EN IEC 60691:2023

Thermal-links - Requirements and application guide

IEC 60691:2023 is available as IEC 60691:2023 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60691:2023 is applicable to thermal-links intended for incorporation in electrical appliances, electronic equipment and component parts thereof, normally intended for use indoors, in order to protect them against excessive temperatures under abnormal conditions. NOTE 1 The equipment is not designed to generate heat. NOTE 2 The effectiveness of the protection against excessive temperatures logically depends upon the position and method of mounting of the thermal-link, as well as upon the current which it is carrying. This document may be applicable to thermal-links for use under conditions other than indoors, provided that the climatic and other circumstances in the immediate surroundings of such thermal-links are comparable with those in this standard. This document may be applicable to thermal-links in their simplest forms (e.g. melting strips or wires), provided that molten materials expelled during function cannot adversely interfere with the safe use of the equipment, especially in the case of hand-held or portable equipment, irrespective of its position.

Temperatursicherungen - Anforderungen und Anwendungshinweise

Protecteurs thermiques - Exigences et guide d'application

IEC 60691:2023 est disponible sous forme de IEC 60691:2023 RLV qui contient la Norme internationale et sa version Redline, illustrant les modifications du contenu technique depuis l'édition précédente.L'IEC 60691:2023 s'applique aux protecteurs thermiques destinés à être incorporés dans les appareils électriques, le matériel électronique et ses composants, normalement utilisés en intérieur, afin de les protéger contre les températures excessives lors de conditions anormales. NOTE 1 Le matériel n'est pas prévu pour produire de la chaleur. NOTE 2 L'efficacité de la protection contre les températures excessives dépend logiquement de la position et du mode de montage du protecteur thermique ainsi que du courant qui le traverse. Le présent document peut s'appliquer aux protecteurs thermiques utilisés dans d'autres conditions que celles qui sont réunies en intérieur, tant que les conditions climatiques ou autres de l'environnement immédiat de tels protecteurs thermiques sont comparables à celles de la présente norme.

Termični taljivi vložki - Zahteve in navodilo za uporabo (IEC 60691:2023)

Ta mednarodni standard se uporablja za termične taljive vložke, namenjene za vgradnjo v električne naprave in elektronsko opremo ter njihove sestavne dele, ki so običajno predvideni za notranjo uporabo, z namenom zagotavljanja zaščite pred prekomernimi temperaturami v izrednih razmerah.
OPOMBA 1: Oprema ni zasnovana za ustvarjanje toplote.
OPOMBA 2: Učinkovitost zaščite pred prekomernimi temperaturami je seveda odvisna od položaja in načina vgradnje termičnega taljivega vložka ter toka, ki ga prevaja.
Ta dokument se lahko uporablja za termične taljive vložke, namenjene za uporabo pri pogojih, ki ne vključujejo notranje uporabe, pod pogojem, da so podnebne in druge razmere v neposredni okolici takih termičnih taljivih vložkov primerljive z razmerami, opisanimi v tem standardu.
Ta dokument se lahko uporablja za termične taljive vložke v najosnovnejši obliki (npr. taljivi trakovi ali žice) pod pogojem, da staljeni materiali, ki se izločijo v primeru uporabe vložkov, ne vplivajo škodljivo na varno uporabo opreme, zlasti pri ročni ali prenosni opremi, ne glede na svoj položaj.
Priloga H tega dokumenta se uporablja za sklope termičnih taljivih vložkov, predhodno odobrenih za uporabo v skladu s tem standardom, ki so vstavljeni v kovinsko ali nekovinsko ohišje in vključujejo priključke/žične vodnike.
Ta dokument se uporablja za termične taljive vložke z naznačeno izmenično ali enosmerno napetostjo, ki ne presega 690 V, in nazivnim tokom, ki ne presega 63 A.
Namen tega dokumenta je:
a) vzpostaviti enotne zahteve za termične taljive vložke,
b) določiti preskusne metode, in
c) podati uporabne informacije za uporabo termičnih taljivih vložkov v opremi.
Ta dokument se ne uporablja za termične taljive vložke, ki se uporabljajo v ekstremnih pogojih, kot so korozivne ali eksplozivne atmosfere.
Ta dokument se ne uporablja za termične taljive vložke, predvidene za uporabo v vezjih izmenične napetosti s frekvenco manj kot 45 Hz ali več kot 62 Hz.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 02-Nov-2023
• ICS: 29.120.50 - Fuses and other overcurrent protection devices
• Technical Committee: CLC/SR 32C - Miniature fuses
• Drafting Committee: IEC/SC 32C - IEC_SC_32C
• Current Stage: 6060 - Document made available - Publishing
• Start Date: 03-Nov-2023
• Completion Date: 03-Nov-2023
• 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
• Mandate: M/511 - Mandate to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI relating to harmonised standards in the field of the Low Voltage Directive
• Ref Project: SIST EN IEC 60691:2024 - Thermal-links - Requirements and application guide (IEC 60691:2023)

