IEC 62246-1-1:2013

Reed switches - Part 1-1: Generic specification - Quality assessment

IEC 62246-1-1:2013 is a quality assessment specification which defines requirements and tests to reed switches for use in general and industrial applications. This standard selects from IEC 62246-1:2011 and from other sources the appropriate test procedures to be used in detail specifications derived from this specification. This standard describes sampling and test schedules for qualification approval procedures, quality conformance inspection, formation of inspection lots and intervals between tests. This first edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC/PAS 62246-2-1 published in 2008. It is a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous editions:
a) inclusion of introduction;
b) update of references, terms and definitions;
c) renumbering of clauses to bring them into a more logical order;
d) inclusion of the generic specifications for reed switches;
e) update of typical applications.
This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 62246-1:2011.

Contacts à lames souples - Partie 1-1: Spécification générique - Évaluation de qualité

La CEI 62246-1-1:2013 est une spécification d'évaluation de qualité qui définit les exigences et les essais des contacts à lames souples utilisables dans les applications générales et industrielles. La présente norme sélectionne dans la CEI 62246-1:2011 et dans d'autres sources les procédures d'essai appropriées devant être utilisées dans des spécifications particulières dérivées de la présente spécification. La présente norme décrit les programmes d'échantillonnage et d'essai pour les procédures d'homologation, l'inspection de conformité de qualité, la formation de lots d'inspection et les intervalles entre essais. Cette première édition annule et remplace la première édition de la CEI/PAS 62246-2-1 publiée en 2008. Elle constitue une révision technique. La présente édition comporte les modifications techniques significatives suivantes par rapport aux éditions précédentes:
a) inclusion d'une introduction;
b) mise à jour des références et des termes et définitions;
c) renumérotation des articles pour les mettre dans un ordre plus logique;
d) inclusion de spécifications génériques pour les contacts à lames souples;
e) mise à jour d'applications typiques.
Cette publication doit être lue conjointement avec la .>

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 23-May-2013
• ICS: 29.120.70 - Relays
• Technical Committee: TC 94 - Electrical relays
• Drafting Committee: WG 6 - TC 94/WG 6
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Start Date: 06-Feb-2018
• Completion Date: 26-Oct-2025

Relations

• Replaces: IEC PAS 62246-2-1:2008 - Reed contact units - Part 2-1: Heavy-duty reed switches - Quality assessment specification
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revised: IEC 62246-1-1:2018 - Reed switches - Part 1-1: Generic specification - Blank detail specification
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 62246-1-1:2013 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that focuses on the quality assessment of reed switches. Reed switches are critical electromechanical components widely employed in general and industrial applications for switching electrical circuits. This standard provides a generic specification outlining the requirements, test procedures, and sampling methods to evaluate the quality and reliability of reed switches.

This edition of IEC 62246-1-1 supersedes the earlier IEC/PAS 62246-2-1:2008 and introduces important revisions, including an updated introduction, refined terms and definitions, logical clause renumbering, inclusion of generic specifications for reed switches, and refreshed typical applications. It is designed to be used in conjunction with IEC 62246-1:2011, complementing the broader generic specifications for reed switches.

Key Topics

Quality Assessment and Tests

The core of IEC 62246-1-1:2013 revolves around standardized qualification and quality conformance tests. It defines:

• Sampling and test schedules for inspection lots.
• Qualification approval procedures.
• Intervals between successive tests for long-term quality assurance.
• Conditions and mounting requirements for test specimens.
• Detailed mechanical, electrical, and environmental testing protocols selected from IEC 62246-1:2011 and other relevant environmental standards.

Reed Switch Classification

The standard categorizes reed switches by:

• Size: Ranges from normal (over 50 mm length) to micro-miniature (4-10 mm length).
• Switch Types: Normally open (A type), normally closed (B type), and changeover (C type).
• Voltage Ratings: Low-voltage (up to 1000 V) and high-voltage (more than 1000 V).
• Power Ratings: Low-power (up to 60 W), power (100-1000 W), and high-power (above 1000 W).
• Contact Types: Includes dry air, gas mixture filled, vacuum, or high-pressure types.

Mercury wetted reed switches are excluded due to environmental concerns.

Sampling and Lot Formation

The specification prescribes how test samples should be drawn from production lots for both qualification approval and quality conformance inspection. This ensures uniformity in product quality across batches and production runs, supporting reliability and performance consistency.

