Electrical Engineering Standards Summary - October 2025

Looking back at October 2025, the Electrical Engineering sector witnessed a substantial wave of standardization activity, with the publication of five significant standards. The month’s releases reflected not only technological advancements in switchgear but also a broadening of scope to include specialized environments such as medical facilities and explosive atmospheres. For industry professionals, this monthly retrospective offers critical insights into evolving compliance requirements, integration challenges, and strategic planning for future-proof operations. This analytical overview enables engineers, quality managers, compliance officers, procurement specialists, and researchers to catch up on recent developments and benchmark their practices against the latest international best practices.

Monthly Overview: October 2025

October 2025 was marked by a pronounced focus on the refinement of foundational standards for electrical installations and safety, particularly concerning switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations. Three coordinated releases—EN IEC 60669-2-2:2025, EN IEC 60669-2-3:2025, and EN IEC 60669-2-4:2025—addressed electromagnetic remote-control switches, time-delay switches, and isolating switches, respectively, each incorporating substantial revisions to align with the latest edition of IEC 60669-1:2017. These changes reflect the sector’s priorities: harmonization, improved performance at low temperatures, and expanded current ratings to support more demanding applications.

Simultaneously, attention to special environments came to the fore. The updated HD 60364-7-710:2025 set an enhanced benchmark for electrical installations in medical locations, directly impacting patient and staff safety. Furthermore, the draft standard prEN IEC 60079-2:2024 addressed vital requirements for equipment protection in explosive atmospheres, underlining the ongoing commitment to safety and reliability in high-risk contexts.

Collectively, these standards illustrate a sector moving on multiple fronts: consolidating safety for traditional installations, extending coverage to demanding environments, and rapidly incorporating technical advancements into regulatory frameworks.

Standards Published This Month

EN IEC 60669-2-2:2025 - Electromagnetic Remote-Control Switches (RCS)

Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations – Part 2-2: Particular requirements – Electromagnetic remote-control switches (RCS)

The fourth edition of EN IEC 60669-2-2 focuses on electromagnetic remote-control switches, commonly used in both residential and commercial fixed electrical installations. The updated standard applies to RCS with rated voltages up to 440 V AC and currents up to 63 A, also covering control circuits up to 440 V AC or 220 V DC. The release marks a significant step in harmonizing requirements with IEC 60669-1:2017 and introduces new provisions for extreme temperature performance (Annex E), addressing the operation of switches at temperatures below −5 °C.

Key requirements cover: dimensional checks, markings, provisions for earthing, insulation resistance, temperature rise, making and breaking capacity, mechanical strength, and detailed EMC provisions. Importantly, while the scope remains focused on non-electronic RCS, clear boundaries are set regarding hybrid or electronic devices, referring such to other parts of IEC 60669 or IEC 61095 for contactors.

The revision is essential for:

• Switchgear manufacturers and suppliers
• Installers and designers of fixed electrical installations
• Compliance officers ensuring conformity with current harmonized requirements

Enhanced testing criteria for low-temperature environments and detailed marking/image requirements signal an increased focus on resilience, quality, and safety. Users migrating from the previous 2006 edition need to review updated test protocols and labeling obligations.

Key highlights:

• Aligned with IEC 60669-1:2017 for foundational consistency
• New Annex E covering operational demands at sub-zero temperatures
• Clearer distinction between electronic and electromagnetic device standards

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 60669-2-2:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 60669-2-3:2025 - Time-Delay Switches (TDS)

Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations – Part 2-3: Particular requirements – Time-delay switches (TDS)

The updated EN IEC 60669-2-3:2025 addresses time-delay switches used for delayed switching operations—critical for lighting controls and energy-saving functions. Applicable to switches rated up to 440 V AC and 63 A, the standard defines rigorous performance and safety criteria for devices actuated manually or by remote control. The revision harmonizes with the latest IEC 60669-1:2017, ensuring commonality across installation standards.

The standard clarifies definitions for mechanical and electrical delay mechanisms, introduces robust requirements for low-temperature operation (Annex E), and prescribes thorough testing to verify durability and resistance to electric shock, aging, and humidity. Time-delay switches must now demonstrate reliable function even when mounted slightly out of alignment—a practical improvement for field installations.

