TC 104 - Environmental conditions, classification and methods of test

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.

The content of the corrigendum 1 of amendment 1 (2025-12) applies only to the French version.

IEC 60068-2-2:2025 specifies dry heat temperature tests that are applicable to non-heat-dissipating and heat-dissipating specimens, to determine the ability of components, equipment or other articles to be used, transported or stored at high temperature.
This document is applicable to energized as well as non-energized specimens that normally achieve temperature stability during the test. The specimens can be subject to test in packed condition (to simulate transportation and storage) or in unpacked condition (to simulate use).
This document does not specify tests to determine the impact of temperature changes on specimens.
This sixth edition cancels and replaces the fifth edition published in 2007. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) revision of the introduction and scope;
b) inclusion of new figures and symbols for clarification purposes;
c) clarification of the test procedure for ascertaining high or low air velocity in the test chamber;
d) clarification of the requirements for measuring points around, on or in specimens;
e) reintroduction of the nomogram procedure for the correction of the conditioning temperature when testing with high air velocity (Test Bd and Test Be);
f) revision of the temperature tolerances of the test;
g) revision of standardized requirements for the relevant specification and test report;
h) inclusion of the advantages and disadvantages of the testing procedures.

IEC 60068-2-1:2025 specifies temperature tests at low temperatures, generally referred to as "cold tests", that are applicable to non-heat-dissipating and heat-dissipating specimens, to determine the ability of components, equipment, or other articles to be used, transported or stored at low temperature.
This document is applicable to energized as well as non-energized specimens that normally achieve temperature stability during the test. The specimens can be subject to test in packed condition (to simulate transportation and storage) or in unpacked condition (to simulate use).
This document does not specify tests to determine the impact of temperature changes on specimens.
This seventh edition cancels and replaces the sixth edition published in 2007. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) revision of the introduction and scope;
b) inclusion of new figures and symbols for clarification purposes;
c) clarification of the test procedure for ascertaining high or low air velocity in the test chamber;
d) clarification of the requirements for measuring points around, on or in specimens;
e) reintroduction of the nomogram procedure for the correction of the conditioning temperature when testing with high air velocity (Test Ad and Test Ae);
f) revision of the temperature tolerances of the test;
g) revision of standardized requirements for the relevant specification and test report;
h) inclusion of the advantages and disadvantages of the testing procedures.

IEC 60068-2-30:2025 specifies a test procedure to determine the suitability of components, equipment, or other articles for use, transportation, and storage under conditions of high humidity combined with cyclic temperature changes and, in general, producing condensation on the surface of the specimen. This test method can also be used to validate the packaging of specimen for transportation and storage.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2005. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) revision of the requirements for the test chamber;
b) change of the temperature tolerances of the test to limits;
c) updating of the figures for clarification purposes;
d) revision of the limits of the temperature and relative humidity during conditioning;
e) revision of the intermediate measurements;
f) revision of standardized requirements for the test report.

IEC 60068-2-78:2025 establishes a test method for determining the ability of components or equipment to withstand transportation, storage and use under conditions of high humidity. The object of this document is to investigate the effect of high humidity at constant temperature without condensation on a specimen over a specified period. It is applicable to small equipment or components as well as large equipment and can be applied to both heat-dissipating and non-heat-dissipating specimens. 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) revision of the requirements for the test chamber;
b) revision of the severities and including the dew point temperatures;
c) change of the temperature tolerances of the test to limits;
d) inclusion of a specified preconditioning procedure;
e) inclusion of a new figure for clarification purposes;
f) revision of standardized requirements for the test report.

IEC 60068-3-14:2025 describes a generic process for developing a climatic sequential test programme by sequencing test methods selected from the IEC 60068-2 series.
This generic process comprises a systematic approach to the development of a sequential environmental test programme.
A climatic sequential test is applicable to electrical, electromechanical or electronic equipment and devices, as well as their subassemblies, constituent parts and components. It can be customized according to specific product requirements and applications.
The process is designed for use by product designers, manufacturers and users.
The process is particularly relevant to electrical products which include components or materials that have the potential to degrade, as a consequence of environmental exposures.

IEC 60721-3-6:2025 classifies the groups of environmental parameters and their severities to which a product is subjected when installed aboard a ship.
Ships where electrotechnical products may be permanently or temporarily installed include
- ships propelled by mechanical means, including mobile offshore units, and
- ships not propelled by mechanical means, including sailing boats and life rafts.
The classes defined apply to all sizes of ship from pleasure craft to trawlers, ferry boats, icebreakers, cargo ships including tankers.
The areas in which ships normally navigate are
- inland waterways (canals, rivers, lakes etc.),
- coastal waters, and
- oceans.
Areas where ships navigate in ice are also included.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 1987, and constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) most classes have been replaced by completely new classes based on the use of new information obtained from referenced Technical Reports;
b) Table 1 through to Table 5 have been updated;
c) the content of Annex A and Annex B has either been incorporated into main body text or deleted.

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 60721-3-1:2018 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.

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 60721-2-6:2022 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. The accelerations given are for ground surface conditions only. Conditions related to structures are referred to but restricted to general case descriptions.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1990. 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 classify in a limited number of classes the seismic activity level of the zone where the equipment could be installed;
the correlation between intensity scales, magnitude scales and peak ground acceleration is deleted due to the scientific uncertainty to define such a correlation in a rigorous way;
updated scales are given both for intensity and for magnitude;
the earthquake zone map, which was not usable in practice, is replaced by an annex giving information about how to retrieve consistent peak ground acceleration distribution all over the world;
with regard to identification of the peak ground seismic acceleration of the zone, where the equipment could be installed, the user is made aware that national standards and laws can apply.

