EN IEC 63522-46:2026
(Main)Electrical relays - Tests and measurements - Part 46: Impulse voltage test
- Abstract
This part of IEC 63522 is used for testing along with the appropriate severities and conditions for measurements and tests designed to assess the ability of DUTs to perform under expected conditions of transportation, storage and all aspects of operational use.
This document defines a standard test method for impulse voltage test.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 27-Aug-2026
- Technical Committee
- CLC/SR 94 - All-or-nothing electrical relays
- Drafting Committee
- IEC/TC 94 - IEC_TC_94
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 28-Sep-2026
- Completion Date
- 06-Oct-2026
EN IEC 63522-46:2026 is the CENELEC European Standard for electrical relays. It specifies an impulse voltage test that checks whether relay insulation can withstand specified transient overvoltages, and it is intended for use with EN IEC 63522-0 and the referenced IEC test standards. CENELEC approved the text without modification from IEC 63522-46:2026.
What does EN IEC 63522-46:2026 specify?
EN IEC 63522-46:2026 defines one standard test method for the impulse voltage test of electrical relays. It is used to assess relay performance under conditions linked to transportation, storage and operational use.
The document is organized into clauses 1 to 5:
- Scope
- Normative references
- Terms and definitions
- Test procedure
- Evaluation
It also includes one informative annex.
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Annex A | Example of a test circuit for the impulse voltage test, with example test points and impulse time parameters |
What are the key requirements of EN IEC 63522-46:2026?
The main requirements are in Clause 4 and Clause 5. In practice, they tell a test lab what to apply, where to apply it, and what counts as a pass.
Test preparation and conditions
Clause 4.2 requires the relay, as a device under test (DUT), to be tested under the ambient conditions given in IEC 63522-0 and to be conditioned for 1 h to 2 h before testing. If the relevant product standard calls for it, the relay is first subjected to the specified preconditioning in the new condition. This matters because temperature and handling before the test can affect the insulation result.
Impulse voltage selection and waveform
Clause 4.2.2 requires the impulse voltage to be selected from IEC 60664-1 and its amendment table, and the waveform to follow IEC 61180:2016, 7.1, or the relevant product standard. The standard also requires altitude correction in line with IEC 60664-1. In practice, the test engineer must use the correct voltage level and adjust for the test location.
Generator and application points
Clause 4.2.2 limits the output impedance of the impulse generator to no more than 500 Ω. The test points are the terminals and housing identified in Clause 4.3 b), and Annex A gives example test points for relays. This matters because the generated pulse must be applied in a controlled way to the intended insulation paths.
Number of impulses
Clause 4.2.2 requires at least three impulses of each polarity unless the detail specification states otherwise, with at least 1 s between impulses. This gives a repeatable stress sequence and prevents the pulses from being too close together to interpret clearly.
Conditions to be specified
Clause 4.3 lists the items that must be defined for a specific relay or detail specification: number of impulses, application points, waveform parameters, output impedance if different, peak impulse voltage, preconditioning, leakage current, required test results and final measurements, and the impulse waveform. This is the part a buyer, engineer or test house uses to set up the exact test record.
Acceptance and final checks
Clause 5 requires no breakdown and no flashover through insulation, and the leakage current must stay within the value specified in the detail specification. If applicable, the relay must also pass the functional tests in IEC 63522-7 and the dielectric strength test in IEC 63522-4. In practice, the impulse test is not isolated from the rest of qualification.
What terms does EN IEC 63522-46:2026 define?
EN IEC 63522-46:2026 uses the terms and definitions from IEC 63522-0. The following terms are central to the test method:
- DUT - device under test, meaning the relay being evaluated.
- Preconditioning - any prior treatment required by the product standard before the impulse test.
- Breakdown - failure of insulation under the applied impulse voltage.
- Flashover - discharge over the insulation surface that is not permitted in the test.
- Leakage current - current through insulation that is checked against the specified limit.
- Impulse waveform - the shape of the applied voltage pulse, including its front time and time to half-value.
- Output impedance - the source impedance of the impulse generator, which is restricted by the test method.
Who uses EN IEC 63522-46:2026?
EN IEC 63522-46:2026 is used by relay manufacturers, test laboratories, certification bodies, and engineers responsible for qualification or incoming inspection of relays. Quality and compliance teams use it to define the impulse test setup, acceptance criteria and reporting content. Buyers and specifiers use it to state the test that a relay must pass in a detail specification or procurement requirement.
Which standards are used with EN IEC 63522-46:2026?
EN IEC 63522-46:2026 is used together with:
- EN IEC 63522-0 - general guidance for the 63522 relay test series, including the ambient conditions referenced by the test.
- IEC 60664-1:2020 and IEC 60664-1:2020/AMD1:2025 - provide the impulse voltage levels and altitude correction.
- IEC 61180:2016 - gives the impulse waveform requirements.
- IEC 63522-4 - dielectric strength test used for final checking, where applicable.
- IEC 63522-7 - functional tests used for final checking, where applicable.
What does the EN IEC 63522-46:2026 document contain?
Annex A gives an example test circuit for impulse voltage testing, including a simplified combination wave generator. It also shows a typical impulse voltage waveform and an example table of test points for electrical relays.
