IEC 62246-1:2015

Reed switches - Part 1: Generic specification

IEC 62246-1:2015, which is a generic specification, applies to all types of reed switches including magnetically biased reed switches of assessed quality for use in general and industrial applications. Mercury wetted reed switches are not covered by this standard due to their possible environmental impact. It lists the tests and measurement procedures which may be selected for use in detail specifications for such reed switches. This standard applies to reed switches which are operated by an applied magnetic field; it is not restricted to any particular type of contact load. For elementary relays with reed switches, this standard is recommended to be used together with the standards IEC 61810-1, IEC 61811-1 as applicable. For applications of reed switches, this standard is recommended to be used together with specific product standards. This standard cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 62246-1 published in 2011. It constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- inclusion of Introduction;
- update of the scope, the terms and definitions, the rated values and the test and measurement procedure;
- improvement of dielectric test, electrical endurance tests covering maximum electrical endurance test and overload test;
- improvement of Table F.1 for electrical ratings based on classification;
- inclusion of new Table G.1 for horsepower ratings based on classification.

Contacts à lames souples - Partie 1: Spécification générique

L'IEC 62246-1:2015, qui est une spécification générique, s'applique à tous les types de contacts à lames souples, y compris les contacts à lames souples polarisés magnétiquement ayant une qualité assurée pour être utilisés dans des applications générales et industrielles. Les contacts à lames souples mouillés au mercure ne sont pas couverts par la présente Norme en raison de leur possible impact sur l'environnement. Elle énumère les procédures d'essai et de mesure qui peuvent être sélectionnées pour être utilisées dans des spécifications particulières relatives à de tels contacts à lames souples. La présente Norme s'applique aux contacts à lames souples qui sont manoeuvrés par un champ magnétique appliqué; elle n'est restreinte à aucun type particulier de charge de contacts. Pour les relais élémentaires équipés de contacts à lames souples, il est recommandé d'utiliser la présente Norme conjointement avec les normes IEC 61810-1 et IEC 61811-1 selon le cas. Pour les applications des contacts à lames souples, il est recommandé d'utiliser la présente Norme conjointement avec les normes de produits spécifiques. La présente Norme annule et remplace la deuxième édition de l'IEC 62246-1 parue en 2011. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
- ajout de l'introduction;
- mise à jour du domaine d'application, des termes et définitions, des valeurs assignées et de la procédure d'essai et de mesure;
- amélioration de l'essai diélectrique, des essais d'endurance électrique couvrant l'essai d'endurance électrique maximale et l'essai de surcharge;
- amélioration du Tableau F.1 pour les caractéristiques électriques assignées basées sur la classification;
- ajout du Tableau G.1 pour la puissance assignée en HP (horsepower) basée sur la classification.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 27-Jan-2015
• ICS: 29.120.70 - Relays
• Technical Committee: TC 94 - Electrical relays
• Drafting Committee: WG 6 - TC 94/WG 6
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 15-Feb-2015
• Completion Date: 28-Jan-2015

Relations

• Revises: IEC 62246-1:2011 - Reed switches - Part 1: Generic specification
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 62246-1 ®
Edition 3.0 2015-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Reed switches –
Part 1: Generic specification
Contacts à lames souples –
Partie 1: Spécification générique

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IEC 62246-1 ®
Edition 3.0 2015-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Reed switches –
Part 1: Generic specification
Contacts à lames souples –
Partie 1: Spécification générique

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.120.70 ISBN 978-2-8322-2234-8

– 2 – IEC 62246-1:2015 © IEC 2015
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 7
INTRODUCTION . 9
1 Scope . 10
2 Normative references . 10
3 Terms and definitions . 11
3.1 Reed switch types . 11
3.2 Operating values . 12
3.3 Operating times (see Figure 4) . 14
3.4 Contacts . 17
4 Rated values . 20
4.1 General . 20
4.2 Frequency of operation . 20
4.3 Duty factor . 20
4.4 Open-circuit voltage across contacts . 20
4.5 Current rating . 20
4.6 Load ratings . 20
4.7 Number of operations . 20
4.8 Climatic category . 21
4.9 Environmental severities . 21
4.10 Surge voltage . 22
4.11 Classification . 22
4.12 Contact reliability . 22
5 Marking . 22
6 Test and measurement procedures . 23
6.1 General . 23
6.2 Alternative procedures . 23
6.3 Standard conditions for testing . 23
6.4 Visual inspection and check of dimensions . 23
6.4.1 Visual inspection . 23
6.4.2 Outline dimensions . 24
6.4.3 Mass . 24
6.4.4 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 24
6.5 Functional tests . 24
6.5.1 Procedures . 24
6.5.2 Requirements . 25
6.5.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 25
6.6 Remanence test (see Figure 8) . 26
6.6.1 Procedure . 26
6.6.2 Requirements . 26
6.6.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 26
6.7 Contact circuit resistance . 27
6.7.1 Procedure . 27
6.7.2 Requirements . 27
6.7.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 28
6.8 Dielectric test . 28
6.8.1 Procedures . 28

