This part of IEC 63236, which is a Technical Specification, sets the additional requirements for appliance inlets used for information and communication technology (ICT) equipment installed in data centres and telecom central offices and which are suitable for both alternating current and direct current.

The accessories according to this document are intended to be used by ordinary persons in data centres only where the value of the voltage distribution system is defined as follows:
- for a DC voltage distribution system the values defined in IEC TS 63236-1:2021, Clause 1, apply;
- for an AC voltage distribution system the voltage does not exceed 250 V (AC) and the rated current according to the standard sheets.

Appliance couplers complying with this document are suitable for normal use at ambient air-temperatures not normally exceeding +60 °C, with a lower limit of the ambient air temperature of -5 °C.

This document is valid for appliance couplers for protection class I equipment.

Appliance couplers are not suitable for
- use in place of plug and socket-outlet systems according to the IEC TS 62735 series,
- use in place of plug and socket-outlet systems according to the IEC 60884 series,
- use in place of devices for connecting luminaires (DCLs) according to IEC 61995 (all parts) or luminaire supporting couplers (LSCs).