CEE and IEC

The term "CEE" generally refers to Industrial Plugs and Sockets that comply with International Standard IEC 60309. CEE is the abbreviation of "International Commission on rules for the approval of Electrical Equipment".

Conformity to Standards

CEE plugs and sockets are internationally normalized by IEC 60309-1 and IEC 60309-2, equivalent to the European Norms EN 60309 part 1 and EN 60309 Part 2.

IEC is the International Electrotechnical Commission - which is the world organization for international standardization of electrical equipment.

CENELEC

European committee for Electrotechnical Normalization - members are the national electrotechnical committees from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Czech Republic and the United Kingdom.

Connected National Committees are Bosnia, Bulgary, Estonia, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Turkey, Hungary and Cyprus.

System

The standard CEE plugs and socket according to EN 60309 respectively, IEC 60309 are designed in their main dimensions in a way that plugs and sockets with the same rated currents, nominal working voltage ranges, the same number of poles and frequency of different producers are compatible.

In order to prevent the insertion of plugs and sockets of different voltages and frequencies, 12 positions of the earthing contact are assigned to the polarizing slot of the skirt of a socket.

The number with the following letter "h" indicates the position of the earth contact tube, comparing the frontside of the socket or connector with the face of a clock (Please see the chart on opposite page).

Pilot Contact

CEE plugs and sockets with 63A and 125A have placed a pilot contact according to EN 60309 to enable an electric interlocking. This contact closes inductively at the plug-in and premating at the drawing.

Position of the earthing contact according to IEC 60309-2

IP-Classifications

CEE-plugs and sockets with rated currents 16A, 32A, and 63A must meet the system of protection IP44 or IP67; 125A protection degree IP67 according to EN60529.

The protection degree is tested:

• on sockets and connectors, with and without inserted plug or appliance plug
• on plugs and appliance plugs, when fully inserted into the socket or connector