Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment - Tests for IEC 60917 and IEC 60297 series - Part 1: Environmental requirements, test setups and safety aspects

IEC 61587-1:2022 specifies environmental requirements, test set-ups, as well as safety aspects for empty enclosures, i.e. cabinets, racks, subracks, chassis, chassis integrated subracks and associated plug-in units under indoor condition use and transportation. It defines classifications (product performance levels) for these products, regarding and simulating the usually arising loads during their use. For mechanical static and dynamic load tests typical examples with dummy loads are used.
The purpose of this document is to establish defined levels of physical performance in order to meet certain requirements of manufacture, storage, transport and final location conditions.
This document applies in general only to the above cited mechanical structures.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2016. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) Modification of title.
b) Revision of Clauses 6, 7 and 8 including new defined test setups.
c) Compatibility with IEC 61587-2, IEC 61587-3 and IEC 61587-5.

Structures mécaniques pour les équipements électriques et électroniques - Essais pour les séries IEC 60917 et IEC 60297 - Partie 1: Exigences environnementales, montages d'essai et aspects liés à la sécurité

IEC 61587-1:2022 spécifie les exigences environnementales, les montages d’essai, ainsi que les aspects liés à la sécurité des enveloppes vides, c’est-à-dire des baies, bâtis, bacs à cartes, châssis, bacs à cartes intégrés au châssis et unités enfichables associées dans des conditions d’utilisation intérieure ou de transport. Elle définit les classifications (niveaux de performance des produits) pour ces produits, en considérant et simulant les charges habituellement générées pendant leur utilisation. Pour les essais de charge mécanique statique et dynamique, des exemples typiques avec des charges de simulation sont utilisés.
L’objet du présent document est d’établir des niveaux définis de performances physiques afin de satisfaire à certaines exigences de fabrication, de stockage, de transport et de conditions d’emplacement final.
Le présent document s’applique en général uniquement aux structures mécaniques citées
ci-dessus.
Cette cinquième édition annule et remplace la quatrième édition parue en 2016. Cette édition constitue une révision technique.
Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l’édition précédente:
a) modification du titre;
b) révision des Articles 6, 7 et 8, qui incluent de nouveaux montages d’essai définis;
c) compatibilité avec l’IEC 61587-2, l’IEC 61587-3 et l’IEC 61587-5.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
06-Jan-2022
Current Stage
PPUB - Publication issued
Start Date
07-Jan-2022
Completion Date
21-Jan-2022
Ref Project

Relations

Standard
IEC 61587-1:2022 - Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment - Tests for IEC 60917 and IEC 60297 series - Part 1: Environmental requirements, test setups and safety aspects
English and French language
91 pages
sale 15% off
Preview
sale 15% off
Preview

Standards Content (Sample)


IEC 61587-1 ®
Edition 5.0 2022-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment – Tests for
IEC 60917 and IEC 60297 series –
Part 1: Environmental requirements, test setups and safety aspects

Structures mécaniques pour les équipements électriques et électroniques –
Essais pour les séries IEC 60917 et IEC 60297 –
Partie 1: Exigences environnementales, montages d’essai et aspects liés à la
sécurité
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 l'IEC ou du Comité national de l'IEC du pays du demandeur. Si vous avez des
questions sur le copyright de l'IEC ou si vous désirez obtenir des droits supplémentaires sur cette publication, utilisez
les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de l'IEC de votre pays de résidence.

IEC Secretariat Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
3, rue de Varembé info@iec.ch
CH-1211 Geneva 20 www.iec.ch
Switzerland
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 corrigendum or an amendment might have been published.

IEC publications search - webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform IEC Products & Services Portal - products.iec.ch
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a Discover our powerful search engine and read freely all the
variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical publications previews. With a subscription you will always have
committee, …). It also gives information on projects, replaced access to up to date content tailored to your needs.
and withdrawn publications.
Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
The world's leading online dictionary on electrotechnology,
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published
containing more than 22 300 terminological entries in English
details all new publications released. Available online and once
and French, with equivalent terms in 19 additional languages.
a month by email.
Also known as the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary

(IEV) online.
IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or need
further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
Centre: sales@iec.ch.
A propos de l'IEC
La Commission Electrotechnique Internationale (IEC) 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 IEC
Le contenu technique des publications IEC est constamment revu. Veuillez vous assurer que vous possédez l’édition la
plus récente, un corrigendum ou amendement peut avoir été publié.

