IEC 60669-2-6:2012

Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 2-6: Particular requirements - Fireman's switches for exterior and interior signs and luminaires

IEC 60669-2-6:2012 is applicable to fireman's switches used for the breaking of the low-voltage circuits for exterior and interior signs and luminaires e.g. neon signs for a.c. only with a rated voltage not exceeding 440 V and a rated current not exceeding 125 A.
This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 60669-1:1998.

Interrupteurs pour installations électriques fixes domestiques et analogues - Partie 2-6: Prescriptions particulières - Interrupteurs pompiers pour enseignes lumineuses et luminaires extérieurs et intérieurs

La CEI 60669-2-6:2012 est applicable aux interrupteurs pompiers utilisés pour la coupure des circuits à basse tension pour les enseignes lumineuses et les luminaires intérieurs et extérieurs, par exemple des enseignes lumineuses à néons, pour courant alternatif seulement, de tension assignée ne dépassant pas 440 V et de courant assigné ne dépassant pas 125 A.
Cette publication doit être lue conjointement avec la CEI 60669-1:1998.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 17-Jan-2012
• ICS: 01 - GENERALITIES. TERMINOLOGY. STANDARDIZATION. DOCUMENTATION
• ICS: 27.040 - Gas and steam turbines. Steam engines
• ICS: 29.120.40 - Switches
• Technical Committee: SC 23B - Plugs, socket-outlets and switches
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 18-Jan-2012
• Completion Date: 30-Apr-2012

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60669-2-6 ®
Edition 1.0 2012-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations –
Part 2-6: Particular requirements – Fireman's switches for exterior and interior
signs and luminaires
Interrupteurs pour installations électriques fixes domestiques et analogues –
Partie 2-6: Prescriptions particulières – Interrupteurs pompiers pour enseignes
lumineuses et luminaires extérieurs et intérieurs

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
If you have any questions about IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication,
please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf indication contraire, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite ni
utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie et les
microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de la CEI ou du Comité national de la CEI du pays du demandeur.
Si vous avez des questions sur le copyright de la CEI ou si vous désirez obtenir des droits supplémentaires sur cette
publication, utilisez les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de la CEI de votre pays de résidence.

IEC Central Office Tel.: [phone]
3, rue de Varembé Fax: [phone]
CH-1211 Geneva 20 [e-mail]
Switzerland www.iec.ch
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.

Useful links:
IEC publications search - www.iec.ch/searchpub Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
The advanced search enables you to find IEC publications The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and
by a variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical electrical terms containing more than 30 000 terms and
committee,…). definitions in English and French, with equivalent terms in
It also gives information on projects, replaced and additional languages. Also known as the International
withdrawn publications. Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) on-line.

IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication
details all new publications released. Available on-line and or need further assistance, please contact the
also once a month by email. Customer Service Centre: [e-mail].

A propos de la CEI
La Commission Electrotechnique Internationale (CEI) est la première organisation mondiale qui élabore et publie des
Normes internationales pour tout ce qui a trait à l'électricité, à l'électronique et aux technologies apparentées.

A propos des publications CEI
Le contenu technique des publications de la CEI est constamment revu. Veuillez vous assurer que vous possédez
l’édition la plus récente, un corrigendum ou amendement peut avoir été publié.

Liens utiles:
Recherche de publications CEI - www.iec.ch/searchpub Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
La recherche avancée vous permet de trouver des Le premier dictionnaire en ligne au monde de termes
publications CEI en utilisant différents critères (numéro de électroniques et électriques. Il contient plus de 30 000
référence, texte, comité d’études,…). termes et définitions en anglais et en français, ainsi que
Elle donne aussi des informations sur les projets et les les termes équivalents dans les langues additionnelles.
publications remplacées ou retirées. Egalement appelé Vocabulaire Electrotechnique
International (VEI) en ligne.
Just Published CEI - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
Service Clients - webstore.iec.ch/csc
Restez informé sur les nouvelles publications de la CEI.
Just Published détaille les nouvelles publications parues. Si vous désirez nous donner des commentaires sur
Disponible en ligne et aussi une fois par mois par email. cette publication ou si vous avez des questions
contactez-nous: [e-mail].
IEC 60669-2-6 ®
Edition 1.0 2012-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations –

Part 2-6: Particular requirements – Fireman's switches for exterior and interior

signs and luminaires
Interrupteurs pour installations électriques fixes domestiques et analogues –

Partie 2-6: Prescriptions particulières – Interrupteurs pompiers pour enseignes

lumineuses et luminaires extérieurs et intérieurs

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX R
ICS 29.120.40 ISBN 978-2-88912-888-4

– 2 – 60669-2-6 © IEC:2012
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Definitions . 6
4 General requirements . 7
5 General notes on tests . 7
6 Ratings . 7
7 Classification . 7
8 Marking . 8
9 Checking of dimensions . 8
10 Protection against electric shock . 8
11 Provision for earthing . 8
12 Terminals . 8
13 Constructional requirements . 12
14 Mechanism . 14
15 Resistance to ageing, protection provided by enclosures of switches and
resistance to humidity . 15
16 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 15
17 Temperature rise . 16
18 Making and breaking capacity . 16
19 Normal operation . 16
20 Mechanical strength . 17
21 Resistance to heat . 17
22 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 18
23 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through sealing compound . 18
24 Resistance of insulating material to abnormal heat, to fire and to tracking . 18
25 Resistance to rusting . 18
26 EMC requirements . 18
Bibliography . 20

Figure 101 – Minimum area of visibility . 14
Figure 102 – Sketches showing the application of blows . 19

Table 2 – Relationship between rated currents and connectable cross-sectional areas
of copper conductors for screw type terminals . 9
Table 3 – Tightening torque for verification of the mechanical strength of screw-type
terminals . 10
Table 4 – Test values for flexion and pull-out for copper conductors . 11
Table 5 – Test values for pull-out test . 11
Table 6 – Composition of conductors . 11
Table 7 – Relationship between rated currents and connectable cross-sectional areas
of copper conductors for screwless terminals . 12

60669-2-6 © IEC:2012 – 3 –
Table 8 – Test current for the verification of electrical and thermal stresses in normal
use of screwless terminals . 12
Table 9 – Cross-sectional areas of rigid copper conductors for deflection test of
screwless terminals . 12
Table 10 – Deflection test forces . 12
Table 101 – Test voltage across the open contacts for verifying the suitability for
isolation, referred to the rated voltage of the fireman's switch and to the altitude where
the test is carried out . 16
Table 15 – Temperature-rise test currents and cross-sectional areas of copper
conductors . 16

– 4 – 60669-2-6 © IEC:2012
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
SWITCHES FOR HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR
FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –

Part 2-6: Particular requirements –
Fireman's switches for exterior
and interior signs and luminaires

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60669-2-6 has been prepared by subcommittee 23B: Plugs,
socket-outlets and switches, of IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
CDV Report on voting
23B/990/CDV 23B/1032/RVC
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.

60669-2-6 © IEC:2012 – 5 –
This part of IEC 60669 is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60669-1:1998,
Amendment 1:1999 and Amendment 2:2006. It lists the changes necessary to convert that
standard into a specific standard for fireman’s switches.
In this publication, the following print types are used:
– requirements proper: in roman type;
– test specifications: in italic type;
– notes: in smaller roman type.
Subclauses, figures tables or notes which are additional to those in part 1 are numbered
starting from 101.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 60669 series, published under the general title Switches for
household and similar fixed electrical installations, can be found on the IEC website.
The following differing practices exist in the countries indicated below.
– Clause 1: in all CENELEC countries, the rated voltage for the signs and luminous-
discharge-tube installations is higher than 1 kV but lower than 10 kV and these should be
in accordance with EN 50107 series.
– Clause 1: in Italy, installation rules and/or laws may require different protection switching
devices in order to comply with the function given in the scope of this standard.
– Subclause 13.108: in France, the enclosure of the fireman’s switch and of the actuating
handle could be of another colour than red if the fireman’s switch is equipped with a red
illuminated indicator according to 13.107. The colours yellow, green and blue are not
allowed (according to ISO 3864-1:2002).
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 – 60669-2-6 © IEC:2012
SWITCHES FOR HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR
FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –

Part 2-6: Particular requirements –
Fireman's switches for exterior
and interior signs and luminaires

