EN 60512-9-3:2011

Connectors for electronic equipment - Tests and measurements - Part 9-3: Endurance tests - Test 9c: Mechanical operation (engaging/separating) with electrical load

IEC 60512-9-3:2011 defines a standard test method to assess the mechanical and electrical operational endurance, i.e. engaging and separating cycles, of a connector in an operating mode which includes a specified electrical load. This second edition cancels and replaces Test 9c of IEC 60512-5, issued in 1992, and constitutes a technical revision. The main technical changes with regard to the previous edition are as follows: - An additional requirement to 4.1 stating that if more than one electrical circuit is wired for testing, the wiring shall be carried out in a parallel electrical circuit. - Subclauses 4.3 through 4.7 were removed and replaced by 4.2 through 4.4. This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 60512-1:2001 and IEC 60512-1-100:2006.

Steckverbinder für elektronische Einrichtungen – Mess- und Prüfverfahren - Teil 9-3: Dauerprüfungen - Prüfung 9c: Mechanische Lebensdauer (Stecken und Ziehen) mit elektrischer Belastung

Connecteurs pour équipements électroniques - Essais et mesures - Partie 9-3: Essais d'endurance - Essai 9c: Fonctionnement mécanique (d'accouplement et de désaccouplement) avec charge électrique

La CEI 60512-9-3:2011 précise une méthode d'essai normalisée pour évaluer l'endurance fonctionnelle mécanique et électrique, c'est-à-dire les cycles d'accouplement et de désaccouplement, des connecteurs en mode de fonctionnement normal sous une charge électrique spécifiée. Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace l'Essai 9c de la CEI 60512-5, parue en 1992, et constitue une révision technique. Les modifications principles par rapport à l'édition précédente sont les suivantes: - Ajout d'une exigence au 4.1 qui précise que lorsqu'il y a plus d'un circuit électrique câblée pour les essais, le câblage doit être fait dans un circuit électrique parallèle. - Les paragraphes 4.3. à 4.7 ont été supprimés et remplacés par les paragraphes 4.2 à 4.4. Cette publication doit être lue conjointement avec la CEI 60512-1:2001 et la CEI 60512-1-100:2006.

Konektorji za elektronsko opremo - Preskusi in meritve - 9-3. del: Preskusi vzdržljivosti - Preskus 9c: Mehansko delovanje (stikanje in raztikanje) z električno bremenitvijo

Ta del IEC 60512 se, kadar ga zahteva podrobna specifikacija, uporablja za preskušanje konektorjev v okviru tehničnega odbora 48 IEC. Ta preskus se lahko uporablja tudi za podobne naprave, kadar ga določa podrobna specifikacija. Namen tega standarda je opredeliti standardno preskusno metodo za ocenjevanje mehanske in električne vzdržljivosti delovanja, tj. vklapljanje in izklapljanje ciklov konektorja v načinu delovanja, ki vključuje določeno električno obremenitev.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 28-Jul-2011
• Withdrawal Date: 26-Jul-2014
• ICS: 31.220.01 - Electromechanical components in general
• Technical Committee: CLC/SR 48B - Connectors
• Drafting Committee: IEC/SC 48B - IEC_SC_48B
• Parallel Committee: IEC/SC 48B - IEC_SC_48B
• Current Stage: 6060 - Document made available - Publishing
• Start Date: 29-Jul-2011
• Completion Date: 29-Jul-2011
• Ref Project: SIST EN 60512-9-3:2011 - Connectors for electronic equipment - Tests and measurements - Part 9-3: Endurance tests - Test 9c: Mechanical operation (mating and un-mating) with electrical load

Relations

• Replaces: EN 60512-9-3:2006 - Connectors for electronic equipment - Tests and measurements - Part 9-3: Endurance tests - Test 9c: Mechanical operation (engaging/separating) with electrical load
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2023

Overview

EN 60512-9-3:2011 is a European standard aligned with the international IEC 60512-9-3:2011, developed by CLC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization). It specifies a standardized test method focused on the mechanical and electrical endurance of connectors used in electronic equipment. This standard evaluates the performance of connectors under repeated cycles of mechanical operation-specifically mating (engaging) and un-mating (separating)-while simultaneously carrying a specified electrical load.

This standard replaces the earlier EN 60512-9-3:2006 edition, introducing revisions such as the mandatory wiring of multiple test circuits in parallel and updates to testing clauses to enhance clarity and reliability. It works in conjunction with EN 60512-1 and EN 60512-1-100, which provide a general framework for testing connectors.

