IEC 61969-3:2020

Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment - Outdoor enclosures - Part 3: Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects

IEC 61969-3:2020 specifies a set of basic environmental requirements and tests, as well as safety aspects for outdoor enclosures under conditions of non-weather protected locations above ground. The purpose of this document is to define a minimum level of environmental performance in order to meet requirements of storage, transport and final installation. The intention is to establish basic environmental performance criteria for outdoor enclosure compliance. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- alignment with the content of ETSI EN 300 019 and IEC 60721 series latest editions, particularly with the actualization of climate conditions;
- new requirements added to reflect market requirements on environmental issues;
- improvement on terminology and overall editorial improvement.

Structures mécaniques pour équipement électrique et électronique - Enveloppes de plein air - Partie 3: Exigences et essais d'environnement, et aspects liés à la sécurité

L'IEC 61969-3: 2020 spécifie un ensemble d’exigences et d’essais d’environnement de base, ainsi que les aspects liés à la sécurité relatifs aux enveloppes de plein air placées dans les conditions suivantes: emplacement non protégé contre les intempéries, au-dessus du sol. L’objet du présent document est de définir un niveau minimal de performances environnementales, afin de répondre aux exigences de stockage, de transport et d’installation finale. Il s’agit d’établir des critères de performances environnementales de base en vue de la conformité des enveloppes de plein air. Cette troisième édition annule et remplace la deuxième édition parue en 2011. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
- alignement avec le contenu des dernières éditions des séries ETSI EN 300 019 et IEC 60721, en particulier concernant l’actualisation des conditions climatiques;
- ajout de nouvelles exigences pour refléter celles du marché relatives aux questions environnementales;
- amélioration de la terminologie et modifications éditoriales générales.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 07-Jun-2020
• ICS: 31.240 - Mechanical structures for electronic equipment
• Technical Committee: SC 48D - Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment
• Drafting Committee: MT 1 - TC 48/SC 48D/MT 1
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Start Date: 20-Nov-2023
• Completion Date: 11-Nov-2021

Relations

• Revised: IEC 61969-3:2023 - Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment - Outdoor enclosures - Part 3: Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 61969-3:2011 - Mechanical structures for electronic equipment - Outdoor enclosures - Part 3: Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 61969-3:2020 - Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment - Outdoor enclosures - Part 3: Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects - defines minimum environmental performance, testing and safety criteria for outdoor enclosures used at non-weather-protected locations above ground. Edition 3.0 (2020) replaces the 2011 edition, aligns climatic classes with ETSI EN 300 019 and the IEC 60721 series, and introduces updated environmental and terminology requirements to reflect market needs.

Key topics

• Scope and purpose: Establishes baseline requirements for storage, transport and final installation of empty outdoor enclosures destined to house electrical and electronic equipment.
• Environmental classification and climatic tests: Defines climatic conditions and environmental classes (storage, transport, station use) and specifies relevant climatic tests (cold, dry heat, damp heat, temperature change).
• Biological and corrosion resistance: Tests for mold, salt mist and resistance to chemically active substances and flowing mixed-gas corrosion.
• Mechanical tests: Vibration, shock, rough handling, dynamic transport tests, lifting and stiffness verification to ensure mechanical integrity during transport and operation.
• Safety aspects: Requirements for locking devices, vandalism resistance and optional ballistic/firearms resistance; general safety considerations for enclosure access.
• Seismic and electromagnetic performance: Seismic requirements for stability and electromagnetic shielding performance to support equipment EMC needs.
• Thermal management and noise: Guidance on thermal management strategies for outdoor enclosures and notes on noise emission related to forced-air cooling (local regulatory limits apply).
• Test coordination and normative references: Uses established test methods and standards such as IEC 60068 series, IEC 60529 (IP code), IEC 60721, IEC 61587 and others.

Applications

IEC 61969-3:2020 is used to:

• Specify minimum environmental and safety performance for outdoor telecom cabinets, utility enclosures, roadside electronics cabinets and other outdoor electrical/electronic housings.
• Provide manufacturers, OEMs and system integrators with baseline test requirements for product development and documentation.
• Guide test laboratories and procurement teams when validating enclosure durability for storage, transport and field installation.
• Support compliance assessment where local or application-specific environmental standards are absent.

Who should use this standard

• Enclosure manufacturers and designers
• Telecom and utility equipment specifiers
• Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies
• Procurement, quality and reliability engineers

Related standards

• IEC 61969-1:2020 (design guidelines)
• IEC 61969-2 (coordination dimensions)
• IEC 60068 series (environmental testing)
• IEC 60529 (IP code)
• IEC 60721 (environmental classification)
• ETSI EN 300 019 (environmental conditions for equipment)

Keywords: IEC 61969-3:2020, outdoor enclosures, environmental requirements, climatic tests, mechanical tests, safety aspects, electromagnetic shielding, thermal management.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 61969-3 ®
Edition 3.0 2020-06
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
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Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment – Outdoor
enclosures –
Part 3: Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects

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IEC 61969-3 ®
Edition 3.0 2020-06
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment – Outdoor

enclosures –
Part 3: Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 31.240 ISBN 978-2-8322-8508-4

– 2 – IEC 61969-3:2020 RLV © IEC 2020

CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3

INTRODUCTION . 5

1 Scope . 6

2 Normative references . 6

3 Terms and definitions . 8

4 Coordination dimensions . 8

5 Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects – Classification
of environmental conditions . 8
6 Test conditions . 9
6.1 General . 9
6.2 Climatic tests . 9
6.3 Biological tests . 10
6.4 Tests of resistance against chemically active substances . 10
6.5 Tests of resistance against mechanically active substances . 12
7 Mechanical tests . 12
7.1 General . 12
7.2 Dynamic Transport tests . 12
7.3 Lifting and stiffness test . 14
8 Safety aspects . 14
8.1 General . 14
8.2 Locking devices . 15
8.3 Vandalism resistance . 15
8.4 Bullet Firearms resistance (optional) . 15
9 Seismic requirements . 15
10 Electromagnetic shielding performance . 15
11 Thermal management . 15
12 Noise emission . 16
Bibliography . 17

Table 1 – Climatic conditions for environmental classes 1 and 2 . 9
Table 2 – Biological tests . 10

Table 3 – Tests of resistance against chemically active substances . 11
Table 4 – Tests of resistance against mechanically active substances . 12
Table 5 – Vibration and shock test . 13
Table 6 – Safety aspects .

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES FOR ELECTRICAL

AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT – OUTDOOR ENCLOSURES –

Part 3: Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects

FOREWORD
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– 4 – IEC 61969-3:2020 RLV © IEC 2020

International Standard IEC 61969-3 has been prepared by subcommittee 48D: Mechanical

structures for electrical and electronic equipment, of IEC technical committee 48: Electrical

connectors and mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment.

This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2011. This edition

constitutes a technical revision.