Who should pay attention:

• Lighting control product designers and manufacturers
• Building engineers specifying automatic lighting or load control
• Electrical contractors tasked with installation in varying environments

With expanded test procedures and updated marking requirements, the standard improves reliability, while the clear distinction between electronic and mechanical TDS aids proper product selection.

Key highlights:

• Revised in line with IEC 60669-1:2017 for consistent safety requirements
• Expanded scope for both mechanical and electrical time-delay devices
• Enhanced provisions for performance in sub-freezing temperatures

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 60669-2-3:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 60669-2-4:2025 - Isolating Switches

Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations – Part 2-4: Particular requirements – Isolating switches

EN IEC 60669-2-4:2025 presents a significant revision, superseding the first edition from 2004, for isolating switches used to disconnect electrical installations or equipment from their supply. The reviewed scope includes switches up to 440 V, 125 A (notably introducing ratings from 6 A to 13 A), and adapts performance requirements to support increased power demands such as motor loads up to 10 A.

Technical changes include harmonization with IEC 60669-1:2017, revised testing tables, new provisions for conditional short-circuit current ratings up to 25,000 A, improved marking for operational position and isolating function, and more granular requirements for mechanical terminals and installation safety. The scope and operation definitions were expanded, strengthening protection against electric shock and overcurrent via detailed marking and coordination with short-circuit protection devices.

Targeted users include:

• Manufacturers and designers of switchgear
• Installers of electrical distribution systems in residential and light commercial buildings
• Safety inspectors and compliance managers

For organizations transitioning from the 2004 edition, careful review of the new marking, testing, and short-circuit withstand requirements is advised, especially in high-demand or critical isolation applications.

Key highlights:

• New rated current values (6–13 A) and “motor load” provisions
• Updated marking and visibility for isolating function and contact positions
• Expanded conditional short-circuit current rating options up to 25 kA

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 60669-2-4:2025 on iTeh Standards

HD 60364-7-710:2025 - Electrical Installations in Medical Locations

Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 7-710: Requirements for special installations or locations – Medical locations

HD 60364-7-710:2025 is a transformative standard for low-voltage installations in medical locations, underpinning the safety of patients and medical staff. Superseding the 2012 edition, the new release integrates substantial updates and clarifies distinctions between general and special requirements applicable to hospitals, clinics, aged-care homes, outpatient facilities, and veterinary clinics.

Key updates include an extended and refined scope, improved classification of medical environments (with clarification for mobile and transportable locations), and detailed requirements for assessment and verification. The revision harmonizes with current parts of the IEC 60364 series, adds new protection measures against electric shock, insulation fault location, electromagnetic interference, and arc faults. Enhanced documentation and marking requirements, expanded clauses on safety services, verification, and updated guidance for electromagnetic compatibility round out the improvements.

This standard is pivotal for:

• Facility planners and designers of healthcare premises
• Hospital safety engineers and technical managers
• Inspectors ensuring ongoing compliance in medical environments

The new version places great emphasis on integrated safety, harmonization of terminology, and ready implementation of emerging technologies in health care electrical infrastructure.

Key highlights:

• Comprehensive expansion and clarification of medical location definitions
• New measures for arc fault and EMI protection
• Upgraded requirements for documentation, verification, and ongoing safety monitoring

Access the full standard:View HD 60364-7-710:2025 on iTeh Standards

prEN IEC 60079-2:2024 - Pressurized Enclosure Protection ("p") for Explosive Atmospheres

Explosive atmospheres – Part 2: Equipment protection by pressurized enclosure "p"

prEN IEC 60079-2:2024, while still a draft at the time of publication, represents a critical foundation for safety in operations at risk of explosive atmospheres. The standard prescribes requirements for engineering equipment protection using pressurized enclosures—commonly described as "Ex p"—which are key to the safe operation of complex apparatus in hazardous areas by keeping dangerous gases and dust away from ignition sources.

