IEC 60884-1:2022 applies to plugs and fixed or portable socket-outlets for AC only, with or without earthing contact, with a rated voltage greater than 50 V but not exceeding 440 V and a rated current not exceeding 32 A, intended for household and similar purposes, either indoors or outdoors.
Compatible plugs and socket-outlets, when combined, form a plug and socket-outlet system. Standardized systems used around the world are reported in IEC/TR 60083.
The rated current is limited to 16 A maximum for accessories provided with screwless-type terminals.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2002, Amendment 1:2006 and Amendment 2:2013. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:

1. plugs and socket-outlets incorporating pilot lights;
2. crimped connections in accessories;
3. insulation piercing terminals (IPT);
4. accessories to be used with American Wire Gauge (AWG) cables;
5. accessories used in T° below −5 °C down to and including −45 °C;
6. accessories used in T° above +40 °C up to and including +70 °C;
7. plugs and socket-outlets for high load (HL);
8. clarification of some definitions;
9. durability of markings test;
10. introduction of thermal monitoring in the plug;
11. requirements for shutters in portable socket-outlets;
12. test walls for the verification of ingress of water;
13. rewriting of the temperature rise clause.