IEC 61810-1:2015

Electromechanical elementary relays - Part 1: General and safety requirements

IEC 61810-1:2015 applies to electromechanical elementary relays (non-specified time all-or-nothing relays) for incorporation into low voltage equipment (circuits up to 1 000 V alternate current or 1 500 V direct current). It defines the basic functional and safety requirements and safety-related aspects for applications in all areas of electrical engineering or electronics, such as: general industrial equipment, electrical facilities, electrical machines, electrical appliances for household and similar use, information technology and business equipment, building automation equipment, automation equipment, electrical installation equipment, medical equipment, control equipment, telecommunications, vehicles, transportation (e.g. railways). Compliance with the requirements of this standard is verified by the type tests indicated. In case the application of a relay determines additional requirements exceeding those specified in this standard, the relay should be assessed in line with this application in accordance with the relevant IEC standard(s). This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2008. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- two main test procedures were introduced: procedure A, reflecting the procedure known from Edition 3 of this standard and procedure B, reflecting the assessment according to North American requirements;
- inclusion of dedicated device application tests especially relevant for applications in the North American Market (see Clause D.1);
- introduction of testing under single mounting condition;
- clarification of insulation requirements after endurance testing;
- inclusion of provisions for basic safety requirements;
- update of references.
The contents of the corrigenda 1 (June 2017) and 2 (February 2018), as well as the Interpretation Sheet 1 (January 2023) have been included in this copy.

Relais électromécaniques élémentaires - Partie 1: Exigences générales et de sécurité

L'IEC 61810-1:2015 s'applique aux relais électromécaniques élémentaires (relais de tout ou rien à temps non spécifié) destinés à être incorporés dans des matériels basse tension (circuits jusqu'à 1 000 V en courant alternatif ou 1 500 V en courant continu). Elle définit les exigences fondamentales fonctionnelles et de sécurité ainsi que les aspects liés à la sécurité, destinés à être appliqués dans tous les domaines de l'électrotechnique ou de l'électronique, tels que: l'équipement industriel général, les installations électriques, les machines électriques, les appareils électriques pour usages domestiques et analogues, les matériels de traitement de l'information et les matériels de bureau, les automatismes du bâtiment, les appareils d'automatisme, les appareils pour installations électriques, les appareils médicaux, le matériel de contrôle, les télécommunications, les véhicules, le transport (par exemple, chemins de fer). La conformité aux exigences de la présente norme est vérifiée par les essais de type indiqués. Au cas où l'application d'un relais détermine des exigences supplémentaires dépassant celles spécifiées dans la présente norme, il convient que le relais soit évalué par rapport à cette application, conformément à la ou aux normes IEC correspondantes. Cette quatrième édition annule et remplace la troisième édition parue en 2008. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
- introduction de deux procédures d essai principales: procédure A qui reflète la procédure de l'édition 3 de la présente norme et procédure B qui reflète l'évaluation réalisée conformément aux exigences nord-américaines;
- inclusion d'essais pour des appareils dédiés à des applications particulièrement appropriées aux applications sur le marché nord-américain (voir Article D.1);
- introduction des essais dans des conditions de montage simple;
- clarification des exigences d'isolation après les essais d'endurance;
- inclusion de dispositions applicables aux exigences de sécurité de base;
- mise à jour des références.
Le contenu des corrigenda 1 (juin 2017) et 2 (février 2018) a été pris en considération dans cet exemplaire. La feuille d'interprétation de Janvier 2023 ne s'applique qu'à la version anglaise.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 24-Feb-2015
• ICS: 29.120.70 - Relays
• Technical Committee: TC 94 - Electrical relays
• Drafting Committee: WG 3 - TC 94/WG 3
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 25-Feb-2015
• Completion Date: 31-Mar-2015

Relations

• Amended By: IEC 61810-1:2015/AMD1:2019 - Amendment 1 - Electromechanical elementary relays - Part 1: General and safety requirements
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Corrected By: IEC 61810-1:2015/COR1:2017 - Corrigendum 1 - Electromechanical elementary relays - Part 1: General and safety requirements
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Corrected By: IEC 61810-1:2015/COR2:2018 - Corrigendum 2 - Electromechanical elementary relays - Part 1: General and safety requirements
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revised: IEC 61810-1:2015/ISH1:2023 - Interpretation Sheet 1 - Electromechanical elementary relays - Part 1: General and safety requirements
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 61810-1:2008/COR1:2010 - Corrigendum 1 - Electromechanical elementary relays - Part 1: General requirements
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 61810-1:2008 - Electromechanical elementary relays - Part 1: General requirements
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 61810-1:2015 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines the general and safety requirements for electromechanical elementary relays, specifically non-specified time all-or-nothing relays. This standard applies to relays incorporated into low voltage equipment with circuits operating up to 1,000 V AC or 1,500 V DC. It covers fundamental functional and safety conditions relevant to a broad range of electrical engineering and electronic applications.

As a technical revision of the previous edition, IEC 61810-1:2015 introduces updated testing procedures, insulation requirements, and safety provisions to ensure robust and reliable relay performance. The document provides guidelines for type testing and conformity assessment to maintain compliance with international safety standards.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application: The standard applies to electromechanical elementary relays used in diverse sectors such as industrial equipment, electrical machines, medical devices, telecommunications, building automation, and transportation systems.

