Reed switches - Part 1: Generic specification

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.

Reedschalter - Teil 1: Fachgrundspezifikation

Contacts à lames souples - Partie 1: Spécification générique

La CEI 62246-1:2011 s'applique à tous les types de contacts à lames souples, y compris les contacts à lames souples polarisés magnétiquement ayant une qualité assurée pour être utilisés dans des applications générales et industrielles. Elle énumère les essais et les procédures de mesure qui peuvent être sélectionnés pour être utilisés dans des spécifications particulières relatives à de tels contacts à lames souples. Elle spécifie également les procédures d'évaluation de la qualité devant être suivies. La présente nouvelle édition comporte les modifications techniques significatives suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente: - ajout de spécifications génériques pour tous les types de contacts à lames souples, mais les contacts à lames souples mouillés au mercure ont été retirés du domaine d'application en raison de leur potentiel d'impact sur l'environnement; - ajout de trois procédures fondamentales d'évaluation de la conformité pour l'évaluation de la qualité.",PE

Stikala reed - 1. del: Splošne zahteve

Ta del serije IEC 62246, ki je splošna specifikacija, velja za vse vrste stikal reed, vključno z magnetno usmerjenimi stikali reed ocenjene kakovosti za uporabo pri splošnih in industrijskih aplikacijah.
OPOMBA 1: Stikala reed, navlažena z živim srebrom, zaradi svojega morebitnega učinka na okolje niso zajeta v tem standardu.
Navaja preskuse in merilne postopke, ki se lahko izberejo za uporabo v podrobnih specifikacijah za taka stikala reed. Ta standard prav tako določa postopke ocenjevanja kakovosti, ki jih je treba upoštevati.
Ta standard velja za stikala reed, ki delujejo na uporabljeno magnetno polje; ni omejen na konkretno vrsto stične obremenitve.
OPOMBA 2: Priporoča se, da se ta standard pri osnovnih relejih s stikali reed uporablja skupaj s standardi IEC 61810-1 in IEC 61811-1, kot je primerno.
OPOMBA 3: Aplikacije stikal reed lahko zajemajo specifični standardi za proizvode in uporaba serije IEC 62246 ne zagotavlja skladnosti s temi standardi.
OPOMBA 4: Kadar iz katerega koli razloga pride do neujemanja, so dokumenti razvrščeni v naslednjem vrstnem redu veljavnosti:
a) podrobna specifikacija,
b) področna specifikacija,
c) splošna specifikacija,
d) kateri koli drug mednarodni dokument (na primer IEC), na katerega je narejen sklic.
Isti prednostni vrstni red velja za enakovredne nacionalne dokumente.

General Information

Status
Withdrawn
Publication Date
17-Mar-2011
Withdrawal Date
16-Mar-2014
Drafting Committee
Parallel Committee
Current Stage
9960 - Withdrawal effective - Withdrawal
Start Date
04-Mar-2018
Completion Date
04-Mar-2018

Relations

Overview - EN 62246-1:2011 (Reed switches - Part 1: Generic specification)

EN 62246-1:2011 (adoption of IEC 62246-1:2011) is the generic European/International specification for reed switches used in general and industrial applications. The standard defines the scope of reed-switch types covered, the tests and measurement procedures that can be selected in detail specifications, and the quality assessment / conformity assessment procedures suppliers and purchasers should follow. Notable changes in this edition include the removal of mercury‑wetted reed switches from the scope and the inclusion of three fundamental conformity assessment procedures.

Key technical topics and requirements

The standard organizes technical requirements and test methods into clear clauses and annexes. Key topics include:

  • Rated values and classifications - frequency of operation, duty factor, open‑circuit voltage, current/load ratings, climatic category and environmental severities.
  • Marking and documentation - information to be supplied in detail specifications and on components.
  • Quality and conformity assessment - supplier declarations, second‑party checks, third‑party certification, IECEE and IECQ systems.
  • Test and measurement procedures - visual inspection, dimensional checks, functional tests, remanence, contact resistance, dielectric tests, insulation resistance and operating times.
  • Contact reliability and endurance - improved electrical endurance tests covering resistive, inductive, capacitive and filament lamp loads; annexes provide test circuits and arrangements (e.g., Annex C–I include endurance circuits, inrush guidance, short‑circuit tests, classification-based ratings and example test arrangements).
  • Mechanical and environmental tests - robustness of terminals, solderability and resistance to soldering heat, vibration, shock, damp heat and other IEC 60068 environmental tests referenced.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