IEC TS 60721-4-3:2023 This part of IEC 60721 deals with the correlation and transformation of the conditions given in IEC 60721-3-3 to the environmental test procedures defined in IEC 60068-2.
This document provides test procedures and test severities for electrotechnical equipment operated at stationary weatherprotected locations for the product classes set out in IEC 60721-3-3.
This first edition cancels and replaces IEC TR 60721-4-3:2001 and IEC TR 60721-4-3:2001/AMD1:2003. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC TR 60721-4-3:2001 and IEC TR 60721-4-3:2001/AMD1:2003:
a) the document has been totally reworked;
b) all figures have been removed, except in Annex A;
c) severities have been aligned with those of IEC 60721-3-3:2019.

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.

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 60068-3-1:2023 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 60068-2-17:2023 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 TR 60721-4-4:2001+A1:2003 Deals with the correlation and transformation of the conditions given in IEC 60721-3-4 to the environmental tests defined in IEC 60068-2. An environment may consist of a number of environmental conditions such as dynamic, climatic and biological and other effects due to chemically and mechanically active substances. In this report, only dynamic and climatic conditions have been considered. The purpose of this technical report is to provide the specification writer with guidance together with a set of easy-to-use tables which correlate and transform these conditions.
This consolidated version consists of the first edition (2001) and its amendment 1 (2003). Therefore, no need to order amendment in addition to this publication.

IEC TR 60721-4-2:2001+A1:2003 Deals with the correlation and transformation of the conditions given in IEC 60721-3-2 to the environmental tests defined in IEC 60068-2. An environment may consist of a number of environmental conditions such as dynamic, climatic and biological and other effects due to chemically and mechanically active substances. In this report, only dynamic and climatic conditions have been considered. The purpose of this technical report is to provide the specification writer with guidance together with a set of easy-to-use tables which correlate and transform these conditions.
This consolidated version consists of the first edition (2001) and its amendment 1 (2003). Therefore, no need to order amendment in addition to this publication.

IEC 60721-4-1:2001+A1:2003 Deals with the correlation and transformation of the condition given in IEC 60721-3-1 to the environmental tests defined in IEC 60068-2. An environment may consist of a number of environmental conditions such as dynamic, climatic, and biological and other effects, due to chemically and mechanically active substances. In this report, only dynamic and climatic conditions have been considered. The purpose of this technical report is to provide the specification writer with guidance together with a set of easy-to-use tables which correlate and transform these conditions.
This consolidated version consists of the first edition (2001) and its amendment 1 (2003). Therefore, no need to order amendment in addition to this publication.

IEC 60721-2-6:2022 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. The accelerations given are for ground surface conditions only. Conditions related to structures are referred to but restricted to general case descriptions.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1990. 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 classify in a limited number of classes the seismic activity level of the zone where the equipment could be installed;
the correlation between intensity scales, magnitude scales and peak ground acceleration is deleted due to the scientific uncertainty to define such a correlation in a rigorous way;
updated scales are given both for intensity and for magnitude;
the earthquake zone map, which was not usable in practice, is replaced by an annex giving information about how to retrieve consistent peak ground acceleration distribution all over the world;
with regard to identification of the peak ground seismic acceleration of the zone, where the equipment could be installed, the user is made aware that national standards and laws can apply.
The contents of the corrigendum of October 2023 have been included in this copy.

IEC TR 62131-8:2022 reviews available dynamic data relating to the transportation of electrotechnical equipment by marine craft such as ships and boats either at sea or during riverine use. In this instance, there is a clear similarity between dynamic data relating to the transportation of electrotechnical equipment and that of electrotechnical equipment installed on maritime platforms.

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 60068-2-13:2021 specifies methods of test applicable to specimens which, during transportation, storage or in service, can be subjected to low air pressure.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition, published in 1983. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) alignment with recently revised parts of IEC 60068-2;
b) Clause 5: severities aligned with IEC 60721-2-3 and IEC 60721-3 (all parts);
c) addition of Annex A (guidance on selecting the duration of exposure).

IEC 60068-2-11:2021 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 fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 1981. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) the preparation of the salt solution has been modified;
b) the temperature of the solution for measuring pH has been modified;
c) the atomizing pressure and water temperature of the saturation tower have been added and are given in Table 1;
d) test report details have been modified;
e) examples of typical test apparatus have been added and are given in Annex A;
f) a method for evaluating corrosivity of the apparatus has been added and is given in Annex B;
g) a bibliography has been added.

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.

IEC 62131-7:2020(E), reviews the available dynamic data relating to the transportation of electrotechnical equipment by rotorcraft (helicopters). The intent is that from all the available data an environmental description will be generated and compared to that set out in IEC 60721 (all parts).

IEC TR 63141:2020(E) describes a new test method to control the volume of air injected into a conventional HAST chamber filled with water vapour. This document provides an overview of the conventional HAST chamber, an overview of the air-HAST equipment where air is incorporated into the HAST chamber, an example of an air-HAST test apparatus, and application examples of air-HAST.

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.
The contents of the corrigendum of September 2021 have been included in this copy.

IEC 60068-2-67:1995 Provides a standard test procedure for the purpose of evaluating, in an accelerated manner, the resistance of small electrotechnical products, primarily non-hermetically sealed components, to the deteriorative effect of damp heat. The test 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 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.
The contents of the corrigendum of July 2023 have been included in this copy.

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.

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 60721-2-7:2018 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 bilingual version (2018-11) corresponds to the monolingual English version, published in 2018-03.
The French version of this standard has not been voted upon.

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.
The contents of the corrigenda of November 2018, June 2022 and May 2024 have been included in this copy.