Recherche de publications IEC - IEC Products & Services Portal - products.iec.ch
webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform Découvrez notre puissant moteur de recherche et consultez
La recherche avancée permet de trouver des publications IEC gratuitement tous les aperçus des publications. Avec un
en utilisant différents critères (numéro de référence, texte, abonnement, vous aurez toujours accès à un contenu à jour
comité d’études, …). Elle donne aussi des informations sur les adapté à vos besoins.
projets et les publications remplacées ou retirées.

Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
Le premier dictionnaire d'électrotechnologie en ligne au monde,
Restez informé sur les nouvelles publications IEC. Just
avec plus de 22 300 articles terminologiques en anglais et en
Published détaille les nouvelles publications parues.
français, ainsi que les termes équivalents dans 19 langues
Disponible en ligne et une fois par mois par email.
additionnelles. Egalement appelé Vocabulaire

Electrotechnique International (IEV) en ligne.
Service Clients - webstore.iec.ch/csc
Si vous désirez nous donner des commentaires sur cette
publication ou si vous avez des questions contactez-nous:
sales@iec.ch.
IEC 61587-1 ®
Edition 5.0 2022-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment – Tests for

IEC 60917 and IEC 60297 series –

Part 1: Environmental requirements, test setups and safety aspects

Structures mécaniques pour les équipements électriques et électroniques –

Essais pour les séries IEC 60917 et IEC 60297 –

Partie 1: Exigences environnementales, montages d’essai et aspects liés à la

sécurité
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 31.240 ISBN 978-2-8322-1064-0

– 2 – IEC 61587-1:2022 © IEC 2022
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 10
4 Classification of environmental conditions . 10
5 General . 11
6 Climatic tests . 12
6.1 General . 12
6.2 Cold, dry heat and damp heat (cyclic) . 12
6.3 Industrial atmosphere . 13
7 Mechanical load tests for subracks and associated plug-in units, chassis
integrated subracks and chassis . 14
7.1 General . 14
7.2 Test setup . 14
7.3 Test sample arrangement . 15
7.4 Mechanical static load test . 17
7.4.1 Mechanical static load categories . 17
7.4.2 Total mass test categories . 18
7.4.3 Test conditions . 19
7.4.4 Test procedures. 19
7.4.5 Assessment following the mechanical static load test . 19
7.5 Mechanical dynamic load tests. 19
7.5.1 Test conditions . 19
7.5.2 Test procedures. 20
7.5.3 Assessment following the vibration and shock tests . 21
8 Mechanical load tests for cabinets and racks . 21
8.1 General . 21
8.2 Test setups for static load tests . 21
8.3 Mechanical static load tests . 25
8.3.1 General . 25
8.3.2 Nominal load test (NL) . 25
8.3.3 Vertical structure test (VT) . 26
8.3.4 Stiffness test (ST) . 27
8.3.5 Combined classification levels of static loads for cabinets or racks . 29
8.4 Mechanical dynamic load tests (vibration and shock tests) . 29
8.4.1 General . 29
8.4.2 Test conditions . 30
8.4.3 Test procedures. 31
8.4.4 Assessment following the test . 31
9 Applications of other performance levels or classifications and safety aspects . 31
9.1 General . 31
9.2 Degree of protection (IP code) . 32
9.3 Impact test (IK code) . 32
9.4 Protective earth bonding . 32
9.5 Flammability . 32
9.6 Stability of cabinet or rack installations . 32

Annex A (normative) Mechanical load tests for plug-in units . 34
A.1 General . 34
A.2 Test setup and test sample arrangement . 34
A.3 Plug-in units mass load categories . 36
A.4 Mechanical dynamic load tests. 37
A.4.1 Test conditions . 37
A.4.2 Test procedures and assessment following the tests . 37
Annex B (normative) Stability tests for cabinets or racks equipped with castors . 38
B.1 General . 38
B.2 Stability tests . 38
B.2.1 General . 38
B.2.2 Test conditions and requirements . 38
B.2.3 Test procedure and test severity . 39
B.3 Assessment following tests . 44
B.3.1 Assessment following the rolling test and the threshold test. 44
B.3.2 Assessment following the blocking test and the touch-down test . 44
B.4 Classification (stability performance levels) . 45

