EN 60670-1:2005

Boxes and enclosures for electrical accessories for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 1: General requirements

This part of EN 60670 applies to boxes, enclosures and parts of enclosures (hereafter called boxes and enclosures) for electrical accessories with a rated voltage not exceeding 1 000 V a.c. and 1 500 V d.c. intended for household or similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors. This edition cancels and replaces the second edition of EN 60670 published in 1989 and its amendment 1 (1994). This edition constitutes a technical revision.

Dosen und Gehäuse für Installationsgeräte für Haushalt und ähnliche ortsfeste elektrische Installationen - Teil 1: Allgemeine Anforderungen

Boîtes et enveloppes pour appareillage électrique pour installations électriques fixes pour usages domestiques et analogues - Partie 1: Règles générales

La présente partie de la EN 60670 s'applique aux boîtes, parties d'enveloppes et enveloppes (ci-après désignées par les termes "boîtes" et "enveloppes") destinées à des appareillages électriques ayant une tension assignée ne dépassant pas 1 000 V alternatifs et 1 500 V continus prévus pour des installations électriques fixes à usages domestiques ou analogues, pour l'intérieur ou l'extérieur. Cette édition annule et remplace la deuxième édition de la EN 60670 parue en 1989 ainsi que son amendement 1 (1994). Cette édition constitue une révision technique.

Škatle in ohišja za električno opremo za gospodinjstvo in podobne nepremične električne inštalacije – 1. del: Splošne zahteve (IEC 60670-1:2002 + popravek 2003, spremenjen) (vsebuje popravek AC:2017 in popravek AC:2010)

Ta del standarda IEC 60670 se uporablja za škatle, ohišja in dele ohišij (v nadaljnjem besedilu »škatle« in »ohišja«) za električno opremo z nazivno napetostjo, ki ne presega izmenične napetosti 1000 V in enosmerne napetosti 1500 V in je namenjena uporabi v gospodinjstvu ali podobnih zunanjih ali notranjih nepremičnih električnih inštalacijah. OPOMBA Zahteve za posebne vrste škatel in ohišij so podane v ustreznih 2. delih standarda IEC 60670. Škatle in ohišja, ki so skladna s tem standardom, so primerna za uporabo pri temperaturi okolja, ki običajno ne presega 25 °C, vendar občasno lahko doseže 35 °C. Ta mednarodni standard je namenjen uporabi s škatlami in ohišji za električne pripomočke na področju uporabe tehničnega odbora IEC 23. OPOMBA Ta dokument se lahko uporablja kot referenčni dokument za druge tehnične odbore in pododbore IEC. Škatla ali ohišje, ki je sestavni del električne opreme in ji nudi zaščito pred zunanjimi vplivi (npr. mehanskim udarcem, vdorom trdnih predmetov ali vode itd.), je vključeno v ustrezni standard, ki obravnava tovrstno opremo.
Ta standard se ne uporablja za:
– stropne rozete;
– spojke za podporo svetilki;
– škatle, ohišja in dele ohišja, ki so izdelani posebej za uporabo s sistemi kabelskih korit in jaškov, ki so v skladu s standardom IEC 61084 in niso namenjeni namestitvi zunaj teh sistemov.

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 30-Mar-2005
• Withdrawal Date: 30-Jun-2009
• ICS: 29.120.10 - Conduits for electrical purposes
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 23BX - CLC_TC_23BX
• Drafting Committee: IEC/SC 23B - IEC_SC_23B
• Parallel Committee: IEC/SC 23B - IEC_SC_23B
• Current Stage: 9960 - Withdrawal effective - Withdrawal
• Start Date: 09-Apr-2023
• Completion Date: 09-Apr-2023
• Directive: 2006/95/EC - Directive 2006/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on the harmonisation of the laws of Member States relating to electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits (codified version)
• Directive: 2014/35/EU - Directive 2014/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits
• Directive: 2014/53/EU - Directive 2014/53/EU of The European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment and repealing Directive 1999/5/EC
• Directive: 73/23/EEC - Electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits
• Ref Project: SIST EN 60670-1:2006 - Boxes and enclosures for electrical accessories for household and similar fixed electrical installations -- Part 1: General requirements