The detailed document sets out classification schemes for levels of protection (pxb, pyb, pzc), comprehensive constructional requirements for enclosures, safety devices, purging and pressurization systems, marking protocols, temperature limitations, and special requirements for equipment with internal sources of release. It addresses mechanical strength, leakage, and overpressure testing, plus coordination with other safety control systems. Requirements extend to electrical machines, cabinets, process automation controls, and any equipment where pressurization can mitigate explosion risk.

Who must act:

• Manufacturers and integrators of process and automation equipment for hazardous industries (oil & gas, chemical, etc.)
• Safety professionals involved in ATEX/IECEx compliance
• Design authorities for hazardous area installations

The updated draft’s clarity on protection levels, test procedures, and marking directly supports safer development cycles, clearer certification paths, and improved maintainability in high-risk facilities.

Key highlights:

• Comprehensive requirements for "Ex p" levels: pxb, pyb, and pzc
• Expanded provisions for safety devices, purging/pressurization controls, and enclosure integrity
• Enhanced labeling and instructions for hazardous area operations

Access the full standard:View prEN IEC 60079-2:2024 on iTeh Standards

Common Themes and Industry Trends

Several clear patterns emerged from October 2025’s standards. The coordinated updates to the EN IEC 60669 suite demonstrate the sector’s sustained effort to ensure core switching devices remain robust, reliable, and harmonized with evolving international safety baselines, notably IEC 60669-1:2017. There is an evident drive to extend operational resilience (especially at low temperatures) and support growing power demands and advanced control functions.

Concurrently, more specialized standards for medical locations (HD 60364-7-710) and explosive atmospheres (prEN IEC 60079-2) underscore the industry’s dual focus: safety and fitness-for-purpose in environments where the consequences of failure are significant. Expanded marking, precise classification systems, enhanced documentation, and strengthened test protocols reflect regulatory and practical demands for traceability, interoperability, and quality assurance. The trend toward more granular guidance supports both manufacturers seeking certification and operators tasked with long-term reliability and risk management.

The consistent theme is one of integration—merging legacy reliability with new demands in performance, traceability, and safety.

Compliance and Implementation Considerations

For affected organizations, the 2025 updates bring both opportunity and obligation:

• Impact Assessment: Review all product specifications, installation scripts, and procurement practices to ensure alignment with new requirements, especially those referencing IEC 60669-1:2017.
• Training: Update training programs for engineering, installation, and inspection staff to include revised definitions, low-temperature protocols, advanced marking, and special requirements for new device classes.
• Procurement and Certification: Audit supply chains to confirm that components and systems reflect updated EN/HD/prEN versions, especially for projects targeting 2026 and beyond.
• Transition Planning: Plan for phased migration, particularly where “grandfathered” equipment or installations may fall short of the new standards. Pay attention to time frames between publication date and required adoption at the national/regional level, as withdrawal dates for superseded documents are specified (for example, HD 60364-7-710:2025’s compliance date is 2026-10-31).
• Documentation and Recordkeeping: Leverage expanded requirements for marking, documentation, and verification as an opportunity to improve traceability and future compliance audits.
• Resources: Use the full-text links provided above to access the latest editions directly, and consider engaging with industry webinars, workshops, or third-party certifiers as needed.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from October 2025

October 2025 saw important progress in the Electrical Engineering standards landscape. The simultaneous update of three core switching device standards enhances harmonization, quality, and reliability for a wide range of installations. The revised medical locations installation standard represents a significant leap towards integrated and future-resilient safety for healthcare infrastructure. On the hazardous locations front, the latest pressurized enclosure requirements bring clarity and rigor to one of the sector’s most critical safety domains.

Professionals in the Electrical Engineering space should prioritize review of these documents to maintain competitive, compliant, and safe operations. Staying current is not only a matter of compliance but also enables proactive planning for emerging risks, enhancing both operational excellence and reputational trust.

For detailed text and to facilitate implementation, access each standard using the provided iTeh Standards links. Regular engagement with evolving standards is essential for all engineering, procurement, compliance, and safety roles—ensuring that your organization’s practices remain aligned with state-of-the-art international requirements.