This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous

edition:
a) alignment with the content of ETSI EN 300 019 and IEC 60721 series latest editions,

particularly with the actualization of climate conditions;
b) new requirements added to reflect market requirements on environmental issues;
c) improvement on terminology and overall editorial improvement.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
48D/721/FDIS 48D/724/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.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
This International Standard is to be used in conjunction with IEC 61969-1:2020.
A list of all parts in the IEC 61969 series, published under the general title Mechanical structures
for electrical and electronic equipment – Outdoor enclosures, can be found on the IEC website.
Future standards in this series will carry the new general title as cited above. Titles of existing
standards in this series will be updated at the time of the next edition.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://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 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
IEC 61969-3 Ed.2.0 provides basic environmental test requirements to be used in the absence

of local regulatory or application specific environmental test requirements. This provides

manufacturers and users of generic outdoor enclosure solutions with minimum performance

compliance criteria; thermal solutions pending on the environment an outdoor enclosure is

subjected to.
The products covered by IEC 61969 (all parts) are empty enclosures for outdoor locations, to

be equipped with application-specific combinations of electrical and electronic equipment, and

to be used at non-weather protected locations above ground.

IEC 61969 (all parts) consists of:
– a design guidelines general part (IEC 61969-1);
– a coordination dimensions standard (IEC 61969-2);
– an environmental requirements and tests, safety aspects standard (IEC 61969-3).
This document provides basic environmental requirements and tests, as well as safety aspects,
to be used for outdoor enclosures in absence of local regulatory documents, or of application-
specific environmental test requirements.
This document provides manufacturers and users of generic outdoor enclosures with minimum
performance compliance criteria. The thermal management solution depends on the specific
environment of the outdoor enclosure.
Since forced air heat dissipation and acoustic noise are closely related, noise limitations are
typically defined by local regulatory limitations documents.
Typically, it becomes the It is responsibility of the outdoor enclosure vendor to provide a solution
for thermal management within the local regulatory noise limitations.

– 6 – IEC 61969-3:2020 RLV © IEC 2020

MECHANICAL STRUCTURES FOR ELECTRICAL

AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT – OUTDOOR ENCLOSURES –

Part 3: Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61969 specifies a set of basic environmental requirements and tests, as well
as safety aspects for outdoor enclosures under conditions of non-weather protected locations
above ground.
The purpose of this document is to define a minimum level of environmental performance in
order to meet requirements of storage, transport and final installation. The intention is to
establish basic environmental performance criteria for outdoor enclosure compliance.
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 (all parts), Environmental testing
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 60068-2-10, Environmental testing – Part 2-10: Tests – Test J and guidance: Mould growth
IEC 60068-2-11, Basic environmental testing procedures – Part 2-11: Tests – Test Ka: Salt mist
IEC 60068-2-14, Environmental testing – Part 2-14: Tests – Test N: Change of temperature

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 60068-2-31, Environmental testing – Part 2-31: Tests – Test Ec: Rough handling shocks,
primarily for equipment-type specimens
IEC 60068-2-60, Environmental testing – Part 2-60: Tests – Test Ke: Flowing mixed gas
corrosion test
IEC 60068-2-78, Environmental testing – Part 2-78: Tests – Test Cab: Damp heat, steady state
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment

IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)

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: Classification of groups of

environmental parameters and their severities – Section 2: Transportation

IEC 60721-3-4, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3: Classification of groups of

environmental parameters and their severities – Section 4: Stationary use at non-weather-

protected locations
IEC 60825-1, Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment specification and requirements
IEC 60950 (all parts), Information technology equipment – Safety
IEC 60950-1, Information technology equipment – Safety – Part 1: General requirements
IEC 61010, Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use
IEC 61140 Protection against electric shock - Common aspects for installation and equipment
IEC 61439-5, Low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies – Part 5: Assemblies for
power distribution in public networks
IEC 61587-1, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Tests for IEC 60917 and
IEC 60297 series – Part 1: Climatic, mechanical tests Environmental requirements, test set-up
and safety aspects for cabinets, racks, subracks and chassis under indoor condition use and
transportation
IEC 61587-2, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Tests for IEC 60917 and 60297
– Part 2: Seismic tests for cabinets and racks
IEC 61587-3, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Tests for IEC 60917 and
IEC 60297 – Part 3: Electromagnetic shielding performance tests for cabinets, racks and
subracks
IEC 61969-1:2020, Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment – Outdoor
enclosures – Part 1: Design guidelines

IEC 62194, Methods of evaluating the thermal performance of enclosures
IEC 62262, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against
external mechanical impacts (IK code)
IEC 62305-4, Protection against lightning – Part 4: Electrical and electronic systems within
structures
IEC 62368-1, Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment – Part 1:
Safety requirements
ISO 2533, Standard atmosphere
– 8 – IEC 61969-3:2020 RLV © IEC 2020

ISO 3744, Acoustics – Determination of sound power levels and sound energy levels of noise

sources using sound pressure – Engineering methods for an essentially free field over a

reflecting plane
ISO 3864, Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs

ISO 4892-2, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 2: Xenon-arc

lamps
ETSI EN 300 019-2-2, Equipment Environmental Engineering (EE) – Environmental conditions

and environmental tests for telecommunications equipment – Part 2-2: Specification of

environmental tests – Transportation
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions given in IEC 61969-1
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
outdoor enclosure
enclosure exposed to the outdoor environment, for stationary use at non-weatherprotected
locations, for the protection of electronic equipment installed inside against outdoor
environmental conditions
3.2
non-weatherprotected location
place with direct weather influence
4 Coordination dimensions
This clause of IEC 61969-1:2020 applies.
5 Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects – Classification of

environmental conditions
The environmental conditions are derived from IEC 60721-3-4, with the focus on empty outdoor
enclosures relevant requirements.
Class 1: Non-weatherprotected location: Covers all regions with a moderate climate.
Class 2: Non-weatherprotected locations, extended: Covers all regions with severe climate.
The individual outdoor enclosure product solution tested to these basic environmental test
requirements may claim compliance to either class 1 or class 2 or a combination of
class 1/class 2.
6 Test conditions
6.1 General
The basic test conditions shown in Table 1, Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4 reflect typical outdoor

enclosure environments to be endured.