Relations

• Replaced By: EN IEC 60670-1:2021 - Boxes and enclosures for electrical accessories for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 1: General requirements
• Effective Date: 13-Feb-2018
• Amended By: EN 60670-1:2005/A1:2013 - Boxes and enclosures for electrical accessories for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 1: General requirements
• Effective Date: 29-Jan-2023
• Revises: EN 60670-1:2005/IS1:2009 - Boxes and enclosures for electrical accessories for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 1: General requirements
• Effective Date: 29-Jan-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2006
âNDWOHLQRKLãMD]DHOHNWULþQRRSUHPR]DJRVSRGLQMVWYRLQSRGREQHQHSUHPLþQH
HOHNWULþQHLQãWDODFLMH±GHO6SORãQH]DKWHYH,(&SRSUDYHN
VSUHPHQMHQ
Boxes and enclosures for electrical accessories for household and similar fixed electrical
installations -- Part 1: General requirements
Dosen und Gehäuse für Installationsgeräte für Haushalt und ähnliche ortsfeste
elektrische Installationen -- Teil 1: Allgemeine Anforderungen
Boîtes et enveloppes pour appareillage électrique pour installations électriques fixes
pour usages domestiques et analogues -- Partie 1: Règles générales
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 60670-1:2005
ICS:
29.120.99 'UXJDHOHNWULþQDGRGDWQD Other electrical accessories
RSUHPD
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 60670-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM March 2005
ICS 29.120.10
English version
Boxes and enclosures for electrical accessories
for household and similar fixed electrical installations
Part 1: General requirements
(IEC 60670-1:2002 + corrigendum 2003, modified)

Boîtes et enveloppes pour appareillage Dosen und Gehäuse
électrique pour installations électriques für Installationsgeräte für Haushalt
fixes pour usages domestiques et und ähnliche ortsfeste elektrische
analogues Installationen
Partie 1: Règles générales Teil 1: Allgemeine Anforderungen
(CEI 60670-1:2002 + corrigendum 2003, (IEC 60670-1:2002 + Corrigendum 2003,
modifiée) modifiziert)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2004-09-22. CENELEC members are bound to
comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and
notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels

© 2005 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.

Ref. No. EN 60670-1:2005 E
Foreword
The text of the International Standard IEC 60670-1:2002, prepared by SC 23B, Plugs, socket-outlets and
switches, of IEC TC 23, Electrical accessories, together with the common modifications prepared by the
Technical Committee CENELEC TC 23B, Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations,
was submitted to the Unique Acceptance Procedure and was approved by CENELEC as EN 60670-1 on
2004-09-22.
The following dates were fixed:

- latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2005-10-01

- latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2007-10-01

In this standard, the following print types are used:
- requirements proper: in roman type;
- test specifications: in italic type;
- notes: in smaller roman type.

Figures and annexes which are additional to those in IEC 60670-1 are prefixed “Z”.

__________
– 3 – EN 60670-1:2005
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60670-1:2002 + corrigendum February 2003 was approved by
CENELEC as a European Standard with agreed common modifications as given below.
COMMON MODIFICATIONS
2 Normative references
Delete the reference to IEC 60981:1989.
7 Classification
Delete from Table 1 classifications 7.7.1, 7.7.2, 7.7.2.1 and 7.7.2.2.
Add to Table 1 the following:
7.8 The provision for fixing 7.8.1 Boxes supplied with
accessories to boxes screws
7.8.2 Boxes intended to receive
screws
7.8.3 Boxes intended to receive
claws
7.8.4 Boxes intended to receive
other means
8 Marking
8.1 Move e) after the third paragraph.
Replace i) by:
i) void
Replace j) by:
j) the letter H or information for boxes and enclosures classified according to 7.2.1.3
8.2 Delete in NOTE 1 the word "impression".
11 Provision for earthing
11.2 Delete this subclause
12 Construction
12.2 Replace in the NOTE the words "at least 5 mm" by "at least 2 mm";

