IEC 62196-1

Plugs, Socket-Outlets, Vehicle Connectors and Vehicle Inlets for Conductive Charging of Electric Vehicles — General Requirements

IEC 62196-1:2022 is the general requirements standard for EV charging connectors published by the International Electrotechnical Commission. It defines the dimensional, electrical, mechanical, and safety requirements applicable to all plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors, and vehicle inlets used in conductive EV charging. The 2022 fourth edition covers accessories and cable assemblies rated up to 690 V AC at 250 A or 1,500 V DC at 800 A, and introduced updated requirements for contact materials, plating, temperature rise testing, thermal stress, and mechanical wear. Specific connector geometries for AC (Type 2/Mennekes) and DC (CCS Combo) are defined in the part standards IEC 62196-2 and IEC 62196-3.

Published by: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

Current edition: IEC 62196-1:2022 (4th edition)

Scope

  • All EV plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors, and vehicle inlets for conductive charging
  • Rated operating voltage up to 690 V AC (50/60 Hz) at 250 A, or 1,500 V DC at 800 A
  • Requirements for contact materials, plating, temperature rise, thermal stress, and mechanical wear
  • Cable assemblies for AC and DC conductive charging applications
  • Safety, dimensional, marking, and test requirements common to all connector types in the 62196 series

Relationship to other standards

IEC 62196-1 is the parent standard of the IEC 62196 series. IEC 62196-2 specifies the Type 2 (Mennekes) AC connector geometry mandated across Europe. IEC 62196-3 specifies DC connector configurations including CCS Combo 1, Combo 2, and CHAdeMO-compatible interfaces. IEC 61851-1 defines the charging modes and control pilot signalling that these connectors carry. SAE J1772 covers the North American Type 1 AC connector, and SAE J3400 (NACS) the connector becoming the US DC fast charge standard.

Disclaimer: This is not a definitive guide, just an indication and it is important that you always go back to the source for legislation.

References

  1. IEC 62196-1:2022 — Plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets — Conductive charging of electric vehicles — Part 1: General requirements, IEC Webstore

See also

  • Connectors — the pack-side connector page these general plug, socket-outlet and inlet requirements apply to.