Relations

• Replaces: EN 60691:2016/A1:2019 - Thermal-links - Requirements and application guide
• Effective Date: 31-Aug-2021
• Replaces: EN 60691:2016 - Thermal-links - Requirements and application guide
• Effective Date: 03-Mar-2020
• Amended By: EN IEC 60691:2023/FprA2:2025 - Amendment 2 - Thermal-links - Requirements and application guide
• Effective Date: 13-May-2025
• Amended By: EN IEC 60691:2023/A1:2024 - Thermal-links - Requirements and application guide
• Effective Date: 26-Sep-2023

Overview

EN IEC 60691:2023 / IEC 60691:2023 - “Thermal-links – Requirements and application guide” - is the fifth edition European adoption of the international standard for thermal-links (thermal fuses). It defines safety, construction, testing and application guidance for thermal-links intended mainly for incorporation in indoor electrical appliances, electronic equipment and components to protect against excessive temperatures under abnormal conditions. The RLV edition includes a redline showing technical changes versus the previous edition.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard covers both mandatory requirements and practical test methods, including:

• Scope & classification: Electrical and thermal classification of thermal-links, intended use (normally indoor) and applicability to simple melting elements if safe for the equipment.
• Constructional requirements: Lead and terminal integrity, contacts, accessible metal parts, insulating materials, creepage/clearances and sealing.
• Marking & documentation: Required identification, indelibility of markings and manufacturer information for safe selection and traceability.
• Electrical tests: Dielectric strength, insulation resistance, interrupting current and transient overload conditions.
• Short‑circuit capability: Limited short‑circuit tests and criteria for compliance.
• Temperature performance: Definitions and tests for holding temperature (Th), rated functioning temperature (Tf) and maximum temperature limit (Tm), plus ageing procedures (oven, conductive heat, alternative tests for high‑temperature devices).
• Environmental & durability tests: Resistance to rusting, temperature/humidity cycling, seal ageing and mechanical lead strength (tensile, thrust, bending/twist).
• Manufacturer validation: Obligations for validation programmes and production control to ensure consistent performance.
• Application guidance: Annex A and other normative annexes provide practical installation and testing guidance for designers and test labs.

Practical applications and who uses it

EN IEC 60691 is essential for:

• Appliance designers and electrical engineers specifying thermal protection in household, office and industrial equipment.
• Component manufacturers of thermal-links and thermal fuses ensuring product design, marking and test compliance.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing dielectric, interrupting and temperature/ageing tests.
• Compliance managers and procurement teams evaluating supplier conformity and safety documentation.

Typical applications include over‑temperature protection in motors, transformers, heating appliances (including irons), power supplies and other equipment where the device itself is not intended to generate heat.

