IEC 61535-2023 PDF

Full title and description

St IEC 61535-2023 — Installation couplers intended for permanent connection in fixed installations. This third edition defines requirements, tests and markings for two‑ to five‑wire installation couplers (with or without earthing contact) for permanent connection in electrical installations, covering AC and DC applications up to and including 500 V and conductor cross‑sections up to 10 mm² (rated current not exceeding 32 A).

Abstract

IEC 61535:2023 is the third edition of the international standard for installation couplers intended for permanent connection in fixed installations. It updates the 2019 edition and introduces technical revisions including a definition of "live part" aligned with IEC 61140, optional cross‑media documentation (e.g. QR marking), corrected earthing terminology, added compliance provisions, updated informative annexes and new cold‑climate requirements. The edition is intended to provide harmonized safety, performance and marking requirements for manufacturers, installers and testing bodies.

General information

• Status: Published / Current (third edition).
• Publication date: 24 March 2023.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 29.120.99 (Electrical accessories).
• Edition / version: 3.0 (third edition, technical revision).
• Number of pages: 116 pages (official publication).

Scope

Applies to two‑wire up to five‑wire installation couplers, with or without earthing contact, intended for permanent connection in fixed electrical installations. Rated voltage covered is up to and including 500 V AC or 500 V DC; rated connecting capacity up to and including 10 mm²; rated current not exceeding 32 A. It excludes couplers with additional contacts for voltages other than mains voltages and is intended for infrequent engagement (not for use as regular socket‑outlets). This edition expands application to DC and includes provisions for outdoor and cold‑climate use where specified.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and terminology (including a "live part" definition aligned to IEC 61140).
• Electrical ratings: AC and DC up to 500 V, conductor capacity up to 10 mm², rated current ≤ 32 A.
• Mechanical and electrical construction, insulation and creepage/clearance requirements.
• Temperature‑rise and thermal performance limits under rated current.
• Protective earthing/contact requirements and consistent earthing terminology usage.
• Marking, documentation and optional cross‑media identification (e.g. QR‑code marking) for traceability and information delivery.
• Compliance provisions and testing clauses (mechanical endurance, dielectric strength, insulation, IP/ingress considerations for outdoor use where applicable).
• Informative annex updates, including revised Annex D figures and a new Annex F covering cold‑climate requirements.

Typical use and users

Used by product designers and manufacturers of electrical accessories, certification and test laboratories, electrical installers and contractors, specifiers and procurement teams for building and industrial installations, and national standards/adoption committees. It is consulted when designing, testing or specifying installation couplers for permanent fixed wiring where safe, reliable, infrequently operated connector interfaces are required.

Related standards

References and relationships include earlier editions of IEC 61535 (2009, 2019), normative references such as IEC 61140 (protective earthing and definitions used), and related device connector standards (e.g., IEC 61995 where luminaire‑connection devices are considered). National/adopted versions (EN/IEC variants) track the IEC edition for regional use.

Keywords

installation coupler, permanent connection, fixed installations, earthing contact, AC, DC, 500 V, 10 mm², 32 A, marking, QR code, cold climate, compliance, IEC 61535:2023.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61535:2023 is the third edition of the international standard specifying safety, performance, test and marking requirements for installation couplers intended for permanent connection in fixed electrical installations. It replaces the previous (2019) edition.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers two‑ to five‑wire installation couplers (with or without earthing contact) for permanent connection, rated up to 500 V AC or DC, conductor sizes up to 10 mm² and rated current up to 32 A; it specifies construction, testing, marking and documentation requirements and includes new cold‑climate provisions and optional cross‑media identification.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, electrical designers, test laboratories, certification bodies, installers, building specifiers and standards committees use the standard to design, test, certify and specify installation couplers for fixed wiring systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current. IEC 61535:2023 was published on 24 March 2023 and is the active (third) edition; it cancels and replaces the 2019 edition. The 2009/2012 consolidated and the 2019 editions are superseded by this 2023 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: IEC 61535 is a standalone standard within the IEC TC 23 (Electrical accessories) work program but is related by reference to other IEC standards (for example IEC 61140 for protective earthing/definitions and device‑specific connector standards such as IEC 61995 for luminaire connection devices). Regional/adopted EN/ISO variants may appear as EN/IEC or national publications derived from the IEC text.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Installation coupler, permanent connection, fixed installation, earthing, AC/DC, 500 V, 10 mm², 32 A, marking, QR code, cold climate, IEC 61535:2023.