1 Scope
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:
Replacement of the first paragraph by:
This part of IEC 60669 is applicable to fireman's switches used for the breaking of the low-
voltage circuits for exterior and interior signs and luminaires e.g. neon signs for a.c. only with
a rated voltage not exceeding 440 V and a rated current not exceeding 125 A.
NOTE 101 In the following countries, the rated voltage for the signs and luminous-discharge-tube installations is
higher than 1 kV but lower than 10 kV and these should be in accordance with EN 50107 series: all CENELEC
countries.
th
Replacement of the 6 paragraph and Note 6 by the following paragraph and new notes:
Fireman’s switches complying with this standard are suitable for use between –25 °C and
+70 °C.
NOTE 102 Fireman’s switches are designed for overvoltage category III and used in environment of pollution
degree 2 according to IEC 60664-1.
NOTE 103 In the following country installation rules and/or laws may require different protection switching devices
in order to comply with the function given in the scope of this standard: IT.
2 Normative references
This clause of Part 1 is applicable with the following additions:
IEC 60669-1:1998, Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations – Part 1:
General requirements
Amendment 1:1999
Amendment 2:2006
NOTE Any reference to IEC 60669-1 given in this text includes any changes to the base edition (1998) introduced
by Amendment 1:1999 and Amendment 2:2006.
IEC 62262, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against
external mechanical impacts (IK code)
3 Terms and definitions
This clause of Part 1 is applicable with the following addition:
Addition:
60669-2-6 © IEC:2012 – 7 –
3.101
fireman’s switch
switch for emergency disconnection of lighting installations
4 General requirements
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
5 General notes on tests
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
6 Ratings
This clause of Part 1 is applicable with the following modifications:
6.2 Deletion in the first paragraph of the values "6 A" and "10 A"
Addition of the values “80 A, 100 A and 125 A.”
7 Classification
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:
7.1.1 Addition after Note 2:
Fireman’s switches shall be only of pattern number 2, 3 or 03.
7.1.2 This subclause of Part 1 is not applicable.
7.1.4 Replacement:
7.1.4 according to the degree of protection against harmful effects due to the ingress of
water:
– IPX5: switches protected against water jets;
– IPX6: switches protected against powerful water jets.
NOTE For an explanation of IP codes, see IEC 60529.
7.1.5 Replacement:
7.1.5 according to the method of actuating the switch:
– tumbler.
NOTE No other actuating method is permitted.
7.1.6 Replacement:
7.1.6 according to the method of mounting the switch:
– surface-type;
– semi flush-type.
– 8 – 60669-2-6 © IEC:2012
NOTE No other method of mounting is permitted.
7.1.9 Replacement:
7.1.9 according to the degree of protection against access to hazardous parts and against
harmful effects due to the ingress of solid foreign objects:
– IP5X: switches protected against access to hazardous parts with a wire and dust-
protected;
– IP6X: switches protected against access to hazardous parts with a wire and dust-tight.
7.2 Replacement in Table 1, first column, last row, of the values “16, 20, 25, 32, 40, and 63”:
equal to and above 16.
8 Marking
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows.
8.1 Replacement of the first dash with:
– rated current in amperes (A);
Addition:
– symbols IEC 60417-5007 (2002-10) and IEC 60417-5008 (2002-10) respectively for open
position (OFF) and closed position (ON);
8.3 Addition:
The following information shall be distinctly and durably marked on the fireman's switch in a
position where it can be clearly seen without opening the enclosure and when the switch is
installed:
– 'I' and 'O' symbols not less than 10 mm high;
– letters reading NEON in letters not less than 15 mm high.
8.6 Deletion of Note 1.
9 Checking of dimensions
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
10 Protection against electric shock
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
11 Provision for earthing
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
12 Terminals
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:

60669-2-6 © IEC:2012 – 9 –
12.2.1 Replacement of Table 2 by the following new table:
Table 2 – Relationship between rated currents and connectable
cross-sectional areas of copper conductors for screw type terminals
a
Ranges of rated currents Rigid conductors (solid or stranded)
Nominal cross-sectional areas Diameter of largest conductor
A
mm mm
b
16 From  1,5  up to  4 inclusive 2,72
Above 16 up to and including 25 From  2,5  up to  6 inclusive 3,34
Above 25 up to and including 32 From  4   up to 10 inclusive 4,34
Above 32 up to and including 50 From  6   up to 16 inclusive 5,46
Above 50 up to and including 80 From 10   up to 25 inclusive 6,85
Above 80 up to and including 100 From 16   up to 35 inclusive 7,90
Above 100 up to and including 125
From 25   up to 50 inclusive 9,10
a
The use of flexible conductors is permitted.
b
Each supply terminal of fireman’s switches, other than those of pattern numbers 3 and 03, shall allow the
connection of two 2,5 mm conductors. For fireman’s switches having a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V a
round hole is sufficient for the connection of two 2,5 mm conductors.

