat quick-connect terminations for electrical copper
conductors – Safety requirements
ISO 6988:1985, Metallic and other non organic coatings – Sulfur dioxide test with general
condensation of moisture
3 Definitions
For the purpose of this International Standard, definitions from IEC 60050(581), IEC 60050(826),
IEC 60309-1, IEC 60664-1, IEC 60999-1 and IEC 61140, together with the following, apply.
3.1
connector
component which terminates conductors for the purpose of providing connection to and
disconnection from a suitable mating component
[IEV 581-06-01]
3.2
connector with breaking capacity (CBC)
connector specially designed to be engaged or disengaged in normal use when live or under
load
NOTE 1 In this standard, the term "live" is used if contacts are under an applied voltage, but not necessarily
carrying current.
The term "load" is used if a current is flowing through the contacts.
NOTE 2 In this standard, CBC is used only if requirements refer to connectors with a specified breaking capacity.
3.3
free connector
connector for attachment to the free end of a wire or cable
[IEV 581-06-12]
3.4
fixed connector
connector for attachment to a rigid surface
[IEV 581-06-10]
3.5
non-rewirable connector
connector so constructed that the cable cannot be separated from the connector without
making it permanently useless
[IEC 60309-1, definition 2.5 modified]
3.6
connector for class II equipment
device in which the protection against indirect contact is realised by double or reinforced
insulation
NOTE Class II according to IEC 61140.

61984 © IEC:2001 – 15 –
3.7
intended use
application conditions of connectors which are included within the permissible rated values and
environmental conditions and characteristics assigned by the detail specification (DS) or the
manufacturer
3.8
interlock
device, either electrical or mechanical, which prevents the contacts of a connector from
becoming live before it is in proper engagement with its counterpart, and which either prevents
the connector from being withdrawn while its contacts are live or makes the contacts dead
before separation
[IEC 60309-1, definition 2.9 modified]
3.9
cycle of mechanical operation
one insertion and one withdrawal of the connector halves
3.10
clamping unit
part(s) of the terminal necessary for the mechanical clamping and the electrical connection of
the conductor(s), including the parts which are necessary to ensure the correct contact
pressure
[IEC 60999-1, definition 3.1]
3.11
upper limiting temperature
maximum temperature of a connector as defined by the climatic category assigned by the
manufacturer, in which the connector is intended to operate
NOTE The abbreviation ULT is often used.
3.12
lower limiting temperature
minimum temperature of a connector as defined by the climatic category assigned by the
manufacturer in which a connector is intended to operate
NOTE The abbreviation LLT is often used.
3.13
clearance
the shortest distance in air between two conductive parts
[IEC 60664-1, definition 1.3.2]
3.14
creepage distance
shortest distance along the surface of the insulating material between two conductive parts
[IEC 60664-1, definition 1.3.3]
3.15
overvoltage category
numeral defining a transient overvoltage condition
NOTE Overvoltage categories I, II, III and IV are used.
[IEC 60664-1, definition 1.3.10]

61984 © IEC:2001 – 17 –
3.16
pollution
any addition of foreign matter, solid, liquid, or gaseous, that can result in a reduction of electric
strength or surface resistivity of the insulation
[IEC 60664-1, definition 1.3.11]
3.17
pollution degree
numeral characterizing the expected pollution of the micro-environment
NOTE Pollution degrees 1, 2, 3 and 4 are used.
[IEC 60664-1, definition 1.3.13]
3.18
rated voltage
value of voltage assigned by the manufacturer to the connector and to which operation and
performance characteristics are referred
[IEC 60664-1, definition 1.3.9 modified]
NOTE A connector may have more than one rated voltage value.
3.18.1
rated insulation voltage
r.m.s. withstand voltage value assigned by the manufacturer to the connector, characterising
the specified (long term) withstand capability of its insulation
NOTE The rated insulation voltage is not necessarily equal to the rated voltage, which is primarily related to
functional performance.
[IEC 60664-1, definition 1.3.9.1 modified]
3.18.2
rated impulse voltage
impulse withstand voltage value assigned by the manufacturer to the connector, characterising
the specified withstand capability of its insulation against transient overvoltages
[IEC 60664-1, definition 1.3.9.2 modified]
3.18.3
impulse withstand voltage
highest peak value of impulse voltage, of prescribed form and polarity which does not cause
breakdown of the insulation under specified conditions
[IEC 60664-1, definition 1.3.8.1]
NOTE The impulse withstand voltage is equal to or higher than the rated impulse voltage.
3.18.4
r.m.s. withstand voltage (power-frequency withstand voltage)
highest r.m.s. value of a voltage which does not cause breakdown of the insulation under
specified conditions
[IEC 60664-1, definition 1.3.8.2]
3.19
rated current
current value assigned by the manufacturer, which the connector can carry continuously
(without interruption) and simultaneously through all its contacts wired with the largest specified
conductor, preferably at an ambient temperature of 40 °C, without the upper limiting
temperature being exceeded
NOTE If other ambient temperature values are used for the definition of the rated current, the manufacturer should
state in the technical documentation the ambient temperature on which the rating is based, with reference, if
appropriate, to the derating curve defined in IEC 60512, test 5b.