Standard Test Conditions

IEC 62246-1-1 defines standard environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, vibration, and mechanical stress that reed switches must withstand without degradation. It references pivotal IEC standards like IEC 60068 series for environmental testing and IEC 61373 for shock and vibration.

Applications

Reed switches compliant with IEC 62246-1-1:2013 are used extensively in:

• Industrial automation: Reliable switching in control systems and sensing applications.
• Consumer electronics: Compact and sensitive switching units for devices.
• Automotive systems: High endurance switches for robust vehicle environments.
• Security systems: Door and window sensors requiring precise operation.
• Telecommunications and data systems: For circuit protection and signal routing.
• Medical devices: Ensuring dependable switching under stringent quality controls.

Adhering to this standard enhances the safety, reliability, and performance of reed switches in these critical fields, reducing the risk of failure and improving product lifecycle management.

Related Standards

To execute comprehensive quality assessment testing, IEC 62246-1-1 references and incorporates other essential IEC standards including:

• IEC 62246-1:2011: Generic specification for reed switches.
• IEC 60068 Series: Environmental tests such as vibration (60068-2-6), salt mist (60068-2-11), temperature change (60068-2-14), soldering heat resistance (60068-2-20), and humidity (60068-2-78).
• IEC 61373:2010: Shock and vibration tests specifically for railway rolling stock equipment.
• IEC 60127-2:2003: Standards regarding miniature fuses that may interface with reed switches.

These complementary standards ensure that testing procedures cover all relevant mechanical, electrical, and environmental aspects necessary for robust reed switch performance.

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Keywords: IEC 62246-1-1, reed switches quality assessment, reed switch testing, industrial reed switches, electrical switch standards, environmental testing for reed switches, IEC reed switch specification, switch qualification procedures, industrial electrical components, electromechanical relay standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 62246-1-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2013-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Reed switches –
Part 1-1: Generic specification – Quality assessment

Contacts à lames souples –
Partie 1-1: Spécification générique – Évaluation de qualité

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IEC 62246-1-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2013-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Reed switches –
Part 1-1: Generic specification – Quality assessment

Contacts à lames souples –
Partie 1-1: Spécification générique – Évaluation de qualité

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX XA
ICS 29.120.70 ISBN 978-2-83220-818-2

– 2 – 62246-1-1 © IEC:2013
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4

INTRODUCTION . 6

1 Scope . 7

2 Normative references . 7

3 Terms and definitions . 7

3.1 Reed switch types . 8

3.2 Tests . 8
3.3 Abbreviations . 8
4 Test schedules . 9
4.1 General . 9
4.2 Qualification approval procedures . 9
4.3 Quality conformance inspection . 9
4.4 Formation of inspection lots . 9
4.5 Intervals between tests . 9
4.6 Standard conditions for testing . 9
4.7 Mounting of test specimens during the test . 9
4.8 General conditions for testing . 10
5 Characteristic values of the reed switches . 39
5.1 Characteristics values for general data for reed switches . 39
5.2 Standard test coil number for tests . 40
5.3 Contact data . 40
5.3.1 Contact reliability, electrical endurance, making and breaking current
capacities and switching frequency . 40
5.3.2 Static contact-circuit resistance . 45
5.3.3 Mechanical endurance . 45
5.4 Environmental data . 45
6 Reliability – Failure rate data . 46
7 Marking and documentation . 46
7.1 Marking of the reed switch . 46
7.2 Marking of the packaging . 46
Annex A (normative) Mounting in a standard coil . 47
Annex B (normative) Variants . 48

Annex C (informative) Typical applications. 49
Bibliography . 50

Figure A.1 – Switch direction and position in a standard coil . 47

Table 1 – Quality conformance inspection (1 of 8) . 11
Table 2 – Tests for qualification approval (1 of 17) . 19
Table 3 – Qualification approval (1 of 3) . 36
Table 4 – Characteristic values for general data for reed switches (1 of 2) . 39
Table 5 – Standard test coil number for tests for reed switches. 40
Table 6 – Variant A of reed switches (1 of 3) . 41
Table 7 – Variant B of heavy-duty reed switches . 44

62246-1-1 © IEC:2013 – 3 –
Table 8 – Environmental data for reed switches . 45

Table 9 – Reliability data for reed switches . 46

– 4 – 62246-1-1 © IEC:2013
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________
REED SWITCHES –
Part 1-1: Generic specification – Quality assessment

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
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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
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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 62246-1-1 has been prepared by IEC Technical Committee 94: All-or-nothing electrical
relays.
This first edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC/PAS 62246-2-1 published in
2008. It is a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
editions:
– inclusion of introduction;
– update of references, terms and definitions;
– renumbering of clauses to bring them into a more logical order;
– inclusion of the generic specifications for reed switches;
– update of typical applications.