• Functional and Safety Requirements: It outlines requirements for relay operation, electrical endurance, mechanical endurance, insulation, dielectric strength, and safety-related aspects.

• Testing Procedures: Two primary testing procedures are defined:

  • Procedure A: Continuation of tests from the previous edition.
  • Procedure B: Designed to meet North American market requirements, including device application tests.

• Insulation and Dielectric Strength: Detailed requirements for clearances, creepage distances, solid insulation, and final dielectric strength tests to ensure safe electrical isolation.

• Environmental and Operational Conditions: Guidelines on operating temperature, protection categories, duty factors, and coil voltage ratings.

• Documentation and Marking: Specifications for proper documentation and marking to guarantee traceability and correct usage.

Applications

IEC 61810-1:2015 is essential for manufacturers, designers, and safety engineers working with electromechanical relays in low voltage environments. Its applications include:

• General Industrial Equipment: Ensures reliable relay operation in control systems and machinery.

• Electrical Facilities and Installation Equipment: Provides safety checks for switchgear and distribution systems.

• Medical Equipment: Guarantees safety and performance in critical healthcare devices.

• Information Technology and Business Equipment: Enhances reliability in data center and office automation devices.

• Building Automation: Assures functional safety in smart home and commercial building control systems.

• Transportation Systems: Addresses demanding requirements in railways and automotive electrical systems.

Compliance with IEC 61810-1 helps mitigate electrical hazards and ensures that relays achieve consistent performance under specified operating conditions.

Related Standards

• IEC 61810 Series: Covers different types of electromechanical relays beyond elementary types, including specifications for timing relays and accessories.

• IEC 60255 Series: Focuses on electrical relays for protection purposes with additional performance testing.

• IEC 60947 Series: Relates to low-voltage switchgear and controlgear including contactors and motor starters, often used alongside relays.

• IEC 60384: Provides standards for passive components, relevant when designing relay coils and circuits.

• North American Standards: IEC 61810-1 incorporates specific assessments to meet North American market requirements, linking it indirectly to UL and ANSI relay standards.

---

Keywords: IEC 61810-1, electromechanical elementary relays, low voltage equipment, relay safety requirements, relay testing procedures, dielectric strength, electrical endurance, relay standards, relay applications, international electrotechnical commission.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 61810-1 ®
Edition 4.1 2019-11
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Electromechanical elementary relays –
Part 1: General and safety requirements

Relais électromécaniques élémentaires –
Partie 1: Exigences générales et de sécurité

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IEC 61810-1 ®
Edition 4.1 2019-11
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Electromechanical elementary relays –

Part 1: General and safety requirements

Relais électromécaniques élémentaires –

Partie 1: Exigences générales et de sécurité

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.120.70 ISBN 978-2-8322-7666-2

IEC 61810-1 ®
Edition 4.1 2019-11
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
REDLINE VERSION
VERSION REDLINE
colour
inside
Electromechanical elementary relays –
Part 1: General and safety requirements

Relais électromécaniques élémentaires –
Partie 1: Exigences générales et de sécurité

© IEC 2023
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
IEC 61810-1
Edition 4.0  2015-02
ELECTROMECHANICAL ELEMENTARY RELAYS –

Part 1: General and safety requirements

INTERPRETATION SHEET 1
This interpretation sheet has been prepared by IEC technical committee 94: All-or-nothing
electrical relays.
The text of this interpretation sheet is based on the following documents:
DISH Report on voting
94/785/DISH 94/806/RVDISH
Full information on the voting for the approval of this interpretation sheet can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.

___________
Interpretation of Subclause 11.4: Final dielectric strength
Question: What dielectric strength values apply in case of functional insulation for contact
gaps?
Interpretation: Micro-disconnection is part of the functional insulation, whenever a reference
is given within this standard to functional insulation – only micro-disconnection requirements
are applicable for the contact gap within the contact – see ‘Figure A.2 of IEC 61810-1’ – contact
[number 2].
ICS 29.120.70
– 2 – IEC 61810-1:2015/ISH1:2023
© IEC 2023
Further consequences:
1) In 11.4 final dielectric test with 75 % of the values indicated in Table 13 and Table 14
for functional insulation (including micro-disconnection) is requested. For the contact
gap and contact [number 2] – see Figure A.2 in IEC 61810-1 – the requirements for
micro-disconnection applies.
If the contact is defined as full-disconnection – the requirements are accordingly for full
disconnection (basic insulation).
An example for functional insulation could be between adjacent contacts (at multipole
relays) necessary for proper function only or the necessary integrity of the contact gap
(micro-disconnection).
2) The explaining wording for “insulation between contacts” referenced in Table 13, Note
h) and Table 14, Note e) has to be interpreted as “adjacent contacts” – see Figure A.2
of IEC 61810-1 – contact [number 2] to contact [number 2] of a contact set [number 1].