6.2 Climatic tests
Table 1 – Climatic conditions for environmental classes 1 and 2

Environmental Test severity Duration IEC method

parameters
Class 1 Class 2
a Low air temperature -45 °C -65 °C 16 h 60068-2-1; A
b High air temperature 80 °C 90 °C 16 h 60068-2-2: B
c Damp heat 30 °C, 93 % 30 °C, 93 % 96 h 60068-2-78: Cb
d Rate of change of -50 °C to + 23 °C -50 °C to + 23 °C 2 cycles 60068-2-14: Nb
temperature
1 °C/min 1 °C/min
2 2
e Solar radiation 72 h/ 40 °C 60068-2-5 Sa
1 120 W/m 1 120 W/m
f Condensation 40 °C 40 °C 96 h 60068-2-30: Db
90 % to 100 % 90 % to 100 %
RH RH
g Precipitation (rain, snow, IP 54 IP 55 - 60529
hail, dust, etc.)
h Movement of the 50 m/s 60 m/s - -
surrounding air
i Formation of ice and frost Yes Yes - -
j Ultraviolet degradation test Yes Yes - ISO 4892-2
NOTE For comparable conditions the International Standard Air, in accordance to ISO 2533 (15 °C at 1 013,
25 hPa) shall be used.
Test severity
Environmental
Duration Method
parameters
Class 1 Class 2
IEC 60068-2-1:
a Low air temperature −40 °C −50 °C 16 h
A
IEC 60068-2-2:
b High air temperature +85 °C +85 °C 16 h
B
IEC 60068-2-78:
c Damp heat +30 °C, 93 % +30 °C, 93 % 96 h
Cb
−40 °C to +23 °C −40 °C to + 85 °C
IEC 60068-2-14:
d Change of temperature 2 cycles
Nb
1 °C/min 1 °C/min
144 h
IEC 60068-2-30:
e Condensation 90 % to 100 % RH 90 % to 100 % RH
Db
(6 cycles)
Precipitation (rain, snow,
f IPX4 IPX5 - IEC 60529
hail, etc.)
Movement of the
g 50 m/s 60 m/s - -
surrounding air
h Formation of ice and frost Minimum requirement: No mechanical deformation -

– 10 – IEC 61969-3:2020 RLV © IEC 2020

Minimum requirement: No reduction in mechanical

i Ultraviolet degradation properties (tensile strength and elongation at yield) by ISO 4892-2

more than 20 %.
For comparable conditions, the International Standard Air, in accordance to ISO 2533 (15 °C at 1 013, 25 hPa)

shall be used.
This maximum temperature includes the effects of heat dissipation caused by active electronics and includes

solar load.
Following the test, compliance is checked by visual inspection of the internal and external parts;

no rust, cracking or other deterioration shall be detected with impact to the required function;

no ingress of water.
Hinges, locks and handles for example shall be in operating condition.
The test in accordance with Table 1, item i h, shall prove that access to the internal equipment
is possible without causing permanent degradation of protection levels.
6.3 Biological tests
Table 2 – Biological tests
Environmental Test severity Purpose IEC method
parameters
Class 1 Class 2
a Flora: Presence of mould, Yes Yes To check the 60068-2-10
fungus, etc. material for
resistance
b Fauna: Presence of Yes, but without Yes, but with
rodents and others harmful
termites termites
to the equipment
Test severity
Environmental
Purpose Method
parameters
Class 1 Class 2
Flora: Presence of mould, IEC 60068-2-10:
a
Minimum requirement: No reduction
fungus, etc. J
To check the
in mechanical properties (tensile
material for
Fauna: Presence of rodents
strength and elongation at yield) by
resistance
b and others harmful to the
more than 20 %.
equipment
Following the test, compliance is checked by visual inspection.
6.4 Tests of resistance against chemically active substances

Table 3 – Tests of resistance against chemically active substances

(Similar to IEC 60721-3-4, Class 4C2)

Environmental parameters Test severity Duration IEC method

Class 1 Class 2
Mean value Maximum value
a Salts: Sea and road salt mist Yes, at 35 °C,5 % NaCl 4 days 60068-2-11; Ka

a
3 3
b Sulphur dioxide
0,3 mg/m 1,0 mg/m
3 3 3 3
0,11 cm /m 0,37 cm /m
a
3 3
c Hydrogen sulphide
0,1 mg/m 0,5 mg/m
3 3 3 3
0,071 cm /m 0,36 cm /m
10 days 60068-2-60; Ke
a
3 3
d Chlorine
0,1 mg/m 0,3 mg/m
3 3 3
0,034 cm /m 0,1 cm /m
a
3 3
e Nitrogen oxides
0,5 mg/m 1,0 mg/m
3 3 3 3
0,26 cm /m 0,52 cm /m
a
The tests may be performed by a four component mixture of these gases. Tests of Table 3 may be combined
with tests of Table 1.
Test severity
Environmental
Duration Method
Class 1 Class 2
parameters
Mean value Maximum value
Salts: Sea and road salt 4 weeks IEC 60068-2-11:
a +35 °C,5 % NaCl
mist (672 h) Ka
3 3
0,3 mg/m 1,0 mg/m
b Sulphur dioxide
3 3 3 3
0,11 cm /m 0,37 cm /m
3 3
0,1 mg/m 0,5 mg/m
c
Hydrogen sulphide
3 3 3 3
0,071 cm /m 0,36 cm /m
IEC 60068-2-60:
10 days
Ke
3 3
0,1 mg/m 0,3 mg/m
d Chlorine
3 3 3
0,034 cm /m 0,1 cm /m
3 3
0,5 mg/m 1,0 mg/m
e
Nitrogen oxides
3 3 3 3
0,26 cm /m 0,52 cm /m
Tests of Table 3 may be combined with tests of Table 1.

Following each of the tests of Table 3, compliance is checked by visual inspection of the outside
of the used materials or coatings.
Surface corrosion of the protective enclosure is allowed.
The enclosure design shall provide protection for electromagnetic interference gaskets and for
protective earthing contacts, where no corrosion is permitted.

– 12 – IEC 61969-3:2020 RLV © IEC 2020

6.5 Tests of resistance against mechanically active substances

Table 4 – Tests of resistance against mechanically active substances

Environmental parameters Test severity IEC method

Classes 1 and 2
a Sand
b Dust (suspension) IP 50 60529

(see note)
c Dust (sedimentation)
NOTE No measurable dust shall have entered the enclosure (this assessment is more severe than IEC 60529).

Test severity
Environmental
Method
parameters
Classes 1 and 2
a Sand
b Dust (suspension) IP5X IEC 60529
c Dust (sedimentation)
Following the test, compliance is checked by visual inspection.
Following the test, shall be executed according to the next assessment: no measurable dust
shall have entered the enclosure (this is more severe than in IEC 60529 for IP5X, and IP6X
may be applied for an intended requirement).
7 Mechanical tests
7.1 General
The purpose of these mechanical tests is to ensure that the outdoor enclosure will withstand
handling, storage, transport and protect installed equipment from exposure to mechanical stress.
For seismic compliance, see Clause 9. Installations in public areas typically require compliance
to more severe local regulatory laws. These and any additional application specific
requirements need to be observed. Should the outdoor enclosure be installed in a public place,
the power input requirements may have to be in compliance with IEC 61439-5.
7.2 Dynamic Transport tests
The dynamic tests of an outdoor enclosure shall be conducted under the intended transport
conditions. Since outdoor enclosure dynamic transport stress is considerably more severe than
typical handling and storage stress, no further dynamic tests are required. For the purpose of
this test, no transport packing material is used. The outdoor enclosure shall be mounted to the
shock/vibration table by using the intended ground/floor mounting features. For the purpose of
the dynamic test the outdoor enclosure static load shall be agreed between the vendor and user.
The chosen severity classes are similar to IEC 60721-3-2, class 2M1.
Table 5 shows the chosen severity classes.

