The standard "EN IEC 61535 Installation couplers designed for permanent connection in fixed installations" published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) describes the requirements for two-wire, five-wire installation couplers with or without earthing contact, if any, for a nominal voltage of up to 500 Volts alternating current or 500 Volts direct current, a nominal connection capacity of up to 10 mm2 and a nominal current not exceeding 32 A for permanent connection in electrical installations. Installation couplers with additional contacts for voltages other than mains voltages are outside the scope of this standard.
A harness coupler consists of a harness female connector and a harness male connector for permanent connection that is not intended to be engaged or disengaged under load or during initial installation or during reconfiguration or maintenance of the wiring system to which the harness couplers are fitted. In short, harness couplers are designed for occasional use only.
Installation couplers are not suitable for use as a replacement for socket outlet systems. Installation couplers are not suitable for use as a replacement for devices used to connect luminaires in accordance with IEC 61995 or as a replacement for luminaire support connectors.
Installation connectors conforming to this standard are suitable for use at ambient temperatures normally not exceeding plus 40 degrees, but averaged over a 24-hour period not exceeding plus 35 degrees, and the lower limit of the ambient air temperature for indoor or outdoor use is minus 5 degrees. Additional tests for use in cold climates are included in the annex to the standard (Annex F). The necessary information can be given in the manufacturer's installation instructions. Information for other temperatures can also be given in the manufacturer's installation instructions. Special constructions may be required in locations where special conditions apply, such as on ships, vehicles, etc., and in hazardous locations where explosions are likely to occur. The installation connectors are intended to be installed by trained or skilled persons. A guide to the use of the installation connector systems is included in the annex to the standard (Annex D).
The latest update of this standard has introduced significant technical changes. For example, the definition of live parts based on IEC 61140 has been added, additional optional cross-media documentation has been introduced, for example QR code marking, corrections have been made to ensure consistent use of the terms earth, earthing contact, earthing circuit and protective earth throughout the standard, and Annex F has been added to the standard for cold climate requirements.
In short, installation connectors are a system designed for connection and disconnection without load, which can replace connection and junction boxes or other connection elements. Installation connectors that comply with this standard are suitable for use at nominal current at ambient temperatures that normally do not exceed 25 degrees, but occasionally reach 35 degrees.
Installation couplers are designed to provide permanent connections between cable sections, particularly in wiring systems. In this case, they are treated in the same way as a junction box. They can be switched on or off under load or used as a socket. When connected, the contact points inside the coupler are placed against conductors fixed inside the cables, thus creating a permanent electrical or data path. This configuration minimizes any signal loss that would otherwise occur due to the connection, making cable couplers crucial in ensuring that various systems perform and remain reliable.
Among the numerous testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies that our organization has carried out for businesses in various sectors, it also provides testing services defined in the standard “EN IEC 61535 Installation couplers designed for permanent connection in fixed installations” with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
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