#White Papers
IEC connectors at elevated ambient temperatures
Connectors that are approved in accordance with IEC 60320 are suitable for use at ambient temperatures of up to +40 °C.
The average temperature over a period of 24 hours should not exceed +35 °C with a lower limit of -5 °C for the ambient air temperature. But can it go higher?
The appliance inlet classification is based on the maximum permissible pin temperature (cold = 70°C, warm = 120°C or hot = 155°C). This pin temperature is measured at the base of the pin. In addition to the ambient temperature, the temperature of the pin is also influenced by the temperature reached when in the appliance is in use.
However, the temperature of the pin is by no means always the limiting factor. The limiting element is almost always the insulating material of the housing of the connector.