Table 5 – Vibration and shock test

Test severity
IEC method/
Environmental parameters
ETSI EN
Class 1 Class 2
(controlled transport (limited transport
condition) condition)
a Vibration, sinusoidal 2-9 Hz/3, 5 mm 5-9 Hz/3,5 mm

3 axes, 10 cycles displacement displacement
60068-2-6: Fc
2 2
9-200 Hz/10 m/s 9-200 Hz/10 m/s
acceleration acceleration
2 2
200-500 Hz/15 m/s 200-500 Hz/15 m/s
acceleration acceleration
1)
b  Vibration, random - ETSI EN 300019-2-2
5-20 Hz: 1 m /s4/Hz
Class 2.3
20-200 Hz: -3 dB/oct
c Shock , / sine wave Peak acceleration Peak acceleration 60068-2-27: Ea
2 2
vertical axes only Shock response
100 m/s 100 m/s
No of shocks: 3 spectrum type I
Time: 11 ms Time: 11 ms
d Free fall:
enclosure mass < 20 kg 0, 25 m 1, 25 m 60068-2-32: Ed
0, 25 m 1, 00 m
20 kg to 100 kg
0, 10 m 0, 25 m
> 100 kg
1)
Alternative test.
Test severity
Class 1 Class 2
Environmental parameters Method
(controlled transport (limited transport
condition) condition)
5 Hz to 9 Hz/3,5 mm 5 Hz to 9 Hz/3,5 mm
displacement displacement
9 Hz to
9 Hz-200 Hz/10 m/s
Vibration, sinusoidal 200 Hz/10 m/s
a acceleration IEC 60068-2-6: Fc
3 axes, 10 cycles acceleration
200 Hz to 200 Hz to
2 2
500 Hz/15 m/s 500 Hz/15 m/s
acceleration acceleration
5 Hz to 20 Hz:
2 3
/s
11 m
ETSI EN 300 019-2-2
b Vibration, random -
Class 2.3
20 Hz to 200 Hz:
−3 dB/oct.
Peak acceleration Peak acceleration
Shock, 1/2 sine wave vertical IEC 60068-2-27: Ea
2 2
c axes only 100 m/s Shock response
100 m/s
No of shocks: 3 spectrum type I
Time: 11 ms Time: 11 ms
Free fall:
enclosure mass < 20 kg 0,25 m 1,25 m
d IEC 60068-2-31: Ec
20 kg to 100 kg 0,25 m 1,00 m
> 100 kg 0,10 m 0,25 m
Alternative test.
The test is excited in the packaging condition.

– 14 – IEC 61969-3:2020 RLV © IEC 2020

Following the test, no deformation or damage of parts that affect form, fit and function shall be

found.
7.3 Lifting and stiffness test

If lifting eyes are provided, the performance test as per IEC 61587-1 shall be applied.

Following the test, no deformation or damage of parts that affect form, fit and function shall be

found.
8 Safety aspects
8.1 General
General safety requirements: The outdoor enclosure shall consider adequate design
considerations to be of not present a danger and or hazard to people and shall prevent
unauthorized access. To protect authorized personnel (during assembly, installation, test and
maintenance phases), the outdoor enclosure shall be free of defects such as sharp edges, burrs,
etc. Compliance to IEC 60950-1 and IEC 62368-1 is required, as applicable, for the electrical
and electronic equipment that is installed inside the outdoor enclosure.
NOTE The above safety standards do not directly apply to an empty outdoor enclosure.
Regulatory safety requirements: The outdoor enclosure shall also comply with the local
enforced regulatory safety requirements.
Table 6 – Safety aspects
Requirement Test specification

Earth bonding The responsibility of the vendor is Using IEC 60950 and IEC 61439-5
to provide sufficient conductivity for equipped enclosure
between different parts of the
IEC 61010/60825
enclosure and means for the
earth bonding of equipment
IEC 61140
Lightning strike To be observed in the total “Earth IEC 62305-4
bonding” concept
Mechanical safety IK-Code according to IEC 62262 For testing IEC 60068-2-75
Vandalism Requirements shall be part of the Tests may be part of the vendor
vendor specification specification

Warning labels General warning, caution, risk of ISO 3864, B.3.1
danger
Caution, risk of life
ISO 3864, B.3.2
Caution, risk of electric shock
ISO 3864, B.3.6
Caution, hot surface
IEC 60417
Security, vandalism protection Requirements for the resistance of Tests may be part of the user
the enclosure and the locking specifications
devices against unauthorised
access
Flammability Material properties may be IEC 60695-11-10
specified by user
For requirements and relevant tests covering safety aspects, both general and of local

regulatory (to be agreed between vendor and user), Table 2 of IEC 61969-1:2020 shall apply.

8.2 Locking devices
Outdoor enclosure access locking functions such as used on doors, covers, roofs, etc. are

application and/or regulatory specific. The outdoor enclosure shall have the capability to be

locked and unlocked only by authorized crafts people.

8.3 Vandalism resistance
Outdoor enclosure vandalism resistance required on any locking functions such as used with

doors, covers, roofs, etc. are application and/or regulatory specific. The outdoor enclosure shall
provide for heavy duty key locking and hinges hardware.
Compliance check: The outdoor enclosure shall be resistant to unauthorized access by the use
of typical tools such as screw drivers, pliers, hammers, etc. Test method shall be agreed
between vendor and user.
8.4 Bullet Firearms resistance (optional)
Outdoor enclosure bullet firearms resistance is application and/or regulatory specific.
The outdoor enclosure shall be designed for withstanding a 12 gauge shotgun blast of
no. 7 ½ shot at a distance of 15 m without penetration of the enclosure wall by any pellets.
Test procedure:
The enclosure shall be positioned as in a typical installation and all unique vertical surfaces
shall be subjected to a blast from a 12 gauge shotgun with No. 7 ½ size shot fired at a distance
of 15 m. The load used shall be a high brass 70 mm shell fired loaded with 28 or 32 grams of
no. 6 steel shot fired from an improved or a 28 inch modified choke barrel.
Assessment following the test:
The outer skin of the enclosure may be deformed but still maintaining protection, and without
any protrusions penetration of the enclosure wall by any pellets.
9 Seismic requirements
Outdoor enclosure seismic compliance is application and/or regulatory specific. If seismic

compliance is requested, tests shall be conducted in accordance with IEC 61587-2.
10 Electromagnetic shielding performance
This requirement is optional, dependent on the area where needed.
If electromagnetic shielding compliance is required, test should be conducted in accordance
with IEC 61587-3 unless otherwise specified.
11 Thermal management
For the operation of electronic equipment housed in outdoor enclosures, passive and/or active
thermal management devices are used. Since the active heat management devices typically
include fans, noise emission may have to comply with local regulatory requirements. Preferably,
outdoor enclosure heat management should be based on convection air cooling (passive). If

– 16 – IEC 61969-3:2020 RLV © IEC 2020

environmental compliance testing is required, tests should be conducted in accordance with

IEC 62194 unless otherwise specified.