62246-1-1 © IEC:2013 – 5 –
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:

FDIS Report on voting
94/358/FDIS 94/359/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 standard is intended to be used in conjunction with IEC 62246-1:2011.

This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 62246 series, published under the general title Reed switches, can
be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
– 6 – 62246-1-1 © IEC:2013
INTRODUCTION
Reed switches which are in mass production and which are widely used in practice could be

classified by the following characteristics:

a) Size:
– Normal or standard reed switches with a tube more than 50 mm in length and more

than 5 mm in diameter;
– Sub-miniature reed switches with a tube more than 20 mm and up to 50 mm in length
and up to 5 mm in diameter;
– Miniature reed switches with a tube more than 10 mm and up to 20 mm in length and
more than 2 mm and up to 5 mm in diameter;
– Micro-miniature reed switches with a tube more than 4 mm and up to 10 mm in length
and more than 1,5 mm and up to 5 mm in diameter.
b) Type of switching of electric circuit:
– Closing or normally open – A type;
– Opening or normally closed – B type;
– Changeover – C type.
c) Withstand voltage level:
– Low-voltage (up to 1 000 V);
– High-voltage (more than 1 000 V).
d) Switches power:
– Low-power (up to 60 W);
– Power (100 to 1 000 W);
– High-power (more than 1 000 W).
e) Types of electric contacts:
– The tube is filled with dry air, gas mixture, vacuumized, or high pressurized.
Based on the general provisions of IEC 62246-1, this standard selects and specifies test
procedures for reed switches where enhanced requirements for the verification of quality
assessment specification apply.
This standard describes sampling and test schedules for qualification approval procedures,
quality conformance inspection, formation of inspection lots and intervals between tests.
NOTE All type of reed switches exclude mercury reed switches.

62246-1-1 © IEC:2013 – 7 –
REED SWITCHES –
Part 1-1: Generic specification – Quality assessment

1 Scope
This part of the IEC 62246 which is a quality assessment specification defines requirements

and tests to reed switches for use in general and industrial applications.
This standard is intended to be used in conjunction with IEC 62246-1:2011.
This standard selects from IEC 62246-1:2011 and from other sources the appropriate test
procedures to be used in detail specifications derived from this specification.
Reed switch types are specified depending on characteristic values and tests.
NOTE Mercury wetted reed switches are not covered by this standard due to their possible environmental impact.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60068-2-6:2007, Environmental testing – Part 2-6: Tests – Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)
IEC 60068-2-11:1981, Basic environmental testing procedures – Part 2-11: Tests – Test Ka:
Salt mist
IEC 60068-2-14:2009, Environmental testing – Part 2-14: Tests – Test N: Change of
temperature
IEC 60068-2-20:2008, Environmental testing – Part 2-20: Tests – Test T: Test methods for
solderability and resistance to soldering heat of devices with leads

IEC 60068-2-21:2006, Environmental testing – Part 2-21: Tests – Test U: Robustness of
terminations and integral mounting devices
IEC 60068-2-78:2001, Environmental testing – Part 2-78: Tests – Test Cab: Damp heat,
steady state
IEC 60127-2:2003, Miniature fuses – Part 2: Cartridge fuse-links
IEC 61373:2010, Railway applications – Rolling stock equipment – Shock and vibration tests
IEC 62246-1: 2011, Reed switches – Part 1: Generic specification
3 Terms and definitions
The terms and definitions given in IEC 62246-1:2011, as well as the following, apply.

– 8 – 62246-1-1 © IEC:2013
3.1 Reed switch types
3.1.1
type
products having similar design features and nominal dimensions manufactured by the same

techniques and falling within a range of ratings specified by the manufacturer

Note 1 to entry: Mounting accessories are ignored, provided they have no significant effect on the test results.