Related standards (examples)

EN IEC 60691 references relevant IEC standards for complementary tests and requirements, such as:

• IEC 60695 series (fire hazard and glow‑wire tests)
• IEC 60127 (miniature fuses)
• IEC 60664 (insulation coordination)
• IEC 60730 (automatic electrical controls)

Keywords: thermal-links, thermal fuses, IEC 60691, EN IEC 60691:2023, temperature protection, appliance safety, holding temperature, dielectric strength, short-circuit test.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2024
Termični taljivi vložki - Zahteve in navodilo za uporabo (IEC 60691:2023)
Thermal-links - Requirements and application guide (IEC 60691:2023)
Temperatursicherungen - Anforderungen und Anwendungshinweise (IEC 60691:2023)
Protecteurs thermiques - Exigences et guide d'application (IEC 60691:2023)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 60691:2023
ICS:
29.120.50 Varovalke in druga Fuses and other overcurrent
nadtokovna zaščita protection devices
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 60691

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM November 2023
ICS 29.120.50 Supersedes EN 60691:2016; EN 60691:2016/A1:2019
English Version
Thermal-links - Requirements and application guide
(IEC 60691:2023)
Protecteurs thermiques - Exigences et guide d'application Temperatursicherungen - Anforderungen und
(IEC 60691:2023) Anwendungshinweise
(IEC 60691:2023)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2023-10-04. 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 CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre 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 CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2023 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 60691:2023 E
European foreword
The text of document 32C/604/FDIS, future edition 5 of IEC 60691, prepared by SC 32C "Miniature
fuses" of IEC/TC 32 "Fuses" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by
CENELEC as EN IEC 60691:2023.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2024-07-04
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2026-10-04
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 60691:2016 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if any).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60691:2023 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standard indicated:
IEC 60085:2007 NOTE Approved as EN 60085:2008 (not modified)
IEC 60695-10-3:2016 NOTE Approved as EN 60695-10-3:2016 (not modified)
IEC 60695-11-20:2015 NOTE Approved as EN 60695-11-20:2015 (not modified)
IEC 60127-1:2006 NOTE Approved as EN 60127-1:2006 (not modified)
IEC 60127-1:2006/A1:2011 NOTE Approved as EN 60127-1:2006/A1:2011 (not modified)
IEC 60127-1:2006/A2:2015 NOTE Approved as EN 60127-1:2006/A2:2015 (not modified)
IEC 60216-1:2013 NOTE Approved as EN 60216-1:2013 (not modified)
IEC 60695-2-11:2021 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 60695-2-11:2021 (not modified)
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements 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 1  Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod),
the relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2  Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available
here: www.cencenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60065 2014 Audio, video and similar electronic - -
apparatus - Safety requirements
IEC 60112 2020 Method for the determination of the proof EN IEC 60112 2020
and the comparative tracking indices of
solid insulating materials
IEC 60127-2 2014 Miniature fuses - Part 2: Cartridge fuse-links EN 60127-2 2014
IEC 60216-5 2008 Electrical insulating materials - Thermal EN 60216-5 2008
endurance properties - Part 5:
Determination of relative thermal endurance
index (RTE) of an insulating material
IEC 60664-1 2020 Insulation coordination for equipment within EN IEC 60664-1 2020
low-voltage supply systems - Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60695-2-12 2021 Fire hazard testing - Part 2-12: Glowing/hot- EN IEC 60695-2-12 2021
wire based test methods - Glow-wire
flammability index (GWFI) test method for
materials
IEC 60695-2-13 2021 Fire hazard testing - Part 2-13: Glowing/hot- EN IEC 60695-2-13 2021
wire based test methods - Glow-wire
ignition temperature (GWIT) test method for
materials
IEC 60695-10-2 2014 Fire hazard testing - Part 10-2: Abnormal EN 60695-10-2 2014
heat - Ball pressure test method
IEC 60695-11-10 2013 Fire hazard testing - Part 11-10: Test EN 60695-11-10 2013
flames - 50 W horizontal and vertical flame
test methods
IEC 60730-1 (mod) 2013 Automatic electrical controls - Part 1: EN 60730-1 2016
General requirements
+ A1 2015 + A1 2019
+ A2 2020 + A2 2022
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 61210 (mod) 2010 Connecting devices - Flat quick-connect EN 61210 2010
terminations for electrical copper
conductors - Safety requirements