12 Noise emission
The final location of the installed outdoor enclosure will determine the noise limits tolerated.

Typically, regional and location specific regulatory requirements are in place. Sound power

noise tests shall be conducted in accordance with ISO 3744, unless otherwise specified. The
noise may be generated by the installed equipment and/or by thermal management solutions.

To simplify the approval process it is always recommended to explore the possibilities of
passive convection cooling first. This may be achieved by applying strategically placed heat
sinks and/or double wall enclosure designs. Power emission, thermal management and noise
limitations will have to be considered for the final application.

Bibliography
IEC 60068-2-5, Environmental testing – Part 2-5: Tests – Test Sa: Simulated solar radiation at

ground level and guidance for solar radiation testing and weathering

IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available at http://www.graphical-

symbols.info/equipment)
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 60721-3-4, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3-4: Classification of groups
of environmental parameters and their severities – Stationary use at non-weatherprotected
locations
IEC 60825-1, Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements
IEC 61010-1, Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use – Part 1: General requirements
IEC 61140, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and equipment
IEC 61439-5, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Part 5: Assemblies for
power distribution in public networks
IEC 61587-3, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Tests for IEC 60917 and
IEC 60297 – Part 3: Electromagnetic shielding performance tests for cabinets and subracks
IEC 62194, Methods of evaluating the thermal performance of enclosures
IEC 62262, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against
external mechanical impacts (IK code)
IEC 62305-4, Protection against lightning – Part 4: Electrical and electronic systems within
structures
ISO 2533, Standard atmosphere
ISO 3864-2, Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Part 2: Design principles
for product safety labels
ETSI EN 300 019-1-4, Environmental Engineering (EE) – Environmental conditions and
environmental tests for telecommunications equipment – Part 1-4: Classification of
environmental conditions – Stationary use at non-weatherprotected locations
ETSI EN 300 019-2-4, Environmental Engineering (EE) – Environmental conditions and
environmental tests for telecommunications equipment – Part 2-4: Specification of
environmental tests – Stationary use at non-weatherprotected locations

___________
IEC 61969-3 ®
Edition 3.0 2020-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment – Outdoor
enclosures –
Part 3: Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects

Structures mécaniques pour équipement électrique et électronique –
Enveloppes de plein air –
Partie 3: Exigences et essais d'environnement, et aspects liés à la sécurité

– 2 – IEC 61969-3:2020 © IEC 2020

CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3

INTRODUCTION . 5

1 Scope . 6

2 Normative references . 6

3 Terms and definitions . 7

4 Coordination dimensions . 7

5 Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects – Classification of
environmental conditions . 7
6 Test conditions . 8
6.1 General . 8
6.2 Climatic tests . 8
6.3 Biological tests . 9
6.4 Tests of resistance against chemically active substances . 9
6.5 Tests of resistance against mechanically active substances . 9
7 Mechanical tests . 10
7.1 General . 10
7.2 Transport tests . 10
7.3 Lifting and stiffness test . 11
8 Safety aspects . 11
8.1 General . 11
8.2 Locking devices . 11
8.3 Vandalism resistance . 11
8.4 Firearms resistance (optional) . 11
9 Seismic requirements . 12
10 Electromagnetic shielding performance . 12
11 Thermal management . 12
12 Noise emission . 12
Bibliography .
...

IEC 61969-3 ®
Edition 3.0 2020-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment – Outdoor
enclosures –
Part 3: Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects

Structures mécaniques pour équipement électrique et électronique –
Enveloppes de plein air –
Partie 3: Exigences et essais d'environnement, et aspects liés à la sécurité

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IEC 61969-3 ®
Edition 3.0 2020-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment – Outdoor

enclosures –
Part 3: Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects

Structures mécaniques pour équipement électrique et électronique –

Enveloppes de plein air –
Partie 3: Exigences et essais d'environnement, et aspects liés à la sécurité

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 31.240 ISBN 978-2-8322-8339-4

– 2 – IEC 61969-3:2020 © IEC 2020
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Coordination dimensions . 7
5 Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects – Classification of
environmental conditions . 7
6 Test conditions . 8
6.1 General . 8
6.2 Climatic tests . 8
6.3 Biological tests . 9
6.4 Tests of resistance against chemically active substances . 9
6.5 Tests of resistance against mechanically active substances . 9
7 Mechanical tests . 10
7.1 General . 10
7.2 Transport tests . 10
7.3 Lifting and stiffness test . 11
8 Safety aspects . 11
8.1 General . 11
8.2 Locking devices . 11
8.3 Vandalism resistance . 11
8.4 Firearms resistance (optional) . 11
9 Seismic requirements . 12
10 Electromagnetic shielding performance . 12
11 Thermal management . 12
12 Noise emission . 12
Bibliography . 13

Table 1 – Climatic conditions for environmental classes 1 and 2 . 8
Table 2 – Biological tests . 9
Table 3 – Tests of resistance against chemically active substances . 9
Table 4 – Tests of resistance against mechanically active substances . 9
Table 5 – Vibration and shock test . 10

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES FOR ELECTRICAL AND
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT – OUTDOOR ENCLOSURES –

Part 3: Environmental requirements, tests 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
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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 61969-3 has been prepared by subcommittee 48D: Mechanical
structures for electrical and electronic equipment, of IEC technical committee 48: Electrical
connectors and mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2011. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) alignment with the content of ETSI EN 300 019 and IEC 60721 series latest editions,
particularly with the actualization of climate conditions;
b) new requirements added to reflect market requirements on environmental issues;
c) improvement on terminology and overall editorial improvement.

– 4 – IEC 61969-3:2020 © IEC 2020
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
48D/721/FDIS 48D/724/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.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
This International Standard is to be used in conjunction with IEC 61969-1:2020.
A list of all parts in the IEC 61969 series, published under the general title Mechanical structures
for electrical and electronic equipment – Outdoor enclosures, can be found on the IEC website.
Future standards in this series will carry the new general title as cited above. Titles of existing
standards in this series will be updated at the time of the next edition.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://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.
INTRODUCTION
The products covered by IEC 61969 (all parts) are empty enclosures for outdoor locations, to
be equipped with application-specific combinations of electrical and electronic equipment, and
to be used at non-weather protected locations above ground.
IEC 61969 (all parts) consists of:
– a design guidelines general part (IEC 61969-1);
– a coordination dimensions standard (IEC 61969-2);
– an environmental requirements and tests, safety aspects standard (IEC 61969-3).
This document provides basic environmental requirements and tests, as well as safety aspects,
to be used for outdoor enclosures in absence of local regulatory documents, or of application-
specific environmental test requirements.
This document provides manufacturers and users of generic outdoor enclosures with minimum
performance compliance criteria. The thermal management solution depends on the specific
environment of the outdoor enclosure.
Since forced air heat dissipation and acoustic noise are closely related, noise limitations are
typically defined by local regulatory documents.
It is responsibility of the outdoor enclosure vendor to provide a solution for thermal management
within the local regulatory noise limitations.