Figure 1 – Test setup within the test fixture . 15
Figure 2 – Test sample arrangement, subrack with loaded plug-in units . 16
Figure 3 – Test sample arrangement, chassis with an integrated subrack with loaded

plug-in units . 16
Figure 4 – Test sample arrangement, chassis with a dummy load . 17
Figure 5 – Type A test setup, with M3 and M4 dummy loads . 22
Figure 6 – Type B test setup, with M5 dummy loads . 23
Figure 7 – Type C test setup, with M6 dummy loads on mounting plate . 24
Figure 8 – Vertical structure test for cabinets or racks . 26
Figure 9 – Stiffness test for cabinets or racks . 28
Figure A.1 – Test setup and test fixture, for plug-in units in accordance with IEC 60297
series and IEC 60917 series . 36
Figure B.1 – Rolling test setup . 39
Figure B.2 – Threshold test setup . 41
Figure B.3 – Blocking test setup . 42
Figure B.4 – Touch-down test setup . 44

Table 1 – Examples showing references to tests . 11
Table 2 – Classifications for cold, dry heat and damp heat . 12
Table 3 – Classifications for industrial atmosphere . 13
Table 4 – Mechanical static load classification . 18
Table 5 – Total mass test categories, for subracks and chassis integrated subracks . 19
Table 6 – Vibration and shock load classifications for subracks, chassis integrated
subracks and chassis . 20
Table 7 – Nominal load test values for Type A test setup, with M3 and M4 dummy

loads . 22
Table 8 – Nominal load test values for Type B test setup, with M5 dummy loads. 23
Table 9 – Nominal load test values for Type C test setup, with M6 dummy loads . 24
Table 10 – Typical reporting of a cabinet nominal load test (NL) . 26

– 4 – IEC 61587-1:2022 © IEC 2022
Table 11 – Classification levels for cabinets/racks – vertical structure test (VT) . 27
Table 12 – Typical reporting of a cabinet vertical structure test (VT) . 27
Table 13 – Classification levels for cabinets/racks – stiffness tests (ST) . 28
Table 14 – Typical reporting of a cabinet stiffness test (ST) . 29
Table 15 – Combined classification levels of loads for cabinets or racks . 29
Table 16 – Typical reporting of a cabinet combined static load test . 29
Table 17 – Vibration and shock classifications for cabinets and racks . 30
Table A.1 – Plug-in units mass load categories . 37
Table B.1 – Minimum required load capacity of the castor kit (4 castors and fitting
devices) according to the nominal load (NL) classification of cabinets or racks . 39
Table B.2 – Rolling test . 39
Table B.3 – Threshold test . 40
Table B.4 – Blocking test . 42
Table B.5 – Touch-down test . 43
Table B.6 – Classification . 45

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES FOR
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT –
TESTS FOR IEC 60917 AND IEC 60297 SERIES –

Part 1: Environmental requirements,
test setups and safety aspects

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.
IEC 61587-1 has been prepared by sub-committee 48D: Mechanical structures for electrical
and electronic equipment, of IEC technical committee 48: Electrical connectors and mechanical
structures for electrical and electronic equipment.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2016. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Modification of title.
b) Revision of Clauses 6, 7 and 8 including new defined test setups.
c) Compatibility with IEC 61587-2, IEC 61587-3 and IEC 61587-5.