61984 © IEC:2001 – 19 –
3.20
breaking capacity
value of current which the CBC can make and break under specified conditions
3.21
functional insulation
insulation between conductive parts which is necessary only for the proper functioning of the
equipment
[IEC 60664-1, definition 1.3.17.1]
3.22
basic insulation
insulation applied to live parts to provide basic protection against electric shock
NOTE Basic insulation does not necessarily include insulation used exclusively for functional purposes (see 3.10.1
of IEC 61140).
[IEC 60664-1, definition 1.3.17.2]
3.23
supplementary insulation
independent insulation applied in addition to basic insulation, in order to provide protection
against electric shock in the event of a failure of basic insulation (see 3.10.2 of IEC 61140)
[IEC 60664-1, definition 1.3.17.3]
3.24
double insulation
insulation comprising both basic insulation and supplementary insulation (see 3.10.3 of
IEC 61140)
[IEC 60664-1, definition 1.3.17.4]
3.25
reinforced insulation
single insulation system applied to live parts, which provides a degree of protection against
electric shock equivalent to double insulation under the conditions specified in the relevant
IEC standard (see 3.10.4 of IEC 61140)
NOTE A single insulation system does not imply that the insulation must be a homogeneous piece. It may
comprise several layers which cannot be tested singly as basic or supplementary insulation.
[IEC 60664-1, definition 1.3.17.5]
3.26
internal insulation
part of basic insulation providing the required clearance and creepage distances inside a
conductive housing or enclosure
3.27
protective conductor (symbol PE)
conductor required by some measures for protection against electric shock for electrically
connecting any of the following parts:
– exposed conductive parts,
– extraneous conductive parts,

61984 © IEC:2001 – 21 –
– main earthing terminal,
– earth electrode,
– earthed point of the source or artificial neutral
[IEV 826-04-05]
4 Technical information (electrical ratings)
For connectors according to this standard, no particular values have been specified for
electrical ratings such as voltage, current and breaking capacity. Values shall be specified in
compliance with mechanical and environmental conditions given in the detail specification or in
the manufacturer's specification.
5 Classification
5.1 General
In order to apply the relevant test requirements, connectors shall be classified by the
manufacturer’s specification or the detail specification (DS), if any, according to their intended
use and characteristics, as set out below.
5.2 Existence of an enclosure (see 7.2.1.1 of IEC 60884-1)
– unenclosed connector (no protection against electric shock is required)
– enclosed connector (protection against electric shock is required)
NOTE For an unenclosed connector, the protection against electric shock is provided by the enclosure of the
equipment in which the conector is mounted, in accordance with the applicable product safety standard.
5.3 Style of connector
a) Fixed connector
b) Free connector
5.4 Additional characteristics
a) Connector with protective earthing contact.
b) Connector with cable clamp.
c) Connector without breaking capacity,
1) with protection against electric shock for hand back safety, when mated;
2) with protection against electric shock for finger safety, when mated.
d) CBC with protection against electric shock for finger safety, both in mated and unmated
condition.
e) Degree of protection of a connector.
f) Connector for class II equipment.
g) Connector with interlock.
h) Non-rewirable connector.
i) Rewirable connector.
j) Terminations and connection methods.

61984 © IEC:2001 – 23 –
6 Constructional requirements and performance
6.1 General
Connectors shall be so designed and dimensioned that they can withstand the electrical,
mechanical, thermal and corrosive stresses which occur in their intended use and present no
danger to the user or the environment.
Compliance with these requirements is verified by the specified tests of this standard.
6.2 Marking and identification
6.2.1 Identification
Connectors shall be identified and characterised by the following markings:
a) manufacturer’s name, trademark or mark of origin;
b) type identification;
c) rated current in amperes (A);
d) rated voltages or rated insulation voltages between line to earth and line to line in volts (V);
e) rated impulse voltage in kilovolts (kV), if specified;
f) pollution degree;
g) degree of protection by enclosure according to IEC 60529, if applicable;
h) range of temperature;
i) type of terminals;
j) connectable conductors;
k) reference to this standard or to the DS, if applicable.
6.2.2 Marking
The marking shall be indelible and easily legible.
The minimum marking on the connector shall be that of item a) of 6.2.1.
Markings a) and b) of 6.2.1 shall be found on the smallest unit of packaging.
All other markings of 6.2.1 shall be given in the technical documentation or catalogue of the
manufacturer; for the rated values, follow the examples given hereinafter.
Examples of markings for rated current, rated voltages, rated impulse voltage and pollution
degree:
a) Example 1
Marking of a connector with rated current 16 A, rated voltage 400 V, rated impulse voltage 6 kV
and pollution degree 3, 2 and 1 for use in any system, preferably unearthed or delta-earthed
systems:
16 / 400 / 6 / 3 or 16A 400V 6kV 3

