CLC/SR 104 - Environmental conditions, classification and methods of test

IEC 60721-2-2:2024 presents fundamental properties, quantities for characterization, and a classification of environmental conditions dependent on precipitation and wind relevant to electrotechnical products. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2012. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) the layout of the information provided has been re-organized; b) the information provided has been extensively enhanced and revised; c) new information on wind severities has been included.

IEC 60068-2-87:2024 describes exposures of materials and components to UV-C radiation during ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) treatments or other processes that require UV‑C exposure and test procedures to simulate those environments. Severities representing various frequencies and intensities of UV-C exposures are described. Test conditions are described and limited to devices that utilize low pressure mercury lamps which emit most of their radiation at a single spectral line at 254 nm.

IEC 60721-3-9:2024 classifies groups of microclimatic conditions, to which components (basic parts, assemblies, built-in units) can be subjected inside products, which are used under the climatic conditions as classified in IEC 60721-3-3 and IEC 60721-3-4. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1993, Amendment 1:1994 and Corrigendum 1:1995. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) Clause 2 has been updated; b) Clause 4 has been re-edited and simplified; c) Annex A has been revised and updated; d) a new Annex B has been added and gives the origin of the constitutional diagram for humid air, which is the basis of drawing the climatogram for a microclimate.

IEC 60068-2-86:2024 provides a test procedure for use with multi-exciter and multi-axis vibration test systems. The vibration test is intended for general application to components, equipment, and other products, hereinafter referred to as "specimens", subjected to dynamic environments that could arise during an equipment life cycle. Although this document is mainly intended for vibration testing, the procedure is also applied to certain types of shock and transient tests.

IEC 60068-2-17:2023 deals with seal tests applicable to the external and internal detection in container sealing of gross leaks and fine leaks to determine the effectiveness of seals of specimens. For further tests to verify the ability of enclosures, covers and seals to maintain components and equipment in good working order, IEC 60068‑2‑18 can be helpful. This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 1994. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) "Survey of sealing tests" has been deleted and the relevant content moved to a new Clause 4 "General"; b) the Scope has been revised; c) the figures have been updated for clarification purposes; d) all non-SI units have been removed; e) the information to be given in the relevant specification has been revised.

IEC 60068-3-1:2023 is available as IEC 60068-3-1:2023 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60068-3-1:2023 provides guidance regarding the performance of cold and dry heat tests. 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) information relating to specimen temperatures has been revised; b) information relating to tests of multiple specimens has been revised; c) the effect of air density has been added; d) a recommendation for corrective actions regarding IR radiation has been added; e) the requirements for the mounting and supports of the specimen have been revised.

IEC 60068-3-4:2023 is available as IEC 60068-3-4:2023 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60068-3-4:2023 provides the necessary information and the basic principles of the effect of humidity in the context of environmental testing to assist in preparing relevant specifications, such as standards for components or equipment. Furthermore, information is provided on operating climatic test chambers. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2001. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) the requirements for distilled and deionized water have been revised; b) recommendations for the cleaning procedure of test chambers have been included; c) humidification systems (ultrasonic humidifiers and atomizers) have been added; d) the description of water penetration mechanisms has been refined.

IEC 60068-2-14:2023 is available as IEC 60068-2-14:2023 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60068-2-14:2023 provides tests with specified ambient temperature changes to analyse their impacts on specimens. This seventh edition cancels and replaces the sixth edition published in 2009. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) updating of the figures for clarification purposes; b) updating of specimen temperature(s) and severities as well as tolerances for change of temperature tests; c) revision of standardized requirements for test reports for Tests Na and Nb.

This part of IEC 60721 deals with environmental conditions appearing in nature related to earthquake vibrations and shocks. Its object is to define some fundamental properties and quantities for characterization of earthquakes as background material for the severities to which products are liable to be exposed during storage and use. Accelerations given are for ground surface conditions only. Conditions related to structures are referred to but restricted to general case descriptions.

