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What You Need to Know about the Global Harmonization of the Appliance Coupler Standard

USA and Canada will adopt the IEC 60320 standard for device plugs in the process of global harmonization with minor deviations. But what do you need to know?
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SCHURTER IEC 60320 connectors with V-Lock cord retention system

Appliance plug standard IEC 60320 represents a worldwide valid standard. A global standard makes it easier for component and device manufacturers to evaluate guaranteed suitable sockets and plugs. This means you can be sure that the plug from a European manufacturer will work without problems with the socket from an Asian manufacturer.

The lower mains voltage level in North America resulted in the USA and Canada using their own national standards for appliance plugs.

There is a general trend among UL (Underwriters Laboratories) to largely adopt IEC standards. The advantages of such harmonization are obvious: The effort required to administrate and maintain the standard can be minimized; a combination of approvals and the corresponding certificates (UL + CSA) can be realized; in addition, UL opens up an additional source of income by offering IEC approvals in its function as a testing laboratory.

Applicable standard for appliance plugs in North America

The first publication of the new standard "UL 60320" took place in May 2011. Ten years later, in May 2021, all new appliance plugs in North America will have to comply with the new standards.

On the product itself, the UR and CSA test marks will be combined to form the joint cURus. The rating labels are adapted and individual improvements are made to the product where necessary to optimise the temperature behaviour.

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Allowed rated current according to the new UL standard for the respective connector types

Deviations UL 60320 from IEC 60320

You shouldn't be misled by the number "60320". The two standards are not identical, but UL is strongly based on IEC. Hence the designation. National deviations for UL 60320 refer to the old IEC standard IEC 60320-1.

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Deviations UL 60320 from IEC 60320

Challenges for suppliers

This change poses a number of challenges for the manufacturers of appliance plugs. It means that the entire range of appliance plugs must be completely re-approved.

Since the temperature heating tests in the UL version are associated with higher requirements (e.g. 18.75 A for C13 connector), this can result in changes to the product itself (e.g. adapted conductor diameter).

In addition, many product labels (test marks, ratings) must be changed, which necessitates tool adjustments in production.

This means a lot of effort on the part of the component manufacturers. However, SCHURTER reacted early and is already prepared for May 12, 2021. All SCHURTER connectors - except for a handful - already comply with the new North American standards.

The SCHURTER Group is a globally successful Swiss technology business. With our components ensuring the clean and safe supply of power, input systems for ease of use and sophisticated overall solutions, we impress our customers with agility and excellent product and service quality. We focus on industrial equipment, medical equipment, automotive, avionics and space, data and communication and energy.
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