3.1.2
variant
variation within a type having specific characteristics

3.1.3
reed switch
assembly containing contact blades, partly or completely made of magnetic material,
hermetically sealed in an envelope and controlled by means of an externally generated
magnetic field (e.g. an energizing quantity applied to a coil)
3.1.4
high voltage vacuum reed switch
reed switch, in which ability to switch high voltages is achieved by a high vacuum within the
hermetically sealed envelope
3.1.5
heavy-duty reed switch
reed switch, in which greater switching capacity is achieved
Note 1 to entry: Blades having additional contact tips or a contact tip and spring which separate the magnetic
path and electric path are typical examples of techniques to increase switching capacity.
3.2 Tests
3.2.1
routine test
conformity test made on each reed switch during or after manufacture
3.2.2
lot-by-lot test
test carried out periodically on a sample of reed switches drawn from running production at
least once a month
3.2.3
periodic test
test carried out periodically on a sample of reed switches drawn from running production at
least once a year and every two years
Note 1 to entry: The results from periodic tests are used verify that the level of technical performance is
maintained.
3.3 Abbreviations
3.3.1
IL
inspection level
inspection level which determines the relationship between the lot or batch size and the
sample size
Note 1 to entry: The size of the sample drawn from the lot is dependent on the severity of the inspection level.

62246-1-1 © IEC:2013 – 9 –
3.3.2
AQL
acceptance quality level
maximum percent defective that can be considered satisfactory as a process average

4 Test schedules
4.1 General
Test procedures are referenced in the corresponding subclauses of IEC 62246-1:2011.

4.2 Qualification approval procedures
– Sampling and test schedule are specified in Table 2 and Table 3.
– The tests specified and their order is mandatory.
– Tests stated in Table 2 and 3 are mandatory for the variants except when otherwise
specified.
4.3 Quality conformance inspection
An initial conformity test has to be passed and then confirmed by routine tests, lot-by-lot tests
and periodic tests.
Quality conformance inspection contains the tests stated in Table 1:
– Group A: routine tests;
– Groups A and B: lot-by-lot tests;
– Group C: periodic tests.
Unless otherwise stated in this specification, all tests of Table 1 are mandatory.
Where a subgroup contains cumulative tests, the order of the tests is mandatory. Specimens
that have been subjected to tests denoted as destructive (D) shall not be released for delivery.
Specimens that have been subjected to tests denoted as non-destructive (ND) are permitted
to be released for delivery.
4.4 Formation of inspection lots
The basis for determination of sample size for the quality conformance inspection is the reed
switch quantity produced during one month.

4.5 Intervals between tests
– Subgroup A0: at shipment.
– Subgroups A4 and B1: at least once a month.
– Subgroups C1: at least once a year.
– Subgroup C4: at least once every two years.
4.6 Standard conditions for testing
If not otherwise stated, all tests shall be performed under standard conditions for testing
according to 7.3 of IEC 62246-1:2011.
4.7 Mounting of test specimens during the test
The following requirement shall apply for shock and vibration tests:

– 10 – 62246-1-1 © IEC:2013
The reed switch shall be mounted by its normal mounting method to the test fixture, where

inherent resonances have been minimized so as not to invalidate the test.

4.8 General conditions for testing

Unless otherwise stated, the test coil number and when applicable its polarity specified in

Table 5 shall be used for all tests. Unless otherwise stated in this specification, the polarity

shall be as specified by the manufacturer.

62246-1-1 © IEC:2013 – 11 –
Table 1 – Quality conformance inspection (1 of 8)

Group A
Subgroup A0
For all tests in this subgroup: 100 % test.

Test Test Test conditions according to Performance

no. IEC 62246-1:2011 requirements

A0 – 1 Visual inspection and Subclause 7.4 According to Table 4

check of dimensions
(ND) Marking as specified in 7.1
A0 – 2 Functional tests (ND) Subclause 7.5, Procedure 1

Application points and standard test coil number: According to Table 5

must-operate value: According to Table 4
saturate value: 150 % of must-operate
must-release value:
Contact failure-to-make and failure-to-break by
monitoring a current, typically
10 mA at 24 V DC max.
A0 – 3 Contact circuit Subclause 7.7 Initial value according to Table 4
resistance (ND)
Application points: terminals of closed
contacts
Standard test coil number: According to Table 5

Test coil voltage: 150 % of must-operate
Test voltage max.: 6 V DC or 6 V AC
Test current max.: 1 A
A0 – 4 Dielectric test (ND) Subclause 7.8

Application points and test voltage: According to Table 4

Duration of test: 1 min Maximum leakage current:

0,5 mA
NOTE A shorter test with a higher voltage can be
stated in the detail specification.
A0 – 5 Operating times (ND)
Subclause 7.10
Application points and standard test coil number: According to Table 5

