View source for IEC 60309

{{Short description|International standard for industrial plugs}}
{{Use Oxford spelling|date=December 2011}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2011}}
{{Infobox connector
| name = IEC&nbsp;60309
| type = 
| image = [[File:CEE 3P+N+PE 230V.jpg|frameless|240px]]
| logo = 
| caption = 16&nbsp;A 250&nbsp;V 3P+N+E 9h socket and plug.  The round plug shroud has an alignment key that mates with a matching slot in the socket.  The female socket has two additional divots which are not required by the standard, but provide access to screws to disassemble the socket.  When mated, the spring-loaded cover on the socket hooks over the lug visible on top of the plug to lock the two together.
| designer = 
| design_date = 
| manufacturer = 
| production_date = 
| superseded = 
| superseded_by = 
| superseded_by_date = 
| weight = 
| length = 
| diameter = 
| width = 250
| height = 
| hotplug = 
| daisy_chain = 
| external = 
| electrical = 
| earth = 
| maximum_voltage = 1,000&nbsp;V
| maximum_current = 800&nbsp;A
| audio_signal = 
| video_signal = 
| data_signal = 
| data_bit_width = 
| data_bandwidth = 
| data_devices = 
| data_style = 
| cable = 
| high_freq = 
| physical_connector = 
| num_pins = 3–5(+1)
| pinout_col1_name = 
| pinout_col2_name = 
| pinout_image = [[File:IEC 60309-2 16-20A 2P+E socket.svg|frameless|89px]]
| pinout_caption = 200–250 VAC (blue) 16/20 A 2P+E 6h socket for single-phase AC power. Drawn approximately to scale. Clockwise from bottom: PE, L, N.
| pinout_image2 = [[File:IEC 60309-2 125-100A 3P+N+E socket.svg|frameless|166px]]
| pinout_caption2 = 200–240 / 346–415 VAC (red) 125/100 A 3P+N+E 6h socket for three-phase AC power. Drawn approximately to scale. Clockwise from bottom: PE, L1, L2, L3, N.
| pin1 = 
| pin1_name = 
| pin2 = 
| pin2_name = 
| pin3 = 
| pin3_name = 
| pin4 = 
| pin4_name = 
| pin5 = 
| pin5_name = 
| pin6 = 
| pin6_name = 
| pin7 = 
| pin7_name = 
| pin8 = 
| pin8_name = 
| pin9 = 
| pin9_name = 
| pin10 = 
| pin10_name = 
| pin11 = 
| pin11_name = 
| pin12 = 
| pin12_name = 
| pin13 = 
| pin13_name = 
| pin14 = 
| pin14_name = 
| pin15 = 
| pin15_name = 
| pin16 = 
| pin16_name = 
| pin17 = 
| pin17_name = 
| pin18 = 
| pin18_name = 
| pin19 = 
| pin19_name = 
| pin20 = 
| pin20_name = 
| pin21 = 
| pin21_name = 
| pin22 = 
| pin22_name = 
| pin23 = 
| pin23_name = 
| pin24 = 
| pin24_name = 
| pin25 = 
| pin25_name = 
| pin26 = 
| pin26_name = 
| pin27 = 
| pin27_name = 
| pin28 = 
| pin28_name = 
| pin29 = 
| pin29_name = 
| pin30 = 
| pin30_name = 
| pin31 = 
| pin31_name = 
| pin_custom1_name = PE
| pin_name_custom1 = Protective Earth
| pin_custom1 = ground
| pin_custom2_name = N
| pin_name_custom2 = Neutral
| pin_custom2 = 
| pin_custom3_name = L1
| pin_name_custom3 = Line 1
| pin_custom3 = (AC) Phase 1
| pin_custom4_name = L2
| pin_name_custom4 = Line 2
| pin_custom4 = (AC) Phase 2
| pin_custom5_name = L3
| pin_name_custom5 = Line 3
| pin_custom5 = (AC) Phase 3
| pin_custom6_name = PP
| pin_name_custom6 = Pilot Pin
| pin_custom6 = (optional) last-make, first-break to control arcing
| pin_custom7_name = 
| pin_name_custom7 = 
| pin_custom7 = 
| pin_custom8_name = 
| pin_name_custom8 = 
| pin_custom8 = 
| pinout_notes = 
}}
'''IEC&nbsp;60309''' (formerly '''IEC&nbsp;309''' and '''[[IECEE|CEE 17]]''', also published by [[European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization|CENELEC]] as '''EN 60309''') is a series of [[international standards]] from the [[International Electrotechnical Commission]] (IEC) for "plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes". They are also referred to as "pin & sleeve" connectors in North America<ref>{{cite web |title=Pin & Sleeve Plug, Receptacle and Connector |url=https://www.nema.org/membership/products/view/pin-sleeve-plug-receptacle-and-connector |website=NEMA |date=11 June 2012 |access-date=5 August 2023}}</ref> or as "CeeForm" connectors in the entertainment industry.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.in2connect.uk.com/product/ceeform-iec60309/ | title=IEC 60309 CEE form connectors from In2connect &#124; In2connect }}</ref> The maximum [[voltage]] allowed by the standard is {{val|1000|ul=V}} [[direct current|DC]] or [[alternating current|AC]]; the maximum [[Current (electricity)|current]], {{val|800|ul=A}}; and the maximum [[frequency]], {{val|500|ul=Hz}}. The ambient temperature range is {{Nowrap|−25 °C}} to {{Nowrap|40 °C}}.<ref>''Scope'' section 1, '' IEC 60309-1:1999+AMD1:2005+AMD2:2012 Part 1 General Requirements'', 2012, International Electrotechnical Commission</ref>