Key Topics

• Endurance Testing of Connectors
  The core of EN 60512-9-3:2011 is Test 9c, which simulates real-world operational stresses by repeatedly engaging and separating connectors with an electrical load applied. This helps verify the durability and performance stability of connector contacts over time.

• Mechanical Operation Under Load
  Unlike mechanical-only endurance tests, this standard requires testing connectors under live electrical conditions, ensuring performance under simultaneous mechanical and electrical stress.

• Parallel Circuit Wiring
  When multiple electrical circuits are tested on a connector, the wiring must be in parallel, duplicating other circuit components. This setup accurately simulates typical installation environments and prevents circuit interference during testing.

• Load Simulation Using Equivalent Circuits
  The standard uses an equivalent circuit configurable with resistance (R), capacitance (C), and inductance (L) elements to mimic real installation conditions including electrical loads and wiring characteristics.

• Reference to Normative Documents
  EN 60512-9-3 requires referencing several related standards such as IEC 60068-1 (general environmental testing), IEC 60512-2 (contact resistance tests), and IEC 60512-3 (insulation tests) to ensure comprehensive test coverage.

Applications

• Connector Design Validation
  Manufacturers use this standard during product development to assess connector reliability and endurance before market release.

• Quality Control and Compliance
  Factories and verification labs apply EN 60512-9-3:2011 to ensure manufactured connectors meet durability requirements and to maintain product quality standards.

• Safety and Performance Certification
  Testing according to this standard supports certification processes required to demonstrate that connectors will perform safely during extended operational cycles with electrical loads.

• Connector Selection for Critical Systems
  Engineers designing systems with high reliability requirements-such as aerospace, automotive, telecommunications, and industrial automation-utilize test results aligned with EN 60512-9-3 to select connectors proven durable under mechanical and electrical stresses.

Related Standards

• EN 60512-1 (General Testing Framework)
  Provides the overall structure and required procedures for testing connectors, essential for applying EN 60512-9-3 correctly.

• EN 60512-1-100 (Applicable Publications)
  Lists all referenced standards and publications necessary to support connector testing comprehensively.

• IEC 60512-2 Series (Contact Resistance Tests)
  Critical for evaluating electrical contact integrity during and post mechanical operation cycles.

• IEC 60068-1/2-13 (Environmental Testing)
  Ensures connector endurance under environmental conditions including temperature and low air pressure, complementing mechanical endurance assessments.

• IEC 60512-3 and IEC 60512-4 (Insulation and Voltage Stress Tests)
  These are often referenced alongside mechanical and electrical endurance tests to assess overall connector robustness.

---

Keywords: EN 60512-9-3:2011, IEC 60512-9-3, electrical connectors, mechanical endurance test, electrical load testing, connector mating cycles, connector durability, IEC connector standards, connector testing methods, parallel circuit wiring, electronic equipment connectors, connector reliability testing, CLC standards.

---

Adopting EN 60512-9-3:2011 ensures that connectors for electronic equipment endure repeated mechanical engagement and electrical loading without degradation, delivering dependable performance in critical applications worldwide.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2011
.RQHNWRUML]DHOHNWURQVNRRSUHPR3UHVNXVLLQPHULWYHGHO3UHVNXVL
Y]GUåOMLYRVWL3UHVNXVF0HKDQVNRGHORYDQMHVWLNDQMHLQUD]WLNDQMH]HOHNWULþQR
EUHPHQLWYLMR
Connectors for electronic equipment - Tests and measurements - Part 9-3: Endurance
tests - Test 9c: Mechanical operation (mating and un-mating) with electrical load
Steckverbinder für elektronische Einrichtungen – Mess- und Prüfverfahren -- Teil 9-3:
Dauerprüfungen - Prüfung 9c: Mechanische Lebensdauer (Stecken und Ziehen) mit
elektrischer Belastung
Connecteurs pour équipements électroniques - Essais et mesures - Partie 9-3: Essais
d'endurance - Essai 9c: Fonctionnement mécanique (accouplement et
désaccouplement) avec charge électrique
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 60512-9-3:2011
ICS:
31.220.10 9WLþLLQYWLþQLFHNRQHNWRUML Plug-and-socket devices.
Connectors
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 60512-9-3
NORME EUROPÉENNE
July 2011
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 31.220.01 Supersedes EN 60512-9-3:2006 + corr. Dec.2006

