This standard applies to two up to five wire installation couplers including earth, if provided,
with a rated voltage up to and including 500 V a.c. and a rated connecting capacity up to and
including 10 mm² for permanent connection in indoor electrical installations. Installation
couplers with additional contacts for voltages other than mains voltages are outside the scope
of this standard.
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 only intended for infrequent use.
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 or luminaire supporting couplers (LSCs).
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
may be required.