There is a range of plugs and sockets of different sizes with differing numbers of pins, depending on the current supplied and number of phases accommodated. Connectors generally are specified by the voltage and current ratings, general configuration (number of pins), and rotational alignment ("keying"). The fittings are popular in open-air conditions, as the connectors have a minimum [[IP44]] weather-proofing rating.  They are also sometimes used in situations where their special capabilities (such as high current rating or three-phase facilities) are not needed, to discourage potential users from connecting domestic appliances to the sockets, as 'normal' domestic plugs will not fit.

The cable connectors and sockets are keyed and colour-coded, according to the voltage range and frequency used; common colours for 50–60&nbsp;Hz AC power are yellow for 100–130 volts, blue for 200–250 volts, and red for 380–480 volts.  The blue fittings are often used for providing weather-proofed exterior sockets for outdoor apparatus.  In camping situations, the large 32&nbsp;A blue fittings provide power to static caravans, whilst the smaller blue 16&nbsp;A version powers touring caravans and tents.  The yellow fittings are used to provide transformer isolated 110&nbsp;V supplies for UK construction sites to reduce the risk of electric shock, and this use spills over into uses of power tools outside of the construction site environment.  The red three-phase versions are used for three-phase portable equipment.

==Standardization==
[[File:CEE Verbindung 63A 6h IP67 Veranstaltung 2012 05 27.jpg|thumb|63&nbsp;A, [[IP67]] mated connection|250x250px]]
;IEC&nbsp;60309-1: "Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes" specifies general functional and safety requirements.<ref>BS EN 60309-1, IEC 60309-1: "Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes. General requirements." (1999/2012)</ref>
;IEC&nbsp;60309-2: "Dimensional interchangeability requirements for pin and contact-tube accessories" applies to plugs and socket-outlets, cable couplers and appliance couplers with pins and contact tubes of standardized configurations.
;IEC&nbsp;60309-3: "Particular requirements for plugs, socket-outlets, connectors and appliance inlets for use in explosive gas atmospheres". This standard was withdrawn in 1998.
;IEC&nbsp;60309-4: "Switched socket-outlets and connectors with or without interlock" applies to self-contained products that combine within a single enclosure, a socket-outlet or connector according to IEC 60309-1 or IEC 60309-2 and a switching device, with a rated operating voltage not exceeding 1000&nbsp;VDC or VAC and 500&nbsp;Hz, and a rated current not exceeding 800&nbsp;A.
;IEC&nbsp;60309-5: "Dimensional compatibility and interchangeability requirements for plugs, socket-outlets, ship connectors and ship inlets for low-voltage shore connection systems (LVSC)" applies to a single type of plug, socket-outlet, ship connector and ship inlet, intended to connect ships to dedicated shore supply systems described in IEC/IEEE 80005–3.

The standardization was originally done by the CEE ({{lang|fr|Commission internationale de réglementation en vue de l'approbation de l'équipement électrique}}), which became [[IECEE]] in 1985 ([[International Commission on the Rules for the Approval of Electrical Equipment]]) and is now part of the [[IEC]]. (This is the same body that produced the [[AC power plugs and sockets#CEE 7 standard|"CEE&nbsp;7" series of domestic AC plugs]].)  The industrial sockets were standardized in the 1960s in the '''CEE&nbsp;17''' series that was adopted in the UK as BS&nbsp;4343, and which are now the IEC&nbsp;60309 standard.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reylenferna.com/mennekes-introduction.php|title=General Introduction of CEE plugs and receptacles|at=MENNEKES industrial plugs and receptacles|quote=History: CEE plugs and sockets base on the ''CEE 17'' standard (also BS&nbsp;4343) which was introduced in the 1960s.|publisher=Rey & Lenferna|access-date=2011-09-03|archive-date=2012-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331161423/http://www.reylenferna.com/mennekes-introduction.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Preferred current ratings and wire gauges==
The standard includes preferred current ratings and wire gauges for both International (deemed Series I) and North American (deemed Series II) applications.

