IEC 60512-15-2:2008

• Abstract:

  IEC 60512-15-2:2008 details a standard test method to assess the effectiveness of the insert retaining system to withstand axial loads likely to be encountered during normal use.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 08-May-2008
• ICS: 31.220.10 - Plug-and-socket devices. Connectors
• Technical Committee: SC 48B - Electrical connectors
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Start Date: 12-Jan-2018
• Completion Date: 28-Aug-2026

• Revised: IEC 60512-15-2:2018 - Connectors for electrical and electronic equipment - Tests and measurements - Part 15-2: Connector tests (mechanical) - Test 15b: Insert retention in housing (axial)
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 60512-15-2:2008, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), specifies a standard test method for evaluating the capability of a connector’s insert retention system to withstand axial loads. This standard applies to connectors used in electronic equipment, ensuring their mechanical integrity and reliability under normal use conditions. IEC 60512-15-2:2008 is part of the broader IEC 60512 series, which covers a range of tests and measurements for electronic connectors.

Key Topics

• Insert Retention in Housing (Axial): The standard details procedures for assessing the strength of insert retention mechanisms within a connector housing when subjected to axial (along the axis) forces.
• Test Methodology: Clear test procedures, including specimen preparation, equipment requirements, testing steps, and the measurement of displacement under applied force or pressure.
• Criteria for Acceptance: The standard establishes that any movement or displacement of the insert during or after testing must not impact the normal function of the connector.
• Visual Inspection: Both pre- and post-test visual examinations according to IEC 60512-1-1 are required to ensure compliance and identify any visible damage.
• Specification Details: Outlines what must be defined in the connector's detailed specification, such as the number of samples, preconditioning steps, test loads, and acceptable displacement.

Applications

IEC 60512-15-2:2008 is a key reference for manufacturers, designers, and quality assurance professionals involved with electronic connector components. Its applications include:

• Product Qualification: Ensuring connector designs can reliably retain inserts under typical mechanical stresses, supporting compliance with industry expectations.
• Quality Control: Providing a standardized method to assess product lots for mechanical robustness during manufacturing inspections.
• Supplier Evaluation: Used as a benchmark when evaluating or certifying connector suppliers in the electronics, telecommunications, and industrial automation sectors.
• Reliability Engineering: Supports risk assessment and product improvement processes for devices incorporating electrical connectors, especially in mission-critical environments.
• Comparison Testing: Enables consistent comparison between different connector products and manufacturers by applying a uniform test method.

Related Standards

IEC 60512-15-2:2008 fits best when implemented alongside related standards for comprehensive connector evaluation:

• IEC 60512-1-1: General examination and visual inspection of connectors.
• IEC 60512-1-100: Series structure and guidance on the use of IEC 60512 standard family.
• IEC 60512-15-3: Mechanical test for insert retention in housing under torsional (twisting) forces.

These standards together provide a methodical approach to testing connectors, covering visual inspection, axial stress, and torsional stress for improved component selection and assurance.

---

Keywords: IEC 60512-15-2, insert retention, axial load, connector tests, electronic equipment, mechanical testing, IEC standards, connector reliability, quality control, industrial electronics.

IEC 60512-15-2
Edition 1.0 2008-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Connectors for electronic equipment – Tests and measurements –
Part 15-2: Connector tests (mechanical) – Test 15b: Insert retention in housing
(axial)
Connecteurs pour équipements électroniques – Essais et mesures –
Partie 15-2: Essais (mécaniques) des connecteurs – Essai 15b: Rétention de
l'isolant dans le boîtier (axial)