– 10 – 60669-2-6 © IEC:2012
12.2.5 Replacement of Table 3 by the following new table:
Table 3 – Tightening torque for verification of the mechanical strength
of screw-type terminals
Nominal diameter of thread Torque
mm Nm
1 2 3 4 5
Up to and including 1,6 0,05 – 0,1 0,1 –
Above 1,6 up to and including 2,0 0,1 – 0,2 0,2 –
Above 2,0 up to and including 2,8 0,2 – 0,4 0,4 –
Above 2,8 up to and including 3,0 0,25 – 0,5 0,5 –
Above 3,0 up to and including 3,2 0,3 – 0,6
0,6 –
Above 3,2 up to and including 3,6 0,4 – 0,8 0,8 –
Above 3,6 up to and including 4,1 0,7 1,2 1,2 1,2 1,2
Above 4,1 up to and including 4,7 0,8 1,2 1,8 1,8 1,8
Above 4,7 up to and including 5,3 0,8 1,4 2,0 2,0 2,0
Above 5,3 up to and including 6,0 1,2
1,8 2,5 3,0 3,0
Above 6,0 up to and including 8,0 2,5 2,5 3,5 6,0 4,0
Above 8,0 up to and including 10,0 – 3,5 4,0 10,0 6,0
Above 10,0 up to and including 12,0 – 4,0 – – 8,0
Above 12,0 up to and including 15,0 – 5,0 – – 10,0
NOTE 1 Column 1 applies to screws without heads if the screw when tightened does not protrude from the hole,
and to other screws which cannot be tightened by means of a screwdriver with a blade wider than the diameter of
the screw.
Column 2 applies to nuts of mantle terminals which are tightened by means of a screwdriver.
Column 3 applies to other screws which are tightened by means of a screwdriver.
Column 4 applies to nuts of mantle terminals in which the nut is tightened by means other than a screwdriver.
Column 5 applies to screws or nuts, other than nuts of mantle terminals, which are tightened by means other than a
screwdriver.
Where a screw has a hexagonal head with a slot for tightening with a screwdriver and the values of columns 3 and
5 are different, the test is made twice, first applying to the hexagonal head the torque specified in column 5 by
means other than a screwdriver and then applying the torque specified in column 3 by means of a screwdriver. If
the values of columns 3 and 5 are the same, only the test with the screwdriver is made.
NOTE 2 For mantle terminals the specified nominal diameter is that of the slotted stud.
NOTE 3 The shape of the blade of the test screwdriver should suit the head of the screw to be tested.
NOTE 4 The screws and nuts should not be tightened in jerks.

60669-2-6 © IEC:2012 – 11 –
Replacement of Table 4 by the following new table:
Table 4 – Test values for flexion and pull-out for copper conductors
b
Conductor Diameter Height H Mass
a
cross-sectional area of bushing hole mm for conductor
mm mm kg
1,5 6,5 260 0,4
2,5 9,5 280 0,7
4,0 9,5 280 0,9
6,0 9,5 280 1,4
10,0 9,5 280 2,0
16,0 13,0 300 2,9
25,0 13,0 300 4,5
35,0 14,5 320 6,8
50,0 16,0 340 9,5
a
If the bushing hole diameter is not large enough to accommodate the conductor without binding, a bushing
having the next larger hole size may be used.
b
Tolerance for height H = ± 15 mm.