Test coil voltage: 150 % of must-operate

1) operate time According to Table 4
2) release time
3) operate bounce time
Contact failure-to-make and failure-to-break by
monitoring a current, typically 10 mA at 24 V DC
max.
A0 – 6 Sealing (ND) Subclause 7.21

Application points and standard test coil number: According to Table 5

Arc time during test for heavy-duty reed switches: According to Table 7

Test coil voltage: 150 % of must-operate

Test voltage: 100 V DC – 110 V DC

Test current: 0,5 A – 0,55 A
Total number of operations required: 3

Leak test for reed switches and high voltage reed
switch.
– 12 – 62246-1-1 © IEC:2013
Table 1 (2 of 8)
Subgroup A4 (period: inspection lot refers to the production volume in one month)

Test Test Test conditions according to IL AQL Performance

no. IEC 62246-1:2011 requirements

1 Visual inspection and Subclause 7.4  According to Table 4

check of dimensions
Marking as specified
(ND)
in 7.1
2 Functional tests (ND) Subclause 7.5, Procedure 1

Application points and standard test coil number: According to Table 5

must-operate value
saturate value: 150 % of must-operate According to Table 4
must-release value
Contact failure-to-make and failure-to-break by monitoring
a current, typically 10 mA at 24 V DC max.
3 Contact-circuit Subclause 7.7  Initial value according
resistance (ND) to Table 4
Application points: terminals of closed contacts
Standard test coil number:
Test coil voltage: 150 % of must-operate According to Table 5

Test voltage max. 6 V DC or 6 V AC

Test current max.: 1 A
4 Dielectric test (ND) Subclause 7.8 S4 1,0

Application points and test voltage: According to Table 4

Duration of test: 1 min Maximum leakage
current:
NOTE A shorter test with a higher voltage can be stated in
0,5 mA
the detail specification.
5 Operating times (ND) Subclause 7.10

Application points and standard test coil number: According to Table 5

Test coil voltage: 150 % of must-operate

1) operating time
2) release time According to Table 4
3) operate bounce time
Contact failure-to-make and failure-to-break by monitoring
a current, typically 10 mA at 24 V DC max.
6 Sealing (ND) Subclause 7.21
According to Table 5
Application points and standard test coil number:

Arc time during test for heavy-duty reed switches:
According to Table 7
Test coil voltage: 150 % of must-operate

Test voltage: 100 V DC – 110 V DC

Test current: 0,5 A – 0,55 A
Total number of operations required: 3

Leak test for reed switches and high-voltage vacuum reed

switch.
62246-1-1 © IEC:2013 – 13 –
Table 1 (3 of 8)
Subgroup B1 (period: inspection lot refers to the production volume of one month)

Test Test Test conditions according to IL AQL Performance

no. IEC 62246-1:2011 requirements

7 Contact reliability test Subclause 7.28 S3 2,5

(D)
Test switch type and standard test coil According to Table 5

number:
Test coil voltage: 150 % of must-operate

Coil suppression: N/A
Duty cycle: 50 %
Switching load conditions: According to Table 6

Monitoring conditions: According to Table 6
At each cycle during the test
Final measurements:
Test 3 – contact circuit resistance According to Table 4

Test 2 – functional tests According to Table 4

– 14 – 62246-1-1 © IEC:2013
Table 1 (4 of 8)
Subgroup C1 (period: one year)

Test Test Test conditions according to Sample Acceptable Performance

no. IEC 62246-1:2011 size number of requirements

failures
8 Robustness of Subclause 7.12 (in accordance with 6 0 According to Table 4

terminals (D) IEC 60068-2-21:2006) No breaking or loosening of

terminals
Procedure: test Ua1 – tensile
Final measurements:
Test 1 – visual inspection No cracks or other
deterioration
Test 2 – functional tests According to Table 4

Test 6 – sealing According to Table 7

9 Soldering (D) Subclause 7.13 (in accordance with 5 0 The dipped surface shall be
IEC 60068-2-20:2008, test Ta, method 1) 95 % covered with new
solder coating, the
remaining 5 % may contain
Temperature: (250 ± 5) °C only small pinholes

Duration: (2 ± 0,5) s
Application point: 5 mm from the glass-

to-metal seals
Subclause 7.13 (in accordance with

IEC 60068-2-20:2008, test Ta, method 2)