– 2 – IEC 61810-1:2015+AMD1:2019 CSV
© IEC 2019
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 7
1 Scope . 9
2 Normative references . 9
3 Terms and definitions . 11
3.1 Terms and definitions related to general terms . 11
3.2 Terms and definitions of relay types . 12
3.3 Terms and definitions related to conditions and operations . 13
3.4 Terms and definitions of operating values . 15
3.5 Terms and definitions related to contacts . 16
3.6 Terms and definitions related to accessories. 19
3.7 Terms and definitions related to insulation . 19
4 Influence quantities . 21
5 Rated values . 22
5.1 General . 22
5.2 Rated coil voltage/rated coil voltage range . 22
5.3 Operative range . 22
5.4 Release . 23
5.5 Reset . 23
5.6 Electrical endurance . 23
5.7 Frequency of operation . 23
5.8 Contact loads . 23
5.9 Ambient temperature . 24
5.10 Categories of environmental protection . 24
5.11 Duty factor . 24
6 General provisions for testing . 24
7 Documentation and marking . 27
7.1 Data . 27
7.2 Additional data . 28
7.3 Marking . 28
7.4 Symbols . 29
8 Heating . 30
8.1 Requirements . 30
8.2 Test set-up . 30
8.3 Test procedure. 31
8.4 Terminals . 32
8.4.1 General . 32
8.4.2 Solder terminals . 32
8.4.3 Flat quick-connect terminations . 33
8.4.4 Screw and screwless type terminals . 33
8.4.5 Alternative termination types . 33
8.4.6 Sockets . 33
9 Basic operating function . 34
9.1 General test conditions . 34
9.2 Operate (monostable relays) . 34
9.2.1 Operate with (constant) coil voltage . 34

© IEC 2019
9.2.2 Operate with PWM and/or other operating methods . 35
9.3 Operate/reset (bistable relays) . 35
10 Dielectric strength . 36
10.1 Preconditioning . 36
10.2 Dielectric strength . 36
10.3 Special cases for test procedure B . 38
11 Electrical endurance . 38
11.1 General . 38
11.2 Overload and endurance test . 39
11.3 Failure and malfunction criteria . 39
11.4 Final dielectric test . 39
12 Mechanical endurance . 41
13 Clearances, creepage distances and solid insulation . 42
13.1 General provisions . 42
13.2 Clearances and creepage distances. 43
13.3 Solid insulation . 46
13.4 Accessible surfaces . 47
13.5 Solid insulation in the coil assembly as part of the insulation coordination . 47
14 Terminations . 47
14.1 General . 47
14.2 Screw terminals and screwless terminals . 47
14.3 Flat quick-connect terminations . 47
14.4 Solder terminals . 48
14.4.1 Resistance to soldering heat . 48
14.4.2 Solder pins . 48
14.4.3 Terminals for surface mounting (SMD) . 48
14.4.4 Other solder terminations (e.g. soldering lugs) . 48
14.5 Sockets . 48
14.6 Alternative termination types . 49
15 Sealing . 49
16 Heat and fire resistance . 49
Annex A (normative) Explanations regarding relays . 50
Annex B (informative) Inductive contact loads . 53
Annex C (normative) Test set-up . 57
C.1 Test circuit . 57
C.2 Description and requirements . 59
C.2.1 Power source for coil energization . 59
C.2.2 Switching (coil control) device . 59
C.2.3 Power source for contact loads . 59
C.2.4 Control device . 59
C.2.5 Measuring and indicating device . 60
C.3 Test schematic. 60
C.4 Contact load categories (CC) . 60
C.5 Special loads . 60
Annex D (informative) Special loads . 61
D.1 Dedicated device application tests and test sequences . 61
D.2 Special loads for telecom and signal relays . 67

– 4 – IEC 61810-1:2015+AMD1:2019 CSV
© IEC 2019
D.3 Special loads with inrush current . 68
Annex E (normative) Heating test arrangement . 71
Annex F (normative) Measurement of clearances and creepage distances . 72
Annex G (normative) Relation between rated impulse voltage, nominal voltage and
overvoltage category . 77
Annex H (normative) Pollution degrees . 79
Annex I (normative) Proof tracking test . 80
Annex J (informative) Schematic diagram of families of terminations . 81
Annex K (normative) Glow-wire test . 82
Annex L (normative) Ball pressure test . 83
Annex M (informative) Needle flame test . 85
Annex N (informative) Resistance for standard soldering processes . 86
N.1 General . 86
N.2 Double wave soldering process . 86
N.2.1 Profile . 86
N.2.2 Conditions . 86
N.3 SMT and through hole reflow (THR) soldering process. 87
N.3.1 Profile . 87
N.3.2 Conditions . 87
N.4 Evaluation . 87
Annex O (informative) Risk assessment . 88
O.1 General . 88
O.2 Risk assessment procedure . 88
O.3 Achieving tolerable risk . 89
O.4 An application of risk assessment procedures (proposal for the user) . 90
Alphabetical list of terms . 92
Bibliography . 93