IEC 60068-3-3:2019 applies primarily to electro-technical equipment but its application can be extended to other equipment and to components. In addition, if some type of analysis is always performed when making a seismic qualification, for example for the choice of the representative sample to be tested or for the extension of the seismic qualification from the tested specimen to similar specimens, the verification of the performance of an equipment by analysis or by a combination of testing and analysis can be acceptable but is outside the scope of this document, which is restricted to verification based entirely upon data from dynamic testing. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1991. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - the main aim of this revision is to connect the testing level to the seismic activity level of the zone where the equipment could be installed; - a standard shape for the required response spectrum is also given for the general seismic class for which the seismic environment is either not known or is imprecisely known; - Clauses 11 to 15 were renumbered and some adjustments were made as their content is very general and the requirements can be applied both to the general seismic class and to the specific seismic class; - the word “envelope” is replaced with “dominance” and “to envelop” with “to dominate” in order to provide a more precise meaning from a mathematical point of view.

Provides a standard test procedure for the purpose of evaluating the resistance of small electrotechnical products, primarily non-hermetically sealed components, to the deteriorative effect of damp heat. Is not intended to evaluate external effects such as corrosion and deformation.

IEC 60068-2-85:2019 demonstrates the adequacy of specimens to resist dynamic loads without unacceptable degradation of its functional and/or structural integrity when subjected to the specified vibration test requirements as defined by a time history (long time history replication). These can either be recorded in measurement exercises or generated artificially. In both cases, this method allows for generating a test tailored to very specific applications.

IEC Corrected version

IEC 60721-3-3:2019 classifies groups of environmental parameters and their severities to which products are subjected when installed for stationary use at weatherprotected locations. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 1994, Amendment 1: 1995 and Amendment 2:1996. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) Clause 3: definitions aligned with IEC 60721-3-1. b) Clause 4: aligned with IEC 60721-3-1. c) Clause 5: Clause A.3 has been incorporated into Clause 5. d) Subclause 5.2: all existing climate classes have been replaced by completely new classes. The new classes are divided into two groups. The reason for the new classes is the latest revision of IEC 60721-2-1 which incorporates new climate types. e) Subclause 5.3: addition of a new class for low air pressure. f) Defined values of chemically active substances are now by reference to ISO 9223. g) Subclause 5.6: all existing classes for mechanically active substances have been replaced by completely new classes, in alignment with IEC 60721-3-1. h) Subclause 5.7: all existing classes for mechanical conditions have been replaced by completely new classes, in alignment with IEC 60721-3-1. i) Table 1: new climatic classes with new severities. j) Table 2: new class for low air pressure. k) Table 4: new mechanically active substances classes. l) Table 5: new mechanical conditions classes. m) Annex A: revised and includes a clean climatogram. n) Annex B: revised and includes the definition of seismic environment. o) All classes regarding fire, all combined classes, all chemically active substances classes, Clause A.2, Annexes C, D and E have been removed.

IEC 60721-3-4:2019 classifies groups of environmental parameters and their severities to which products are subjected when installed for stationary use at non-weatherprotected locations. Weatherprotected locations where products can be mounted for stationary use permanently or temporarily are addressed in IEC 60721-3-3. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 1995 and Amendment 1:1996. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) Clause 1: reworded. b) Clause 2: normative references have been updated. c) Clause 3: definitions have been updated. d) Clause 4: reworded and simplified. e) Clause 5: revised and updated. Several classes have been replaced by completely new classes based on the use of new information obtained from referenced technical reports. f) Defined values of chemically active substances are now by reference to ISO 9223. g) Tables 1 through 5: updated.

20211015 - IEC Corrected version.

NEW!IEC 60721-2-4:2018 is available as IEC 60721-2-4:2018 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60721-2-4:2018 presents a broad division into types of solar radiation areas. It is intended to be used as part of the background material when selecting appropriate severities of solar radiation for product applications. All types of geographical areas are covered, except areas with altitudes above 5 000 m. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1987 and Amendment 1:1988. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - Figures updated including the addition of global irradiation information - Format updated.