Temperature: (350 ± 5) °C
Duration: (3 ± 0,5) s
Application point: 5 mm from the glass-

to-metal seals
Final measurements:
No cracks or other
Test 1 – visual test
deterioration
According to Table 4
Test 2 – functional tests
According to Table 7
Test 6 – sealing
62246-1-1 © IEC:2013 – 15 –
Table 1 (5 of 8)
Subgroup C1 (period: one year)

Test Test Test conditions according to Sample Acceptable Performance

no. IEC 62246-1:2011 size number of requirements

failures
10 Rapid change of Subclause 7.16 (in accordance with 6 0

temperature (D) IEC 60068-2-14:2009)

Low temperature:
– 50 °C for heavy-duty reed switches

– 40 °C for reed switches and high

voltage vacuum reed switch
Temperature:
100 °C for heavy-duty reed switches

125 °C for reed switches and high

voltage vacuum reed switch
Exposure time:
20 min for heavy-duty reed switches

30 min for reed switches and high

voltage vacuum reed switch
Transition time:
1 min for heavy-duty reed switches

15 min for reed switches and high

voltage reed switch
Number of cycles:
10 for heavy-duty reed switches

5 for reed switches and high voltage

vacuum reed switch
Final measurements:
According to Table 4
Test 4 – dielectric test
No cracks or other
Test 2 – functional tests
deterioration
According to Table 7
Test 3 – contact circuit resistance

According to Table 4
Test 1 – visual inspection
According to Table 7
Test 6 – sealing test
– 16 – 62246-1-1 © IEC:2013
Table 1 (6 of 8)
Subgroup C1 (period: one year)

Test Test Test conditions according to Sample Acceptable Performance

no. IEC 62246-1:2011 size number of requirements

failures
11 Vibration (D) Subclause 7.18 6 0 No opening of closed

Functional contact circuit with

Test switch type and standard test coil energization condition or
number: according to Table 5 closing of opened contact

Test coil voltage: 150 % of must-operate
circuit shall exceed 10 µs
Axis of mounting: The movable contact shall
be located in the transverse
direction
Vibration conditions:
Application: three directions
According to Table 7
Number of sweeps per direction: 3

Sweep rate: 1 octave/min ± 10 %

Total duration: approx. 3 × 10 min

Test contact voltage and current:

24 V DC max., 10 mA max.
Final measurements:
Test 1 – visual inspection
No cracks or other
deterioration
Test 2 – functional tests
According to Table 4
Test 6 – sealing
According to Table 7
12 Electrical Subclause 7.22 6 0
endurance (D)
Test switch type and standard test coil According to Table 5
number:
Test coil voltage: 150 % of must-operate
Coil suppression: N/A
Duty cycle: 50 %
Switching load conditions: According to Table 6

Monitoring conditions: According to Table 6
At each cycle during the
test
Final measurements:
Test 3 – contact circuit resistance According to Table 4

If applicable:
Test 2 – functional tests According to Table 4

Test 4 – dielectric test According to Table 4

62246-1-1 © IEC:2013 – 17 –
Table 1 (7 of 8)
Subgroup C4 (period: at least once every two years)

Test Test Test conditions according to Sample Acceptable Performance

no. IEC 62246-1:2011 size number of requirements

failures
13 Shock (D) Subclause 7.19 6 0 No opening of closed

Functional contact circuit with

Test switch type and standard test coil energization condition, or
number: According to Table 5 closing of opened contact

Test coil voltage: 150 % of must-operate
circuit shall exceed 10 µs
Axis of mounting: The movable contact shall
be located in the transverse
Shock conditions: direction
Application: three directions
Number of shocks: 18 (three positive and
According to Table 7
three negative in each of the three

orthogonal planes)
Duration: 11 ms
Test contact voltage and current:

24 V DC max., 10 m A max.
Final measurements:
No cracks or other
Test 1 – visual inspection
deterioration
According to Table 4
Test 2 – functional tests
According to Table 7
Test 6 – sealing
14 Mechanical Subclause 7.23 20 1
endurance (D) There shall be no broken
Test switch type and standard test coil parts
number:
Test coil voltage: 150 % of must-operate According to Table 5
Coil suppression: N/A
Duty cycle: 50%
Number of cycles per s: 50 to 60

Periodic measurements:
6 6 6 6
1×10 ; 3×10 ; 5×10 ; 7×10 ;
7 7 7 7 8
1×10 ; 3×10 ; 5×10 ; 7×10 ;and 10