61984 © IEC:2001 – 25 –
b) Example 2
Marking of a connector with rated current 16 A, rated insulation voltages line-to-earth 250 V,
line-to-line 400 V, rated impulse voltage 4 kV and pollution degree 3, 2 and 1 for use in earthed
systems, only:
16 / 250 / 400 / 4 / 3 or 16A 250V 400V 4kV 3
6.2.3 The positions for the contacts and protective earthing contacts shall be clearly
indicated.
Marking of the first contact and first row by a letter, number or another clear symbol is
sufficient.
This requirement does not apply to a connector in which contact identification is ensured in the
end-use product. Relevant information shall be given in the technical documentation of the
manufacturer.
Marking of protective earthing contacts shall apply the symbol or PE.
Marking shall not be applied to screws or other removable parts.
Symbols are given in IEC 60417-2.
The symbol is reserved for end-use-equipment. The protection level of components is
dependent upon the equipment in which they are used. Therefore components shall not be
marked with the symbol . A connector without earth contact may be designated as to read
"Connector for class II equipment", if the connector itself meets the requirements of double
and/or reinforced insulation.
6.3 Provision against incorrect mating (non-intermateable)
A multipole connector shall be so designed that contact between protective earthing contacts
and live contacts is not possible by engagement.
Compliance is checked by using a polarisation test.
6.4 Protection against electric shock
6.4.1 A connector shall be so designed that, after mounting, its live parts are not accessible
by the IEC test finger in accordance with clause 5 of IEC 60529 using a test force of 20 N.
This requirement does not apply to a connector in which protection against electric shock is
ensured by mounting provisions or by using safety extra-low voltage (SELV, according to
IEC 60364-4-41) in the end-use product.
6.4.2 A connector intended for use inside an enclosure which ensures protection against
electric shock shall not have its own protection against electric shock. But if protection is
claimed by the manufacturer, the following requirements apply.
6.4.2.1 For a connector with protection against electric shock according to characteristic c1)
of 5.4, protective provisions shall be tested by using the access probe – “50 mm sphere” –
according to clause 5 of IEC 60529 with a test force of 20 N without consideration of
clearances and creepage distances.

61984 © IEC:2001 – 27 –
6.4.2.2 For connectors with protection against electric shock according to characteristic c2)
and d) of 5.4, protection against electric shock shall be proved by using the test finger
according to clause 5 of IEC 60529 with a test force of 20 N without consideration of
clearances and creepage distances.
6.4.3 For a CBC, protection against electric shock shall be ensured also during insertion and
withdrawal. This shall be proved by the IEC test finger in accordance with clause 5 of
IEC 60529 with a test force of 20 N with consideration of clearances and creepage distances.
6.5 Provisions for earthing
6.5.1 For a CBC with a protective earthing contact according to characteristic a) of 5.4, the
earthing contact shall be a “first make, last break” contact.
6.5.2 A connector for class II equipment according to characteristic f) of 5.4 may be equipped
with protective earthing contacts, provided that these contacts are considered as live parts and
are equally protected against electric shock by double or reinforced insulation.
6.5.3 Accessible metal parts of a connector with a earthing contact which may become live in
the event of an insulation fault shall be reliably connected to the earthing contact.
In no case shall the resistance of this connection exceed 0,1 Ω.
NOTE If accessible metal parts are screened from live parts by metal parts which are connected to an earthing
terminal or earthing contact, or if they are separated from live parts by double or reinforced insulation, they are not,
for the purpose of this requirement, regarded as likely to become live in the event of an insulation fault.
Compliance is checked by the test of 7.3.12.
6.5.4 Connection of the protective conductor
6.5.4.1 The protective conductor terminal shall be able to accept a conductor with a minimum
cross-section as specified in table 1, column 2.
Table 1 – Minimum cross-sectional area of the protective conductor
or the connection to inactive accessible metal parts
12 3
Nominal cross-section Minimum cross-section* for the Minimum cross-section* for connections
of the current carrying protective conductor and accessible between the protective conductor and
conductor metal parts or covers used as such accessible metal parts or covers not used
as such
2 2 2
mm mm mm
Up to 1,5 Corresponding to the nominal cross-section of the current-carrying conductor
2,5 2,5 1,5
4 4 2,5
6 6 4
10 10 10
16, 25, 35 16 16
* Relating to the same material as the current-carrying conductor
NOTE For more information, including cross-sections above 35 mm , see 543.1.2 and table 54.F of
IEC 60364-5-54.
61984 © IEC:2001 – 29 –
6.5.4.2 With regard to design and type of construction, the protective conductor terminations
shall be at least equivalent to the other terminations according to 6.6.
6.6 Terminations and connection methods
6.6.1 Terminations shall
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