NEW!IEC 60068-2-5:2018 is available as IEC 60068-2-5:2018 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60068-2-5:2018 specifies the methods for testing equipment or components under simulated solar radiation conditions. This document is applicable to the equipment and components at the surface of the earth. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition of published in 2010. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - the title of this document has been modified; - the current thermal effect test method, specified as "Test method Sa" has been retained and the weathering test method specified as "Test method Sb" has been added.

IEC 60068-2-38:2021 is available as IEC 60068-2-38:2021 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60068-2-38:2021 specifies a composite test procedure, primarily intended for component type specimens, to determine, in an accelerated manner, the resistance of specimens to the deteriorative effects of high temperature/humidity and cold conditions. This test standard does not apply to specimens that are energized during the complete test. Specimens can be energized during the constant phases of the tests. Measurements on energized specimens are typically carried out during constant phases of the test unless specified otherwise. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 2009. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - the figures have been updated; - changes to the wording has been made for clarification purposes.

IEC 60721-2-7:2018(E) addresses the occurrence of fauna and flora, including its main effects on electrotechnical products. Exposure and damage from the effects of fauna and flora can occur at almost any time in a product's life cycle. Moreover, there are many agents of attack with various actions. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1987. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - This edition has been entirely rewritten.

This part of IEC 60068 specifies a test method for assessing the corrosion resistance of electrotechnical products components, equipment and materials in a salt mist environment. Its objective is to verify that the comparative quality of a metallic material, with or without corrosion protection, is maintained when exposed to salt mist. This test method is useful for evaluating the quality and the uniformity of coatings applied to protect metals against corrosion. It is particularly useful for detecting discontinuities, such as pores and other defects, in certain metallic, organic, anodic oxide and conversion coatings.

This part of IEC 60068 specifies methods of test applicable to specimens which, during transportation, storage or in service, can be subjected to low air pressure. The object of the low air pressure test is to determine the ability of components, equipment or other articles to be used, transported or stored at low air pressure. Components, equipment or other articles to be used, transported or stored under a simultaneous combination of high or low temperature and low air pressure, where the combination is important for the stresses imposed on the articles or for the failure mechanisms, are then tested in accordance with IEC 60068-2-39.

NEW!IEC 60721-3-2:2018 is available as IEC 60721-3-2:2018 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60721-3-2:2018 classifies the groups of environmental parameters and their severities to which a product is subjected while being transported and handled. The most commonly used methods of transportation and handling have been taken into account, including the following: - road transport: cars, trucks; - rail transport: trains, trams; - water transport, inland and maritime: ships; - air transport: aircraft, jet, propeller, helicopter; - handling equipment: cranes, transport lifts, cableways, persons; - conveyors; - hand trollies. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 1997, and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a. Clause 1: reworded and added handling. b. Clause 2: updated normative references. c. Clause 3: updated definitions. d. Clause 4: reworded and simplified. e. Clause 5: revised and updated. Several classes have been replaced by completely new classes based on the use of new information obtained from referenced Technical Reports. f. Table 1 through Table 5: updated. g. Table 6 added. h. Old annexes A to C removed except Clause A.3 that is incorporated in Clause 5. i. New Annex A.

NEW!IEC 60721-3-1:2018 is available as IEC 60721-3-1:2018 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60721-3-1:2018 classifies the groups of environmental parameters and their severities to which products together with their packaging, if any, are subjected when stored. The environmental conditions specified in this document are limited to those which can directly affect the products or their ultimate performance. Only environmental conditions as such are considered. No special description of the effects of these conditions on the products is given. Environmental conditions directly related to fire or explosions are not included. Conditions of stationary use, portable and non-stationary use, use in vehicles and ships, and conditions of transportation are given in other subparts of the IEC 60721-3 series. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 1997, and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a. Clause 3: reworded and simplified. b. Clause 4: reworded and simplified. c. Clause 5: Annex C has been incorporated in Clause 5. d. 5.2: all existing climate classes have been replaced by completely new classes. The new classes are divided into 3 groups. The reason for the new classes is the latest revision of IEC 60721-2-1 which incorporated new climate types. e. 5.3: new classes for solar radiation and snow load. f. 5.6: all existing classes for mechanically active substances have been replaced by completely new classes. g. 5.7: all existing classes for mechanical conditions have been replaced by completely new classes. h. Table 1: new climatic classes with new severities. i. Table 2: new classes for solar radiation and snow load. j. Table 5 new mechanically active substances classes. k. Table 6: new mechanical conditions classes.