IEC 60691 ®
Edition 5.0 2023-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Thermal-links – Requirements and application guide
Protecteurs thermiques – Exigences et guide d'application
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.120.50 ISBN 978-2-8322-6469-0
– 2 – IEC 60691:2023 © IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 General requirements . 11
5 General notes on tests . 12
6 Classification . 14
6.1 Electrical conditions . 14
6.2 Thermal conditions. 14
6.3 Resistance to tracking . 14
7 Marking . 14
8 Documentation . 15
9 Constructional requirements . 16
9.1 General . 16
9.2 Lead secureness tests . 17
9.2.1 General . 17
9.2.2 Tensile test . 17
9.2.3 Thrust test . 17
9.2.4 Bending/twist test . 17
9.3 Contacts used for the current path . 18
9.4 Accessible mounting brackets or metal parts . 19
9.5 Insulating materials . 19
9.6 Resistance to tracking . 19
9.7 Creepage distances and clearances . 19
9.8 Temperature and humidity cycle conditioning . 20
9.9 Terminals and terminations . 20
10 Electrical requirements . 21
10.1 Dielectric strength . 21
10.2 Insulation resistance . 21
10.3 Interrupting current . 22
10.3.1 General . 22
10.3.2 Specific conditions . 22
10.4 Transient overload current . 23
10.5 Limited short-circuit test . 24
10.5.1 General . 24
10.5.2 Test method . 24
10.5.3 Fuse size (rating) . 25
10.5.4 Compliance . 25
11 Temperature tests . 25
11.1 General . 25
11.2 Holding temperature, T . 26
h
11.3 Rated functioning temperature, T . 26
f
11.4 Maximum temperature limit, T . 26
m
11.5 Ageing . 27

IEC 60691:2023 © IEC 2023 – 3 –
12 Resistance to rusting . 27
13 Manufacturer’s validation programme . 28
Annex A (normative) Application guide. 29
Annex B (normative) Alternative ageing test for thermal-links with T greater than
h
250 °C for use in electric irons . 30
Annex C (normative) Conductive heat ageing test . 31
C.1 Conductive heat ageing test . 31
C.2 Method . 31
C.2.1 General . 31
C.2.2 Typical test fixture assembly . 31
C.2.3 Temperature setting. 31
C.2.4 Temperature behaviour . 31
C.2.5 Temperature monitoring . 32
C.3 Ageing . 32
C.3.1 General . 32
C.3.2 Cooling operation . 32
C.3.3 Premature operation . 32
C.4 Results . 33
C.5 Dielectric strength test . 33
C.6 Test oven . 33
Annex D (informative) Extended holding temperature evaluation . 35
D.1 Extended holding temperature conditioning test . 35
D.2 Load current interrupt test . 35
Annex E (normative) Seal ageing test . 37
Annex F (normative) Identification requirements . 39
Annex G (normative) Indelibility of markings . 40
Annex H (normative) Requirements for thermal-link packaged assemblies . 41
Annex I (informative) Holding temperature . 45
Bibliography . 46

Figure 1 – Bending/twist test . 18
Figure C.1 – Typical test fixture assembly . 33
Figure C.2 – Typical thermal-link test oven . 34
Figure D.1 – Typical terminal block support test fixture . 36
Figure E.1 – Conditioning time versus oven temperature for proposed temperature index . 38
Figure G.1 – Apparatus for testing durability of markings . 40

Table 1 – Test schedule . 13
Table 2 – Strength of leads and terminal parts – Minimum required tensile and thrust
test forces . 18
Table 3 – Creepage distances and clearances (absolute minimum values) . 20
Table 4 – Test voltages for dielectric strength . 21
Table 5 – Test current for interrupting test . 22
Table 6 – Limited short-circuit test capacity . 24
Table H.1 – Push and pull force . 43

– 4 – IEC 60691:2023 © IEC 2023
Table H.2 – Minimum nominal cross-sectional area of conductor . 43
Table H.3 – Allowed values for the materials used in the thermal-link package . 44

IEC 60691:2023 © IEC 2023 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
THERMAL-LINKS –
REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION GUIDE

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of 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, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as "IEC Publication(s)"). 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. 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 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 IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 60691 has been prepared by subcommittee 32C: Miniature fuses, of IEC technical
committee 32: Fuses. It is an International Standard.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2015 and
Amendment 1:2019. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This fifth edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) requirements for thermal-link packaged assemblies;
b) renew the requirements and definitions for T -test;
h
The harmonization of the USA national standard, UL 1020, fifth edition (withdrawn 2003), and
IEC 60691:1993, together with its Amendment 1:1995 and Amendment 2:2000 have served as
a basis for the elaboration of this standard.