– 6 – IEC 61587-1:2022 © IEC 2022
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
48D/743/FDIS 48D/748/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed
in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement,
available at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC
are described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/standardsdev/publications.
A list of all parts of the IEC 61587 series, under the general title Mechanical structures for
electrical and electronic equipment – Tests for IEC 60917 and IEC 60297 series, can be found
on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document 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
This document provides a common methodology to perform and report conformance tests of
IEC 60917 or IEC 60297 compliant cabinets, racks, subracks, chassis, chassis integrated
subracks and associated plug-in units under indoor condition use and transportation conditions.
Manufacturers can show the performance and characteristics of products in their catalogues by
using the classifications in accordance with this document.
Users get comparative figures to compare products of different producers and can choose
products for their targeted system from their catalogues. With the information of different
classification levels, they get important indices for the possible maximum loads of the enclosure,
which are important for their individual and safe applicability.
Designers of new products can define the performance requirements of these new products for
their targeted systems by referencing this document. This allows a cost optimized design in
accordance with the intended application.
This edition 5 constitutes a revision of the previous edition, with the following changes:
a) Subracks, chassis with integrated subracks and associated plug-in units
– The static mechanical tests of subracks as described in edition 4 were based on the
inspection of load bearing structural parts (single point load). On the other hand, the
dynamic mechanical load test in edition 4 described not only subracks but also various
types of chassis with integrated subracks, based on the load categories. In addition, the
dynamic mechanical test for plug-in units with mass load was defined. There was no
mention of mechanical tests for chassis.
– This edition 5 provides test methods for static load tests for subracks and chassis
integrated subracks, which are categorized based on subracks’ associated mass loaded
plug-in units. The static load test for chassis is similarly categorized by applying with
dummy loads for chassis. These load categories for subracks, chassis with integrated
subracks and chassis are applied for the dynamic load tests. These test methods solve
previous edition lack of requirements on the static/dynamic tests for subracks and
associated plug-in units, chassis with integrated subrack and chassis.
– Furthermore, a test setup is defined in a test fixture with optional recessed assembly
fixtures at subracks in a housing or rack.
– In the dynamic load tests, the random vibration test is added.
– Specification of individual mechanical tests for plug-in units, which were defined in
edition 4, are required for applications of single board computing system or embedded
systems in relation with applied connector reliability test. The test specification is
introduced as Annex A (normative).
b) Cabinets and racks
– Test setups for the cabinet for different applications, e.g. using a mounting plate, are
added.
– The cabinet/rack samples with different dummy loads have been extended by a test
sample with dummy loads mounted on a mounting plate for industrial electrical
installations.
– The vertical structure test is supplemented instead of the lifting test (LT) of edition 4.
– In the dynamic load tests, the random vibration test is added.
In the revised Clause 9, stability, installation conditions of racks and cabinets are added.

– 8 – IEC 61587-1:2022 © IEC 2022
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES FOR
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT –
TESTS FOR IEC 60917 AND IEC 60297 SERIES –

Part 1: Environmental requirements,
test setups and safety aspects

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61587 specifies environmental requirements, test set-ups, as well as safety
aspects for empty enclosures, i.e. cabinets, racks, subracks, chassis, chassis integrated
subracks and associated plug-in units under indoor condition use and transportation. It defines
classifications (product performance levels) for these products, regarding and simulating the
usually arising loads during their use. For mechanical static and dynamic load tests typical
examples with dummy loads are used.
The purpose of this document is to establish defined levels of physical performance in order to
meet certain requirements of manufacture, storage, transport and final location conditions.
This document applies in general only to the above cited mechanical structures.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60068-1, Environmental testing – Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60068-2-1, Environmental testing – Part 2-1: Tests – Test A: Cold
IEC 60068-2-2, Environmental testing – Part 2-2: Tests – Test B: Dry heat
IEC 60068-2-6, Environmental testing – Part 2-6: Tests – Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)
IEC 60068-2-11, Environmental testing – Part 2-11: Tests – Test Ka: Salt mist
IEC 60068-2-27, Environmental testing – Part 2-27: Tests – Test Ea and guidance: Shock
IEC 60068-2-30, Environmental testing – Part 2-30: Tests – Test Db: Damp heat, cyclic (12 h +
12 h cycle)
IEC 60068-2-42, Environmental testing – Part 2-42: Tests – Test Kc: Sulphur dioxide test for
contacts and connections
IEC 60068-2-43, Environmental testing – Part 2-43: Tests – Test Kd: Hydrogen sulphide test
for contacts and connections
IEC 60068-2-49, Environmental testing – Part 2-49: Tests – Guidance to test Kc: Sulphur
dioxide test for contacts and connections