EN 62246-1:2011 is used by:

  • Reed switch manufacturers - to define product specifications, testing regimes and quality systems.
  • Design engineers and product developers - to select appropriate reed switches for relays, proximity sensors, metering, telecoms, automotive and industrial control systems.
  • Test laboratories and certification bodies - to perform standardized electrical, mechanical and environmental tests and to assess conformity.
  • Purchasing, quality and compliance teams - to verify suppliers’ declarations, prepare procurement specifications and ensure product reliability and regulatory alignment.

Practical benefits include consistent reliability verification, clear electrical ratings and contact performance guidance, and harmonized quality assessment routes for suppliers and customers.

Related standards

  • IEC/EN 62246 series (other parts)
  • IEC 60068 environmental testing series (referenced tests)
  • IEC 60947-5-1 (control circuit devices)
  • ISO 9000 / ISO 9001 (quality management)
  • IECEE and IECQ schemes (conformity and quality assessment)

Keywords: EN 62246-1:2011, reed switches, generic specification, reliability testing, conformity assessment, electrical endurance, contact ratings, environmental testing.

Standard
EN 62246-1:2011
English language
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Standards Content (Sample)


SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2011
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 62246-1:2003
SIST EN 62246-2:2008
Stikala reed - 1. del: Splošne zahteve
Reed switches - Part 1: Generic specification
Reedschalter - Teil 1: Fachgrundspezifikation
Contacts à lames souples - Partie 1: Spécification générique
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 62246-1:2011
ICS:
29.120.70 Releji Relays
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 62246-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
March 2011
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 29.120.70 Supersedes EN 62246-1:2002, EN 62246-2:2008

English version
Reed switches -
Part 1: Generic specification
(IEC 62246-1:2011)
Contacts à lames souples -  Reedschalter -
Partie 1: Spécification générique Teil 1: Fachgrundspezifikation
(CEI 62246-1:2011) (IEC 62246-1:2011)

This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2011-03-17. CENELEC members are bound to comply
with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard
the status of a national standard without any alteration.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified
to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus,
the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels

© 2011 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 62246-1:2011 E
Foreword
The text of document 94/314/FDIS, future edition 2 of IEC 62246-1, prepared by IEC TC 94,
All-or-nothing electrical relays, was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and was approved by
CENELEC as EN 62246-1 on 2011-03-17.
This European Standard supersedes EN 62246-1:2002 and EN 62246-2:2008.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to EN 62246-1:2002 and
EN 62246-2:2008:
– update of references, terms and definitions;
– renumbering of clauses to bring them into a more logical order;
– 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;
– improvement of electrical endurance tests covering resistive, inductive, capacitive and filament lamp
contact loads;
– renumbering of all annexes in the order they are referenced in the body of the standard;
– improvement of test procedures;
– inclusion of a new Annex C (informative) for electrical endurance test circuit, an Annex D (informative)
for inrush current loads, an Annex E (informative) for conditional short-circuit current test circuit, an
Annex F (informative) for electrical ratings based on classification, an Annex G (informative) for
example of test arrangement for contact reliability test, an Annex H (informative) for example of test
arrangement for making current capacity test and an Annex I (informative) for example of test
arrangement for breaking current capacity test.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN and CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
The following dates were fixed:
– latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2011-12-17
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2014-03-17
Annex ZA has been added by CENELEC.
__________
- 3 - EN 62246-1:2011
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 62246-1:2011 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards indicated:
IEC 60027 series NOTE  Harmonized as EN 60027 series (not modified).
IEC 60317-1 NOTE  Harmonized as EN 60317-1.
IEC 61000-4-5:2005 NOTE  Harmonized as EN 61000-4-5:2006 (not modified).
IEC 61810-1:2008 NOTE  Harmonized as EN 61810-1:2008 (not modified).
IEC 61810-2 NOTE  Harmonized as EN 61810-2.
IEC 61811-1 NOTE  Harmonized as EN 61811-1.
IEC 62246 series NOTE  Harmonized as EN 62246 series (not modified).
ISO/IEC 17050-1 NOTE  Harmonized as EN ISO/IEC 17050-1.
ISO 9000 NOTE  Harmonized as EN ISO 9000.
ISO 9001 NOTE  Harmonized as EN ISO 9001.
__________
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.