Figure A.1 – Diagram explaining terms related to monostable relays . 50
Figure A.2 – Example explaining terms relating to contacts. 51
Figure A.3 – Explanations regarding the operative range of the coil voltage . 51
Figure A.4 – Explanation regarding the preconditioning and testing of the operate
voltage according to 5.3.1 (Class 1) and 9.2 . 52
Figure A.5 – Explanation regarding the preconditioning and testing of the operate
voltage according to 5.3.2 and 9.2 . 52
Figure C.1 – Standard test circuit . 57
Figure C.2 – Functional block diagram . 58
Figure C.3 – Contact load categories . 60
Figure D.1 – Typical test circuit diagram . 66
Figure D.2 – Waveform per synthetic measurement of pulse width and peak current . 67
Figure D.3 – Circuit for cable load . 67
Figure D.4 – Test circuit for inrush current loads (e.g. capacitive loads and simulated
tungsten filament lamp loads) – AC circuits. 68
Figure D.5 – Example for a tungsten filament lamp test for relays rated 10/100 A/250
V~/2,5 ms . 69

© IEC 2019
Figure D.6 – Test circuit for inrush current loads (e.g. capacitive loads and simulated
lamp loads) – DC circuits . 69
Figure D.7 – Test circuit for inrush current loads (e.g. simulated fluorescent lamp

loads) with power-factor correction . 70
Figure E.1 – Test arrangement . 71
Figure F.1 – Example 1 . 72
Figure F.2 – Example 2 . 72
Figure F.3 – Example 3 . 73
Figure F.4 – Example 4 . 73
Figure F.5 – Example 5a and 5b . 73
Figure F.6 – Example 6a and 6b . 74
Figure F.7 – Example 7a and 7b . 74
Figure F.8 – Example 8a and 8b . 75
Figure F.9 – Example 9 . 75
Figure F.10 – Example 10 . 76
Figure F.11 – Example 11 . 76
Figure J.1 – Schematic diagram of families of terminations . 81
Figure L.1 – Ball pressure test apparatus . 84
Figure N.1 – Double wave soldering profile . 86
Figure N.2 – SMT and through hole soldering profile . 87
Figure O.1 – Iterative process of risk assessment and risk reduction . 88
Figure O.2 – Risk reduction . 89

Table 1 – Reference values of influence quantities . 22
Table 2 – Categories of protection . 24
Table 3 – Type testing . 26
Table 4 – Routine tests . 26
Table 5 – Number of test samples . 27
Table 6 – Required relay data (1 of 2) . 27
Table 7 – Symbols . 29
Table 8 – Examples for indication of rated values . 29
Table 9 – Thermal classification . 30
Table 10 – Cross-sectional areas and lengths of conductors dependent on the current
carried by the terminal . 32
Table 11 – Operate and release with constant coil voltages . 34
Table 12 – Operate and release with PWM and/or other operating methods . 35
Table 13 – Dielectric strength – AC . 36
Table 14 – Dielectric strength – DC . 37
Table 15 – Electrical endurance test procedures . 39
Table 16 – Schematics for contact loading . 40
Table 17 – Provisions for the dimensioning of clearances and creepage distances . 43
Table 18 – Minimum clearances in air for insulation coordination . 44
Table 19 – Material groups . 45
Table 20 – Minimum creepage distances for equipment subject to long-term stresses . 45

– 6 – IEC 61810-1:2015+AMD1:2019 CSV
© IEC 2019
Table 21 – Rated insulation voltage according to supply system voltage . 46
Table 22 – Test conditions for test Tb . 48
Table B.1 – Verification of the making and breaking capacity (abnormal conditions) . 54
Table B.2 – Verification of the making and breaking capacity (normal conditions) . 55
Table B.3 – Electrical endurance test . 55
Table B.4 – Contact rating designations and equivalency to utilization categories . 56
Table C.1 – Characteristics of power sources for contact loads . 58
Table C.2 – Standard contact load characteristics . 59
Table D.1 – Overload test values . 61
Table D.2 – Endurance test values . 62
Table D.3 – Horsepower-rated equipment full-load currents (AC) . 63
Table D.4 – Horsepower-rated equipment currents (DC) . 63
Table D.5 – Overload and endurance test voltages . 63
Table D.6 – Bulk energy capacitances . 65
Table D.7 – Peak current requirements . 65
Table G.1 – Correspondence between the nominal voltage of the supply system
and the equipment rated impulse withstand voltage, in case of overvoltage protection

by surge-arresters according to IEC 60099-1 . 77
Table O.1 – Examples for the relation between failure mode, consequences and
hazard . 90
Table O.2 – Severity of harm . 91
Table O.3 – Probability of harm . 91
Table O.4 – Risk category. 91

© IEC 2019
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ELECTROMECHANICAL ELEMENTARY RELAYS –

Part 1: General and safety requirements

FOREWORD
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This consolidated version of the official IEC Standard and its amendment has been
prepared for user convenience.
IEC 61810-1 edition 4.1 contains the fourth edition (2015-02) [documents 94/380/FDIS
and 94/384/RVD], its corrigenda 1 (2017-06), 2 (2018-02), its amendment 1 (2019-11)
[documents 94/450/CDV and 94/460/RVC] and the Interpretation Sheet 1 of January
2023.
This Final version does not show where the technical content is modified by
amendment 1. A separate Redline version with all changes highlighted is available in
this publication.
– 8 – IEC 61810-1:2015+AMD1:2019 CSV
© IEC 2019
International Standard IEC 61810-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 94: All-or-
nothing electrical relays.
This fourth edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
– two main test procedures were introduced: procedure A, reflecting the procedure known
from Edition 3 of this standard and procedure B, reflecting the assessment according to
North American requirements;
– inclusion of dedicated device application tests especially relevant for applications in the
North American Market (see Clause D.1);
– introduction of testing under single mounting condition;
– clarification of insulation requirements after endurance testing;
– inclusion of provisions for basic safety requirements;
– update of references.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts of IEC 61810 series, published under the general title Electromechanical
elementary relays can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of the base publication and its amendment 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.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
© IEC 2019
ELECTROMECHANICAL ELEMENTARY RELAYS –