12.5 Replace the first dash of the first paragraph by:
– a conduit or suitable fitting connecting it to the box or enclosure, and/or
Delete in the second paragraph the words " and/or IEC 60981".
Delete NL in NOTE 2.
12.9 Delete the NOTE.
Replace the second paragraph by:
Thread-forming and thread-cutting screws intended only for mechanical assembly may be used
provided they are supplied together with one of the pieces with which they are intended to be
assembled.
12.10 Replace the text of this subclause by:
Flush type boxes and enclosures other than for hollow walls, shall be provided with obvious fixing
means for their suitable attachment to the wall.
Screws, additional mechanical supports and obvious design features, which prevent the
displacement of the box or the enclosure, are considered to be adequate fixing means.
Compliance is checked by inspection taking into account the normal conditions of the intended
use.
Boxes and enclosures not fulfilling at least one of the above requirements shall be tested as
follows.
For boxes and enclosures having an internal volume less than 0,4 dm , compliance is checked by
the following test.
For boxes and parts of enclosures to be embedded in masonry the specimen is mounted into the
mounting block shown in Figure Z1. The gap between the main external profile of the specimen
and the internal profile of the receptacle shall be at least 20 mm and for parts that project from the
main profile never less than 10 mm. The block is filled by the material specified in the
manufactures instructions, or by plaster where the manufacturers instructions do not specify the
material.
The assembly is kept at ambient temperature for (10 + 1/0) days.
The auxiliary device described in Figure Z2 is mounted on the specimen and the screws are
tightened with a torque equal to two thirds of the applicable torque given in Table 4.
The assembly is then fixed to the mounting plate (A) of an apparatus shown in Figure Z3, so that
the axes of the screws are normal to the mounting plane.
The total weight of the device including the principal weight (PW) shall be (72 ± 0,1) N, and the
supplementary weight (SW) shall be (8 ± 0,1) N.
The supplementary weight (SW) and the principal weight (PW) are introduced on the axis of the
device and fixed by the carrier (C) (see Figure Z3).

– 5 – EN 60670-1:2005
The supplementary weight shall fall from a height of 50 mm onto the principal weight 10 times.
After the test the specimen shall not have been displaced by more than 0,5 mm from the
mounting block.
12.11 Replace the title and the first paragraph by:
Boxes and enclosures classified according to 7.2.1.3
Boxes and enclosures for hollow walls classified according to 7.2.1.3 shall provide suitable
means for fixing the box or the enclosure to hollow walls.
12.12 Delete this subclause.
12.13 Replace Table 5 by:
Table 5 – Torque test values for cable glands
Torque
Diameter of test rod
Nm
mm
Metal glands Glands of insulating material
Up to and including 8 4,0 2,5
Over 8 up to and including 14 6,3 3,8
Over 14 up to and including 20 7,5 5,0
Over 20 10,0 7,5
12.14 Add after the first paragraph the following paragraph:
Boxes and enclosures classified according to 7.4.3 shall withstand the tests of 12.14.1 and
12.14.2.
Delete in the second paragraph the words "or IEC 60981".
15 Mechanical strength
15.1 Replace the third paragraph by:
The specimen shall be subjected to an impact test with a vertical hammer test apparatus (see
Figure 8).
15.2 Delete the reference 15.2.1.
Delete 15.2.2.
16 Resistance to heat
16.3 Delete this subclause.
Figures
Delete Figures 2, 3, 4, 19, 20 and replace the relevant titles by "void".
Replace the title of Figure 7 by:
Mounting block for flush type boxes and enclosures in order to apply blows on the rear surface
Replace in the key to Figure 8 "(100 ± 1) g" by "(1 000 ± 1) g".
Replace the title of Figure 18 by:
Verification of fixing means for boxes and enclosures classified according to 7.2.1.3 (see 12.11)

Add the following new figures:

Key
1) Specimen
2) Plaster
3) Block of wood
(*) The gap between the main external profile of the box and the internal profile of the receptacle shall be at least 20 mm, and for
parts which project from the main profile never less than 10 mm.
Figure Z1 – Example of mounting block for boxes to be embedded in masonry
(flush type and semi-flush type)

– 7 – EN 60670-1:2005
Key
1) Auxiliary device
2) Specimen
Figure Z2 – Example of the fixing of the auxiliary device mounted on a specimen

45°
Key
1) Supplementary weight (SW)
2) Principal weight (PW)
3) Carrier (C)
4) Mounting plate (A)
Figure Z3 – Example of test apparatus for the test according to 12.10

– 9 – EN 60670-1:2005
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.