IEC 60068-2-52, Environmental testing – Part 2-52: Tests – Test Kb: Salt mist, cyclic (sodium,
chloride solution)
IEC 60068-2-64:2008, Environmental testing – Part 2-64: Tests – Test Fh: Vibration, broadband
random and guidance
IEC 60068-2-64:2008/AMD1:2019
IEC 60297 (all parts), Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Dimensions of
mechanical structures of the 482,6 mm (19 in) series
IEC 60297-3-100, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Dimensions of mechanical
structures of the 482,6 mm (19 in) series – Part 3-100: Basic dimensions of front panels,
subracks, chassis, racks and cabinets
IEC 60297-3-101, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Dimensions of mechanical
structures of the 482,6 mm (19 in) series – Part 3-101: Subracks and associated plug-in units
IEC 60297-3-105, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Dimensions of mechanical
structures of the 482,6 mm (19 in) series – Part 3-105: Dimensions and design aspects for 1U
high chassis
IEC 60297-3-107, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Dimensions of mechanical
structures of the 482,6 mm (19 in) series – Part 3-107: Dimensions of subracks and plug-in
units, small form factor
IEC 60297-3-108, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Dimensions of mechanical
structures of the 482,6 mm (19 in) series – Part 3-108: Dimensions of R-types subracks and
plug-in units
IEC 60512-1-1, Connectors for electronic equipment – Tests and measurements – Part 1-1:
General examination – Test 1a: Visual examination
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60654-4, Operating conditions for industrial-process measurement and control equipment
– Part 4: Corrosive and erosive influences
IEC 60695-11-10, Fire hazard testing – Part 11-10: Test flames – 50 W horizontal and vertical
flame test methods
IEC 60721-3-2, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3-2: Classification of groups
of environmental parameters and their severities – Transportation and handling
IEC 60721-3-3, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3-3: Classification of groups
of environmental parameters and their severities – Stationary use at weatherprotected locations
IEC 60917 (all parts), Modular order for the development of mechanical structures for electronic
equipment practices
IEC 60917-2-1, Modular order for the development of mechanical structures for electronic
equipment practices – Part 2: Sectional specification – Interface co-ordination dimensions for
the 25 mm equipment practice – Section 1: Detail specification – Dimensions for cabinets and
racks
IEC 60917-2-2, Modular order for the development of mechanical structures for electronic
equipment practices – Part 2: Sectional specification – Interface co-ordination dimensions for
the 25 mm equipment practice – Section 2: Detail specification – Dimensions for subracks,
chassis, backplanes, front panels and plug-in units

– 10 – IEC 61587-1:2022 © IEC 2022
IEC 61010-1, Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and
laboratory use – Part 1: General requirements
IEC 61076-4-116, Connectors for electronic equipment – Product requirements – Part 4-116:
Printed board connectors – Detail specification for a high-speed two-part connector with
integrated shielding function
IEC 61373, Railway applications – Rolling stock equipment – Shock and vibration tests
IEC 61587-2, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Tests for IEC 60917 and
IEC 60297 – Seismic tests for cabinets and racks
IEC 61587-3:2013, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Tests for IEC 60917 and
IEC 60297 – Electromagnetic shielding performance tests for cabinets and subracks
IEC 61587-5, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Tests for IEC 60917 and
IEC 60297 – Seismic tests for chassis, subracks, and associated plug-in units
IEC 62208:2011, Empty enclosures for low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies –
General requirements
IEC 62262, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against
external mechanical impacts (IK code)
IEC 62368-1, Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment – Part 1:
Safety requirements
ISO 22878, Castors and wheels – Test methods and apparatus
ISO 22883, Castors and wheels – Requirements for applications up to 1,1 m/s (4 km/h)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
indoor condition
location at which the product is protected from weather influence
3.2
test sample
unit under test, dummy loaded where necessary in order to achieve repeatable results
4 Classification of environmental conditions
The climatic conditions are derived from IEC 60721-3-2, IEC 60721-3-3 and IEC 60654-4.
The mechanical conditions, which relate to the levels of vibration and shock, are derived from
IEC 60721-3-2, and IEC 60721-3-3.