Series I preferred current ratings (in amps) are: 16, 32, 63, 125, 250, 400, 630 and 800, with wire gauges specified as mm{{sup|2}}.

Series II preferred current ratings (in amps) are: 20, 30, 60, 100, 200, 300, 350, 500 and 600, with wire gauges specified as [[AWG]] and [[circular mil]].

==Environmental protection==
[[File:CEE 400V 16A 6h IP67 Stecker und Kupplung 2012 01 27.jpg|thumb|IP67 plug and receptacle|250x250px]]
IEC&nbsp;60309-2 connectors come in [[IP Code|IP44]] (splash-proof), IP67 (waterproof) and IP66/IP67 (jet-proof/waterproof) variants.  In all cases, the rating applies when detached or mated, but not during the mating process.

The more common IP44 variant features a spring-loaded hinged cap over the socket.  When a plug is inserted, the cap hooks over a lug on the plug and retains it in place.  Fixed connectors are usually installed angled downward to prevent water entering.

The IP67 and IP66/IP67 variants include a gasket and a twist-lock ring which seals the two connectors together.

==Dimensions==
Plugs have cylindrical connector pins arranged in a circle, with the earth pin {{cvt|2|mm}} larger in diameter than the other pins (used for line/neutral). This is surrounded by a circular shroud on the male connector, which fits into a matching recess on the female connector.

The standard defines connectors with 3, 4 and 5 pins, but a non-standard variant with 7 pins (6 in a circle plus one in the centre) is commercially available;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.starlinguk.net/plugs_and_sockets_examples.pdf |publisher=Walther Electrotechnische systeme |title=Industrial Plugs and Sockets to IEC 60309-2 (BS4343/CEE17) trade price list |year=2012 |access-date=2017-03-26 |archive-date=2017-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328015834/http://www.starlinguk.net/plugs_and_sockets_examples.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> this can be used for [[Motor soft starter#Star-delta start-up|star-delta starting]] of three-phase motors.

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Nominal dimensions of some example plugs<ref name=IEC_60309-2>{{cite web |url=https://webstore.iec.ch/publication/59919 |title=IEC 60309-2:2021 {{!}} Plugs, fixed or portable socket-outlets and appliance inlets for industrial purposes – Part 2: Dimensional compatibility requirements for pin and contact-tube accessories |publisher=International Electrotechnical Commission |date=June 18, 2021 |edition=5.0 |access-date=17 August 2022}} [https://law.resource.org/pub/in/bis/S05/is.iec.60309.2.2002.pdf PDF of 2002 standard]</ref>
|-
!colspan=2| Connector rating (A) !!colspan=3| 16/20        !!colspan=2| 32/30       !! 63/60       !! 125/100
|-
!colspan=2| Pins
! [[File:IEC 60309-2 16-20A 2P+E plug.svg|frameless|47px]]<br/>2+E !! [[File:IEC 60309-2 16-20A 3P+E plug.svg|frameless|53px]]<br/>3+E !! [[File:IEC 60309-2 16-20A 3P+N+E plug.svg|frameless|60px]]<br/>4+E
! [[File:IEC 60309-2 32-30A 3P+E plug.svg|frameless|61px]]<br/>2+E, 3+E !! [[File:IEC 60309-2 32-30A 3P+N+E plug.svg|frameless|67px]]<br/>4+E
! [[File:IEC 60309-2 63-60A 3P+N+E plug.svg|frameless|75px]]<br/>All
! [[File:IEC 60309-2 125-100A 3P+N+E plug.svg|frameless|87px]]<br/>All
|-
|rowspan=2|Line & neutral pins
|             diameter           ||colspan=3| {{cvt| 5|mm}}||colspan=2|{{cvt| 6|mm}}||{{cvt| 8|mm}}||{{cvt|10|mm}}
|-
|             length             ||colspan=3| {{cvt|37|mm}}||colspan=2|{{cvt|45|mm}}||{{cvt|67|mm}}||{{cvt|71|mm}}
|-
|rowspan=2|Earth pin
|             diameter           ||colspan=3| {{cvt| 7|mm}}||colspan=2|{{cvt| 8|mm}}||{{cvt|10|mm}}||{{cvt|12|mm}}
|-
|             length             ||colspan=3| {{cvt|37|mm}}||colspan=2|{{cvt|45|mm}}||{{cvt|67|mm}}||{{cvt|71|mm}}
|-
|colspan=2|Pin circle diameter   || {{cvt|17.5|mm}} || {{cvt|21.5|mm}} || {{cvt|26.5|mm}} || {{cvt|25.0|mm}} || {{cvt|30.3|mm}}  || {{cvt|36.5|mm}} || {{cvt|42.5|mm}}
|-
|rowspan=2|Plug shroud diameter (>50 V)
|             inner              || {{cvt|37.9|mm}} || {{cvt|42.8|mm}} || {{cvt|48.8|mm}} || {{cvt|49.7|mm}} || {{cvt|55.6|mm}}  || {{cvt|61.5|mm}} || {{cvt|72.5|mm}}
|-
|             outer              || {{cvt|43.5|mm}} || {{cvt|49.5|mm}} || {{cvt|56.1|mm}} || {{cvt|57.3|mm}} || {{cvt|63.4|mm}}  || {{cvt|69.5|mm}} || {{cvt|81.5|mm}}
|-
|colspan=2|Plug major key radius || colspan=5 | {{cvt|3|mm}}                       || colspan=2 | {{cvt|4|mm}}
|}

