IEC 60309 Power Cords

Definition

The IEC 60309 is a standard created by the International Electrotechnical Commission, and is for "plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes". The plugs, sockets, and connectors specified in the standard range from 120V AC to 1000V AC, and 16A - 800A.

Device Types

Common devices found in the IEC 60309 family are:

1. Plugs
2. Connectors
3. Panel Mount Receptacle
4. Surface Mount Inlets

Most Common Device Ratings

The most common device ratings, grouped by application countries, are:

North American

1. 20A/120V (Yellow, 4H, 3-Pin)
2. 20A/250V (Blue, 6H, 3-Pin)
3. 20A/200-415V (Red, 6H, 5-Pin)
4. 30A/120V (Yellow, 4H, 3-Pin)
5. 30A/250V (Blue, 6H, 3-Pin)
6. 30A/200-415V (Red, 6H, 5-Pin)
7. 60A/250V (Blue, 6H, 3-Pin)
8. 60A/380-415V (Red, 6H, 5-Pin)
9. 100A/380-415V (Red, 6H, 5-Pin)

• European

1. 16A/220-250V (Blue, 6H, 3-Pin)
2. 16A/ 220-380V, 240-415V (Red, 6H, 5-Pin)
3. 32A/220-250V (Blue, 6H, 3-Pin)
4. 32A/220-380V, 240-415V (Red, 6H, 5-Pin)
5. 63A/200-250V (Blue, 6H, 3-Pin)
6. 63A/220-380V, 240-415V (Red, 6H, 5-Pin)
7. 125A/220-380V, 240-415V (Red, 6H, 5-Pin)

Water/Weather Rating

There are two types of weather ratings for IEC 60309 plugs.

1. IP44 - A protection rating of IP44 means that the device is protected from hazardous parts >1mm in size, such as screws, wires, etc.
2. IP67 - A protection rating of IP67 means that the device is Dust Tight and is watertight when submerged in water up to 1M. 

Basically these ratings mean that if you will be using your device in a dry environment, IP44 is fine. However if you will be using these devices in a wet or very harsh environment, IP67 is the better option. 

IEC 60309 are used in a wide variety of applications, including Data Centers, Industrial Equipment, Marine, and more. IEC 60309 wiring devices are also referred to as "Pin and Sleeve" connectors. IEC 60309 wiring devices come in a wide variety of Ampere Ratings, Voltages, and Waterproofing. 

Water/Weather Rating

There are two types of weather ratings for IEC 60309 plugs.

1. IP44 - A protection rating of IP44 means that the device is protected from hazardous parts >1mm in size, such as screws, wires, etc.
2. IP67 - A protection rating of IP67 means that the device is Dust Tight and is watertight when submerged in water up to 1M. 

Basically these ratings mean that if you will be using your device in a dry environment, IP44 is fine. However if you will be using these devices in a wet or very harsh environment, IP67 is the better option.