– 6 – IEC 60691:2023 © IEC 2023
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
32C/604/FDIS 32C/605/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
The following differing practices of a less permanent nature exist in the country indicated below:
– Annex C is required to be declared in the USA;
– Annex E is required in the USA, if applicable;
– Annex F is required to be declared in the USA.
In this standard, the following type is used:
– compliance statements: in italic type.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IEC 60691:2023 © IEC 2023 – 7 –
INTRODUCTION
Thermal-links, defined as non-resettable devices functioning once only without refunctioning,
are widely applied for the thermal protection of equipment in which, under fault (abnormal)
conditions, one or more parts may reach hazardous temperatures.
As these devices have several aspects in common with miniature fuse-links and are used for
obtaining a comparable degree of protection, this standard has endeavoured to lay down a
number of basic requirements for such devices.

– 8 – IEC 60691:2023 © IEC 2023
THERMAL-LINKS –
REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION GUIDE

1 Scope
This International Standard is applicable to thermal-links intended for incorporation in electrical
appliances, electronic equipment and component parts thereof, normally intended for use
indoors, in order to protect them against excessive temperatures under abnormal conditions.
NOTE 1 The equipment is not designed to generate heat.
NOTE 2 The effectiveness of the protection against excessive temperatures logically depends upon the position
and method of mounting of the thermal-link, as well as upon the current which it is carrying.
This document may be applicable to thermal-links for use under conditions other than indoors,
provided that the climatic and other circumstances in the immediate surroundings of such
thermal-links are comparable with those in this standard.
This document may be applicable to thermal-links in their simplest forms (e.g. melting strips or
wires), provided that molten materials expelled during function cannot adversely interfere with
the safe use of the equipment, especially in the case of hand-held or portable equipment,
irrespective of its position.
Annex H of this document is applicable to thermal-link packaged assemblies where the thermal-
link(s) has already been approved to this standard but packaged in a metallic or non-metallic
housing and provided with terminals/wiring leads.
This document is applicable to thermal-links with a rated voltage not exceeding 690 V AC or
DC and a rated current not exceeding 63 A.
The objectives of this document are:
a) to establish uniform requirements for thermal-links,
b) to define methods of test, and
c) to provide useful information for the application of thermal-links in equipment.
This document is not applicable to thermal-links used under extreme conditions such as
corrosive or explosive atmospheres.
This document is not applicable to thermal-links to be used in circuits on AC with a frequency
lower than 45 Hz or higher than 62 Hz.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements 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 60065:2014, Audio, video and similar electronic apparatus – Safety requirements
IEC 60112:2020, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking indices
of solid insulating materials
IEC 60691:2023 © IEC 2023 – 9 –
IEC 60127-2:2014, Miniature fuses – Part 2: Cartridge fuse-links
IEC 60216-5:2008, Electrical insulating materials – Thermal endurance properties – Part 5:
Determination of relative thermal endurance index (RTE) of an insulating material
IEC 60664-1:2020, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage supply systems –
Part 1: Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60695-2-12:2021, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-12: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability index (GWFI) test method for materials
IEC 60695-2-13:2021, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-13: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire ignition temperature (GWIT) test method for materials
IEC 60695-10-2:2014, Fire hazard testing – Part 10-2: Abnormal heat – Ball pressure test
method
IEC 60695-11-10:2013, Fire hazard testing – Part 11-10: Test flames – 50 W horizontal and
vertical flame test methods
IEC 60730-1:2013, Automatic electrical controls – Part 1: General requirements
IEC 60730-1:2013/AMD1:2015
IEC 60730-1:2013/AMD2:2020
IEC 61210:2010, Connecting devices – Flat quick-connect terminations for electrical copper
conductors – Safety requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
clearance
shortest distance in air between two conductive parts
3.2
creepage distance
shortest distance along the surface of insulating material between two conductive parts
3.3
holding temperature
T
h
maximum ambient temperature of the thermal-link at which it will not change its state of
conductivity during a specified time at a specified rated current