===Pilot contact===
[[File:CEE Stecker mit Pilotkontakt 63A 6h 5P 2012 01 31.jpg|thumb|63&nbsp;A plug with pilot contact]]
Connectors rated at 63 A and 125 A may optionally feature a 6 mm pilot contact. Located at the center of the connector, this smaller pin is shorter than the other pins. It is designed to make contact after all other pins when a plug is inserted, and to break contact before the others during disconnection. The pilot contact is used to switch off the load before separation. This is important because disconnecting under load can produce arcing, which may damage the plug and socket and pose a safety risk to the user.

The pilot pin is located in the centre of main contact circle on 4 and 5-pin connectors. On 3-pin (2P+E) connectors, it is located on the contact circle opposite the ground pin. The other connectors are located 105° on either side of the earth pin, rather than 120° as in the smaller variants, to make room for the pilot pin.

===Extra-low voltage variant===
The standard specifies an additional, different design for [[extra-low voltage]]s up to 50&nbsp;VAC and currents of 16 or 32&nbsp;A. This resembles, but is larger than, the [[DC connector#IEC 60906-3:1994|IEC 60906]] DC connector.

{|class="wikitable collapsible floatleft" style="font-size:90%;text-align:center;"
|+ Low-voltage compatibility
! rowspan=2 colspan=2 | &nbsp;
! colspan=2 | Plug
|-
| [[File:IEC 60309-2 16-20A 3P low-volt plug.svg|frameless|46px]]<br/>16/20 A || [[File:IEC 60309-2 32-30A 3P low-volt plug.svg|frameless|46px]]<br/>32/30A
|-
! rowspan=2 | Socket
| [[File:IEC 60309-2 16-20A 3P low-volt socket.svg|frameless|46px]]<br/>16/20 A
| {{ya}} || {{ya}}
|-
| [[File:IEC 60309-2 32-30A 3P low-volt socket.svg|frameless|46px]]<br/>32/30 A
| {{na}} || {{ya}}
|}
On the male plug, three 6&nbsp;mm pins each 20.5&nbsp;mm long are equally spaced around a 15.4&nbsp;mm diameter circle, starting at the 12-o'clock position. They are surrounded by a 23&nbsp;mm long shroud with an inner diameter of 36&nbsp;mm and an outer diameter of 42&nbsp;mm. The pin opposite the major key is optional and may be omitted to make a 2-pin variant. The inner surface of the male plug shroud is flattened at the 6-o'clock position. One or two grooves are cut in the male plug shroud to mate with corresponding keys in the female socket. There is a required major groove at the 6-o'clock position and an optional minor groove at the 12-o'clock position.