NOTE  When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD
applies.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year

1)
IEC 60068-1 1988 Environmental testing - EN 60068-1 1994
Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60068-2-1 2007 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-1 2007
Part 2-1: Tests - Test A: Cold

IEC 60068-2-2 2007 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-2 2007
Part 2-2: Tests - Test B: Dry heat

IEC 60068-2-6 2007 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-6 2008
Part 2-6: Tests - Test Fc: Vibration
(sinusoidal)
2)
IEC 60068-2-7 1983 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-7 1993
Part 2: Tests. Test Ga: Acceleration, steady
state
IEC 60068-2-11 1981 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-11 1999
Part 2: Tests - Test Ka: Salt mist

IEC 60068-2-13 1983 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-13 1999
Part 2: Tests - Test M: Low air pressure

IEC 60068-2-14 2009 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-14 2009
Part 2-14: Tests - Test N: Change of
temperature
IEC 60068-2-17 1994 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-17 1994
Part 2: Tests - Test Q: Sealing

IEC 60068-2-20 2008 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-20 2008
Part 2-20: Tests - Test T: Test methods for
solderability and resistance to soldering heat
of devices with leads
IEC 60068-2-21 2006 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-21 2006
Part 2-21: Tests - Test U: Robustness of
terminations and integral mounting devices

IEC 60068-2-27 2008 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-27 2009
Part 2-27: Tests - Test Ea and guidance:
Shock
IEC 60068-2-30 2005 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-30 2005
Part 2-30: Tests - Test Db: Damp heat, cyclic
(12 h + 12 h cycle)
IEC 60068-2-78 - Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-78 -
Part 2-78: Tests - Test Cab: Damp heat,
steady state
1)
EN 60068-1 includes A1 to IEC 60068-1 + corr. October .
2)
EN 60068-2-7 includes A1 to IEC 60068-2-7.

- 5 - EN 62246-1:2011
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year

IEC 60096 Series Radio-frequency cables - -

IEC 60410 - Sampling plans and procedures - -
for inspection by attributes
IEC 60947-5-1 2003 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - EN 60947-5-1 2004
Part 5-1: Control circuit devices and switching + corr. July 2005
elements - Electromechanical control circuit
devices
IEC QC 001002-1 1998 IEC quality assessment system for electronic - -
components (IECQ) - Rules of procedure -
Part 1: Administration
IEC QC 001002-3 2005 IEC Quality Assessment System for Electronic - -
Components (IECQ) - Rules of Procedure -
Part 3: Approval procedures
IEC 62246-1 ®
Edition 2.0 2011-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Reed switches –
Part 1: Generic specification
Contacts à lames souples –
Partie 1: Spécification générique

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX XC
ICS 29.120.70 ISBN 978-2-88912-358-2