English version
Connectors for electronic equipment -
Tests and measurements -
Part 9-3: Endurance tests -
Test 9c: Mechanical operation (engaging/separating) with electrical load
(IEC 60512-9-3:2011)
Connecteurs pour équipements Steckverbinder für elektronische
électroniques - Einrichtungen – Mess- und Prüfverfahren -
Essais et mesures - Teil 9-3: Dauerprüfungen -
Partie 9-3: Essais d'endurance - Prüfung 9c: Mechanische Lebensdauer
Essai 9c: Fonctionnement mécanique (Stecken und Ziehen) mit elektrischer
(d'accouplement et de désaccouplement) Belastung
avec charge électrique (IEC 60512-9-3:2011)
(CEI 60512-9-3:2011)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2011-07-27. 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, 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, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

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

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels

© 2011 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 60512-9-3:2011 E
Foreword
The text of document (48B/2238/FDIS), future edition 2 of IEC 60512-9-3, prepared by SC 48B,
Connectors, of IEC TC 48, Electromechanical components and mechanical structures for electronic
equipment, was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and was approved by CENELEC as
EN 60512-9-3 on 2011-07-27.
This European Standard supersedes EN 60512-9-3:2006 + corr. Dec.2006.
The main technical changes with regard to EN 60512-9-3:2006 + corr. Dec.2006 are as follows:
– An additional requirement to 4.1 stating that if more than one electrical circuit is wired for testing, the
wiring shall be carried out in a parallel electrical circuit.
– Subclauses 4.3 through 4.7 were removed and replaced by 4.2 through 4.4.
This standard is to be read in conjunction with EN 60512-1 and EN 60512-1-100, which explains the
structure of the EN 60512 series.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN and CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
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) 2012-04-27
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2014-07-27
Annex ZA has been added by CENELEC.
__________
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60512-9-3:2011 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
__________
- 3 - EN 60512-9-3:2011
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  When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD
applies.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year

IEC 60068-1 - Environmental testing - EN 60068-1 -
Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60068-2-13 - Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-13 -
Part 2: Tests - Test M: Low air pressure

IEC 60512-1 - Connectors for electronic equipment - Tests EN 60512-1 -
and measurements -
Part 1: General
IEC 60512-1-1 - Connectors for electronic equipment - Tests EN 60512-1-1 -
and measurements -
Part 1-1: General examination - Test 1a:
Visual examination
IEC 60512-1-100 - Connectors for electronic equipment - Tests EN 60512-1-100 -
and measurements -
Part 1-100: General - Applicable publications

IEC 60512-2-1 - Connectors for electronic equipment - Tests EN 60512-2-1 -
and measurements -
Part 2-1: Electrical continuity and contact
resistance tests - Test 2a: Contact resistance
- Millivolt level method
IEC 60512-2-2 - Connectors for electronic equipment - Tests EN 60512-2-2 -
and measurements -
Part 2-2: Electrical continuity and contact
resistance tests - Test 2b: Contact resistance
- Specified test current method

IEC 60512-3-1 - Connectors for electronic equipment - Tests EN 60512-3-1 -
and measurements -
Part 3-1: Insulation tests - Test 3a: Insulation
resistance
IEC 60512-4-1 - Connectors for electronic equipment - Tests EN 60512-4-1 -
and measurements -
Part 4-1: Voltage stress tests - Test 4a:
Voltage proof
IEC 60512-9-3 ®
Edition 2.0 2011-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Connectors for electronic equipment – Tests and measurements –
Part 9-3: Endurance tests – Test 9c: Mechanical operation (engaging and
separating) with electrical load

Connecteurs pour équipements électroniques – Essais et mesures –
Partie 9-3: Essais d’endurance – Essai 9c: Fonctionnement mécanique
(d’accouplement et de désaccouplement) avec charge électrique
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX J
ICS 31.220.01 ISBN 978-2-88912-550-0

– 2 – 60512-9-3  IEC:2011
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope and object . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Preparation . 6
3.1 Preparation of specimen . 6
3.2 Mounting . 6
4 Test method . 6
4.1 General . 6
4.2 Electrical load . 6
4.3 Mechanical operation . 6
4.4 Environmental test conditions . 7
4.5 Measurements . 7
4.5.1 Initial measurements . 7
4.5.2 Measurements during the test. 7
4.5.3 Final measurements . 7
5 Details to be specified . 7
Annex A (informative) Typical circuit diagram . 9

Figure A.1 – Example of circuit(s) – (diagrammatic) . 9
Figure A.2 – Example of circuit(s) – (circuit diagram) . 9

60512-9-3 © IEC:2011 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
CONNECTORS FOR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT –
TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS –
Part 9-3: Endurance tests –
Test 9c: Mechanical operation (engaging and separating)
with electrical load
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
...