NOTE  Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD
applies.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year

IEC 60068-2-75 1997 Environmental testing EN 60068-2-75 1997
Part 2-75: Tests - Test Eh: Hammer tests

1)
IEC 60112 1979 Method for determining the comparative and the proof HD 214 S2
tracking indices of solid insulating materials under moist
conditions
IEC 60423 1993 Conduits for electrical purposes - Outside diameters of EN 60423 1994
(mod) conduits for electrical installations and threads for
conduits and fittings
IEC 60529 1989 Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code) EN 60529 1991
+ corr. May 1993
IEC 60695-2-11 2000 Fire hazard testing EN 60695-2-11 2001
Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods - Glow-
wire flammability test method for end-products

2)
IEC 60695-10-2 Part 10-2: Guidance and test methods for the - -
minimization of the effects of abnormal heat on
electrotechnical products involved in fires - Method for
testing products made from non-metallic materials for
resistance to heat using the ball pressure test

IEC 61032 1997 Protection of persons and equipment by enclosures - EN 61032 1998
Probes for verification
IEC 61084 Series Cable trunking and ducting systems for electrical - -
installations
IEC 61140 2001 Protection against electric shock - Common aspects for EN 61140 2002
installation and equipment
__________
1)
HD 214 S2 is superseded by EN 60112:2003, which is based on IEC 60112:2003.
2)
IEC 60695-10-2:2003 was endorsed as EN 60695-10-2:2003.

Annex ZB
(normative)
Special national conditions
Special national condition: National characteristic or practice that cannot be changed even over a long
period, e.g. climatic conditions, electrical earthing conditions.

NOTE  If it affects harmonization, it forms part of the European Standard / Harmonization Document.

For the countries in which the relevant special national conditions apply these provisions are normative,
for other countries they are informative.

Clause Special national condition
9 Spain
Boxes shall comply with the standard sheets specified in the Spanish Standard
UNE 20451. Screws are included in some of these standard sheets because screws are
considered as a dimensional requirement.
11.1 Denmark
Due to the lack of an earthing conductor in many existing old buildings, boxes and
enclosures requiring earth connection cannot normally be used.
Czech Republic, Netherlands, United Kingdom
12.5
Inlets according to 7.3.3 in boxes intended to receive switches or socket-outlets shall
have spout(s) with adequate inlet stops.
12.9 Czech Republic, Netherlands
Flush-type boxes shall have metal inserts and be provided with metal screws having ISO
metric thread.
United Kingdom
Boxes shall be provided with metal threads so as to ensure safety. Thread-forming or
thread-cutting screws shall not be permitted.
__________
– 11 – EN 60670-1:2005
Annex ZC
(informative)
A-deviations
A-deviation: National deviation due to regulations, the alteration of which is for the time being outside the
competence of the CENELEC national member.

This European Standard falls under Directive 73/23/EEC.

NOTE (from CEN/CENELEC IR Part 2:2002 , 2.17)  Where standards fall under EC Directives, it is the view of the Commission of
the European Communities (OJ No C 59, 1982-03-09) that the effect of the decision of the Court of Justice in case 815/79
Cremonini/Vrankovich (European Court Reports 1980, p. 3583) is that compliance with A-deviations is no longer mandatory and that
the free movement of products complying with such a standard should not be restricted except under the safeguard procedure
provided for in the relevant Directive.

A-deviations in an EFTA-country are valid instead of the relevant provisions of the European Standard in
that country until they have been removed.