{{multiple image
| align             = right
| direction         = horizontal
| total_width       = 260
| title             = 24&nbsp;V, 16&nbsp;A, 2P, 50/60&nbsp;Hz: violet connectors (no minor key)
| image1            = CEE Steckdose Kleinspannung 24V 16A 2P 50-60 Hz 2012 08 19.jpg
| caption1          = Socket
| image2            = CEE 60309 Stecker Kleinspannung 24V 16A 2P 50-60 Hz 2012 08 19.jpg
| caption2          = Plug
}}

On the female socket, the major key is 4&nbsp;mm deep at the 6-o'clock position. The width of the major key defines the current rating: 32&nbsp;A plugs have a narrower 5&nbsp;mm wide groove, while 16&nbsp;A plugs have a wider 8&nbsp;mm groove, and therefore 32&nbsp;A plugs can be used with 16&nbsp;A sockets but 16&nbsp;A plugs cannot be used with 32&nbsp;A sockets. The optional minor keyway is the same dimension for both current ratings: 4&nbsp;mm wide at the 12-o'clock position, which mates with an additional 5&nbsp;mm wide groove cut through the shroud.

==Colour code==
The colour of the housing indicates the type of power available.  The primary distinction is by rated operating voltage, as follows:

{| class="wikitable"
|+
! colspan="7" |Colour code<ref name="SCAME-60309" />
|-
! voltage range
! 20–25&nbsp;V
! 40–50&nbsp;V
! 100–130&nbsp;V
! 200–250&nbsp;V
! 300–480&nbsp;V
! 500–1000&nbsp;V
|-style="text-align:center;"
! common color
| style="background: #80a; color: white;" | violet
| style="background: white; color: black;" | white
| style="background: yellow; color: black;" | yellow
| style="background: #08f; color: white;" | blue
| style="background: red; color: white;" | red
| style="background: black; color: white;" | black
|-
! common application
| 24&nbsp;V single-phase AC/DC power
| single-phase AC/DC power
| 125&nbsp;V single-/split-phase AC power
| 250&nbsp;V single-/split-phase AC power
| 400&nbsp;V 3-phase AC power
| 500&nbsp;V on marine vessels
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|+
! colspan="6" |Less commonly used colour codes
|-
! voltage range
! >50&nbsp;VDC (0&nbsp;Hz)
! 125/250&nbsp;VAC
! 277&nbsp;V
! >50&nbsp;VAC,<br />100–500&nbsp;Hz
! 28&nbsp;VDC
|-style="text-align:center;"
! common color
| style="background: white; color: black;" | white
| style="background: orange; color: black;" | orange
| style="background: gray; color: white;" | gray
| style="background: #090; color: white;" | {{abbr|green|(possibly in combination with another colour)}}
| -
|-
! common application
| DC power
| 125/250&nbsp;VAC split-phase (2P+N+E), Series II current ratings 
| 277&nbsp;V Series II current ratings single-phase AC power
| 115&nbsp;V [[Utility frequency#400 Hz|400&nbsp;Hz aircraft power]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Why we use 115v 400Hz power supply in aircraft? |url=http://www.gohz.com/why-we-use-115v-400hz-power-supply-in-aircraft |website=GoHz.com |access-date=22 October 2019 |date=30 January 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612103742/http://www.gohz.com/why-we-use-115v-400hz-power-supply-in-aircraft|archive-date=12 June 2016}}</ref>
| 28&nbsp;VDC aircraft power
|}
PC Electric (PCE) sell 250 and 400 volt class connectors in their "Series Midnight" range for use during entertainment events, with the intension that the black shells be less distracting from the performance.

