1 Scope
This document applies to two-wire, up to five-wire installation
couplers, with or without earthing contact, if provided,
with a rated
voltage up to and including 500 V AC or 500 V DC and a
rated
connecting capacity up to and including 10
mm2 and a rated current not exceeding 32 A
for permanent
connection in electrical installations. Installation
couplers with additional contacts for voltages other
than mains voltages are outside the scope of this document.
An installation coupler consists of an installation female
connector and an installation male connector for
permanent
connection not intended to be engaged or disengaged
under load nor to be engaged or disengaged other than during first
installation or during reconfiguration or maintenance of the wiring system
in which installation couplers have been installed. This means
that installation
couplers are intended for infrequent use only.
Installation couplers are not suitable for use in place
of socket-outlet systems. Installation couplers are not
suitable for use in place of devices for connecting luminaires (DCLs)
according to IEC 61995 (all parts) or in place of
luminaire supporting couplers (LSCs).
Installation couplers complying with this document are
suitable for use at ambient temperatures not normally exceeding +40 °C, but
their average over a period of 24 h does not exceed +35 °C, with a lower
limit of the ambient air temperature of −5 °C, either for indoor or outdoor
use.
NOTE 1 Additional tests for use in cold climates are shown in Annex F, which is normative in
following countries: FI. Necessary information can be given in the
manufacturer's installation instructions.
NOTE 2 For other temperatures, necessary information can be given in
the manufacturer's installation instructions.
In locations where special conditions prevail, as in ships,
vehicles and the like and in hazardous locations, for example where
explosions are liable to occur, special constructions can be required.
NOTE 3
Installation couplers are intended to be installed
by instructed or skilled persons.
NOTE 4 As a guide to using installation coupler systems,
see Annex D.