The body of the document tells the test user how to precondition the relay, select the impulse, apply it, and judge the result. Clause 5 and the test report requirements make it clear what has to be recorded so another lab can reproduce the test. In practice, the document is used for test setup, qualification testing, and formal reporting of relay insulation performance.
Relations
- Refers
FprEN IEC 63522-0:2026 - Electrical relays - Tests and measurements - Part 0: General and guidance - Effective Date
- 07-Jul-2026
- Effective Date
- 07-Jul-2026
- Effective Date
- 07-Jul-2026
- Effective Date
- 07-Jul-2026
- Effective Date
- 07-Jul-2026
- Refers
EN IEC 63522-4:2026 - Electrical relays - Tests and measurements - Part 4: Dielectric strength test - Effective Date
- 07-Jul-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN IEC 63522-46:2026 is a standard published by CLC. Its full title is "Electrical relays - Tests and measurements - Part 46: Impulse voltage test". This standard covers: This part of IEC 63522 is used for testing along with the appropriate severities and conditions for measurements and tests designed to assess the ability of DUTs to perform under expected conditions of transportation, storage and all aspects of operational use. This document defines a standard test method for impulse voltage test.
This part of IEC 63522 is used for testing along with the appropriate severities and conditions for measurements and tests designed to assess the ability of DUTs to perform under expected conditions of transportation, storage and all aspects of operational use. This document defines a standard test method for impulse voltage test.
EN IEC 63522-46:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 29.120.70 - Relays. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN IEC 63522-46:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to FprEN IEC 63522-0:2026, EN IEC 60664-1:2020/A1:2025, EN 61180:2016, EN IEC 63522-7:2025, EN IEC 60664-1:2020, EN IEC 63522-4:2026. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN IEC 63522-46:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2026
Električni releji - Preskusi in meritve - 46. del: Preskus z udarno napetostjo
Electrical relays - Tests and measurements - Part 46: Impulse voltage test
Elektrische Relais - Mess- und Prüfverfahren - Teil 46: Überspannungsfestigkeitstest
Relais électriques - Essais et mesurage - Partie 46: Essai de tension de choc
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 63522-46:2026
ICS:
29.120.70 Releji Relays
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 63522-46
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM August 2026
ICS 29.120.70
English Version
Electrical relays - Tests and measurements - Part 46: Impulse
voltage test
(IEC 63522-46:2026)
Relais électriques - Essais et mesurage - Partie 46: Essai Elektrische Relais - Mess- und Prüfverfahren - Teil 46:
de tension de choc Überspannungsfestigkeitstest
(IEC 63522-46:2026) (IEC 63522-46:2026)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2026-07-14. 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
© 2026 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 63522-46:2026 E
European foreword
The text of document 94/1198/FDIS, future edition 1 of IEC 63522-46, prepared by TC 94 "Electrical
relays" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2027-08-31
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2029-08-31
document have to be withdrawn
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.
This document is read in conjunction with EN IEC 63522-0:– .
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 63522-46:2026 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 60060-1:2025 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 60060-1:2025 (not modified)
IEC 61810-1 NOTE Approved as EN 61810-1
IEC 61810-10:2019 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 61810-10:2019 (not modified)
IEC 62246-1:2015 NOTE Approved as EN 62246-1:2015 (not modified)
IEC 62246-1-1:2018 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 62246-1-1:2018 (not modified)
Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: prEN IEC 63522-0:2025.
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 60664-1 2020 Insulation coordination for equipment EN IEC 60664-1 2020
within low-voltage supply systems - Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
+ AMD1 2025 + A1 2025
IEC 61180 2016 High-voltage test techniques for low- EN 61180 2016
voltage equipment - Definitions, test and
procedure requirements, test equipment
IEC 63522-0 - Electrical relays - Tests and Measurements - -
- Part 0: General and Guidance
IEC 63522-4 - Electrical relays - Tests and measurements EN IEC 63522-4 -
- Part 4: Dielectric strength test
IEC 63522-7 - Electrical relays - Tests and measurements EN IEC 63522-7 -
- Part 7: Functional tests
IEC 63522-46 ®
Edition 1.0 2026-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Electrical relays - Tests and measurements -
Part 46: Impulse voltage test
ICS 29.120.70 ISBN 978-2-8327-1259-7
IEC 63522-46:2026-06(en)
IEC 63522-46:2026 © IEC 2026
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 2
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 4
4 Test procedure . 4
4.1 Purpose . 4
4.2 Procedure . 4
4.2.1 Preconditioning . 4
4.2.2 Test . 5
4.3 Conditions to be specified . 5
5 Evaluation . 5
5.1 General . 5
5.1.1 No breakdown . 5
5.1.2 Final checking . 6
5.2 Test report . 6
Annex A (informative) Example of test circuit for impulse voltage test . 7
Bibliography . 9
Figure A.1 – Simplified circuit diagram of the combination wave generator . 7
Figure A.2 – Full impulse voltage time parameters . 8
Table A.1 – Example of test points . 7
IEC 63522-46:2026 © IEC 2026
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
Electrical relays - Tests and measurements -
Part 46: Impulse voltage test
FOREWORD
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