12.2.6 Replacement of Table 5 by the following new table:
Table 5 – Test values for pull-out test
Cross-
sectional
area of
From 1,5 From 2,5 From 4 From 6 From 10 From 16 From 25 From 35
conductors
up to 2,5 up to 4 up to 6 up to 10 up to 16 up to 25 up to 35 up to 50
accepted by
inclusive inclusive inclusive inclusive inclusive inclusive inclusive inclusive
the terminal
mm
Pull 50 50 60 80 90 100 190 235
N
12.2.7 Replacement of Table 6 by the following new table:
Table 6 – Composition of conductors
Number of wires and nominal diameter of wires
Cross-sectional area
mm
mm
Solid conductor Stranded conductor
1,5 1 × 1,38 7 × 0,52
2,5 1 × 1,78 7 × 0,67
4,0
1 × 2,25 7 × 0,86
6,0
1 × 2,76 7 × 1,05
10,0
1 × 3,57 7 × 1,35
16,0 – 7 × 1,70
25,0 – 7 × 2,14
35,0 –
7 × 2,53
50,0 –
19 × 1,83
– 12 – 60669-2-6 © IEC:2012
12.3.2 Replacement of Table 7 by the following new table:
Table 7 – Relationship between rated currents and connectable cross-sectional areas
of copper conductors for screwless terminals
Conductors
Rated current Nominal cross- Diameter of largest Diameter of largest
sectional areas rigid conductor flexible conductor
A mm mm mm
a
16 1,5 to 2,5 2,13 2,21
a
Each supply terminal of fireman’s switches other than those of pattern numbers 3 and 03 shall allow the
connection of two 2,5 mm conductors. In such cases a terminal with separate independent clamping
means for each conductor shall be used.

12.3.11 Replacement of Table 8 by the following new table:
Table 8 – Test current for the verification of electrical and thermal stresses
in normal use of screwless terminals
Rated current Test current Cross-sectional area
of the conductor
A A mm
16 22 2,5
12.3.12 Replacement of Tables 9 and 10 by the following new tables:
Table 9 – Cross-sectional areas of rigid copper conductors
for deflection test of screwless terminals
Rated current Cross-sectional area of the test conductor
mm
A 1st test sequence 2nd test sequence
16 1,5 2,5
Table 10 – Deflection test forces

a
Cross-sectional area of the test conductor Force for deflecting the test conductor
mm N
1,5 0,5
2,5 1,0
a
The forces are chosen so that they stress the conductors close to the limit of elasticity.

13 Constructional requirements
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows.
13.9 This subclause is not applicable.
13.15.1 Replacement of the fifth paragraph with:

60669-2-6 © IEC:2012 – 13 –
The fireman’s switches are then placed for 2 h in a heating cabinet as described in 15.1, the
temperature being maintained at (70 ± 2) °C.
Addition:
13.101 Actuating handle
Once installed, the handle OFF position shall be in the vertical position (± 15°) and the handle
ON position shall be 80° (+ 15°) from the handle OFF position.
NOTE 101 The ON position means powered and the OFF position means unpowered.
NOTE 102 The OFF position of the handle (vertically up or vertically down) may be specified in National Wiring
Regulations.
Compliance is checked by inspection and measurements.
13.102 Functional specifications
The actuating handle shall be easy to identify and the length of the actuating handle shall be
not less than 30 mm. The length is the length of protrusion from the front face of the
enclosure in the ON position.
If the actuating handle has a ring, the minimum internal diameter of that ring shall be 15 mm.
Compliance is checked by measurement.
13.103 Operating forces
The force to operate the switch shall be between 10 N and 50 N.
The effort is applied at the end of the actuating handle or using the ring, if any.
Compliance is checked by measurement after the mechanism is operated five times.
After the test the specimen shall show no damages which may impair its further use.
13.104 Enclosure access
Access to live parts shall be allowed only by means of a tool in the OFF position.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
13.105 Degree of protection against mechanical impacts
The degree of protection against mechanical impacts shall be not less than IK 07 in
accordance with IEC 62262.
Compliance is checked by the tests of Clause 20.
13.106 Interlock system
An interlock system shall be provided to avoid unintentional operation from the OFF position
to the ON position.
Compliance is checked by inspection.

– 14 – 60669-2-6 © IEC:2012
13.107 Illuminated indicator
If the enclosure includes an illuminated indicator, it shall be
– coloured red, and
– illuminated when the switch contacts are closed, and
– visible at a distance of 3 m with ambient lighting having a value between 100 lux and
500 lux.
The measure shall be carried out vertically in front of the product (see Figure 101). The
illuminated indicator shall have a life duration of 50 000 h.