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
3, rue de Varembé
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Email: [e-mail]
Web: 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.
ƒ Catalogue of IEC publications: www.iec.ch/searchpub
The IEC on-line Catalogue enables you to search by a variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical committee,…).
It also gives information on projects, withdrawn and replaced publications.
ƒ IEC Just Published: www.iec.ch/online_news/justpub
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published details twice a month all new publications released. Available
on-line and also by email.
ƒ Electropedia: www.electropedia.org
The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and electrical terms containing more than 20 000 terms and definitions
in English and French, with equivalent terms in additional languages. Also known as the International Electrotechnical
Vocabulary online.
ƒ Customer Service Centre: www.iec.ch/webstore/custserv
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or need further assistance, please visit the Customer Service
Centre FAQ or contact us:
Email: [e-mail]
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
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.
ƒ Catalogue des publications de la CEI: www.iec.ch/searchpub/cur_fut-f.htm
Le Catalogue en-ligne de la CEI vous permet d’effectuer des recherches en utilisant différents critères (numéro de référence,
texte, comité d’études,…). Il donne aussi des informations sur les projets et les publications retirées ou remplacées.
ƒ Just Published CEI: www.iec.ch/online_news/justpub
Restez informé sur les nouvelles publications de la CEI. Just Published détaille deux fois par mois les nouvelles
publications parues. Disponible en-ligne et aussi par email.
ƒ Electropedia: www.electropedia.org
Le premier dictionnaire en ligne au monde de termes électroniques et électriques. Il contient plus de 20 000 termes et
définitions en anglais et en français, ainsi que les termes équivalents dans les langues additionnelles. Egalement appelé
Vocabulaire Electrotechnique International en ligne.
ƒ Service Clients: www.iec.ch/webstore/custserv/custserv_entry-f.htm
Si vous désirez nous donner des commentaires sur cette publication ou si vous avez des questions, visitez le FAQ du
Service clients ou contactez-nous:
Email: [e-mail]
Tél.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
IEC 60512-15-2
Edition 1.0 2008-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Connectors for electronic equipment – Tests and measurements –
Part 15-2: Connector tests (mechanical) – Test 15b: Insert retention in housing
(axial)
Connecteurs pour équipements électroniques – Essais et mesures –
Partie 15-2: Essais (mécaniques) des connecteurs – Essai 15b: Rétention de
l'isolant dans le boîtier (axial)

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
G
CODE PRIX
ICS 31.220.10 ISBN 2-8318-9768-8

– 2 – 60512-15-2 © IEC:2008
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________
CONNECTORS FOR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT –

TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS –
Part 15-2: Connector tests (mechanical) –

Test 15b: Insert retention in housing (axial)

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 provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
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 60512-15-2 has been prepared by subcommittee 48B: Connectors,
of IEC technical committee 48: Electromechanical components and mechanical structures for
electronic equipment.
This standard cancels and replaces test 15b of IEC 60512-8, issued in 1993. This standard is
to be read in conjunction with IEC 60512-1 and IEC 60512-1-100 which explains the structure
of the IEC 60512 series.
60512-15-2 © IEC:2008 – 3 –
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:

FDIS Report on voting
48B/1844/FDIS 48B/1896/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 60512 series, under the general title Connectors for electronic
equipment – Tests and measurements, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result 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.
– 4 – 60512-15-2 © IEC:2008
CONNECTORS FOR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT –

TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS –
Part 15-2: Connector tests (mechanical) –

Test 15b: Insert retention in housing (axial)

1 Scope and object
This part of IEC 60512, when required by the detail specification, is used for testing
connectors within the scope of technical committee 48. It may also be used for similar devices
when specified in a detail specification.
The object of this document is to detail a standard test method to assess the effectiveness of
the insert retaining system to withstand axial loads likely to be encountered during normal
use.
NOTE The test method detailed in this document is a companion to the one detailed in IEC 60512-15-3 (see
bibliographic reference).
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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 60512-1-1, Connectors for electronic equipment – Tests and measurements – Part 1-1:
General examination – Test 1a: Visual examination
3 Preparations
3.1 Preparation of specimen
The specimen shall consist of a connector with its terminations, and may be wired if so
specified in the detail specification. Cable fittings and accessories shall not be fitted. Any
preconditioning given in the detail specification shall be applied.

3.2 Equipment
For the application of the axial loads, a suitable device able to provide the controls on the
loads (intensity, rate of increase, time of constant load application) shall be required (e.g.: a
universal materials testing machine).
In the case of the axial loads being applied by air or gas pressure, a chamber to contain
connectors that may be ejected in case of retention failure shall be provided. If hydraulic
pressure is used, such a chamber may not be necessary. However compatibility between
materials contained within the specimen and such fluids must be ensured.
NOTE 1 Where air pressure is used, there is a possibility that contacts, inserts or other objects being ejected at
high velocity.
NOTE 2 If the detail specification requires special preconditioning of the specimen, all the necessary equipment
detailed in the relevant documents describing such conditioning would also be required.
...