Limits for failure to make:
±20 % change of must-
operate value for heavy-
duty reed switches
±15 % change of must-
operate value for reed
switches
Limits for failure to break:
50 % change of must-
release value for heavy-
duty reed switches
30 % change of must-
release value for reed
switches
Test 3 – contact circuit resistance
According to Table 4
Test 2 – functional tests
According to Table 4
– 18 – 62246-1-1 © IEC:2013
Table 1 (8 of 8)
Subgroup C4 (period: at least once every two years)

Test Test Test conditions according to Sample Acceptable Performance

no. IEC 62246-1:2011 size number of requirements

failures
15 Making current Subclause 7.30 6 0

capacity test (D)
Test switch type and standard test coil According to Table 5
number:
Heavy-duty reed
Test coil voltage: 150 % of must-operate
switches only
Coil suppression: N/A
Making load conditions: According to Table 6

Monitoring conditions: At each cycle during the
test
monitoring times: t = 400 ms,
τ = 50 ms
Test 3 – contact circuit resistance
According to Table 4
If applicable:
Test 2 – functional tests
According to Table 4
Test 4 – dielectric test
According to Table 4
16 Breaking current Subclause 7.31 6 0
capacity test (D)
Test switch type and standard test coil According to Table 5

number:
Test coil voltage: 150 % of must-operate
Heavy-duty reed
Coil suppression: N/A
switches only
Breaking load conditions: According to Table 6

Monitoring conditions: At each cycle during the
test
monitoring times: t = 400 ms,
τ = 50 ms
Test 3 – contact circuit resistance
According to Table 4
If applicable:
Test 2 – functional tests
According to Table 4
Test 4 – dielectric test
According to Table 4
17 Surge withstand Subclause 7.25 3 0
test (D)
According to Table 6
test voltage:         3 000 V

test voltage wave form:   1,2/50 µs

number of pulses:  6 pulses
Variant B of (three positive and three negative)

heavy-duty reed
switches only Final measurements:

No cracks or other
Test 1 – visual test
deterioration
According to Table 4
Test 2 – functional tests
According to Table 4
Test 4 – dielectric test
62246-1-1 © IEC:2013 – 19 –
Table 2 – Tests for qualification approval (1 of 17)

Test Test Test conditions according to Sample Acceptable Performance

no. IEC 62246-1:2011 size number of requirements

failures
1 Visual inspection Subclause 7.4 According to Table 4

and check of
dimensions (ND) Marking as specified in 7.1

2 Functional tests Subclause 7.5, Procedure 1
(ND)
Application points and standard test coil According to Table 5

number:
must-operate value: According to Table 4
saturate value: 150 % of must-operate
must-release value:
Contact failure-to-make and failure-to-
break by monitoring a current, typically
10 mA at 24 V DC max.
Contact circuit Subclause 7.7 Initial value according to
resistance (ND) Table 4
Application points: terminals of
closed contacts
Standard test coil number: According to Table 5
Test coil voltage: 150 % of must-operate
Test voltage max. 6 V DC or 6 V AC
Test current max.: 1 A
Dielectric test Subclause 7.8
(ND)
Application points and test voltage: According to Table 4
Maximum leakage current:
Duration of test: 1 min
0,5 mA
NOTE A shorter test with a higher
voltage can be stated in the detail
170 0
specification.
5 Operating times Subclause 7.10
(ND)
Application points and standard test coil According to Table 5

number:
Test coil voltage: 150 % of must-operate

operate time: According to Table 4
release time:
operate bounce time:
Contact failure-to-make and failure-to-
break by monitoring a current, typically
10 mA at 24 V DC max.
6 Sealing (ND) Subclause 7.21
Application points and standard test coil According to Table 5
number:
Arc time during test for heavy-duty reed According to Table 7
switches
Test coil voltage: 150% of must-operate

