Overview - IEC 60799:2018 (Electrical accessories - Cord sets and interconnection cord sets)
IEC 60799:2018 is the third edition international standard that specifies requirements for cord sets and interconnection cord sets intended for household and similar general‑purpose equipment. This edition cancels and replaces the 1998 second edition and constitutes a technical revision. It focuses on safety and interoperability of cord sets used with household appliances and comparable equipment.
Scope highlights
- Applies to cord sets and interconnection cord sets for household and similar general‑purpose equipment.
- Excludes cord sets for industrial purposes using plugs/connectors according to IEC 60309, and excludes cord extension sets.
- Introduces alignment and extensions related to appliance couplers per IEC 60320‑1:2015 and IEC 60320‑2‑3 (under preparation at time of publication).
Key topics and technical changes
The 2018 edition is a technical revision with several significant updates:
- Alignment with IEC 60320‑1:2015 to ensure compatibility with the widely used appliance‑connector series.
- Extension to include appliance couplers in accordance with IEC 60320‑2‑3 (work in progress when published).
- Continued emphasis on requirements that govern cord‑set safety and performance for household applications.
Typical areas addressed by this type of standard (as relevant to IEC 60799:2018) include:
- Safety requirements for cord sets used with household appliances.
- Interoperability with appliance couplers and connector families.
- Design and construction considerations to meet the household equipment context.
- Exclusions and application limits, clarifying when other standards (e.g., IEC 60309) apply.
(IEC 60799:2018 itself should be consulted for exact test methods, dimensional requirements, marking and verification clauses.)
Applications - who uses IEC 60799:2018
- Appliance manufacturers specifying or sourcing cord sets for domestic products (kitchen appliances, consumer electronics, etc.).
- Cable and cord‑set manufacturers designing products for household markets to ensure compliance and compatibility.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies assessing cord sets against international requirements.
- Regulatory authorities and procurement teams requiring standards‑based safety and interoperability.
- Product compliance and design engineers aligning product specifications with international norms.
Related standards
- IEC 60320‑1:2015 - general requirements for appliance couplers (alignment referenced).
- IEC 60320‑2‑3 - appliance couplers (extension incorporated; under preparation at publication).
- IEC 60309 - plugs and connectors for industrial purposes (explicitly excluded from IEC 60799 scope).
Using IEC 60799:2018 helps manufacturers and compliance teams ensure safe, interoperable cord sets for household equipment while aligning with the IEC connector ecosystem.