==Keying==
[[File:CEE-connectors.JPG|thumb|alt=Two power cables, each with a 3P+N+E plug at one end, and a matching socket at the other end. The upper cable has blue connectors; the lower cable has red connectors.|Cables with 3P+N+E connectors. The upper, blue cable has 9h keying, while the lower red cable has 6h keying.]]
In addition to the colour code, connectors are keyed in one of 12 positions to ensure that incompatible [[utilization voltage]]s cannot be connected.  Different voltage and frequency combinations are distinguished by the location of the earth pin (or a plastic projection called the ''minor keyway'', for connectors with no earth pin), as shown in the following table. The earth pin can be in one of twelve locations, described by [[clock position]]s 1h through 12h, spaced at 30° intervals around the circle on which all the pins lie. The various positions are referenced from the view of the open side of a socket; the 6 o'clock (6h, 180°) position is at the same angle as the ''major keyway'', and is oriented downwards. The major keyway is a projection on the plug shroud which aligns with a notch on the socket. The earth pin has a larger diameter than the other pins, preventing the wrong type of plug being inserted in a socket.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+IEC 60309-2 variants (> 50&nbsp;V){{efn|name=unspec|Unless otherwise specified, AC frequency is both 50 and 60&nbsp;Hz}}<ref name="IEC_60309-2" />{{rp|Table 104}}<ref name="SCAME-60309">{{cite web |url=https://www.scame.com/plugs-and-sockets-for-industrial-use-iec60309 |title=Plugs and sockets for industrial use, IEC 60309 |publisher=SCAME |access-date=18 August 2022 |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922162123/https://www.scame.com/plugs-and-sockets-for-industrial-use-iec60309 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
! rowspan="2" | Earth pin<br />position
! colspan="3" | Pin configuration{{efn|For the P/N/E notation,
*P: pole(s)
*N: neutral
*E: earth/ground
Otherwise, provides (number of poles (P) and total wires (W))}}
|-
! P+N+E, 2P+E<br />(2P3W){{efn|Single-phase plugs & sockets}} !! 3P+E<br />(3P4W){{efn|name=3-phase|Three-phase plugs & sockets, unless otherwise noted}} !! 3P+N+E<br />(4P5W){{efn|name=3-phase}}
|-
! 30° / 1h
| colspan="3" style="background:#fdf;" | Not standardized, reserved for special purposes
|-
! 60° / 2h
| colspan="3" style="background:#090; color: white;" | >50&nbsp;VAC, >300 to 500&nbsp;Hz<br />('''green''')
|-
! 90° / 3h
| >50 to 250&nbsp;VDC<br />('''white''')
| style="background: red; color: white;" | 380&nbsp;V, 50&nbsp;Hz<br />440&nbsp;V, 60&nbsp;Hz<br />('''red''')
| style="background: red; color: white;" | 220/380&nbsp;V, 50&nbsp;Hz<br />250/440&nbsp;V, 60&nbsp;Hz<br />('''red''')
|-
! 120° / 4h
| style="background: yellow; color: black;" | 100–130&nbsp;VAC<br />('''yellow''')
| style="background: yellow; color: black;" | 100–130&nbsp;VAC<br />('''yellow''')<br />in UK, 55/110&nbsp;VAC{{efn|name=split}}
| style="background: yellow; color: black;" | 57–75 or 100–130&nbsp;VAC<br />('''yellow''')
|-
! 150° / 5h
| style="background: gray;  color: white;" | 277&nbsp;VAC, 60&nbsp;Hz<br />('''grey''')
| style="background: black; color: white;" | 600–690&nbsp;VAC<br />('''black''')
| style="background: black; color: white;" | 347–400 or 600–690&nbsp;VAC<br />('''black''')
|-
! 180° / 6h
| style="background:#08f; color: white;" | 200–250&nbsp;VAC<br />('''blue''')
| style="background: red;  color: white;" | 380–415&nbsp;VAC<br />('''red''')
| style="background: red;  color: white;" | 200–240 or 346–415&nbsp;VAC<br />('''red''')
|-
! 210° / 7h
| style="background: black; color: white;" | 480–500&nbsp;VAC<br />('''black''')
| style="background: black; color: white;" | 480–500&nbsp;VAC<br />('''black''')
| style="background: black; color: white;" | 277–288 or 480–500&nbsp;VAC<br />('''black''')
|-
! 240° / 8h
| >250&nbsp;VDC<br />('''white''')
| style="background:#fdf;" | Not used
| style="background:#fdf;" | Not used
|-
! 270° / 9h
| style="background: red;  color: white;" | 380–415&nbsp;VAC<br />('''red''')
| style="background: #08f; color: white;" | 200–250&nbsp;VAC<br />('''blue''')
| style="background: #08f; color: white;" | 120–144 or 208–250&nbsp;VAC<br />('''blue''')
|-
! 300° / 10h
| colspan="3" style="background:#090; color: white;" | >50&nbsp;VAC, 100–300&nbsp;Hz<br />('''green''')
|-
! 330° / 11h
| style="background:#fdf;" | Not used
| style="background: red; color: white;" | 440–460&nbsp;VAC, 60&nbsp;Hz<br />('''red''')
| style="background: red; color: white;" | 250–265 or 440–460&nbsp;VAC, 60&nbsp;Hz<br />('''red''')
|-
! 360° / 12h
| Not specified{{efn|name=VSIT|Voltage supply from an isolating transformer}}<br />('''white''')
| style="background: orange; color: black;" | 125/250&nbsp;VAC{{efn|name=split|Split-phase (2P+N+E)}}<br />('''orange''')
| Not specified{{efn|name=VSIT}}<br />('''white''')
|-
! colspan="4" |[[File:IEC 60309-2 connector clock diagram.svg|upright=1.5|Clock diagram for the regular (>50 V) connector series, viewed looking in to the socket end.|center|frameless]]
|}The extra-low voltage connector also supports keying, although in this case the angle is the position of the minor key, assuming the major key is at the 6h position (180°).  Minor key positions 5h, 6h and 7h are unavailable, as they would overlap with the major key, but an unkeyed variant exists.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+IEC 60309-2 variants (< 50&nbsp;V){{efn|name=unspec}}<ref name=IEC_60309-2/>{{rp|Table 103}}<ref name=SCAME-60309/>
! rowspan=2 | Minor<br/>keyway<br />position
! colspan=2 | Pin configuration
|-
! 2P !! 3P
|-
! No minor keyway
| colspan=2 style="background:#80a;color:#fff;" | 20–25&nbsp;VAC<br/>('''violet''')
|-
! 30° / 1h
| colspan=2 style="background:#fdf;" | Not standardized, reserved for special purposes
|-
! 60° / 2h
| colspan=2 style="background:#090;color:#fff;" | 20–25 & 40–50&nbsp;VAC, 300&nbsp;Hz<br/>('''green''')
|-
! 90° / 3h
| colspan=2 style="background:#090;color:#fff;" | 20–25 & 40–50&nbsp;VAC, 400&nbsp;Hz<br/>('''green''')
|-
! 120° / 4h
| colspan=2 style="background:#090;color:#fff;" | 20–25 & 40–50&nbsp;VAC, 100–200&nbsp;Hz<br/>('''green''')
|-
! 150° / 5h
| colspan=2 rowspan=3 style="background:#444;color:#fff;" | Not used, blocked by major keyway
|-
! 180° / 6h
|-
! 210° / 7h
|-
! 240° / 8h
| colspan=2 rowspan=2 style="background:#fdf;" | Not standardized, reserved for special purposes
|-
! 270° / 9h
|-
! 300° / 10h
| <50&nbsp;VDC<br/>('''white''')
| style="background:#fdf;" | Not used
|-
! 330° / 11h
| colspan=2 style="background:#090;color:#fff;" | 20–25 & 40–50&nbsp;VAC, >400 to 500&nbsp;Hz<br/>('''green''')
|-
! 360° / 12h
| colspan=2 | 40–50&nbsp;VAC<br/>('''white''')
|-
! colspan="3" |[[File:IEC 60309-2 low-volt connector clock diagram.svg|upright=1.3|Clock diagram for the low-voltage (<50 V) connector series|center|frameless]]
|}