Clause Deviation
Malta (Electrical Accessories Regulations, 2004)
United Kingdom (UK Plug and Socket Safety Regulations, 1994)
Boxes intended to accommodate socket-outlets or connection units to BS 1363 shall have
provision for two M3.5 fixing screws at the following fixing centres, in accordance with
BS 4662:
– at centres of 60,3 mm ± 0,2 mm on the horizontal or vertical centrelines for boxes
intended to accommodate 1-gang socket-outlets or connection units
– at centres of 120,6 mm ± 0,3 mm on the horizontal or vertical centrelines for boxes
intended to accommodate 2-gang socket-outlets or connection units
– at centres of 180,9 mm ± 0,4 mm on the horizontal or vertical centrelines for boxes
intended to accommodate 3-gang socket-outlets or connection units.
__________
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Partie 1:
Règles générales
Boxes and enclosures for electrical accessories
for household and similar fixed electrical
installations –
Part 1:
General requirements
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60670-1 © IEC:2002 – 3 –
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 7
1 Scope .11
2 Normative references.11
3 Definitions .13
4 General requirements .17
5 General notes on tests.17
6 Ratings .17
7 Classification .19
8 Marking .21
9 Dimensions.23
10 Protection against electric shock.23
11 Provision for earthing.25
12 Construction .27
13 Resistance to ageing, protection against ingress of solid objects and against
harmful ingress of water.47
14 Insulation resistance and electric strength .57
15 Mechanical strength.59
16 Resistance to heat .67
17 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through sealing compound.71
18 Resistance of insulating material to abnormal heat and fire.71
19 Resistance to tracking .73
20 Resistance to corrosion .73
21 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).75
Annex A (informative) Examples of enclosures and parts thereof .111
Bibliography.113
Figure 1 – Examples of membranes and grommets .77
Figure 2 – Earthing strap (see 11.2) .79
Figure 3 – Test strap (see 11.2) .81
Figure 4 – Volume measurement (see 12.12.5) .81
Figure 5 – Test wall in accordance (see 13.3) .83
Figure 6 – Reference surfaces for boxes and enclosures .85
Figure 7 – Mounting block for flush-type equipment in order to apply blows on the rear
surface (see 15.3) .87
Figure 8 – Apparatus for impact test at low temperature (see 15.1) .89
Figure 9 – Application points for blows for part A (see 15.3).91
Figure 10 – Sequence of blows for parts A, B, C, D, E, F and G (see 15.3) .93
Figure 11 – Apparatus for testing the cable anchorage (see 12.6) .95

60670-1 © IEC:2002 – 5 –
Figure 12 – Arrangement for test on covers or cover-plates (see 12.1.2.2) .97
Figure 13 – Gauge (thickness about 2 mm) for the verification of the outline of lids,
covers or cover-plates (see 12.1.2.3) .97
Figure 14 – Examples of application of the gauge of Figure 13 on covers fixed without
screws on a mounting surface or supporting surface (see 12.1.2.3).99
Figure 15 – Examples of application of the gauge of Figure 13 (see 12.1.2.3) .101
Figure 16 – Gauge for verification of grooves, holes and reverse tapers (see 12.1.2.4) .103
Figure 17 – Sketch showing the direction of application of the gauge of Figure 16
(see 12.1.2.4).103
Figure 18 – Verification of fixing means for boxes and enclosures classified according
to 7.7.1 (see 12.11).105
Figure 19 – Test according to 12.14.3 .107
Figure 20 – Rigid crossbar (see 16.3) .109
Figure 21 – Diagrammatic representation of the glow-wire test (see Clause 18) .109
Figure A.1 – Examples of enclosures and parts of thereof.111
Table 1 – Classification of boxes and enclosures .19
Table 2 – Forces to be applied to covers, cover-plates or actuating members whose
fixing is not dependent on screws.29
Table 3 – Forces and torques to be applied to cable anchorages .35
Table 4 – Tightening torques for the verification of the mechanical strength of screws .41
Table 5 – Torque test values for cable glands .45
Table 6 – Test voltage for electric strength test .59
Table 7 – Determination of parts A, B, C, D E, F and G .65
Table 8 – Height of fall for impact test.65

60670-1 © IEC:2002 – 7 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
BOXES AND ENCLOSURES FOR ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
FOR HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –
Part 1: General requirements
FOREWORD
1) The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of the IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, the IEC publishes International Standards. Their preparation is
entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with may
participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. The IEC collaborates closely with the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the
two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of the IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an
international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation
from all interested National Committees.
3) The documents produced have the form of recommendations for international use and are published in the form
of standards, technical specifications, technical reports or guides and they are accepted by the National
Committees in that sense.
4) In order to promote international unification, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC International
Standards transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional standards. Any
divergence between the IEC Standard and the corresponding national or regional standard shall be clearly
indicated in the latter.
5) The IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with one of its standards.
6) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject
of patent rights. The IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60670-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 23B: Plugs, socket-
outlets and switches, of IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories.
This edition cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 60670 published in 1989 and its
amendment 1 (1994). This edition constitutes a technical revision.
The text of this standard is based on the second edition of IEC 60670, its amendment 1 and
on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
23B/681/FDIS 23B/693/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

60670-1 © IEC:2002 – 9 –
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged
until 2005. At this date, the publication will be
reconfirmed;
withdrawn;
replaced by a revised edition, or
amended.
In this publication, the following print types are used:
− requirements proper: in roman type
− test specifications: in italic type
− notes: in smaller roman type.
The contents of the corrigendum of Februray 2003 have been included in this copy.