– 2 – 62246-1  IEC:2011
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 7
1 Scope . 9
2 Normative references . 9
3 Terms and definitions . 10
3.1 Terms and definitions of reed switch types . 10
3.2 Terms and definitions of operating values . 11
3.3 Terms and definitions related to operating times (see Figure 2) . 13
3.4 Terms and definitions related to contacts . 16
4 Rated values . 18
4.1 General . 18
4.2 Frequency of operation . 19
4.3 Duty factor . 19
4.4 Open-circuit voltage across contacts . 19
4.5 Current rating . 19
4.6 Load ratings . 19
4.7 Number of operations . 19
4.8 Climatic category . 19
4.9 Environmental severities . 20
4.10 Surge voltage . 20
4.11 Classification . 21
4.12 Contact reliability . 21
5 Marking . 21
6 Quality assessment procedures . 22
6.1 General . 22
6.2 Supplier’s declaration of conformity . 22
6.3 Second-party conformity assessment . 22
6.4 Third-party certification. 22
6.5 IECEE scheme . 22
6.6 IECQ system . 22
6.6.1 General . 22
6.6.2 Primary stage of manufacture . 23
6.6.3 Structurally similar components . 23
6.6.4 Subcontracting . 23
6.6.5 Qualification approval procedures. 23
6.6.6 Quality conformance inspection requirements . 23
6.6.7 Delivery of units subjected to destructive tests or non-destructive
tests . 24
6.6.8 Delayed delivery . 24
6.6.9 Supplementary procedure for deliveries . 24
6.6.10 Unchecked parameters . 24
6.6.11 Release for delivery before the completion of Group B tests . 24
6.6.12 Screening procedures . 24
7 Test and measurement procedures . 24
7.1 General . 24
7.2 Alternative procedures . 24
7.3 Standard conditions for testing . 25

62246-1  IEC:2011 – 3 –
7.4 Visual inspection and check of dimensions . 25
7.4.1 Visual inspection . 25
7.4.2 Outline dimensions . 25
7.4.3 Mass . 25
7.4.4 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 25
7.5 Functional tests . 26
7.5.1 Procedures . 26
7.5.2 Requirements . 27
7.5.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 27
7.6 Remanence test (see Figure 3) . 27
7.6.1 Procedure . 27
7.6.2 Requirements . 28
7.6.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 28
7.7 Contact circuit resistance . 28
7.7.1 Procedure . 28
7.7.2 Requirements . 29
7.7.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 29
7.8 Dielectric test . 30
7.8.1 Procedures . 30
7.8.2 Requirements . 30
7.8.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 30
7.9 Insulation resistance . 30
7.9.1 Procedure . 30
7.9.2 Requirements . 31
7.9.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 31
7.10 Operating times (see Figures 2, 5 and 6) . 31
7.10.1 Procedure . 31
7.10.2 Requirements . 32
7.10.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 32
7.11 Contact sticking . 34
7.11.1 Thermal sticking . 34
7.11.2 Magnetostrictive sticking . 36
7.12 Robustness of terminals . 37
7.12.1 Procedure . 37
7.12.2 Requirements . 37
7.12.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 37
7.13 Soldering (solderability and resistance to soldering heat) . 37
7.13.1 Procedure . 37
7.13.2 Requirements . 37
7.13.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 37
7.14 Climatic sequence . 38
7.14.1 General . 38
7.14.2 Procedure . 38
7.14.3 Requirements . 38
7.14.4 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 38
7.15 Damp heat, steady state . 39
7.15.1 Procedure . 39
7.15.2 Requirements . 39
7.15.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 39

– 4 – 62246-1  IEC:2011
7.16 Rapid change of temperature . 39
7.16.1 Procedure . 39
7.16.2 Requirements . 39
7.16.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 39
7.17 Salt mist . 39
7.17.1 Procedure . 39
7.17.2 Requirements . 40
7.17.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 40
7.18 Vibration. 40
7.18.1 Vibration 1 – Functional . 40
7.18.2 Vibration 2 – Survival . 40
7.19 Shock . 41
7.19.1 Procedure . 41
7.19.2 Requirements . 41
7.19.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 42
7.20 Acceleration test – Functional test only . 42
7.20.1 Procedure . 42
7.20.2 Requirements . 42
7.20.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 42
7.21 Sealing . 42
7.21.1 Procedure . 42
7.21.2 Requirements . 42
7.21.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 43
7.22 Electrical endurance . 43
7.22.1 Types of electrical endurance test . 43
7.22.2 Standard electrical endurance tests . 43
7.22.3 General test arrangements . 43
7.22.4 Procedure . 44
7.22.5 Standard load conditions . 45
7.22.6 Requirements . 48
7.22.7 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 49
7.23 Mechanical endurance. 50
7.23.1 General test arrangements . 50
7.23.2 Procedure . 50
7.23.3 Requirements . 51
7.23.4 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 51
7.24 Maximum cycling frequency . 51
7.24.1 Procedure . 51
7.24.2 Requirements . 52
7.24.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 52
7.25 Surge withstand test . 52
7.25.1 Procedure . 52
7.25.2 Requirements . 52
7.25.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 53
7.26 Making and breaking capacities . 53
7.26.1 General test arrangements . 53
7.26.2 Procedure . 53
7.26.3 Requirements . 53
7.26.4 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 53