– 10 – IEC 60691:2023 © IEC 2023
3.4
homogeneous series
series of thermal-links having the same external dimensions and common overall construction,
deviating from each other only in such characteristics (including ratings) that, for a given test,
the testing of one or a reduced number of particular thermal-links of that series shall be taken
as representative for all the thermal-links of the series
3.5
interrupting current
I
b
value of the current that the thermal-link is capable of interrupting at rated voltage and under
specified circuit conditions
3.6
maximum temperature limit
T
m
temperature of the thermal-link stated by the manufacturer, up to which the mechanical and
electrical properties of the thermal-link, having changed its state of conductivity, will not be
impaired for a given time
3.7
pilot duty
rating assigned to a switching device that controls the coil of another electro-mechanical device
such as a solenoid, relay or contactor
3.8
portable equipment
equipment which is moved while in operation or which can easily be moved from one place to
another while connected to the supply
3.9
rated current
I
r
current used to classify a thermal-link
3.10
rated functioning temperature
T
f
temperature of the thermal-link which causes it to change its state of conductivity with a
detection current up to 10 mA as the only load
3.11
rated voltage
U
r
voltage used to classify a thermal-link
3.12
thermal element
metallic or non-metallic fusible material that is part of a thermal-link and is responsive to
temperature by a change of state such as from solid to liquid at the temperature for which it is
calibrated
3.13
thermal-link
non-resettable device incorporating a thermal element, which will open a circuit once only when
exposed for a sufficient length of time to a temperature in excess of that for which it has been
designed
IEC 60691:2023 © IEC 2023 – 11 –
3.14
transient overload current
I
p
direct current pulse train which the thermal-link is able to withstand without impairing its
characteristics
3.15
extended holding temperature
T
h-100
maximum temperature at which a thermal-link can be maintained while conducting the rated
current at the rated voltage for a period of 100 weeks which will not cause the thermal-link to
open circuit in accordance with extended holding temperature evaluation
Note 1 to entry: This is a rating for user consideration during the investigation of the end product.
Note 2 to entry: Annex D specifies the extended holding temperature evaluation.
3.16
conductive heat ageing test
CHAT
test to evaluate a thermal-link for use in an appliance
Note 1 to entry: If it performs satisfactorily, the thermal-link will be assigned a CHAT rating. This rating is for end-
product user consideration during the investigation of the end-use product.
Note 2 to entry: Annex C specifies the conductive heat ageing test.
4 General requirements
4.1 Adequate protection of the equipment against excessive temperatures not only depends
upon the properties of the thermal-link but also to a large extent upon the mounting of the
thermal-link in the equipment. Therefore the requirements of the application guide in Annex A
shall be considered.
4.2 Thermal-links shall have adequate electrical and mechanical strength and shall be
constructed so as to withstand all conditions of handling likely to be encountered during
mounting and normal use, when used within the requirements of this document.
4.3 When a thermal-link changes its state of conductivity, no arc or flame shall be maintained,
nor material expelled, that might impair the surrounding area or otherwise create a risk of
electric shock or fire. In addition, there shall be no emission of substances (e.g. gases, liquids,
dust, mist, vapour) which could cause a hazard.
For thermal-links using melting strips or wires, care should be taken to prevent molten material
from short-circuiting or bridging creepage distances and clearances in air, so as to reduce the
risk of impairing the insulation system of the equipment.
After it has functioned, the thermal-link shall not be damaged when subjected to temperatures
not exceeding T , in such a way that the safety of the equipment with regard to risk of electric
m
shock hazard and electrical breakdown is impaired. The thermal-link shall not reclose after it
has operated.
4.4 For requirements for thermal-link packaged assemblies, see Annex H.