60670-1 © IEC:2002 – 11 –
BOXES AND ENCLOSURES FOR ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
FOR HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –
Part 1: General requirements
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60670 applies to boxes, enclosures and parts of enclosures (hereafter called
“boxes” and “enclosures”) for electrical accessories with a rated voltage not exceeding
1 000 V a.c. and 1 500 V d.c. intended for household or similar fixed electrical installations,
either indoors or outdoors.
NOTE Requirements for particular types of boxes and enclosures are given in the relevant parts 2 of IEC 60670.
Boxes and enclosures complying with this standard are suitable for use at ambient tem-
perature not normally exceeding 25 °C but occasionally reaching 35 °C.
This International Standard is intended to apply to boxes and enclosures for electrical
accessories within the scope of IEC technical committee 23.
NOTE This standard may also be used as a reference document for other IEC technical committees and
subcommittees.
A box or an enclosure which is an integral part of an electrical accessory and provides
protection for that accessory against external influences (for example mechanical impact,
ingress of solid objects or water, etc.) is covered by the relevant standard for such an
accessory.
This standard does not apply to
– ceiling roses;
– luminaire supporting couplers;
– boxes, enclosures and parts of enclosures specifically designed to be used for cable
trunking and ducting systems complying with IEC 61084 and which are not intended to be
installed outside of these systems.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60068-2-75:1997, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60112:1979, Method for determining the comparative and the proof-tracking indices of
solid insulating materials under moist conditions
IEC 60423:1993, Conduits for electrical purposes – Outside diameters of conduits for
electrical installations and threads for conduits and fittings

60670-1 © IEC:2002 – 13 –
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60695-2-11:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods -
Glow-wire flammability test method for end-products
IEC 60695-10-2:1995, Fire hazard testing – Part 10-2: Guidance and test methods for the
minimization of the effects of abnormal heat on electrotechnical products involved in fires –
Method for testing products made from non-metallic materials for resistance to heat using the
ball pressure test
IEC 60981:1989, Extra-heavy duty rigid steel conduits for electrical installations
IEC 61032:1997, Protection of persons and equipment by enclosures – Probes for verification
IEC 61084 (all parts), Cable trunking and ducting systems for electrical installations
IEC 61140:2001, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and
equipment
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this part of IEC 60670, the following definitions apply.
3.1
enclosure
combination of parts, such as boxes, covers, cover-plates, lids, box extensions, accessories,
etc., providing after assembly and installation as in normal use, an appropriate protection
against external influences, and a defined protection against contact with enclosed live parts
from any accessible direction (see Annex A)
3.2
box
part of an enclosure provided with means for fixing a cover, cover-plate, accessory, etc., and
intended to receive accessories (such as socket-outlets, switches, etc.)
3.3
box extension
part of an enclosure which is intended to extend a box for the purpose of either increasing the
internal volume of the box or enclosure or to adjust for mounting the box flush or semi-flush
with the finished surface of a wall or the like
3.4
lid, cover or cover-plate
part of an enclosure, not integral with or part of an accessory, which may either retain an
accessory in position or enclose it
3.5
raised cover
cover intended for mounting directly onto a box to provide for the attachment of accessories
and to increase the internal volume of the enclosure
NOTE The centre portion of the cover is raised to accommodate a specific wall or ceiling thickness and to permit
the mounting of the accessory on it, flush with the surface of the wall or ceiling.

60670-1 © IEC:2002 – 15 –
3.6
exposed conductive part
conductive part of electrical equipment, which can be touched and which is not normally live,
but which can become live when basic insulation fails
3.7
surface mounting box or enclosure
box or enclosure which is intended for mounting on a surface (see Annex A)
3.8
flush-mounting box or enclosure
box or enclosure which is intended for mounting flush with the surface (see Annex A)
3.9
semi-flush mounting box or enclosure
box or enclosure which is intended to fit within a mounting surface and partially projects from
the mounting surface
3.10
cable gland
device designed to permit the entry of a cable into an enclosure and which provides sealing
and retention. It may also provide other functions such as earthing, bonding, insulation, cable
guarding, strain relief or a combination of these
3.11
seal (packing)
material used to fill up the space between the inside of a gland and the cable passing
through, usually compressed by the gland and thereby forming a joint
3.12
gasket
material introduced between mating surfaces of an enclosure which in compression forms a
joint
3.13
grommet
component used to support and protect the cable or conduit at the point of entry. It may also
prevent the ingress of moisture or contaminants (see Figure 1)
3.14
entry membrane
component or an integral part of an enclosure used to protect the cable which may be used to
support the cable or conduit at the point of entry
NOTE An entry membrane may also prevent the ingress of moisture or contaminants and may be part of a grommet (see
Figure 1).
3.15
protecting membrane
component or an integral part of an enclosure that is not intended to be penetrated in normal
use and is intended to provide protection against ingress of water or solid objects and/or to
allow the operation of an accessory (see Figure 1).
3.16
composite material
combination of metal and insulating material