62246-1  IEC:2011 – 5 –
7.27 Conditional short-circuit current test . 56
7.27.1 General test arrangements . 56
7.27.2 Procedure . 56
7.27.3 Requirements . 57
7.27.4 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 57
7.28 Contact reliability test . 57
7.28.1 General . 57
7.28.2 Procedure . 57
7.28.3 Requirements . 58
7.28.4 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 58
7.29 Temperature rise . 59
7.29.1 Procedure . 59
7.29.2 Requirements . 59
7.29.3 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 60
7.30 Making current capacity test . 60
7.30.1 General . 60
7.30.2 Procedure . 60
7.30.3 Requirements . 60
7.30.4 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 60
7.31 Breaking current capacity test . 61
7.31.1 General . 61
7.31.2 Procedure . 61
7.31.3 Requirements . 61
7.31.4 Information to be stated in the detail specification . 62
Annex A (normative) Standard test coils for reed switches . 63
Annex B (normative) Test systems . 65
Annex C (informative) Electrical endurance test circuit . 67
Annex D (informative) Inrush current loads . 69
Annex E (informative) Conditional short-circuit current test circuit . 71
Annex F (informative) Electrical ratings based on classification . 72
Annex G (informative) Example of test arrangement for contact reliability test . 73
Annex H (informative) Example of test arrangement for making current capacity test . 74
Annex I (informative) Example of test arrangement for breaking current capacity test . 75
Bibliography . 76

Figure 1 – Functional characteristics . 12
Figure 2 – Time definitions . 14
Figure 3 – Remanence test sequence . 28
Figure 4 – Sequence of contact circuit resistance measurement . 29
Figure 5 – Test circuit for the measurement of release and bounce time of a make
switch . 33
Figure 6 – Test circuit for the measurement of time parameters of a change-over
switch . 34
Figure A.1 – Configuration of test coils . 63
Figure B.1 – Test system 1 . 65
Figure B.2 – Test system 2 . 65
Figure C.1 – Generalized endurance test circuit . 67

– 6 – 62246-1  IEC:2011
Figure C.2 – Functional block diagram . 68
Figure D.1 – Circuit for filament lamp load . 69
Figure D.2 – Example for capacitive load test . 70
Figure E.1 – Conditional short-circuit current test circuit . 71
Figure G.1 – Contact reliability test circuit . 73
Figure H.1 – Making current capacity test circuit . 74
Figure H.2 – Making current capacity test sequence . 74
Figure I.1 – Breaking current capacity test circuit . 75
Figure I.2 – Breaking current capacity test sequence . 75

Table 1 – Classification . 21
Table 2 – Resistive loads . 46
Table 3 – Loads . 47
Table 4 – Cables. 47
Table 5 – Making and breaking capacity for electrical endurance tests . 48
Table 6 – Verification of making and breaking capacity under normal conditions . 55
Table 7 – Verification of making and breaking capacity under abnormal conditions . 56
Table A.1 – List of standard test coils . 64
Table F.1 – Examples of contact rating designation based on classification . 72

62246-1  IEC:2011 – 7 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
REED SWITCHES –
Part 1: Generic specification
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 62246-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 94: All-or-
nothing electrical relays.
This standard cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 62246-1 published in 2002 and the
first edition of IEC 62246-2 published in 2007. It constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
editions:
– update of references, terms and definitions;
– renumbering of clauses to bring them into a more logical order;
– 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;