Test voltage: 100 V DC – 110 V DC

Test current: 0,5 A – 0,55 A
Total number of operations required: 3

Leak test for reed switches and high
voltage vacuum reed switch.
– 20 – 62246-1-1 © IEC:2013
Table 2 (2 of 17)
Test Test Test conditions according to Sample Acceptable Performance

no. IEC 62246-1:2011 size number of requirements

failures
7 Remanence tests Subclause 7.6 6 0

(ND)
Application points and standard test coil According to Table 5
number:
saturate value: 150 % of must-operate Remanence value: Max.
just-operate value 1 10%
saturate value (reverse polarity): 150% of

must-operate
just-operate value 2
8 6 0
Insulation test Subclause 7.9
(ND)
Application points and test voltage: According to Table 4
9 Contact sticking Subclause 7.11.1, Procedure 1 6 0
(ND) Application points and standard test coil According to Table 5
Thermal sticking number:
upper category temperature:
150 °C for heavy-duty reed switches
125 °C for reed switches
saturate value: 150 % of must-operate Permitted value: max.10 %

test period: min 24 h
max. permitted value:
Subclause 7.11.2
Magnetostrictive According to Table 5
Application points and standard test coil
sticking
number:
pulsing rate: 10 cycles per second
Zero failure-to-break
limits for the peak-to-peak value of the

pulse: 200 % and 100 % of must-operate

number of test cycles: 5
min. contact circuit resistance defining
According to Table 4
failure-to-break:
10 Robustness of Subclause 7.12 (in accordance with 6 0 According to Table 4
terminals (D) IEC 60068-2-21:2006) No breaking or loosening of
terminals
Procedure: test Ua1 – tensile
Final measurements:
Test 1 – visual inspection No cracks or other
deterioration
Test 2 – functional tests According to Table 4

Test 6 – sealing According to Table 7

62246-1-1 © IEC:2013 – 21 –
Table 2 (3 of 17)
Test Test Test conditions according to Sample Acceptable Performance

no. IEC 62246-1:2011 size number of requirements

failures
11 Soldering (D) Subclause 7.13 (in accordance with 6 0 When inspected with a

IEC 60068-2-20:2008, test Ta, method 1) magnifying lens the dipped

surface shall be 95 %
covered with new solder
Temperature: (250 ± 5) °C coating, the remaining 5 %

may contain only small
Duration: (2 ± 0,5) s
pinholes
Application point: 5 mm from the

glass-to-metal seals
Subclause 7.13 (in accordance with

IEC 60068-2-20:2008, test Ta, method 2)

Temperature: (350 ± 5) °C
Duration: (3 ± 0,5) s
Application point: 5 mm
from the glass-to-metal seals
Final measurements:
No cracks or other
Test 1 – visual test
deterioration
According to Table 4
Test 2 – functional tests
According to Table 7
Test 6 – sealing
– 22 – 62246-1-1 © IEC:2013
Table 2 (4 of 17)
Test Test Test conditions according to Sample Acceptable Performance

no. IEC 62246-1:2011 size number of requirements

failures
12 Climatic Subclause 7.14 6 0

sequence (D)
Dry heat, 7.14.2 of IEC 62246-1:2011

Application points and standard test coil According to Table 5

number:
Temperature:
200 °C for heavy-duty reed switches Value according to Table 7
125 °C for reed switches and high voltage
vacuum reed switch
Duration: 16 h
Recovery: 4 h
During the last 2 h of dry heat exposure:

monitoring of contact-circuit resistance

Number of cycles per s: 2
Duty factor: 1:1
Test contact voltage: max. 6 V DC or AC

Test contact current: max. 1 A

Before the end of dry heat exposure:

Test 2 – functional tests
Damp heat cyclic, 7.14.2 of IEC 62246-
1:2011, one cycle
Temperature 55 °C
Recovery: 4 h
Cold, 7.14.2 of IEC 62246-1:2011

Temperature:
Value according to Table 7
– 50 °C for heavy-duty reed switches

– 40 °C for reed switches and high voltage
vacuum reed switch
Duration: 2 h
Before the end of cold exposure:
Test 2 – functional tests
Damp heat cyclic, 7.14.2 of IEC 62246-
1:2011, one cycle
Temperature: 55 °C
Recovery: 4 h
Final measurements:
Test 4 – dielectric test According to Table 4

Test 2 – functional tests According to Table 4

Test 3 – contact-circuit resistance According to Table 4

Test 1 – visual inspection No cracks or other
deterioration
Test 6 – sealing test According to Table 7

62246-1-1 © IEC:2013 – 23 –
Table 2 (5 of 17)
Test Test Test conditions according to Sample Acceptable Performance

no. IEC 62246-1:2011 size number of requirements

failures
13 6 0
Damp heat, Subclause 7.15 (in accordance with

steady state IEC 60068-2-78:2001)
(D)
Temperature:
200 °C for heavy-duty reed switches
125 °C for reed switches and high voltage

vacuum reed switch
...