– 12 – IEC 60691:2023 © IEC 2023
5 General notes on tests
5.1 The test conditions are as follows.
5.1.1 Unless otherwise specified, only tests that are not required to be performed inside an
environmental chamber and/or test oven shall be carried out under the following atmospheric
conditions:
– temperature: 15 °C to 35 °C,
– relative humidity: 25 % to 75 %,
4 5
– air pressure: 8,6 × 10 Pa to 1,06 × 10 Pa.
The required atmospheric conditions during testing can be controlled when carrying out the
tests and during the duration of the tests. The required atmospheric conditions do not have to
be maintained in a test laboratory when tests are not performed.
5.1.2 Where the conditions given in 5.1.1 have a significant influence, they shall be kept
substantially constant during the tests.
5.1.3 If the temperature limits given in 5.1.1 are too wide for certain tests, these shall be
repeated, in case of doubt, at a temperature of (23 ± 1) °C.
5.2 In every test report, the ambient temperature shall be stated. If the standard conditions
for relative humidity or pressure are not fulfilled during the tests, a note to this effect shall be
added to the report.
5.3 If the result of a test is influenced, to an appreciable extent, by the position and method
of mounting of the specimen, the most unfavourable condition shall be chosen for the relevant
tests and recorded.
5.4 If a thermal-link has been specifically designed for use in a special type of equipment
and cannot be tested separately, the tests of this standard shall be performed in that equipment
or in the relevant part of it, or similar.
5.5 When testing a homogeneous series of thermal-links, all the tests shall be applied to
thermal-links with the lowest and highest T . Thermal-links with intermediate rated functioning
f
temperatures need only be subjected to tests according to 10.3, 11.3, 11.4 and 11.5.
5.6 The number of specimens is as follows.
5.6.1 The total number of specimens required is 48. Out of a total of 48 specimens, 15 are
kept as spares in case some of the tests have to be repeated. Out of a total of 48 specimens,
33 are divided into 11 groups assigned by alphabetical letters from A to K. Each group consists
of three specimens. Tests shall be performed in the order indicated in Table 1 but, if so required,
tests may be repeated, for example the test on marking (see Clause 7). Additional specimens
may be needed according to the requirement of Table 1.
For optional tests, additional specimens should be required as per the applicable annexes.
5.6.2 If, in any of the tests carried out in accordance with any relevant test clause, a failure
is reported, the cause of the failure will be identified and corrective action taken. Based on the
failure analysis report and the corrective action, as a minimum, the test sequence shall be
repeated on twice the number of revised specimens, and no further failures are allowed.
If no corrective actions are necessary, the test should be repeated with double the same size
and no further deviation is allowed.

IEC 60691:2023 © IEC 2023 – 13 –
5.6.3 For requirements for thermal-link packaged assemblies, see Annex H.
5.7 The conductive heat ageing test of Annex C is applicable when declared by the
manufacturer.
The conductive heat ageing test may be omitted if the thermal-link is constructed without
contacts.
NOTE In the USA the conductive heat ageing test is required to be declared.
Table 1 – Test schedule
Clause or Test Specimen groups
Sub-clause
A B C D E F G H I J K
a
Marking (Rub test) X X
a
Marking (visual inspection only) X X
9 Constructional requirements
a
Tensile forces X
9.2.2
a
Thrust force X
9.2.3
a
Bending/twist force  X
9.2.4
a
Resistance to tracking       X
9.6
a
Creepage distances and clearances   X X
9.7
9.8 Temperature and humidity cycle X X X  X X
conditioning
10 Electrical requirements
10.1 Dielectric strength (if applicable) X X X  X X
10.2 Insulation resistance (if applicable) X X X  X X
10.3 Interrupting current   X X
10.4 Transient overload current X X   X
11 Temperature tests
b
11.2      X
Check on T
h
11.3 Check on T X X
f
11.4 Check on T followed by dielectric
X X
m
test and insulation resistance
11.5 Ageing X  X  X X X
step 1 (optional) 21 days
step 2 (mandatory) 21 days
step 3 (mandatory) 14 days
step 4 (mandatory) 7 days
step 5 (mandatory) 7 days
step 6 (mandatory) 24 hours
10.1 Dielectric strength X X  X X X X X X
10.2 Insulation resistance X X  X X X X X X
12 Resistance to rusting
a
Resistance to rusting (ferrous parts) X X X
– 14 – IEC 60691:2023 © IEC 2023
If the conditions of voltage, power and current in 10.3.2.3, 10.3.2.4 and 10.3.2.5 are not covered by one test, a
minimum of three specimens should be tested for each condition.
a
For homogeneous series, these tests may be omitted for intermediate ratings.
b
When declared by the manufacturer.