;Notes
{{notelist}}
{{reflist|group=note}}

==Common plugs==
[[File:20061007 3P N PE CEE connections.jpg|thumb|alt=In the foreground, a downward-angled industrial wall socket with a red cap, mounted to a wall; a red plug is inserted into it. In the background, another similar connection.|Two IEC 60309-style plugs inserted into wall-mounted sockets|307x307px]]
[[File:Phasenwendestecker.JPG|thumb|400&nbsp;V phase swap plug|250x250px]]

===Red 3P+N+E, 6h {{anchor|red|three phase socket}}===
[[File:CEE-Stecker.jpg|thumb|32&nbsp;A 400&nbsp;V 3P+N+E 6h (180°) plug|250x250px]]
[[File:16A-3P-Plug.jpg|thumb|16&nbsp;A 400&nbsp;V 3P+E 6h plug|250x250px]]
The red 3P+N+E, 6h (180°) plug allows connecting to the widespread 400&nbsp;V [[three-phase electric power|three phase]] power network. The most common ratings are 16&nbsp;A, 32&nbsp;A and 63&nbsp;A, with 125&nbsp;A less common. Construction sites in central Europe have most of their higher power cabling setup with this ''three phase socket'' type as the single phase to neutral voltage of 230&nbsp;V is available for other devices. So called power splitters with this connector as a 3 phase inlet and 3 groups of single phase outputs with individual circuit breakers are generally used to achieve this, and allow load balancing across the phases, important on generator supplies. Similar configurations are used for outdoor exhibitions, festivals and large events.

When looking at the mating face of the socket, the [[phase sequence]] should be L1, L2, L3, and then the neutral pin, proceeding clockwise from the earth pin.  (Counter-clockwise on the corresponding plug.) Since some wiring may be reversed, which would make motors turn backward, many machines on construction sites feature a phase swap plug that allows the L2 and L3 phase pins to be swapped, thereby reversing the phase sequence.

Three-phase electric motors do not need the neutral wire to function, so that there is also a red four pin variant (3 phases and earth) of the IEC 60309 plugs for three phase power. The two styles are not intermatable, to prevent a potential floating neutral.

