IEC 60320

IEC 60320, entitled "Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes", is a set of standards published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines non-locking appliance couplers for connecting power supply cords to electrical appliances. These couplers are intended for use with devices operating at voltages up to 250 volts (AC) and currents up to 16 amperes. The standard specifies various types of connectors, differentiated by shape and size, to accommodate different combinations of current ratings, temperature tolerances, and earthing requirements. Unlike IEC 60309 connectors, IEC 60320 couplers are not keyed or colour-coded to indicate voltage; it is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the appliance's voltage rating is compatible with the local mains supply. The standard uses the term coupler to refer collectively to both the appliance inlets and outlets, as well as the connectors on power supply cords. The first edition of the standard was published in 1970 under the designation IEC 320. It was renumbered to IEC 60320 in 1994 as part of the IEC's revision and reorganization of its numbering system.