– 6 – IEC 61969-3:2020 © IEC 2020
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES FOR ELECTRICAL AND
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT – OUTDOOR ENCLOSURES –

Part 3: Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61969 specifies a set of basic environmental requirements and tests, as well
as safety aspects for outdoor enclosures under conditions of non-weather protected locations
above ground.
The purpose of this document is to define a minimum level of environmental performance in
order to meet requirements of storage, transport and final installation. The intention is to
establish basic environmental performance criteria for outdoor enclosure compliance.
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 60068-2-1, 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 60068-2-10, Environmental testing – Part 2-10: Tests – Test J and guidance: Mould growth
IEC 60068-2-11, Basic environmental testing procedures – Part 2-11: Tests – Test Ka: Salt mist
IEC 60068-2-14, Environmental testing – Part 2-14: Tests – Test N: Change of temperature
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 60068-2-31, Environmental testing – Part 2-31: Tests – Test Ec: Rough handling shocks,
primarily for equipment-type specimens
IEC 60068-2-60, Environmental testing – Part 2-60: Tests – Test Ke: Flowing mixed gas
corrosion test
IEC 60068-2-78, Environmental testing – Part 2-78: Tests – Test Cab: Damp heat, steady state
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60950-1, Information technology equipment – Safety – Part 1: General requirements

IEC 61587-1, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Tests for IEC 60917 and
IEC 60297 series – Part 1: Environmental requirements, test set-up and safety aspects for
cabinets, racks, subracks and chassis under indoor condition use and transportation
IEC 61587-2, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Tests for IEC 60917 and 60297
– Part 2: Seismic tests for cabinets and racks
IEC 61969-1:2020, Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment – Outdoor
enclosures – Part 1: Design guidelines
IEC 62368-1, Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment – Part 1:
Safety requirements
ISO 3744, Acoustics – Determination of sound power levels and sound energy levels of noise
sources using sound pressure – Engineering methods for an essentially free field over a
reflecting plane
ISO 4892-2, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 2: Xenon-arc
lamps
ETSI EN 300 019-2-2, Environmental Engineering (EE) – Environmental conditions and
environmental tests for telecommunications equipment – Part 2-2: Specification of
environmental tests – Transportation
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 61969-1 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
4 Coordination dimensions
This clause of IEC 61969-1:2020 applies.
5 Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects – Classification of
environmental conditions
The environmental conditions are derived from IEC 60721-3-4, with the focus on empty outdoor
enclosures relevant requirements.
Class 1: Non-weatherprotected location: Covers all regions with a moderate climate.
Class 2: Non-weatherprotected locations, extended: Covers all regions with severe climate.
The individual outdoor enclosure tested to these basic environmental test requirements may
claim compliance to either class 1 or class 2 or a combination of class 1/class 2.

– 8 – IEC 61969-3:2020 © IEC 2020
6 Test conditions
6.1 General
The basic test conditions shown in Table 1, Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4 reflect typical outdoor
enclosure environments to be endured.
6.2 Climatic tests
Table 1 – Climatic conditions for environmental classes 1 and 2
Test severity
Environmental
Duration Method
parameters
Class 1 Class 2
IEC 60068-2-1:
a Low air temperature −40 °C −50 °C 16 h
A
IEC 60068-2-2:
b High air temperature +85 °C +85 °C 16 h
B
IEC 60068-2-78:
c Damp heat +30 °C, 93 % +30 °C, 93 % 96 h
Cb
−40 °C to +23 °C −40 °C to + 85 °C
IEC 60068-2-14:
d Change of temperature 2 cycles
Nb
1 °C/min 1 °C/min
144 h
IEC 60068-2-30:
e Condensation 90 % to 100 % RH 90 % to 100 % RH
Db
(6 cycles)
Precipitation (rain, snow,
f IPX4 IPX5 - IEC 60529
hail, etc.)
Movement of the
g 50 m/s 60 m/s - -
surrounding air
h Formation of ice and frost Minimum requirement: No mechanical deformation -
Minimum requirement: No reduction in mechanical
i Ultraviolet degradation properties (tensile strength and elongation at yield) by ISO 4892-2
more than 20 %.
For comparable conditions, the International Standard Air, in accordance to ISO 2533 (15 °C at 1 013, 25 hPa)
shall be used.
This maximum temperature includes the effects of heat dissipation caused by active electronics and includes
solar load.
Following the test, compliance is checked by visual inspection of the internal and external parts;
no rust, cracking or other deterioration shall be detected with impact to the required function;
no ingress of water.
Hinges, locks and handles for example shall be in operating condition.
The test in accordance with Table 1, item h, shall prove that access to the internal equipment
is possible without causing permanent degradation of protection levels.

6.3 Biological tests
Table 2 – Biological tests
Test severity
Environmental
Purpose Method
parameters
Class 1 Class 2
Flora: Presence of mould, IEC 60068-2-10:
a
Minimum requirement: No reduction
fungus, etc. J
To check the
in mechanical properties (tensile
material for
Fauna: Presence of rodents
strength and elongation at yield) by
resistance
b and others harmful to the
more than 20 %.
equipment
Following the test, compliance is checked by visual inspection.
6.4 Tests of resistance against chemically active substances
Table 3 – Tests of resistance against chemically active substances
Test severity
Environmental
Duration Method
Class 1 Class 2
parameters
Mean value Maximum value
Salts: Sea and road salt 4 weeks IEC 60068-2-11:
a +35 °C,5 % NaCl
mist (672 h) Ka
3 3
0,3 mg/m 1,0 mg/m
b
Sulphur dioxide
3 3 3 3
0,11 cm /m 0,37 cm /m
3 3
0,1 mg/m 0,5 mg/m
c
Hydrogen sulphide
3 3 3 3
0,071 cm /m 0,36 cm /m
IEC 60068-2-60:
10 days
3 3 Ke
0,1 mg/m 0,3 mg/m
d Chlorine
3 3 3
0,034 cm /m 0,1 cm /m
3 3
0,5 mg/m 1,0 mg/m
e Nitrogen oxides
3 3 3 3
0,26 cm /m 0,52 cm /m
Tests of Table 3 may be combined with tests of Table 1.