===Blue P+N+E, 6h {{anchor|blue|Caravan Mains Socket}}===
[[File:CEE 16A 230V Wandsteckdose Pinning.png|thumb|16&nbsp;A 230&nbsp;V P+N+E 6h socket|338x338px]]
The blue P+N+E, 6h (180°) plug is a single phase connector. In particular the smallest (16&nbsp;A) weather-resistant variant has become especially common in camping vehicles and sockets found in [[RV park]]s and marinas throughout Europe.<ref>[https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/helpandadvice/technicalhelp/datasheets/electricity-campers-caravanners/ Using electricity on a campsite] [[Camping and Caravanning Club]]</ref> The so-called 'Caravan Mains Socket' has almost universally replaced a wide variety of other national 230&nbsp;V domestic plugs,<ref>[https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/travelabroad/camping-in-europe/european-campsites/electricity/ Electricity on European Campsites] [[Camping and Caravanning Club]] (UK, so "European" means mainland Europe)</ref> since it is pan-European and inherently safe to standard [[IP code|IP44]]. On larger temporary buildings, particularly with electric heating, the larger 32&nbsp;A is more common.

The pins are specified to be in the order earth, phase, and neutral, clockwise when looking at the socket.  Not all installations distinguish the line (phase) and neutral conductors, and reverse wired sockets are not uncommon, so double pole breaking RCDs and main switches are recommended. When sockets are mounted looking downwards then the connector system is rated for outdoor use in all weather. This is also the standard connector for lighting equipment (up to 16&nbsp;A) used in the British film and television industry (often as outlets from a power splitter with a higher rated 3 phase input).

===Yellow P+N+E, 4h {{anchor|yellow|Commando socket}}===
The yellow P+N+E, 4h (120°) plug is a single phase connector that is in widespread use on the British Isles for 110&nbsp;V building site and fairground applications. A popular model of this socket type is marketed under the brand name MK Commando<ref>{{cite web |title=Commando Plugs and Sockets |url=https://www.mkelectric.com/en-GB/Products/WD/IngressProtected/CommandoPlugsandSockets/Pages/default.aspx |publisher=[[MK Electric]] |access-date=2017-03-26}}</ref> which leads some users to refer to all IEC 60309 sockets by the [[generic trademark]] ''Commando sockets''.

===Blue 3P+N+E, 9h {{anchor|US|outdoor socket}} ===
The blue 3P+N+E, 9h (270°) plug is a [[three phase]] connector available in areas with both 115&nbsp;V and 230&nbsp;V supply systems (mains). It is prevalent in the outdoor event lighting and audio power industry as an outdoor-safe replacement for [[NEMA connector]]s. In the United States it is not usually used for three phase power but for the [[high leg delta]] wiring of [[split-phase electric power]] (unknown in Europe). This allows one to choose single-phase AC power at either 110–120 volts between phase and neutral or 220–240 volts between phase and phase. Since these two modes do not need three phases there is also a dark yellow-orange four-pin connector available designed for a single-phase 110–120 or 220–240 volt load.

It is best to connect the high leg adjacent to the earth pin, so that it will not be misplaced by phase-swap plugs.

==Switched-socket outlets with interlocks==
Switched-socket outlets with interlocks are described in IEC 60309-4 standard and are commonly used to enhance electrical safety in industrial plants. The interlock cuts power to the socket when nothing's plugged in and locks any plug in the socket until the power is turned off.

==See also==
{{Commons category|IEC 60309}}
* [[Industrial and multiphase power plugs and sockets]]
* [[IEC 62196]] for [[electric vehicles]]
* [[Perilex]], obsolescent DIN connector
* [[DC connector#IEC 60906-3:1994|IEC 60906-3]] a series of smaller 16&nbsp;A low-voltage connectors with a superficially similar appearance

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://webstore.iec.ch/preview/info_iec60309-1%7Bed4.2%7Db.pdf IEC 60309-1 Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes - Part 1: General requirements]
* [https://webstore.iec.ch/preview/info_iec60309-2%7Bed4.2%7Db.pdf IEC 60309-2 Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes - Part 2: Dimensional interchangeability requirements for pin and contact-tube accessories]
* [https://webstore.iec.ch/preview/info_iec60309-4%7Bed1.1%7Db.pdf IEC 60309-4 Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes - Part 4: Switched socket-outlets and connectors with or without interlock]
* {{IEC|60309}}
{{List of IEC standards}}

[[Category:IEC standards|#60309]]
[[Category:Mains power connectors]]