6 Classification
6.1 Electrical conditions
With regard to electrical conditions, the following terms are used:
a) Voltage: AC and /or DC.
b) Current: AC and/ or DC.
c) Resistive load
d) Inductive load
e) Motor load
f) Pilot duty load
g) Electric discharge lamp load.
h) Special load
6.2 Thermal conditions
With regard to thermal conditions, the following symbols and abbreviations are used:
a) T
f
b) T
h
c) T
m
d) CHAT
e) T
h-100
6.3 Resistance to tracking
With regard to resistance to tracking, the following ranges are used:
a) proof tracking index from 175 to 249;
b) proof tracking index greater than or equal to 250.
NOTE These ranges are based on test methods for surface tracking laid down in IEC 60112.
7 Marking
7.1 Each thermal-link shall be marked with the following:
a) type or catalogue reference;
b) manufacturer’s name or trade mark;
c) rated functioning temperature T with or without the symbol T followed by the number of
f f
degrees Celsius (marked with °C or C);
d) date code which identifies the date of manufacture and which does not repeat for at least
10 years, and a factory location or code, stamped on the thermal-link or the smallest
packaging.
IEC 60691:2023 © IEC 2023 – 15 –
If there is only one factory, the factory location may be omitted.
Catalogue or reference numbers should define those parameters such as temperature, current
and voltage, which together classify a thermal-link.
7.2 The rated functioning temperature T may be omitted if a different type or catalogue
f
reference is employed for each different functioning temperature.
7.3 Marking shall be indelible and legible.
Compliance with the requirements for indelibility of markings is checked by the test in Annex G
using the apparatus shown in Figure G.1. Legibility is checked by inspection. After the ageing
tests of 11.4, compliance is checked by inspection.
7.4 The marking in accordance with a), b), c) and d) in 7.1 shall be printed additionally on
the packing, together with a reference to this document.
7.5 If the thermal-link is small in size, and not intended to be replaced, the thermal-link shall
be marked with only item a) in 7.1 and the markings in accordance with b) to d) in 7.1 shall be
printed on the packaging, together with a reference to this document.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
8 Documentation
The manufacturer shall provide in the technical documentation, catalogues or instructional
leaflets the following information, in addition to that required in Clause 7:
a) classification in accordance with Clause 6;
b) for each of the classifications;
1) characteristic temperatures T , T (if declared by manufacturer), T ;
f h m
2) characteristic currents I , I , I ;
r b p
3) rated voltage U ;
r
c) suitability for sealing in, or use with impregnating fluids or cleaning solvents;
d) information for mounting the thermal-link in the equipment;
e) thermal-links small in size and not intended to be replaced.
For reasons of safety, it should be made clear in the documentation that a thermal-link is a non-
repairable item and that, in case of replacement, an equivalent thermal-link from the same
manufacturer and having the same catalogue reference should be used, mounted in exactly the
same way.
f) the position of the metal screen, if it is located at a distance other than 12,7 mm away from
the live parts in the case of a thermal-link having an exposed element;
g) Application instructions on how to mount the device in equipment for for thermal-links with
leads cross sectional area smaller than 0,21 mm .
The device's temperature response should be taken into consideration.

– 16 – IEC 60691:2023 © IEC 2023
9 Constructional requirements
9.1 General
9.1.1 Thermal-links shall have adequate mechanical strength and stability so as to withstand
the stresses likely to be encountered during handling, normal use and fault conditions of the
relevant end-use equipment.
9.1.2 Tab terminals shall be constructed in accordance with IEC 61210 and the maximum
permissible temperature of the used Tab materials shall be in accordance with Table A.1 of
IEC 61210:2010 (Tabs / Integrated).
9.1.3 Current-carrying parts shall be constructed in such a way that contact pressure is not
transmitted through non-metallic material other than ceramic, or any material considered as
having sufficient dimensional stability over the range of temperatures to be expected, unless
there is suf
...