Following each of the tests of Table 3, compliance is checked by visual inspection of the outside
of the used materials or coatings.
Surface corrosion of the protective enclosure is allowed.
The enclosure design shall provide protection for electromagnetic interference gaskets and for
protective earthing contacts, where no corrosion is permitted.
6.5 Tests of resistance against mechanically active substances
Table 4 – Tests of resistance against mechanically active substances
Test severity
Environmental
Method
parameters
Classes 1 and 2
a Sand
b Dust (suspension) IP5X IEC 60529
c Dust (sedimentation)
– 10 – IEC 61969-3:2020 © IEC 2020
Following the test, shall be executed according to the next assessment: no measurable dust
shall have entered the enclosure (this is more severe than in IEC 60529 for IP5X, and IP6X
may be applied for an intended requirement).
7 Mechanical tests
7.1 General
The purpose of these mechanical tests is to ensure that the outdoor enclosure will withstand
handling, storage, transport and protect installed equipment from exposure to mechanical stress.
For seismic compliance, see Clause 9. Installations in public areas typically require compliance
to more severe local regulatory laws. These and any additional application specific
requirements need to be observed. Should the outdoor enclosure be installed in a public place,
the power input requirements may have to be in compliance with IEC 61439-5.
7.2 Transport tests
The dynamic tests of an outdoor enclosure shall be conducted under the intended transport
conditions. Since outdoor enclosure dynamic transport stress is considerably more severe than
typical handling and storage stress, no further dynamic tests are required. For the purpose of
this test, no transport packing material is used. The outdoor enclosure shall be mounted to the
shock/vibration table by using the intended ground/floor mounting features.
Table 5 shows the chosen severity classes.
Table 5 – Vibration and shock test
Test severity
Class 1 Class 2
Environmental parameters Method
(controlled transport (limited transport
condition) condition)
5 Hz to 9 Hz/3,5 mm 5 Hz to 9 Hz/3,5 mm
displacement displacement
9 Hz to
9 Hz-200 Hz/10 m/s
Vibration, sinusoidal 200 Hz/10 m/s
a acceleration IEC 60068-2-6: Fc
3 axes, 10 cycles acceleration
200 Hz to 200 Hz to
2 2
500 Hz/15 m/s 500 Hz/15 m/s
acceleration acceleration
5 Hz to 20 Hz:
2 3
11 m /s
ETSI EN 300 019-2-2
Vibration, random -
b
Class 2.3
20 Hz to 200 Hz:
−3 dB/oct.
Peak acceleration Peak acceleration
Shock, 1/2 sine wave vertical IEC 60068-2-27: Ea
2 2
c axes only Shock response
100 m/s 100 m/s
No of shocks: 3 spectrum type I
Time: 11 ms Time: 11 ms
Free fall:
enclosure mass < 20 kg 0,25 m 1,25 m
IEC 60068-2-31: Ec
d
20 kg to 100 kg 0,25 m 1,00 m
> 100 kg 0,10 m 0,25 m
Alternative test.
The test is excited in the packaging condition.

Following the test, no deformation or damage of parts that affect form, fit and function shall be
found.
7.3 Lifting and stiffness test
If lifting eyes are provided, the performance test as per IEC 61587-1 shall be applied.
Following the test, no deformation or damage of parts that affect form, fit and function shall be
found.
8 Safety aspects
8.1 General
General safety requirements: The outdoor enclosure shall not present a danger or hazard to
people and shall prevent unauthorized access. To protect authorized personnel (during
assembly, installation, test and maintenance phases), the outdoor enclosure shall be free of
defects such as sharp edges, burrs, etc. Compliance to IEC 60950-1 and IEC 62368-1 is
required, as applicable, for the electrical and electronic equipment that is installed inside the
outdoor enclosure.
NOTE The above safety standards do not directly apply to an empty outdoor enclosure.
Regulatory safety requirements: The outdoor enclosure shall also comply with the local
enforced regulatory safety requirements.
For requirements and relevant tests covering safety aspects, both general and of local
regulatory (to be agreed between vendor and user), Table 2 of IEC 61969-1:2020 shall apply.
8.2 Locking devices
Outdoor enclosure access locking functions such as used on doors, covers, roofs, etc. are
application and/or regulatory specific. The outdoor enclosure shall have the capability to be
locked and unlocked only by authorized crafts people.
8.3 Vandalism resistance
Outdoor enclosure vandalism resistance required on any locking functions such as used with
doors, covers, roofs, etc. are application and/or regulatory specific. The outdoor enclosure shall
provide for heavy duty key locking and hinges hardware.
Compliance check: The outdoor enclosure shall be resistant to unauthorized access. Test
method shall be agreed between vendor and user.
8.4 Firearms resistance (optional)
Outdoor enclosure firearms resistance is application and/or regulatory specific.
The outdoor enclosure shall be designed for withstanding a 12 gauge shotgun blast of
no. 7 ½ shot at a distance of 15 m without penetration of the enclosure wall by any pellets.
Test procedure:
The enclosure shall be positioned as in a typical installation and all unique vertical surfaces
shall be subjected to a blast from a 12 gauge shotgun fired at a distance of 15 m. The load used
shall be a 70 mm shell loaded with 28 or 32 grams of no. 6 steel shot fired from a 28 inch
modified choke barrel.
– 12 – IEC 61969-3:2020 © IEC 2020
Assessment following the test:
The outer skin of the enclosure may be deformed but still maintaining protection, and without
any penetration of the enclosure wall by any pellets.
9 Seismic requirements
Outdoor enclosure seismic compliance is application and/or regulatory specific. If seismic
compliance is requested, tests shall be conducted in accordance with IEC 61587-2.
10 Electromagnetic shielding performance
This requirement is optional, dependent on the area where needed.
If electromagnetic shielding compliance is required, test should be conducted in accordance
with IEC 61587-3 unless otherwise specified.
11 Thermal management
For the operation of electronic equipment housed in outdoor enclosures, passive and/or active
thermal management devices are used. Since the active heat management devices typically
include fans, noise emission may have to comply with local regulatory requirements. Preferably,
outdoor enclosure heat management should be based on convection air cooling (passive). If
environmental compliance testing is required, tests should be conducted in accordance with
IEC 62194 unless otherwise specified.
12 Noise emission
The final location of the installed outdoor enclosure will determine the noise limits tolerated.
Typically, regional and location specific regulatory requirements are in place. Sound power
noise tests shall be conducted in accordance with ISO 3744, unless otherwise specified. The
noise may be generated by the installed equipment and/or by thermal management solutions.
To simplify the approval process it is always recommended to explore the possibilities of
passive convection cooling first. This may be achieved by applying strategically placed heat
sinks and/or double wall enclosure designs. Power emission, thermal management and noise
limitations will have to be considered for the final application.

