Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies the design criteria for a universal plug and socket for photovoltaic applications. For the purpose of this document, a “universal” plug, socket, or connector is one which follows this standardized design. These plugs and sockets are designed to be used in applications where the voltage is rated for up to 500 VDC and current is rated for up to 32 A when used in a Level 0 environment for a Class II installation. For Level 1 and Level 2 certification according to IEC TS 63126, derated maximum current values will be provided.

Purpose

This standard defines dimensional, chemical, and other requirements for the intermating surface (the connection), and provides for compliance testing. Explicitly excluded from the scope is the method of joining the PV wire to the connector, as it is not relevant to the question if standardized universal intermatability.

This standard is focused on issues that address aspects of the plugs and sockets that could reasonably be expected to affect the intermatability between different manufacturers. The other back-end aspects draw upon other standards as much as possible.