5 General
These climatic and mechanical tests ensure that the mechanical structure of cabinets, racks,
subracks, chassis integrated subracks, associated plug-in units and chassis will survive the
normal handling during manufacture, storage, transport and final location conditions.
In order to have some safety margin built into the enclosures and related mechanical parts, all
classification parameters are higher than parameters for the overall application itself. This
should ensure proper working of a complete unit in an application.
Unless otherwise specified all tests shall be done at an ambient (room) temperature range of
nominal +20 °C to +25 °C.
The specified classifications of performance and kinds of tests of this document can be
combined as required. Compliance to individual subclauses and levels is permissible. Individual
tests and severities are referred to by letters and numbers (see Table 1 for examples which
show a selection of representative values from each subclause and relevant table).
The various tests should be performed using the same sample wherever it is possible.
Experience has shown that the sequence of tests listed in this document (see also IEC 60068-1)
enables the test sequence to be performed using the same test sample except where the
individual test results preclude further testing of the same sample, i.e., the test damages
(destroys) the sample.
Table 1 – Examples showing references to tests
Subracks and associated plug-in
Test Cabinet or rack
units, chassis with integrated
IEC 60297 or IEC 60917series
subracks, and chassis
IEC 60297 or IEC 60917 series
Climatic C1  C2  C3 (Table 2)
Industrial atmosphere A1  A2  A3 (Table 3)
Static load SLC01  SLC02  SLC03  SLC04  Test combination:
SLC05  SLC06  SLC07  SLC08
SL04 SL05 SL06 SL11 SL12
(Table 4a for subracks and associated
(Table 15)
plug-in units,
chassis with integrated subracks)
NL01 until NL05
(Table 7, Table 8)
SLC11, SLC12, SLC13
SLC14, SLC15
NL11 until NL15
(Table 4b for chassis)
(Table 9)
Vertical structure (VT) -- VT1 until VT5 (Table 11)
Stiffness (ST) -- ST1 until ST5 (Table 13)
Dynamic load DL01V  DL02V  DL03V  DL11V DL04V  DL05V  DL06V  DL07V
(vibration) (Table 17)
DL12V
(Table 6)
Dynamic load DL01S  DL02S  DL03S  DL11S DL04S  DL05S  DL06S  DL07S
(shock) (Table 6) (Table 17)
Impact (IK code) Ref. IEC 62262
Protection (IP code) Ref. IEC 60529
Seismic Ref. IEC 61587-5 Ref. IEC 61587-2
Electromagnetic shielding Ref. IEC 61587-3

– 12 – IEC 61587-1:2022 © IEC 2022
Application example:
A subrack in accordance with IEC 60297-3-101 complies with the following test requirements:
• Climatic: C2 (see Table 2)
• Industrial atmosphere: A1 (see Table 3)
• Static load: SLC02 (see Table 4a)
• Vibration: DL01V (see Table 6)
• Shock: DL01S (see Table 6)
• Safety aspects: Clause 9
• Protection class: IP20 (according to IEC 60529)
6 Climatic tests
6.1 General
Climatic tests ensure that cabinets, racks, subracks, chassis with integrated subracks,
associated plug-in units and chassis will survive the particular environment in which they will
normally operate without degradation or creating a hazard.
Climatic tests shall be selected by reference to the application examples given in Table 2 for
cabinets, racks, subracks, chassis integrated subracks, associated plug-in units and chassis.
In order to claim compliance at a given level, all test criteria for that requirement level shall be
met.
6.2 Cold, dry heat and damp heat (cyclic)
Table 2 – Classifications for cold, dry heat and damp heat
Classification Application examples Cold Dry heat Damp heat
according to according to according to
IEC 60068-2-1 IEC 60068-2-2 IEC 60068-2-30
cyclic (12h + 12h
a a
Duration Duration
Temper- Temper-
cycle),
ature ature
upper limit
°C h °C h °C
C1 Enclosed spaces without –10 16 +55 16 +55
particular stresses (for
example office, laboratory)
with temperatures between
–10 °C and +55 °C, 20 %
to 80 % RH: non-
condensing
C2 Enclosed spaces subject to –25 16 +70 16 +55
climatic stress (for
example production halls)
with temperatures between
–25 °C and +70 °C, 20 %
to 80 % RH: non-
condensing
C3 Extreme climatic stresses –40 16 +85 16 +55
(for example open air,
tropical climate) with
temperatures between
–40 °C and +85 °C, 20 %
to 95 % RH: non-
condensing
a
The duration shall be measured from the moment temperature stability of the test sample is reached.