NEW!IEC 60068-3-5:2018 is available as IEC 60068-3-5:2018 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60068-3-5:2018 provides a uniform and reproducible method of confirming that temperature test chambers, without specimens, conform to the requirements specified in climatic test procedures of IEC 60068-2 (all parts) and other standards. This document is intended for users when conducting regular chamber performance monitoring. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2001. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - Confirmation procedures are clarified.

NEW!IEC 60068-3-6:2018 is available as IEC 60068-3-6:2018 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60068-3-6:2018 provides a uniform and reproducible method of confirming that temperature and humidity test chambers, without specimens, conform to the requirements specified in climatic test procedures of IEC 60068-2 (all parts). This document is intended for users when conducting regular chamber performance monitoring. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2001. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - Confirmation procedures are clarified.

NEW!IEC 60068-2-52:2017 is available as IEC 60068-2-52:2017 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60068-2-52:2017 specifies the application of the cyclic salt mist test to components or equipment designed to withstand a salt-laden atmosphere as salt can degrade the performance of parts manufactured using metallic and/or non-metallic materials. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 1996. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - the entire content has been harmonized with ISO 9227 as far as possible; - an introduction has been added; - the scope has been simplified; - normative references have been updated; - the general description of the test has been changed; - a dry chamber has been added to the test apparatus; - severities have been changed to test methods; - test methods 7 and 8 have been added; - information on the test report has been added; - Figure 1 has been changed to Table 1; - a typical test apparatus example has been added in a new Annex A; - a description of each test method has been added in a new Annex B; - bibliographical references have been added.

IEC 60068-3-7:2020 is available as IEC 60068-3-7:2020 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60068-3-7:2020 specifies a uniform and reproducible method of confirming that temperature test chambers conform to the requirements specified in the climatic test procedures of IEC 60068-2-1 and IEC 60068-2-2, when loaded with either heat-dissipating or non heat-dissipating specimens under conditions which take into account air circulation inside the working space of the chamber. This document is intended primarily for users when conducting regular chamber performance monitoring. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2001. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - verbal forms have, in many parts, been changed to express requirements instead of recommendations ('shall' instead of 'should'); - Table 1 has been updated.

IEC 60721-3-0:2020 provides guidance on the use of all parts of IEC 60721-3. It contains background information including information on the application and limitation of the classes given in various parts of IEC 60721-3 which can be used in the design, limitation of conditions and protection of equipment. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1984 and Amendment 1:1987. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) This edition has been extensively simplified to only provide necessary information with regard to the process given in the other parts of IEC 60721-3 and information on class severity has been updated.

NEW!IEC 60068-2-18:2017 is available as IEC 60068-2-18:2017 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60068-2-18:2017 provides methods of test applicable to products which, during transportation, storage or in service, can be subjected to falling water drops, impacting water, immersion or high pressure water impact. The primary purpose of water tests is to verify the ability of enclosures, covers and seals to maintain components and equipment in good working order after and, when necessary, under a standardized drop field or immersion in water. These tests are not corrosion tests and cannot be considered and used as such. Established water tests in other standards are not intended to simulate natural rainfall and their quoted intensities are too high to be adopted for that purpose. Therefore, in addition to the high-intensity severities, test R includes an artificial rain test based upon natural conditions but not taking into account high wind speeds generally associated with natural rain. Guidance is given on the applicability of the tests and the severities to be selected. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2000. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a. addition of the new test method Rb 3.

IEC 60068-2-39:2015 provides a description of test methods and guidance for testing of equipment or components under combined temperature or temperature and humidity with low air pressure tests. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1976 and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) preferred severities of the IEC 60068 series; b) combined temperature, humidity and low air pressure.