Bibliography
IEC 60068-2-5, Environmental testing – Part 2-5: Tests – Test Sa: Simulated solar radiation at
ground level and guidance for solar radiation testing and weathering
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available at http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment)
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 60721-3-4, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3-4: Classification of groups
of environmental parameters and their severities – Stationary use at non-weatherprotected
locations
IEC 60825-1, Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements
IEC 61010-1, Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use – Part 1: General requirements
IEC 61140, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and equipment
IEC 61439-5, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Part 5: Assemblies for
power distribution in public networks
IEC 61587-3, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Tests for IEC 60917 and
IEC 60297 – Part 3: Electromagnetic shielding performance tests for cabinets and subracks
IEC 62194, Methods of evaluating the thermal performance of enclosures
IEC 62262, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against
external mechanical impacts (IK code)
IEC 62305-4, Protection against lightning – Part 4: Electrical and electronic systems within
structures
ISO 2533, Standard atmosphere
ISO 3864-2, Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Part 2: Design principles
for product safety labels
ETSI EN 300 019-1-4, Environmental Engineering (EE) – Environmental conditions and
environmental tests for telecommunications equipment – Part 1-4: Classification of
environmental conditions – Stationary use at non-weatherprotected locations
ETSI EN 300 019-2-4, Environmental Engineering (EE) – Environmental conditions and
environmental tests for telecommunications equipment – Part 2-4: Specification of
environmental tests – Stationary use at non-weatherprotected locations
___________
– 14 – IEC 61969-3:2020 © IEC 2020
SOMMAIRE
AVANT-PROPOS . 15
INTRODUCTION . 17
1 Domaine d’application . 18
2 Références normatives . 18
3 Termes et définitions . 19
4 Dimensions de coordination . 19
5 Exigences et essais d’environnement, et aspects liés à la sécurité – Classification
des conditions d’environnement . 19
6 Conditions d’essai . 20
6.1 Généralités . 20
6.2 Essais climatiques . 20
6.3 Essais biologiques . 21
6.4 Essais de résistance aux substances chimiquement actives . 21
6.5 Essais de résistance aux substances mécaniquement actives . 22
7 Essais mécaniques . 22
7.1 Généralités . 22
7.2 Essais de transport . 22
7.3 Essai de grutage et de rigidité. 23
8 Aspects liés à la sécurité . 23
8.1 Généralités . 23
8.2 Dispositifs de verrouillage . 24
8.3 Résistance au vandalisme . 24
8.4 Résistance aux armes à feu (facultatif) . 24
9 Exigences sismiques . 24
10 Performances du blindage électromagnétique . 24
11 Gestion thermique . 25
12 Emissions de bruit . 25
Biblographie . 26

Tableau 1 – Conditions climatiques pour les classes d’environnement 1 et 2 . 20
Tableau 2 – Essais biologiques . 21
Tableau 3 – Essais de résistance aux substances chimiquement actives . 21
Tableau 4 – Essais de résistance aux substances mécaniquement actives . 22
Tableau 5 – Essai de vibrations et de choc . 23

COMMISSION ÉLECTROTECHNIQUE INTERNATIONALE
____________
STRUCTURES MÉCANIQUES POUR ÉQUIPEMENT ÉLECTRIQUE
ET ÉLECTRONIQUE – ENVELOPPES DE PLEIN AIR –

Partie 3: Exigences et essais d'environnement,
et aspects liés à la sécurité
AVANT-PROPOS
1) La Commission Electrotechnique Internationale (IEC) est une organisation mondiale de normalisation composée
de l'ensemble des comités électrotechniques nationaux (Comités nationaux de l’IEC). L’IEC a pour objet de
favoriser la coopération internationale pour toutes les questions de normalisation dans les domaines de
l'électricité et de l'électronique. A cet effet, l’IEC – entre autres activités – publie des Normes internationales,
des Spécifications techniques, des Rapports techniques, des Spécifications accessibles au public (PAS) et des
Guides (ci-après dénommés "Publication(s) de l’IEC"). Leur élaboration est confiée à des comités d'études, aux
travaux desquels tout Comité national intéressé par le sujet traité peut participer. Les organisations
internationales, gouvernementales et non gouvernementales, en liaison avec l’IEC, participent également aux
travaux. L’IEC collabore étroitement avec l'Organisation Internationale de Normalisation (ISO), selon des
conditions fixées par accord entre les deux organisations.
2) Les décisions ou accords officiels de l’IEC concernant les questions techniques représentent, dans la mesure du
possible, un accord international sur les sujets étudiés, étant donné que les Comités nationaux de l’IEC intéressés
sont représentés dans chaque comité d’études.
3) Les Publications de l’IEC se présentent sous la forme de recommandations internationales et sont agréées
comme telles par les Comités nationaux de l’IEC. Tous les efforts raisonnables sont entrepris afin que l’IEC
s'assure de l'exactitude du contenu technique de ses publications; l’IEC ne peut pas être tenue responsable de
l'éventuelle mauvaise utilisation ou interprétation qui en est faite par un quelconque utilisateur final.
4) Dans le but d'encourager l'uniformité internationale, les Comités nationaux de l’IEC s'engagent, dans toute la
mesure possible, à appliquer de façon transparente les Publications de l’IEC dans leurs publications nationales
et régionales. Toutes divergences entre toutes Publications de l’IEC et toutes publications nationales ou
régionales correspondantes doivent être indiquées en termes clairs dans ces dernières.
5) L’IEC elle-même ne fournit aucune attestation de conformité. Des organismes de certification indépendants
fournissent des services d'évaluation de conformité et, dans certains secteurs, accèdent aux marques de
conformité de l’IEC. L’IEC n'est responsable d'aucun des services effectués par les organismes de certification
indépendants.
6) Tous les utilisateurs doivent s'assurer qu'ils sont en possession de la dernière édition de cette publication.
7) Aucune responsabilité ne doit être imputée à l’IEC, à ses administrateurs, employés, auxiliaires ou mandataires,
y compris ses experts particuliers et les membres de ses comités d'études et des Comités nationaux de l’IEC,
pour tout préjudice causé en cas de dommages corporels et matériels, ou de tout autre dommage de quelque
nature que ce soit, directe ou indirecte, ou pour supporter les coûts (y compris les frais de justice) et les dépenses
découlant de la publication ou de l'utilisation de cette Publication de l’IEC ou de toute autre Publication de l’IEC,
ou au crédit qui lui est accordé.
8) L'attention est attirée sur les références normatives citées dans cette publication. L'utilisation de publications
référencées est obligatoire pour une application correcte de la présente publication.
9) L’attention est attirée sur le fait que certains des éléments de la présente Publication de l’IEC peuvent faire l’objet
de droits de brevet. L’IEC ne saurait être tenue pour responsable de ne pas avoir identifié de tels droits de
brevets et de ne pas avoir signalé leur existence.
La Norme internationale IEC 61969-3 a été établie par le sous-comité 48D: Structures
mécaniques pour les équipements électriques et électroniques, du comité d'études 48 de l’IEC:
Connecteurs électriques et structures mécaniques pour les équipements électriques et
électroniques.
Cette troisième édition annule et remplace la deuxième édition parue en 2011. Cette édition
constitue une révision technique.

– 16 – IEC 61969-3:2020 © IEC 2020
Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition
précédente:
a) alignement avec le contenu des dernières éditions des séries ETSI EN 300 019 et
IEC 60721, en particulier concernant l’actualisation des conditions climatiques;
b) ajout de nouvelles exigences pour refléter celles du marché relatives aux questions
environnementales;
c) amélioration de la terminologie et modifications éditoriales générales.
Le texte de cette Norme internationale est issu des documents suivants:
FDIS Rapport de vote
48D/721/FDIS 48D/724/RVD
Le rapport de vote indiqué dans le tableau ci-dessus donne toute information sur le vote ayant
abouti à l'approbation de la présente Norme internationale.
Ce document a été rédigé selon les Directives ISO/IEC, Partie 2.
Cette Norme Internationale doit être utilisée conjointement avec l'IEC 61969-1:2020.
Une liste de toutes les parties de la série IEC 61969, publiées sous le titre général Structures
mécaniques pour les équipements élec
...