Product
Illuminated
indicator
3 m
3 m
Minimum area
of visibility
IEC  42/12
Figure 101 – Minimum area of visibility
Compliance is checked by inspection and declaration from the supplier of the illuminated
indicator.
13.108 Colouring
The colour of the enclosure shall be red (RAL 3000 or 3020) and the colour of the actuating
handle shall be black.
NOTE 101 In the following country, the enclosure of the fireman’s switch and of the actuating handle could be of
another colour than red if the Fireman’s switch is equipped with a red illuminated indicator according to 13.107.
The colours yellow, green and blue are not allowed (according to ISO 3864-1:2002): FR
Compliance is checked by inspection.
14 Mechanism
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.

60669-2-6 © IEC:2012 – 15 –
15 Resistance to ageing, protection provided by enclosures of switches and
resistance to humidity
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:
15.2.2 Addition at the end of the second paragraph:
After the test no water shall have entered the fireman’s switch.
16 Insulation resistance and electric strength
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows.
Addition:
16.101 Fireman's switches shall be suitable for isolation. They shall be tested in the new,
clean and dry conditions, when in the open position, across the terminals of each pole.
Compliance is checked by the following test.
The 1,2/50 impulse voltage according to Figure 6 of IEC 60060-1:2010 is applied between the
line terminals connected together and the load terminals connected together with the contacts
in the open position.
The impulses are given by a generator producing positive and negative impulses having a
front time of 1,2 µs and a time to half value of 50 µs, the tolerances being
± 5 % for the peak value,
± 30 % for the front time,
± 20 % for the time to half value.
The shape of the impulses is adjusted with the fireman’s switch under test connected to the
impulse generator. For this purpose appropriate voltage dividers and voltage sensors shall be
used.
Small oscillations in the impulses are allowed, provided that their amplitude near the peak of
the impulse is less than 5 % of the peak value.
For oscillations on the first half of the front, amplitudes up to 10 % of the peak value are
allowed.
The test voltage shall be chosen from Table 101, in accordance with the rated voltage of the
fireman’s switch.
The impulse voltage shall be applied three times at intervals of 1 s minimum.
There shall be no discharges during the test.
NOTE 101 The surge impedance of the test apparatus should be 500 Ω; a substantial reduction of this value is
under consideration.
NOTE 102 The expression “discharge“ is used to cover the phenomena associated with the failure of insulation
under electric stress, which includes current flow and a drop in voltage.

– 16 – 60669-2-6 © IEC:2012
Table 101 – Test voltage across the open contacts for verifying the suitability
for isolation, referred to the rated voltage of the fireman's switch and
to the altitude where the test is carried out
Rated voltage Test voltage [kV] and corresponding altitudes above sea level
[m]
V Sea level 200 500 1 000 2 000
250/440 6,2 6 5,8 5,6 5
17 Temperature rise
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows.
17.1 Replacement of Table 15 by the following new table:
Table 15 – Temperature-rise test currents and cross-sectional areas
of copper conductors
Nominal cross-sectional
Rated current Test current area of conductors
A A mm
a
16 20,0   4
20 25,0  4
25 32,0  6
32 38,0 10
40 46,0 16
45 51,0 16
50 57,5 16
63 75,0 25
80 90,0 25
100 115,0 35
125 145,0 50
a
For fireman’s switches having a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V, other than those of
pattern number 3 and 03 the test shall be carried out with conductors having a
cross-sectional area of 2,5 mm .

Replacement of the penultimate paragraph before Note 5:
The temperature rise of the terminals shall not exceed 45 K for fireman’s switches having
rated current up to and including 63 A or 65 K for fireman’s switches having rated current
greater than 63 A.
18 Making and breaking capacity
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
19 Normal operation
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:

60669-2-6 © IEC:2012 – 17 –
19.1 Replacement of the sentence "The number of operations is shown in Table 17.” by:
“The number of operations is limited to 500.”
Table 17 is not applicable.
Addition:
After the normal operation tests, the fireman’s switch shall comply with 6 mA maximum
leakage current test with a voltage of 110 % of the rated voltage.
19.2 This subclause is not applicable.
Addition:
19.101 Fireman’s switches shall operate correctly at ambient temperatures between –25 °C
and +70 °C.
Compliance is checked by the following test.
The fireman’s switch is first placed in a freezer at a temperature of –25 °C for 2 h. Then the
fireman’s switch is taken out of the freezer and operated for 10 cycles without current in order
to verify that the contacts open and close for every operation.
Then the fireman’s switch is kept at ambient temperature for 4 h.
Finally the fireman’s switch is placed in a heating cabinet at a temperature of +70 °C for 2 h.
Then the fireman’s switch is taken out of the heating cabinet and operated for 10 cycles
without current in order to verify that the contacts open and close for every operation.
20 Mechanical strength
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:
20.1 Replacement:
20.1 The degree of protection against mechanical impacts shall be not less than IK 07 in
accordance with IEC 62262.
Compliance is checked according to IEC 62262 by applying blows by means of the pendulum
hammer test apparatus as described in IEC 60068-2-75:1997 (test EHA).
Blows shall be applied according to Figure 102 of this standard.
21 Resistance to heat
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:
21.3 Replacement:
21.3 Parts of insulating material not necessary to retain current-carrying parts and parts of
the earthing circuit in position, even though they are in contact with them, are subjected to a
ball pressure test in accordance with 21.2.

– 18 – 60669-2-6 © IEC:2012
22 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
23 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through sealing compound
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows.
Replacement of point 1 of Table 20:
1 Between live parts which are separated when the contacts are open . 4
Replacement of point 6 of Table 20:
6 Between live parts which are separated when the contacts are open . 4
Addition of the following footnote to Table 20:
If the value is lower than 4 mm but not lower than 3 mm the fireman’s switch complies with this standard if it
fulfils the requirements of 16.101.
24 Resistance of insulating material to abnormal heat, to fire and to tracking
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
25 Resistance to rusting
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
26 EMC requirements
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.

60669-2-6 © IEC:2012 – 19 –
Addition of the following new figure:

Sheet of plywood Sheet of plywood
90°
P
O R O
Q S
Specimen Specimen
Pivot Pivot
102a) 102b)
Sheet of plywood Sheet of plywood
Specimen Specimen
60°
60°
60°
60°
T U
V Z
102c) 102d)
IEC  43/12
Application of the blows
Sketch Total number Points of application Parts to be
of blows tested
One at the centre
a
102a) 3 One between 0 and P A
a
One between 0 and Q
a
102b) 2 One between 0 and R A
a
One between 0 and S
a
102c) 2 One on the surface T B, C and D
a
One on the surface U
a
102d) 2 One on the surface V B, C and D
a
One on the surface Z
a
The blow is applied to the most unfavourable point.

Figure 102 – Sketches showing the application of blows

– 20 – 60669-2-6 © IEC:2012
Addition:
Bibliography
IEC 60669-2-4, Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations – Part 2-4:
Particular requirements – Isolating switches
IEC 60364-5-51, Electrical installations of buildings – Part 5-51: Selection and erection of
electrical equipment – Common rules
EN 50107-1:2002, Signs and luminous-discharge-tube installations operating from a no-load
rated output voltage exceeding 1 kV but not exceeding 10 kV – Part 1: General requirements
EN 50107-2:2005, Signs and luminous-discharge-tube installations operating from a no-load
rated output voltage exceeding 1 kV but not exceeding 10 kV – Part 2: Requirements for
earth-leakage and open-circuit protective devices.

____________
– 22 – 60669-2-6 © CEI:2012
SOMMAIRE
AVANT-PROPOS . 24
1 Domaine d’application . 26
2 Références normatives . 26
3 Définitions . 26
4 Prescriptions générales . 27
5 Généralités sur les essais . 27
6 Caractéristiques assignées . 27
7 Classification . 27
8 Marques et indications . 28
9 Vérification des dimensions . 28
10 Protection contre les chocs électriques . 28
11 Dispositions pour assurer la mise à la terre . 28
12 Bornes. 28
13 Prescriptions constructives . 32
14 Mécanisme . 35
15 Résistance au vieillissement, protection procurée par les enveloppes des
interrupteurs et résistance à l'humidité . 35
16 Résistance d'isolement et rigidité diélectrique . 35
17 Echauffement . 36
18 Pouvoir de fermeture et de coupure . 37
19 Fonctionnement normal . 37
20 Résistance mécanique . 37
21 Résistance à la chaleur . 38
22 Vis, parties transportant le courant et connexions. 38
23 Lignes de fuite, distances d'isolement dans l'air et distances à travers la matière
de remplissage . 38
24 Résistance de la matière isolante à une chaleur anormale, au feu et aux courants
de cheminement .
...