Assessment following the tests:
a) Visual examination (see IEC 60512-1-1, test 1a).
b) Earth bond continuity check to be carried out in accordance with 9.4.
c) For electromagnetic shielding performance examination see IEC 61587-3:2013 (Table 1).
6.3 Industrial atmosphere
Table 3 – Classifications for industrial atmosphere
Classification Application examples Test conditions Assessment following
the test
Sulphur dioxide test Salt mist test
and hydrogen sulphide Ka according
test, at 25 °C and 75 % to IEC 60068-
RH (extended range at 2-11
40 °C and 80 % RH) at 35 °C
according to (extended
IEC 60068-2-42, range as
IEC 60068-2-43 and IEC 60068-2-
IEC 60068-2-49 52)
SO H S NaCl
2 2
3 3 3 3
A1 Moderate concentration of 10 cm /m 1 cm /m – Visual examination (for
harmful substances, example alteration in
4 days 4 days
general industrial use with surface finish, traces of
low chemical emissions (for corrosion, colour,
example enclosed spaces) degree of lustre)
and concentrations
For electromagnetic
according to IEC 60654-4,
shielding gasket
namely; performance
examination see
3 3
SO : mean 0,1 cm /m
IEC 61587-3.
maximum
3 3
0,5 cm /m
3 3 3 3
A2 Heavy concentration of – Visual examination (for
25 cm /m 10 cm /m
harmful substances, with example alteration in
4 days to
considerable chemical surface finish, traces of
3 3
emissions (for example corrosion, colour,
15 cm /m
chemical industry, field degree of lustre).
4 days
work) and concentrations
Variation in resistance
according to IEC 60654-4
of earthing conductor
namely:
junctions, see 9.4.
3 3
SO : mean 5 cm /m
2 For electromagnetic
maximum shielding gasket
3 3
15 cm /m performance
examination see
3 3
H S: mean 10 cm /m
2 IEC 61587-3.
maximum
3 3
50 cm /m
3 3 3 3
A3 Heavy concentration of 5 % Visual examination (for
25 cm /m 10 cm /m
harmful substances 96 h at 35 °C example alteration in
4 days to
combined with stress due to surface finish, traces of
Extended
3 3
maritime climate (for corrosion, colour,
15 cm /m
range:
example seaborne chemical degree of lustre)
4 days
5 %
processing technology,
Variation in resistance
drilling rigs) and
1 cycle: 146
of earthing conductor
concentrations according to
h at 35 °C
junctions, see 9.4.
IEC 60654-4, namely:
For electromagnetic
3 3
SO : mean 5 cm /m
2 shielding gasket
maximum performance
3 3
15 cm /m examination see
IEC 61587-3.
3 3
H S: mean 10 cm /m
maximum
3 3
50 cm /m
NOTE The tests may be performed on individual components and sample units or component assemblies instead
of the original units (cabinets, racks and subracks, chassis) if the replacement items and the original sample share
the same materials and surface treatments.

– 14 – IEC 61587-1:2022 © IEC 2022
Assessment following the tests: see the right end column in Table 3.
7 Mechanical load tests for subracks and associated plug-in units, chassis
integrated subracks and chassis
7.1 General
These tests assess the performance of the mechanical structures of subracks and chassis,
associated plug-in units and related mechanical parts in accordance with IEC 60917 and
IEC 60297 series. As a result of the assessments, it becomes possible to evaluate if these
structures and parts, which are standard products on the market, can be fitted with the intended
system or equipment applications.
The mechanical load tests consist of the mechanical static load test and the mechanical
dynamic load test.
The tests for the subracks and chassis integrated subracks are performed under the classified
loading conditions by installing the plug-in units assembled with dummy loads based on the test
sample arrangements. Through the tests, assessments for all mechanical structures and parts
related with the subracks and the chassis integrated subracks, including the associated plug-in
units can be carried out.
The individual load tests for plug-in units, which are required by intended app
...

Questions, Comments and Discussion

Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.

Loading comments...