60670-1 © IEC:2002 – 17 –
3.17
spout (hub)
open entry of a box permitting the insertion and containment of a conduit
3.18
cable retention
ability to limit the displacement of a fitted cable against pull forces
3.19
cable anchorage
ability to limit the displacement of a fitted flexible cable against pull and push forces and
torques
4 General requirements
Each part of the enclosure shall be so designed and constructed that, when mounted and
installed as for normal use, the enclosure ensures adequate electrical and mechanical
protection to the parts so enclosed and minimizes the risk of danger to the user or
surroundings.
Compliance is checked by carrying out the relevant tests specified.
5 General notes on tests
5.1 Tests according to this standard are type tests.
Unless otherwise specified boxes and enclosures are tested as delivered.
Accessories complying with other standards are not tested.
Tests on boxes and enclosures of insulating material shall be performed after a precondi-
tioning of at least 10 days at ambient temperature and relative air humidity of between 45 %
and 85 %.
Unless otherwise specified the tests shall be carried out in the order of the clauses at an
ambient temperature of (20 ± 5) °C on a set of three new specimens.
5.2 If one of the specimens does not satisfy a test due to an assembly or a manufacturing
fault, that test and any preceding ones which may have influenced the results of the test shall
be repeated and also the tests which follow shall be made in the required sequence on
another full set of specimens, all of which shall comply with the requirements.
NOTE When submitting the first set of specimens, the applicant may also submit the additional set of specimens
which may be necessary, should one specimen fail. The testing station will then, without further request, test the
additional set of specimens and will only reject if a further failure occurs. If the additional set of specimens is not
submitted at the same time, the failure of one specimen will entail rejection.
6 Ratings
See relevant parts 2 of this standard.