Part 1: General and safety requirements

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61810 applies to electromechanical elementary relays (non-specified time all-
or-nothing relays) for incorporation into low voltage equipment (circuits up to 1 000 V
alternate current or 1 500 V direct current). It defines the basic functional and safety
requirements and safety-related aspects for applications in all areas of electrical engineering
or electronics, such as:
• general industrial equipment,
• electrical facilities,
• electrical machines,
• electrical appliances for household and similar use,
• information technology and business equipment,
• building automation equipment,
• automation equipment,
• electrical installation equipment,
• medical equipment,
• control equipment,
• telecommunications,
• vehicles,
• transportation (e.g. railways).
Compliance with the requirements of this standard is verified by the type tests indicated.
In case the application of a relay determines additional requirements exceeding those
specified in this standard, the relay should be assessed in line with this application in
accordance with the relevant IEC standard(s) (e.g. IEC 60730-1, IEC 60335-1, IEC 60950-1).
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 60038:2009, IEC standard voltages
IEC 60050 (all parts), International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (available at
http://www.electropedia.org)
IEC 60068-2-2:2007, Environmental testing – Part 2-2: Tests – Test B: Dry heat
IEC 60068-2-17:1994, Basic environmental testing procedures – Part 2-17: Tests – Test Q:
Sealing
– 10 – IEC 61810-1:2015+AMD1:2019 CSV
© IEC 2019
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 60079-15:2010, Explosive atmospheres – Part 15: Equipment protection by type of
protection "n"
IEC 60085:2007, Electrical insulation – Thermal evaluation and designation
IEC 60099-1, Surge arresters – Part 1: Non-linear resistor type gapped surge arresters for
a.c. systems
IEC 60112:2003, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking
indices of solid insulating materials
IEC 60364-4-44:2007, Low voltage electrical installations – Part 4-44: Protection for safety –
Protection against voltage disturbances and electromagnetic disturbances
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available at http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment)
IEC 60664-1:2007, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60664-3:2003, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 3:
Use of coating, potting or moulding for protection against pollution
IEC 60664-4:2005, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 4:
Consideration of high-frequency voltage stress
IEC 60664-5:2007, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 5:
Comprehensive method for determining clearances and creepage distances equal to or less
than 2 mm
IEC 60695-2-10:2013, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-10: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire apparatus and common test procedure
IEC 60695-2-11:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability test method for end-products
IEC 60695-2-12:2010, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-12: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability index (GWFI) test method for materials
IEC 60695-2-13:2010, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-13: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire ignition temperature (GWIT) test method for materials
IEC 60695-10-2:2003, Fire hazard testing – Part 10-2: Abnormal heat – Ball pressure test
___________
Withdrawn.
This first edition has been replaced in 2014 by a second edition IEC 60695-2-11:2014, Fire hazard testing –
Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods – Glow-wire flammability test method for end-products
(GWEPT)
© IEC 2019
IEC 60721-3-3:1994, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3: Classification of
groups of environmental parameters and their severities – Section 3: Stationary use at
weatherprotected locations
IEC 60721-3-3:1994/AMD 1:1995
IEC 60721-3-3:1994/AMD 2:1996
IEC 60999-1:1999, Connecting devices – Electrical copper conductors – Safety requirements
for screw-type and screwless-type clamping units – Part 1: General requirements and
2 2
particular requirements for clamping units for conductors from 0,2 mm up to 35 mm
(included)
IEC 61210:2010, Connecting devices – Flat quick-connect terminations for electrical copper
conductors – Safety requirements
IEC 61760-1:2006, Surface mounting technology – Part 1: Standard method for the
specification of surface mounting components (SMDs)
IEC 61984:2008, Connectors – Safety requirements and tests
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of
...

IEC 61810-1 ®
Edition 4.0 2015-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Electromechanical elementary relays –
Part 1: General and safety requirements

Relais électromécaniques élémentaires –
Partie 1: Exigences générales et de sécurité

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IEC 61810-1 ®
Edition 4.0 2015-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Electromechanical elementary relays –

Part 1: General and safety requirements

Relais électromécaniques élémentaires –

Partie 1: Exigences générales et de sécurité

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.120.70 ISBN 978-2-8322-2322-2