6.8.2 Requirements . 29
6.8.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 29
6.9 Insulation resistance . 29
6.9.1 Procedure . 29
6.9.2 Requirements . 30
6.9.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 30
6.10 Operating times (see Figures 4, 10 and 11) . 30
6.10.1 Procedure . 30
6.10.2 Requirements . 31
6.10.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 31
6.11 Contact sticking . 32
6.11.1 Thermal sticking . 32
6.11.2 Magnetostrictive sticking . 34
6.12 Robustness of terminals. 35
6.12.1 Procedure . 35
6.12.2 Requirements . 35
6.12.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 35
6.13 Soldering (solderability and resistance to soldering heat) . 35
6.13.1 Procedure . 35
6.13.2 Requirements . 35
6.13.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 35
6.14 Climatic sequence . 35
6.14.1 General . 35
6.14.2 Procedure . 36
6.14.3 Requirements . 36
6.14.4 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 36
6.15 Damp heat, steady state . 37
6.15.1 Procedure . 37
6.15.2 Requirements . 37
6.15.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 37
6.16 Rapid change of temperature . 37
6.16.1 Procedure . 37
6.16.2 Requirements . 37
6.16.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 37
6.17 Salt mist . 37
6.17.1 Procedure . 37
6.17.2 Requirements . 38
6.17.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 38
6.18 Vibration . 38
6.18.1 Vibration 1 – Functional . 38
6.18.2 Vibration 2 – Survival . 39
6.19 Shock . 39
6.19.1 Procedure . 39
6.19.2 Requirements . 40
6.19.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 40
6.20 Acceleration test – Functional test only . 40
6.20.1 Procedure . 40
6.20.2 Requirements . 41
6.20.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 41

– 4 – IEC 62246-1:2015 © IEC 2015
6.21 Sealing . 41
6.21.1 Procedure . 41
6.21.2 Requirements . 41
6.21.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 41
6.22 Electrical endurance . 41
6.22.1 Types of electrical endurance test. 41
6.22.2 Standard electrical endurance tests . 42
6.22.3 General test arrangements . 42
6.22.4 Procedure . 43
6.22.5 Standard load conditions . 44
6.22.6 Maximum load conditions . 47
6.22.7 Overload test conditions . 47
6.22.8 Requirements . 47
6.22.9 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 48
6.23 Mechanical endurance . 49
6.23.1 General test arrangements . 49
6.23.2 Procedure . 49
6.23.3 Requirements . 50
6.23.4 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 50
6.24 Maximum cycling frequency . 50
6.24.1 Procedure . 50
6.24.2 Requirements . 51
6.24.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 51
6.25 Surge withstand test . 51
6.25.1 Procedure . 51
6.25.2 Requirements . 52
6.25.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 52
6.26 Making and breaking capacities . 52
6.26.1 General test arrangements . 52
6.26.2 Procedure . 52
6.26.3 Requirements . 52
6.26.4 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 52
6.27 Conditional short-circuit current test . 54
6.27.1 General test arrangements . 54
6.27.2 Procedure . 55
6.27.3 Requirements . 55
6.27.4 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 55
6.28 Contact reliability test . 55
6.28.1 General . 55
6.28.2 Procedure . 55
6.28.3 Requirements . 56
6.28.4 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 56
6.29 Temperature rise . 57
6.29.1 Procedure . 57
6.29.2 Requirements . 58
6.29.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 58
6.30 Making current capacity test . 58
6.30.1 General . 58
6.30.2 Procedure . 58