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7 Classification
Boxes and enclosures are classified according to Table 1.
Table 1 – Classification of boxes and enclosures
Classification criteria
7.1 The nature of their material 7.1.1 Insulating
7.1.2 Metallic
7.1.3 Composite
a
7.2.1 Flush, semi-flush or 7.2.1.1 Non-combustible walls,
7.2 The method of installation
embedded in non-combustible ceilings or non-
combustible floors
7.2.1.2 Combustible walls,
combustible ceilings or combustible
floors
7.2.1.3 Hollow walls, hollow
ceilings, hollow floors or furniture
7.2.2 Surface mounting on 7.2.2.1 Non-combustible walls,
non-combustible ceilings, non-
combustible floors or
non-combustible furniture
7.2.2.2 Combustible walls,
combustible ceilings, combustible
floors or combustible furniture
7.2.3 Placement 7.2.3.1 Suitable for installation into
concrete during the casting process
(see 7.6)
7.2.3.2 Suitable for all types of
installation except into concrete
b
7.3 The type(s) of inlets (outlets) 7.3.1 With inlets for sheathed
cables for fixed installations
7.3.2 With inlets for flexible cables
7.3.3 With inlets for plain or
corrugated conduits
7.3.4 With inlets for threaded
conduits
7.3.5 With inlets for other types of
conductors/cables or conduits
7.3.6 With spouts (hub)
7.3.7 Without inlets. Inlet openings
will be made during installation
7.4 The clamping means 7.4.1 With cable retention
7.4.2 With cable anchorage
7.4.3 With clamping means for
flexible conduit
7.4.4 Without clamping means
7.5 The minimum and maximum 7.5.1 –5 °C to +60 °C
temperatures during installation
7.5.2 –15 °C to +60 °C
7.5.3 –25 °C to +60 °C
7.6 The maximum temperature 7.6.1 +60 °C
c
during the casting process
d
7.6.2 +90 °C
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Table 1 (continued)
Classification criteria
7.7 Boxes and enclosures for 7.7.1 Class Ha
hollow walls and the like according
7.7.2 Class Hb 7.7.2.1 Class Hb for walls
to 7.2.1.3 are classified as
7.7.2.2 Class Hb for ceilings
7.7.3 According to the degree of 7.7.3.1 IP2X
protection of the part mounted in the
hollow wall
7.7.3.2 >IP2X
a
Boxes and enclosures may be suitable for more than one method of installation.
b
Boxes and enclosures may have more than one type of inlet.
c
These apply only to boxes and enclosures classified according to 7.2.3.1.
d
These types are for use in concrete and will temporarily withstand temperatures up to +90 °C during the casting
process.
8 Marking
8.1 Boxes and enclosures shall be marked with
a) the name, trade mark or identification mark of the manufacturer or the responsible vendor.
In addition enclosures shall be marked with
b) the IP code against ingress of solid objects if higher than IP2X in which case the second
IP numeral shall also be marked;
c) the IP code against harmful ingress of water if higher than IPX0 in which case the first IP
numeral shall also be marked.
IPXX
d) the following marking     on cover of flush enclosures intended to be mounted on rough
surfaces and where the IP is dependent on the surface (see Figure 5).
The IP code, if applicable, shall be marked on the outside of the enclosure so as to be easily
discernible when the enclosure is mounted and wired as for normal use.
The following information shall be marked on the boxes and enclosures or provided by the
manufacturer on the smallest package unit or in the instructions of the manufacturer:
e) the type reference, which may be a catalogue number;
f) the maximum temperature during the building process if 90 °C;
g) the necessary information concerning the openings which can be made during installation
in the case of boxes and enclosures classified according to 7.3.7;
h) the minimum temperature during installation for boxes classified according to 7.5.2
and 7.5.3;
i) for boxes and enclosures classified as in 7.7.2, the minimum internal volume in cm as
determined by the test in 12.12.5. The internal volume shall be marked on the inside of
the box or enclosure. The marking on a box or enclosure shall be such that the value can
be read after installation of the box in the normal manner but before the installation of the
wiring devices and wiring;
j) the symbol Ha for boxes classified according to 7.7.1 and the symbol Hb for boxes
classified according to 7.7.2.
Unless self-evident, further information for the correct use of the enclosure shall be given in
the manufacturer's catalogue or in an instruction sheet.

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In special cases, in order to achieve a higher degree of protection by the use of special parts
an instruction sheet should be provided and should indicate the higher degree of protection.
In such a case, the marking covers the initial degree of protection.
8.2 The marking on the boxes and enclosures shall be durable and easily legible.
Compliance with 8.1 and 8.2 is checked by inspection and by the following test.
The test is made by rubbing the marking by hand for 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with
water and again for 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with petroleum spirit.
NOTE 1 Marking made by impression, moulding, pressing or engraving is considered durable and is therefore not
subjected to this test.
NOTE 2 It is recommended that the petroleum spirit used consist of a solvent hexane with an aromatic content of
maximum 0,1 % by volume, a kauributanol value of approximately 29, an initial boiling-point of approximately
65 °C, a dry point of approximately 69 °C and a density of approximately 0,68 g/cm³.
After the test the marking shall still be legible.
9 Dimensions
Boxes and enclosures shall comply with the appropriate standard sheets, if any.
Compliance is checked by inspection and measurement.
10 Protection against electric shock
Boxes and enclosures shall be so designed that, when they are assembled, equipped and
installed as for normal use in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, the live parts
are not accessible.
Enclosures shall have a degree of protection of at least IPXXB, when assembled, equipped
and installed as for normal use.
Where enclosures are supplied without a cover, cover-plate or an accessory they are tested
with the appropriate parts fitted according to the information given in the manufacturer's
instructions.
Compliance is checked by inspection and in case of doubt by the following test.
Enclosures shall be tested with test probe 11 according to IEC 61032 applied for 1 min with a
force of 20 N, and the test probe shall not enter that part of the enclosure where live parts are
to be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Tests shall be carried out on parts which are accessible after installation.
In addition, all enclosures according to 7.1.1 and 7.1.3 with parts of thermoplastic or
elastomeric material shall be subjected for 1 min to a force applied through the tip of test
probe 11 of IEC 61032 but at an ambient temperature of (35 ± 2) °C, the enclosure being at
this temperature.
The probe is applied to
– all places except membranes or the like, where yielding of ins
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