– 2 – IEC 61810-1:2015 © IEC 2015
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 7
1 Scope . 9
2 Normative references . 9
3 Terms and definitions . 11
3.1 Terms and definitions related to general terms . 11
3.2 Terms and definitions of relay types . 12
3.3 Terms and definitions related to conditions and operations . 13
3.4 Terms and definitions of operating values . 15
3.5 Terms and definitions related to contacts . 16
3.6 Terms and definitions related to accessories. 19
3.7 Terms and definitions related to insulation . 19
4 Influence quantities . 21
5 Rated values . 22
5.1 General . 22
5.2 Rated coil voltage/rated coil voltage range . 22
5.3 Operative range . 22
5.4 Release . 23
5.5 Reset . 23
5.6 Electrical endurance . 23
5.7 Frequency of operation . 23
5.8 Contact loads . 23
5.9 Ambient temperature . 24
5.10 Categories of environmental protection . 24
5.11 Duty factor . 24
6 General provisions for testing . 24
7 Documentation and marking . 27
7.1 Data . 27
7.2 Additional data . 28
7.3 Marking . 28
7.4 Symbols . 29
8 Heating . 29
8.1 Requirements . 29
8.2 Test set-up . 30
8.3 Test procedure. 31
8.4 Terminals . 31
8.4.1 General . 31
8.4.2 Solder terminals . 32
8.4.3 Flat quick-connect terminations . 32
8.4.4 Screw and screwless type terminals . 33
8.4.5 Alternative termination types . 33
8.4.6 Sockets . 33
9 Basic operating function . 33
9.1 General test conditions . 33
9.2 Operate (monostable relays) . 33
9.2.1 Operate with (constant) coil voltage . 34

9.2.2 Operate with PWM and/or other operating methods . 35
9.3 Operate/reset (bistable relays) . 35
10 Dielectric strength . 35
10.1 Preconditioning . 35
10.2 Dielectric strength . 36
10.3 Special cases for test procedure B . 37
11 Electrical endurance . 38
11.1 General . 38
11.2 Overload and endurance test . 39
11.3 Failure and malfunction criteria . 39
11.4 Final dielectric test . 39
12 Mechanical endurance . 41
13 Clearances, creepage distances and solid insulation . 42
13.1 General provisions . 42
13.2 Clearances and creepage distances. 43
13.3 Solid insulation . 47
13.4 Accessible surfaces . 47
13.5 Solid insulation in the coil assembly as part of the insulation coordination . 48
14 Terminations . 48
14.1 General . 48
14.2 Screw terminals and screwless terminals . 48
14.3 Flat quick-connect terminations . 48
14.4 Solder terminals . 48
14.4.1 Resistance to soldering heat . 48
14.4.2 Solder pins . 49
14.4.3 Terminals for surface mounting (SMD) . 49
14.4.4 Other solder terminations (e.g. soldering lugs) . 49
14.5 Sockets . 49
14.6 Alternative termination types . 49
15 Sealing . 50
16 Heat and fire resistance . 50
Annex A (normative) Explanations regarding relays . 51
Annex B (informative) Inductive contact loads . 54
Annex C (normative) Test set-up . 58
C.1 Test circuit . 58
C.2 Description and requirements . 60
C.2.1 Power source for coil energization . 60
C.2.2 Switching (coil control) device . 60
C.2.3 Power source for contact loads . 60
C.2.4 Control device . 60
C.2.5 Measuring and indicating device . 61
C.3 Test schematic. 61
C.4 Contact load categories (CC) . 61
C.5 Special loads . 61
Annex D (informative) Special loads . 62
D.1 Dedicated device application tests and test sequences . 62
D.2 Special loads for telecom and signal relays . 68

– 4 – IEC 61810-1:2015 © IEC 2015
D.3 Special loads with inrush current . 69
Annex E (normative) Heating test arrangement . 72
Annex F (normative) Measurement of clearances and creepage distances . 73
Annex G (normative) Relation between rated impulse voltage, nominal voltage and
overvoltage category . 78
Annex H (normative) Pollution degrees . 80
Annex I (normative) Proof tracking test . 81
Annex J (informative) Schematic diagram of families of terminations . 82
Annex K (normative) Glow-wire test . 83
Annex L (normative) Ball pressure test . 84
Annex M (informative) Needle flame test . 86
Annex N (informative) Resistance for standard soldering processes . 87
N.1 General . 87
N.2 Double wave soldering process . 87
N.2.1 Profile . 87
N.2.2 Conditions . 87
N.3 SMT and through hole reflow (THR) soldering process. 88
N.3.1 Profile . 88
N.3.2 Conditions . 88
N.4 Evaluation . 88
Annex O (informative) Risk assessment . 89
O.1 General . 89
O.2 Risk assessment procedure . 89
O.3 Achieving tolerable risk . 90
O.4 An application of risk assessment procedures (proposal for the user) . 91
Alphabetical list of terms . 93
Bibliography . 94

Figure A.1 – Diagram explaining terms related to monostable relays . 51
Figure A.2 – Example explaining terms relating to contacts. 52
Figure A.3 – Explanations regarding the operative range of the coil voltage . 52
Figure A.4 – Explanation regarding the preconditioning and testing of the operate
voltage according to 5.3.1 (Class 1) and 9.2 . 53
Figure A.5 – Explanation regarding the preconditioning and testing of the operate
voltage according to 5.3.2 and 9.2 . 53
Figure C.1 – Standard test circuit . 58
Figure C.2 – Functional block diagram . 59
Figure C.3 – Contact load categories . 61
Figure D.1 – Typical test circuit diagram . 67
Figure D.2 – Waveform per synthetic measurement of pulse width and peak current . 68
Figure D.3 – Circuit for cable load . 68
Figure D.4 – Test circuit for inrush current loads (e.g. capacitive loads and simulated
tungsten filament lamp loads) – AC circuits. 69
Figure D.5 – Example for a tungsten filament lamp test for relays rated 10/100 A/250
V~/2,5 ms . 70