6.30.3 Requirements . 58
6.30.4 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 59
6.31 Breaking current capacity test . 59
6.31.1 General . 59
6.31.2 Procedure . 59
6.31.3 Requirements . 60
6.31.4 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 60
Annex A (normative) Standard test coils for reed switches . 62
Annex B (normative) Test systems . 64
Annex C (informative) Electrical endurance test circuit . 66
Annex D (informative) Inrush current loads . 68
D.1 Filament lamp loads . 68
D.2 Capacitive loads . 68
Annex E (informative) Conditional short-circuit current test circuit . 70
Annex F (informative) Electrical ratings based on classification (see Table F.1) . 71
Annex G (informative) Example of horsepower ratings . 72
Annex H (informative) Example of test arrangement for contact reliability test (see
Figure H.1) . 73
Annex I (informative) Example of test arrangement for making current capacity test . 75
Annex J (informative) Example of test arrangement for breaking current capacity test . 77
Bibliography . 79

Figure 1 – Example of reed switch structure . 12
Figure 2 – Example of heavy-duty reed switch structure . 12
Figure 3 – Functional characteristics . 13
Figure 4 – Time definitions . 15
Figure 5 – Contact diagram of make contact . 17
Figure 6 – Contact diagram of break contact . 17
Figure 7 – Contact diagram of change-over contact . 18
Figure 8 – Remanence test sequence . 27
Figure 9 – Sequence of contact circuit resistance measurement . 28
Figure 10 – Test circuit for the measurement of release and bounce time of a make
contact . 31
Figure 11 – Test circuit for the measurement of time parameters of a change-over
contact . 32
Figure A.1 – Configuration of test coils . 62
Figure B.1 – Test system 1 . 64
Figure B.2 – Test system 2 . 64
Figure C.1 – Generalized endurance test circuit . 66
Figure C.2 – Functional block diagram . 67
Figure D.1 – Circuit for filament lamp load . 68
Figure D.2 – Example for capacitive load test . 69
Figure E.1 – Conditional short-circuit current test circuit . 70
Figure H.1 – Contact reliability test circuit . 73
Figure I.1 – Making current capacity test circuit . 75

– 6 – IEC 62246-1:2015 © IEC 2015
Figure I.2 – Making current capacity test sequence . 75
Figure J.1 – Breaking current capacity test circuit . 77
Figure J.2 – Breaking current capacity test sequence . 77

Table 1 – Classification . 22
Table 2 – Resistive loads . 45
Table 3 – Loads . 46
Table 4 – Cables. 46
Table 5 – Making and breaking capacity for electrical endurance tests . 46
Table 6 – Maximum load conditions for endurance test . 47
Table 7 – Overload test conditions for endurance test . 47
Table 8 – Verification of making and breaking capacity under normal conditions . 53
Table 9 – Verification of making and breaking capacity under abnormal conditions . 54
Table A.1 – List of standard test coils . 62
Table F.1 – Examples of contact rating designation based on classification . 71
Table G.1 – Examples of horsepower ratings . 72

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
REED SWITCHES –
Part 1: Generic specification
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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5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
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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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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 62246-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 94: All-or-
nothing electrical relays.
This standard cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 62246-1 published in 2011. It
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
– inclusion of Introduction (same as in IEC 62246-1-1:2013);
– update of the scope, the terms and definitions, the rated values and the test and
measurement procedure;
– improvement of dielectric test, electrical endurance tests covering maximum electrical
endurance test and overload test;
– improvement of Table F.1 for electrical ratings based on classification;

– 8 – IEC 62246-1:2015 © IEC 2015
– inclusion of new Table G.1 for horsepower ratings based on classification.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
94/377/FDIS 94/381/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 publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts of the IEC 62246 series can be found, under the general title Reed Switches,
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.
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.
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 > 25 mm and < 50 mm in length and < 5 mm in
diameter;
– miniature reed switches with a tube > 10 mm and < 25 mm in length and > 2 mm and <
5 mm in diameter;
– micro-miniature reed switches with a tube > 4 mm and < 10 mm in length and > 1,5 mm
and < 2 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 VA);
– power (100 to 1 000 VA);
– high-power (more than 1 000 VA).
e) Types of electric contacts:
– the tube is filled with dry air, gas mixture, vacuumized, or high pressurized.
This standard selects and specifies test procedures for reed switches where enhanced
requirements for the verification of generic specification apply.
An international standard IEC 62246-1-1 (a quality assessment specification including
information of detail specification (DS)) was published in 2013.