IEC - Corrected version

TC - superseding information corrected

TC - superseding information corrected

IEC 60068-2-60:2015 is available as IEC 60068-2-60:2015 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition. IEC 60068-2-60:2015 determines the corrosive influence of operating and storage indoor environments on electrotechnical products components, equipment and materials, particularly contacts and connections, considered separately, integrated into a subassembly or assembled as a complete equipment. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 1995, and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - updated IEC format; - updated normative references list; - addition of information of the working volume; - revision of the test procedure; - revision of the figures in Annex B.

CCMC origin. Incorrect publication date.

IEC 60068-2-75:2014 provides three standardized and coordinated test methods for determining the ability of a specimen to withstand specified severities of impact. It is used, in particular, to demonstrate an acceptable level of robustness when assessing the safety of a product and is primarily intended for the testing of electrotechnical items. It consists of the application to the specimen of a prescribed number of impacts defined by their impact energy and applied in the prescribed directions. This part of IEC 60068 covers energy levels ranging from 0,14 J (joules) to 50 J (joules). This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 1997, and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical change with respect to the previous edition: - reconsideration of some values in Tables 1 and 2. Although some values are no longer recommended, they have been retained as alternatives for historical consistency purposes. It has the status of a basic safety publication in accordance with IEC Guide 104.

IEC 60721-2-9:2014 is intended to be used to define the strategy for arriving at an environmental description from measured data when related to a product's life cycle. Its object is to define fundamental properties and quantities for characterization of storage, transportation and in-use shock and vibration data as background material for the severities to which products are liable to be exposed during those phases of their lifecycle.

IEC 60068-1:2013 includes a series of methods for environmental testing along with their appropriate severities, and prescribes various atmospheric conditions for measurements and tests designed to assess the ability of specimens to perform under expected conditions of transportation, storage and all aspects of operational use. Although primarily intended for electrotechnical products, this standard is not restricted to them and may be used in other fields where desired. Other methods of environmental testing, specific to the individual types of specimen, may be included in the relevant specifications. The framework of environmental test tailoring process is given in order to assist the production of test specifications with appropriate tests and test severities. This seventh edition cancels and replaces the sixth edition, published in 1988, and constitutes a technical revision. The main changes with respect to the previous edition are listed below: - updated normative reference list; - indication of normative and informative annexes; - new informative Annex C, Environmental test tailoring.

IEC 60721-2-1:2013 presents classifications of open-air climates in terms of temperature and humidity. It is intended to be used as part of the background material when selecting appropriate temperature and humidity severities for product testing and application. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 1982, and constitutes a technical revision. The main changes with respect to the previous edition are in the definitions of climate types.

IEC 60721-2-3:2013 presents a selection of different values of air pressure appearing in nature. It is intended to be used as part of the background material when selecting appropriate severities of air pressure for product applications, which products are liable to be exposed during storage, transportation and use. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 1987, and constitutes a technical revision. The main changes with regard to the previous edition are as follows: - removal of figures for decreasing cooling efficiency for altitude; - simplification of Table 1; - additional formula for calculating air pressure from altitude.

IEC 60068-2-57:2013 provides a standard procedure for determining, by the time-history and sine-beat methods, the ability of a specimen to withstand specified severities of transient vibration. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 1999. It also replaces IEC 60068-2-59:1990, which will be withdrawn. This edition includes only minor technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - editorially combines IEC 60068-2-57 and IEC 60068-2-59; - the title has been modified to include a sine beat method.

IEC 60068-2-65:2013 provides standard procedures and guidance for conducting acoustic tests in order to determine the ability of a specimen to withstand vibration caused by a specified sound-pressure level environment to which it is, or is liable to be, subjected. This second edition cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 1993, and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - minor technical and editorial changes were made throughout the document as originally requested by the DE National Committee; - following comments at the CD stage, particularly from the UK National Committee, significant technical and editorial additions were made to the standard for acoustic testing employing the progressive wave tube technique.