December 2025: New Standards Enhance Electrical Engineering Reliability and Safety

The December 2025 release of five new international standards marks a significant step forward in electrical engineering, with updates aimed at boosting system reliability, manufacturing quality, and operational safety. These standards impact a variety of critical components, from telecom relays and ferrite cores for telecommunications and power supplies, to high-voltage switchgear vital for HVDC systems. Whether you are overseeing compliance, engineering next-generation infrastructures, or managing procurement in the electrical sector, understanding these updates and their practical implications is essential.

Overview

Electrical engineering forms the backbone of modern technology infrastructures, enabling safe and reliable energy distribution, telecommunication, and industrial automation. Robust international standards ensure components are interoperable, products are safe, and systems deliver expected performance. The newly published standards in December 2025 address evolving industry needs: harmonizing requirements, refining testing methods, and clarifying product specifications.

In this article, professionals will find:

• A breakdown of five newly published standards
• Key requirements and technical specifications for each standard
• Guidance on industry compliance and implementation
• Insights into testing, quality assurance, and operational impact

Detailed Standards Coverage

IEC 61811-1:2015 - Electromechanical Telecom Elementary Relays

Electromechanical telecom elementary relays of assessed quality - Part 1: Generic specification and blank detail specification

This comprehensive standard defines requirements for electromechanical telecom elementary relays used both in telecommunications and, by extension, in various industrial applications. It consolidates prior related standards into a single, authoritative specification and selects test methods from the IEC 61810 series for preparing detail specifications.

What this standard covers:

• Consolidates legacy specifications into one harmonized document
• Defines rated voltages, coil resistance, dielectric properties, and endurance benchmarks
• Outlines marking, inspection procedures, and test schedules for relays
• Provides detailed guidance for quality assessment and reliability evaluation

Key requirements and specifications:

• Detailed electrical endurance, mechanical endurance, and contact failure rate criteria
• Procedures for qualification approval, delivery, and periodic inspection
• Marking, packaging, and documentation standards

Who needs to comply:

• Relay manufacturers supplying the telecom sector
• OEMs in telecommunications equipment, industrial automation, and transportation
• Organizations involved in relay testing and quality assurance

Practical implications:

• A single, updated document streamlines compliance and reduces ambiguity
• Updated references and harmonized testing protocols align with latest industry best practices
• Sets clear expectations for procurement, inspection, and quality assessment

Notable changes:

• One consolidated document replaces multiple earlier standards
• Updated references for compatibility and test methodology

Key highlights:

• Comprehensive test schedules and quality assessment guidelines
• Weighted focus on real-world reliability, endurance, and failure rates
• Marking and documentation to support supply chain transparency

Access the full standard:View IEC 61811-1:2015 on iTeh Standards

IEC 63093-2:2025 - Ferrite Cores for Pot-Cores

Ferrite cores - Guidelines on dimensions and the limits of surface irregularities - Part 2: Pot-cores for use in telecommunications, power supply, and filter applications

IEC 63093-2 defines mandatory dimensions and tolerances for pot-core ferrite cores, includes coil former requirements, provides reference values for calculations, and establishes allowable limits for surface irregularities.

What this standard covers:

• Dimensional standards for pot-cores, promoting interchangeability
• Tolerance and specification of coil formers
• Surface irregularity classification and visual inspection guidelines

Key requirements and specifications:

• Principal dimension tables for industry-standard pot-core sizes
• Specification of wire-way, back wall slots, and allowable chip, crack, and pore sizes
• Gauge requirements for ensuring conformity

Who needs to comply:

• Ferrite core and transformer manufacturers
• Producers of telecommunications, power supply, and filter equipment
• Quality assurance laboratories and procurement engineers

Practical implications:

• Facilitates global interoperability and fit across manufacturers
• Reduces defects by clearly defining allowable surface imperfections
• Aids in negotiations and quality inspections between suppliers and customers

Notable changes:

• Revision of critical dimension tables to maintain alignment with IEC 60205:2016

Key highlights:

• Harmonized dimensions strengthen interoperability
• Clear handling of surface defects ensures product reliability
• Detailed, visual guidelines streamline visual inspections for manufacturers and customers

Access the full standard:View IEC 63093-2:2025 on iTeh Standards

IEC 63093-5:2025 - Ferrite Cores for EP-Cores

Ferrite cores - Guidelines on dimensions and the limits of surface irregularities - Part 5: EP-cores and associated parts for use in inductors and transformers

This standard focuses on EP-cores, widely used in high-density electronic assemblies for transformers and inductors. Like its pot-core counterpart, it provides the complete set of dimensional definitions, surface irregularity guidance, and pin layout standards for both SMD and through-hole types.

What this standard covers:

• Principal and effective dimensions for EP-cores ensuring interchangeability
• Coil former and terminal pin layouts (SMD/PTH variants)
• Explicit guidelines for visual inspection and crack, pore, or ragged edge tolerances

Key requirements and specifications:

• Detailed dimension and tolerance tables for each core type
• Updated standards for visual inspection and assessment of surface irregularities
• Minimum requirements for coil formers compatible with 2.50mm grid PCBs

Who needs to comply:

• Manufacturers of inductors and transformers using EP-core geometries
• PCB designers, component suppliers, procurement and QA teams

Practical implications:

• Enables streamlined component sourcing and reduces design iterations due to precise shape definitions
• Minimizes rejection rates and increases device reliability through strict surface defect criteria
• Simplifies supplier negotiations with data-backed standards

Notable changes:

• Table 2 updated in accordance with IEC 60205:2016 for accuracy and consistency

Key highlights:

• Enhanced compatibility and fit across global suppliers
• Surface quality standards reduce failure risk in production
• Well-defined pin layouts aid rapid design and assembly

Access the full standard:View IEC 63093-5:2025 on iTeh Standards

CLC IEC/TS 62271-314:2025 - High-Voltage DC Disconnectors and Earthing Switches

High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 314: Direct current disconnectors and earthing switches

Targeted at HVDC systems (direct voltage 100kV and above), this Technical Specification provides standardized requirements for the design, operation, and testing of DC disconnectors and earthing switches—including both indoor and outdoor installations and auxiliary control devices.

