WG 6 - TC 94/WG 6

IEC 62246-4:2023 gives additional requirements for the evaluation of functional characteristics on reed switching components operated by magnetic actuator and gives guidance for their implementation in selected applications.
This document specifies test and measurement procedures for the application of reed switch (contact) based magnetic sensors.
In case the application of a reed contact magnetic sensor determines additional requirements exceeding those specified in this document, the sensor is evaluated with this application in accordance with the relevant IEC or ISO standard(s) (e.g. IEC 62061 or ISO 13849 series, IEC 60335-1 and relevant parts of the IEC 60335-2 series, IEC 60730-1, IEC 61373, ISO 16750-3).
This document does not apply to:
– sensing or monitoring of the position of elements of interlocking devices for movable guards (see ISO 14119);
– sensing or monitoring of the position of elements of pressure sensitive protective equipment (PSPE, see ISO 13856 series);
– electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use (see IEC 61010-1);
– aircraft – proximity switches (see ISO 6859-1).
Information contained in this document is relevant to the application of a magnetic sensor on new installations as well as modifications to existing installations.

IEC TR 62246-3:2018(E) provides basic technical background and experience about reliability data for reed switch-devices applied to machinery systems as well as E/E/PE safety-related control systems during the life cycle phases in general and industrial safety applications.
The document selects typical safety applications from group safety standards, and includes national safety standards and regulations accordingly. This document shows major reliability aspects for a proper design according to the standards, but it does not cover all details of an individual design. The responsibility for the verification of system design remains with the system integrator/manufacturer.

IEC 62246-1-1:2018 is a blank detail specification which defines requirements and tests for reed switches for use in general and industrial applications.
This document is intended to be used in conjunction with IEC 62246-1:2015 and specific products standards applying as switching elements.
This document selects from IEC 62246-1:2015 and from other sources the appropriate test procedures to be used in detail specifications derived from this specification.
Reed switch types are specified depending on characteristic values including functional ratings for safety and tests.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2013. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous editions:
a) update of the scope, references and terms and definitions;
b) inclusion of guidelines for the preparation of blank detail and detail specifications;
c) update of characteristics values including functional ratings for safety;
d) update of the quality conformance inspection procedures;
e) update of typical applications.

IEC 62246-1:2015, which is a generic specification, applies to all types of reed switches including magnetically biased reed switches of assessed quality for use in general and industrial applications. Mercury wetted reed switches are not covered by this standard due to their possible environmental impact. It lists the tests and measurement procedures which may be selected for use in detail specifications for such reed switches. This standard applies to reed switches which are operated by an applied magnetic field; it is not restricted to any particular type of contact load. For elementary relays with reed switches, this standard is recommended to be used together with the standards IEC 61810-1, IEC 61811-1 as applicable. For applications of reed switches, this standard is recommended to be used together with specific product standards. This standard cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 62246-1 published in 2011. It constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- inclusion of Introduction;
- update of the scope, the terms and definitions, the rated values and the test and measurement procedure;
- improvement of dielectric test, electrical endurance tests covering maximum electrical endurance test and overload test;
- improvement of Table F.1 for electrical ratings based on classification;
- inclusion of new Table G.1 for horsepower ratings based on classification.

IEC 62246-1-1:2013 is a quality assessment specification which defines requirements and tests to reed switches for use in general and industrial applications. This standard selects from IEC 62246-1:2011 and from other sources the appropriate test procedures to be used in detail specifications derived from this specification. This standard describes sampling and test schedules for qualification approval procedures, quality conformance inspection, formation of inspection lots and intervals between tests. This first edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC/PAS 62246-2-1 published in 2008. It is a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous editions:
a) inclusion of introduction;
b) update of references, terms and definitions;
c) renumbering of clauses to bring them into a more logical order;
d) inclusion of the generic specifications for reed switches;
e) update of typical applications.
This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 62246-1:2011.

IEC 62246-1:2011 applies to all types of reed switches including magnetically biased reed switches of assessed quality for use in general and industrial applications. It lists the tests and measurement procedures which may be selected for use in detail specifications for such reed switches. It also specifies the quality assessment procedures to be followed. This new edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous one:
- inclusion of the generic specifications for all types of reed switches, but mercury wetted reed switches have been removed from the scope due to their potential for environmental impact;
- inclusion of three fundamental conformity assessment procedures for quality assessment.