Figure D.6 – Test circuit for inrush current loads (e.g. capacitive loads and simulated
lamp loads) – DC circuits . 70
Figure D.7 – Test circuit for inrush current loads (e.g. simulated fluorescent lamp
loads) with power-factor correction . 71
Figure E.1 – Test arrangement . 72
Figure F.1 – Example 1 . 73
Figure F.2 – Example 2 . 73
Figure F.3 – Example 3 . 74
Figure F.4 – Example 4 . 74
Figure F.5 – Example 5a and 5b . 74
Figure F.6 – Example 6a and 6b . 75
Figure F.7 – Example 7a and 7b . 75
Figure F.8 – Example 8a and 8b . 76
Figure F.9 – Example 9 . 76
Figure F.10 – Example 10 . 77
Figure F.11 – Example 11 . 77
Figure J.1 – Schematic diagram of families of terminations . 82
Figure L.1 – Ball pressure test apparatus . 85
Figure N.1 – Double wave soldering profile . 87
Figure N.2 – SMT and through hole soldering profile . 88
Figure O.1 – Iterative process of risk assessment and risk reduction . 89
Figure O.2 – Risk reduction . 90

Table 1 – Reference values of influence quantities . 22
Table 2 – Categories of protection . 24
Table 3 – Type testing . 26
Table 4 – Routine tests . 26
Table 5 – Number of test samples . 26
Table 6 – Required relay data (1 of 2) . 27
Table 7 – Symbols . 29
Table 8 – Examples for indication of rated values . 29
Table 9 – Thermal classification . 30
Table 10 – Cross-sectional areas and lengths of conductors dependent on the current
carried by the terminal . 32
Table 11 – Operate and release with constant coil voltages . 34
Table 12 – Operate and release with PWM and/or other operating methods . 35
Table 13 – Dielectric strength – AC . 36
Table 14 – Dielectric strength – DC . 37
Table 15 – Electrical endurance test procedures . 39
Table 16 – Schematics for contact loading . 40
Table 17 – Provisions for the dimensioning of clearances and creepage distances . 43
Table 18 – Minimum clearances in air for insulation coordination . 45
Table 19 – Material groups . 45
Table 20 – Minimum creepage distances for equipment subject to long-term stresses . 46

– 6 – IEC 61810-1:2015 © IEC 2015
Table 21 – Rated insulation voltage according to supply system voltage . 47
Table 22 – Test conditions for test Tb . 49
Table B.1 – Verification of the making and breaking capacity (abnormal conditions) . 55
Table B.2 – Verification of the making and breaking capacity (normal conditions) . 56
Table B.3 – Electrical endurance test . 56
Table B.4 – Contact rating designations and equivalency to utilization categories . 57
Table C.1 – Characteristics of power sources for contact loads . 59
Table C.2 – Standard contact load characteristics . 60
Table D.1 – Overload test values . 62
Table D.2 – Endurance test values . 63
Table D.3 – Horsepower-rated equipment full-load currents (AC) . 64
Table D.4 – Horsepower-rated equipment currents (DC) . 64
Table D.5 – Overload and endurance test voltages . 64
Table D.6 – Bulk energy capacitances . 66
Table D.7 – Peak current requirements . 66
Table G.1 – Correspondence between the nominal voltage of the supply system and
the equipment rated impulse withstand voltage, in case of overvoltage protection by
surge-arresters according to IEC 60099-1 . 78
Table O.1 – Examples for the relation between failure mode, consequences and
hazard . 91
Table O.2 – Severity of harm . 92
Table O.3 – Probability of harm . 92
Table O.4 – Risk category. 92

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ELECTROMECHANICAL ELEMENTARY RELAYS –

Part 1: General and safety requirements

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
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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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.
International Standard IEC 61810-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 94: All-or-
nothing electrical relays.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2008. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
– two main test procedures were introduced: procedure A, reflecting the procedure known
from Edition 3 of this standard and procedure B, reflecting the assessment according to
North American requirements;
– inclusion of dedicated device application tests especially relevant for applications in the
North American Market (see Clause D.1);
– introduction of testing under single mounting condition;
– clarification of insulation requirements after endurance testing;

– 8 – IEC 61810-1:2015 © IEC 2015
– inclusion of provisions for basic safety requirements;
– update of references.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
94/380/FDIS 94/384RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts of IEC 61810 series, published under the general title Electromechanical
elementary relays 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.
The contents of the corrigenda of June 2017 and February 2018 have been included in this
copy.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
ELECTROMECHANICAL ELEMENTARY RELAYS –