– 8 – 62246-1  IEC:2011
– improvement of electrical endurance tests covering resistive, inductive, capacitive and
filament lamp contact loads;
– renumbering of all annexes in the order they are referenced in the body of the standard;
– improvement of test procedures;
– inclusion of a new Annex C (informative) for electrical endurance test circuit, an Annex D
(informative) for inrush current loads, an Annex E (informative) for conditional short-circuit
current test circuit, an Annex F (informative) for electrical ratings based on classification,
an Annex G (informative) for example of test arrangement for contact reliability test, an
Annex H (informative) for example of test arrangement for making current capacity test
and an Annex I (informative) for example of test arrangement for breaking current capacity
test.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
94/314/FDIS 94/323/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The detail specifications (DS), the sectional specifications (SS) and the blank detail
specifications (BDS) deriving from this document are not yet available and the IEC/PAS
62246-2-1 (a quality assessment specification) is intended to be developed to become a full
IEC standard.
A list of all parts of the IEC 62246 series can be found, under the general title Reed switches,
on the IEC website.
Future standards in this series will carry the new general title as cited above. Titles of existing
standards in this series will be updated at the time of the next edition.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability result date indicated on the IEC web site under http://webstore.iec.ch in the date
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
62246-1  IEC:2011 – 9 –
REED SWITCHES –
Part 1: Generic specification
1 Scope
This part of IEC 62246 series, 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.
NOTE 1 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 also specifies the quality assessment
procedures to be followed.
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.
NOTE 2 For elementary relays with reed switches, this standard is recommended to be used together with the
standards IEC 61810-1 and IEC 61811-1 as applicable.
NOTE 3 The applications of reed switches can be covered by specific product standards and the use of the
IEC 62246 series does not guarantee compliance with those standards.
NOTE 4 Where any discrepancies occur for any reasons, documents rank in the following order of authority:
a) the detail specification,
b) the sectional specification,
c) the generic specification,
d) any other international documents (for example, of the IEC) to which reference is made.
The same order of precedence applies to equivalent national documents.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60068-1:1988, Environmental testing – Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60068-2-1:2007, Environmental testing – Part 2-1: Tests – Test A: Cold
IEC 60068-2-2:2007, Environmental testing – Part 2-2: Tests – Test B: Dry heat
IEC 60068-2-6:2007, Environmental testing – Part 2-6: Tests – Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)
IEC 60068-2-7:1983, Basic environmental testing procedures – Part 2-7: Tests – Test Ga and
guidance: Acceleration, steady state

– 10 – 62246-1  IEC:2011
IEC 60068-2-11:1981, Basic environmental testing procedures – Part 2-11: Tests – Test Ka:
Salt mist
IEC 60068-2-13:1983, Basic environmental testing procedures – Part 2-13: Tests – Test M:
Low air pressure
IEC 60068-2-14:2009, Environmental testing – Part 2-14: Tests – Test N: Change of
temperature
IEC 60068-2-17:1994, Basic environmental testing procedures – Part 2-17: Tests – Test Q:
Sealing
IEC 60068-2-20:2008, Environmental testing – Part 2-20: Tests – Test T: Test methods for
solderability and resistance to soldering heat of devices with leads
IEC 60068-2-21:2006, Environmental testing – Part 2-21: Tests – Test U: Robustness of
terminations and integral mounting devices
IEC 60068-2-27:2008, Environmental testing – Part 2-27: Tests – Test Ea and guidance:
Shock
IEC 60068-2-30:2005, Environmental testing – Part 2-30: Tests – Test Db: Damp heat, cyclic
(12 + 12 h cycle)
IEC 60068-2-78, Environmental testing – Part 2-78: Tests – Test Cab: Damp heat, steady
state
IEC 60096 (all parts), Radio frequency cables
IEC 60410, Sampling plans and procedures for inspection by attributes
IEC 60947-5-1:2003, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 5-1: Control circuit
devices and switching elements – Electromechanical control circuit devices
IECQ 001002-1:1998, IEC Quality Assessment System for Electronic Components (IECQ
System) – Rules of Procedure – Part 1: Administration
IECQ 001002-3:2005, IEC Quality Assessment Sys
...

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Frequently Asked Questions

EN 62246-1:2011 is a standard published by CLC. Its full title is "Reed switches - Part 1: Generic specification". This standard covers: 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.

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.

EN 62246-1:2011 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 29.120.70 - Relays. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

EN 62246-1:2011 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 62246-1:2002, EN 62246-2:2008, EN 62246-1:2015. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

You can purchase EN 62246-1:2011 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of CLC standards.