What this standard covers:

• Definitions for disconnectors, earthing switches, auxiliary equipment, and operation devices
• Service conditions, rating requirements, and insulation coordination guidelines
• Design and testing requirements: dielectric, mechanical endurance, EMC, fire safety

Key requirements and specifications:

• Type, rating, and performance of disconnectors/earthing switches
• Marking, locking devices, position indication, protection against environmental conditions
• Type and routine test procedures for safety and reliability

Who needs to comply:

• Manufacturers of high-voltage DC switchgear and substation equipment
• Energy utilities, transmission system operators, HVDC project integrators
• Component testers and certification bodies

Practical implications:

• Uniform specification improves safety and cutover between equipment vendors
• Helps grid operators and EPCs ensure regulatory compliance and reliable operation
• Provides a solid reference for procurement and project documentation

Key highlights:

• Covers both mechanical and electrical design requirements for disconnectors
• Addresses auxiliary systems, EMC, mechanical strength, and fire resistance
• Defines service conditions for global applicability

Access the full standard:View CLC IEC/TS 62271-314:2025 on iTeh Standards

CLC IEC/TS 62271-316:2025 - High-Voltage DC By-pass and Paralleling Switches

High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 316: Direct current by-pass switches and paralleling switches

This Technical Specification extends HVDC infrastructure standards by addressing direct current converter by-pass switches (CBPS) and paralleling switches (PS). It covers their application in switching operations within complex HVDC systems, both for indoor and outdoor environments.

What this standard covers:

• Requirements for the design and operation of by-pass and paralleling switches
• Service and test conditions, commutation currents, and time-sequencing parameters
• Guidance for mechanical and environmental testing, routine and type tests

Key requirements and specifications:

• Specifications for rated values, including commutation current and operating sequences
• Tightness, EMC, and mechanical operating protocols
• Documentation and reporting for testing and operational readiness

Who needs to comply:

• Manufacturers of converter by-pass and paralleling switchgear
• System integrators and utilities specifying HVDC equipment
• Compliance and safety testing organizations

Practical implications:

• Ensures equipment meets safety and reliability requirements for HVDC switching events
• Aids in safe commissioning and operation of complex multi-terminal HVDC systems
• Promotes industry best practices for testing, operation, and maintenance

Key highlights:

• Includes detailed test procedures for mechanical performance and current commutation
• Considers interaction between by-pass/paralleling switchgear and protection systems
• Offers guidance for environmental and safety considerations in switchgear operation

Access the full standard:View CLC IEC/TS 62271-316:2025 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The December 2025 standards roll-out introduces harmonized specifications vital for supply chain integration, production quality, and operational safety. Businesses in manufacturing, utilities, system integration, and component procurement must adapt their processes to ensure compliance and certification. Key compliance steps include:

1. Internal review of new specifications and identification of gaps in current operations
2. Supplier communication for aligning procurement criteria to updated dimensions and performance benchmarks
3. Staff training on updated inspection, testing, and marking requirements

Benefits of compliance:

• Reduces costly rework and field failures
• Ensures global compatibility and interoperability
• Supports transparent documentation for audits and regulatory inquiries

Risks of non-compliance:

• Increased defect rates or malfunctions in the field
• Procurement delays due to non-standardized products
• Fines or shutdowns during regulatory audits

Implementation timeline:

• Immediate review and phased integration are recommended, aligning with production and procurement cycles
• Early engagement with suppliers and test labs to certify new components

Technical Insights

These five standards share numerous technical requirements, particularly regarding:

• Dimensional interchangeability: For magnetic components, precise core, pin, and coil former dimensions are critical
• Surface irregularity tolerances: Both ferrite core standards set limits for cracks, chips, and pores, supporting higher reliability
• Operational performance: From relay endurance test cycles to HVDC switchgear dielectric and current handling benchmarks
• Marking, documentation, and inspection: Uniform supplier and product identification, consistent quality checks

Implementation best practices:

• Deploy robust incoming inspection based on updated test schedules
• Utilize supplier scorecards referencing latest standard requirements
• Invest in automated measurement and visual inspection tools for dimension and surface checks
• Integrate detailed training modules for operators and quality teams

Testing and certification:

• Collaborate with accredited labs for HVDC switchgear and relay performance testing
• Validate ferrite core dimensions/pin layouts using calibrated gauges
• Retain documentation and traceability for each batch or shipment

Conclusion / Next Steps

The December 2025 standards suite for electrical engineering represents a robust leap forward in reliability, quality, and safety for critical components and systems. Organizations that proactively align procurement, engineering, and quality control to these standards will benefit through:

• Enhanced market access and global compatibility
• Strengthened operational integrity and reduced risk
• Lower lifecycle costs stemming from fewer quality incidents

Recommendations:

• Review full texts of each standard with engineering and procurement teams
• Map current processes to new requirements
• Engage with supply chain partners to verify compliance readiness
• Stay updated on future standard revisions through platforms like iTeh Standards

Ready to dig deeper? Explore all December 2025 Electrical Engineering standards or access the specific documents highlighted above to guide your next compliance or product innovation cycle.