Part 1: General and safety requirements

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61810 applies to electromechanical elementary relays (non-specified time all-
or-nothing relays) for incorporation into low voltage equipment (circuits up to 1 000 V
alternate current or 1 500 V direct current). It defines the basic functional and safety
requirements and safety-related aspects for applications in all areas of electrical engineering
or electronics, such as:
• general industrial equipment,
• electrical facilities,
• electrical machines,
• electrical appliances for household and similar use,
• information technology and business equipment,
• building automation equipment,
• automation equipment,
• electrical installation equipment,
• medical equipment,
• control equipment,
• telecommunications,
• vehicles,
• transportation (e.g. railways).
Compliance with the requirements of this standard is verified by the type tests indicated.
In case the application of a relay determines additional requirements exceeding those
specified in this standard, the relay should be assessed in line with this application in
accordance with the relevant IEC standard(s) (e.g. IEC 60730-1, IEC 60335-1, IEC 60950-1).
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 60038:2009, IEC standard voltages
IEC 60050 (all parts), International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (available at
http://www.electropedia.org)
IEC 60068-2-2:2007, Environmental testing – Part 2-2: Tests – Test B: Dry heat
IEC 60068-2-17:1994, Basic environmental testing procedures – Part 2-17: Tests – Test Q:
Sealing
– 10 – IEC 61810-1:2015 © IEC 2015
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 60079-15:2010, Explosive atmospheres – Part 15: Equipment protection by type of
protection "n"
IEC 60085:2007, Electrical insulation – Thermal evaluation and designation
IEC 60099-1, Surge arresters – Part 1: Non-linear resistor type gapped surge arresters for
a.c. systems
IEC 60112:2003, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking
indices of solid insulating materials
IEC 60364-4-44:2007, Low voltage electrical installations – Part 4-44: Protection for safety –
Protection against voltage disturbances and electromagnetic disturbances
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available at http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment)
IEC 60664-1:2007, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60664-3:2003, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 3:
Use of coating, potting or moulding for protection against pollution
IEC 60664-4:2005, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 4:
Consideration of high-frequency voltage stress
IEC 60664-5:2007, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 5:
Comprehensive method for determining clearances and creepage distances equal to or less
than 2 mm
IEC 60695-2-10:2013, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-10: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire apparatus and common test procedure
IEC 60695-2-11:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability test method for end-products
IEC 60695-2-12:2010, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-12: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability index (GWFI) test method for materials
IEC 60695-2-13:2010, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-13: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire ignition temperature (GWIT) test method for materials
IEC 60695-10-2:2003, Fire hazard testing – Part 10-2: Abnormal heat – Ball pressure test
___________
Withdrawn.
This first edition has been replaced in 2014 by a second edition IEC 60695-2-11:2014, Fire hazard testing –
Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods – Glow-wire flammability test method for end-products
(GWEPT)
IEC 60721-3-3:1994, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3: Classification of
groups of environmental parameters and their severities – Section 3: Stationary use at
weatherprotected locations
IEC 60721-3-3:1994/AMD 1:1995
IEC 60721-3-3:1994/AMD 2:1996
IEC 60999-1:1999, Connecting devices – Electrical copper conductors – Safety requirements
for screw-type and screwless-type clamping units – Part 1: General requirements and
2 2
particular requirements for clamping units for conductors from 0,2 mm up to 35 mm
(included)
IEC 61210:2010, Connecting devices – Flat quick-connect terminations for electrical copper
conductors – Safety requirements
IEC 61760-1:2006, Surface mounting technology – Part 1: Standard method for the
specification of surface mounting components (SMDs)
IEC 61984:2008, Connectors – Safety requirements and tests
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-444 and the
following apply.
An alphabetical list of terms can be found at the end of this standard.
NOTE In the text of this standard, the term relay is used instead of elementary relay to improve the readability.
3.1 Terms and definitions related to general terms
3.1.1
marking
identification of a relay which, when completely given to the manufacturer of this relay, allows
the unambiguous indication of its electrical, mechanical, dimensional and functional
parameters
EXAMPLE Through the indication of the trade mark and the type designation on the relay, all relay-specific data
can be derived from the type code.
3.1.2
intended use
use of a relay for the purpose for which it was made, and in the manner intended by the
manufacturer
3.1.3
relay technology categories
categories of relays, based upon environmental protection
Note 1 to entry: Six categories are in use (RT 0 to RT V).
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-444:2002, 444-01-11]

– 12 – IEC 61810-1:2015 © IEC 2015
3.1.4
pulse width modulation
PWM
pulse time modulation in which the pulse duration varies in accordance with a given function
of the value of the modulating signal
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-702:1992, 702-06-57]
3.1.5
existing design
design which was already approved by the preceding Edition of this standard
3.1.6
hazard
potential source of harm
Note 1 to entry: Relevant hazards taken into account in this standard are heating, electrical shock, ignition and
foreseeable misuse before the end of life.
3.1.7
type test
test of one or more devices made to a certain design to show that the design meets certain
specifications
3.1.8
routine test
test to which each individual device is subjected during and/or after manufacture to ascertain
whether it complies with certain criteria
3.1.9
sampling test
test on a number of devices taken at random from a batch
3.2 Terms and definitions of relay types
3.2.1
electrical relay
device designed to produce sudden and predetermined changes in one or more output circuits
when certain conditions are fulfilled in the electric input circuits controlling the device
Note 1 to entry: For the purpose of this standard, output circuits are contact circuits.
Note 2 to entry: For the purpose of this standard, the term “coil” is used to de
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