– 10 – IEC 62246-1:2015 © IEC 2015
REED SWITCHES –
Part 1: Generic specification
1 Scope
This part of IEC 62246 which is a generic specification applies to all types of reed switches
including magnetically biased reed switches of assessed quality for use in general and
industrial applications.
NOTE 1 Mercury wetted reed switches are not covered by this standard due to their possible environmental
impact.
It lists the tests and measurement procedures which may be selected for use in detail
specifications for such reed switches.
This standard applies to reed switches which are operated by an applied magnetic field; it is
not restricted to any particular type of contact load.
For elementary relays with reed switches, this standard is recommended to be used together
with the standards IEC 61810-1, IEC 61811-1 as applicable.
For applications of reed switches, this standard is recommended to be used together with
specific product standards.
NOTE 2 Where any discrepancies occur for any reasons, documents rank in the following order of authority:
a) the detail specification,
b) the sectional specification,
c) the generic specification,
d) any other international documents (for example, of the IEC) to which reference is made.
The same order of precedence applies to equivalent national documents.
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 60068-1:2013, Environmental testing – Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60068-2-1:2007, Environmental testing – Part 2-1: Tests – Test A: Cold
IEC 60068-2-2:2007, Environmental testing – Part 2-2: Tests – Test B: Dry heat
IEC 60068-2-6:2007, Environmental testing – Part 2-6: Tests – Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)
IEC 60068-2-7:1983, Basic environmental testing procedures – Part 2-7: Tests – Test Ga and
guidance: Acceleration, steady state

IEC 60068-2-11:1981, Basic environmental testing procedures – Part 2-11: Tests – Test Ka:
Salt mist
IEC 60068-2-13:1983, Basic environmental testing procedures – Part 2-13: Tests – Test M:
Low air pressure
IEC 60068-2-14:2009, Environmental testing – Part 2-14: Tests – Test N: Change of
temperature
IEC 60068-2-17:1994, Basic environmental testing procedures – Part 2-17: Tests – Test Q:
Sealing
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 60068-2-27:2008, Environmental testing – Part 2-27: Tests – Test Ea and guidance:
Shock
IEC 60068-2-30:2005, Environmental testing - Part 2-30: Tests - Test Db: Damp heat, cyclic
(12 h + 12 h cycle)
IEC 60068-2-78, Basic environmental testing procedures – Part 2: Tests – Test Cab: Damp
heat, steady state
IEC 60096 (all parts), Radio frequency cables
IEC 60947-5-1:2003, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 5-1: Control circuit
devices and switching elements – Electromechanical control circuit devices
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
NOTE Definitions of terms not stipulated in this standard are given in the IEC 60050 series, in particular in
IEC 60050-444.
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
– 12 – IEC 62246-1:2015 © IEC 2015
Note 1 to entry: For example, an energizing quantity applied to a coil.
Note 2 to entry: See Figure 1.
IEC
Figure 1 – Example of reed switch structure
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: See Figure 2.
Note 2 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.
IEC
Figure 2 – Example of heavy-duty reed switch structure
3.1.6
magnetically biased reed switch
reed switch to which a biasing magnetic field is applied, determining the functional
characteristics and the operate and release position
3.2 Operating values
3.2.1
preferred position
position recommended for use and in which tests are normally performed, unless otherwise
specified
3.2.2
rated value
value of a quantity used for specification purpose, established for a specific set of operating
conditions
3.2.3
operate position
position in which the make contact is closed and the break contact is open

3.2.4
release position
position in which the make contact is open and the break contact is closed
3.2.5
just-operate value
value of the magnetic and electro magnetic fields at which the released reed switch just
operates
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 3.
Magnetic field
Saturate value
Characteristic
non-release value
Must-operate value
Must-not-release value
Just-operate value
(specific to each
Just-release value contact unit)
(specific to each
contact unit)
Must-not-operate value
Must-release value
t
IEC
Figure 3 – Functional characteristics
3.2.6
must-operate value
stated limit of the applied magnetic field at which the reed switch operates
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 3.
3.2.7
just-release value
value of the applied magnetic field at which the operated reed switch just releases
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 3.
3.2.8
must-release value
stated limit of the applied magnetic field at which the operated reed switch releases
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 3.
3.2.9
must-not-operate value
stated limit of the applied magnetic field at which the reed switch does not operate
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 3.
3.2.10
must-not-release value
s
...