EN 60721-3-7:1995

Overview

EN 60721-3-7:1995 (CLC) - "Classification of environmental conditions - Part 3: Classification of groups of environmental parameters and their severities - Section 7: Portable and non-stationary use" defines a systematic framework for categorizing the environmental conditions and severity levels that products encounter during portable and non-stationary operation. It is part of the EN 60721 series used for environmental testing and product specification, helping manufacturers, testers and purchasers communicate expected field conditions clearly.

Key topics

• Scope and purpose: Classification of groups of environmental parameters and their severities specifically for portable and non-stationary use.
• Parameter grouping: Establishes how environmental influences are grouped (e.g., climatic, mechanical, contamination-related) to describe real-world conditions compactly.
• Severity levels: Defines relative severities for each parameter group so product requirements, design margins, and test programs can be aligned.
• Test planning support: Provides a basis for selecting appropriate environmental tests and for interpreting test results against expected in-service conditions.
• Standard identification: Part of the EN 60721 series and referenced in environmental testing (ICS 19.040).

(Note: EN 60721-3-7 sets classification principles rather than prescribing specific test methods or numerical thresholds; those are addressed in complementary standards and test procedures.)

Applications

• Product specification: Use the classification to specify environmental requirements for portable devices and equipment intended for use in varying, non-stationary conditions.
• Design & validation: Guide designers and test engineers in selecting environmental stressors and severity levels for prototypes and qualification testing.
• Procurement & compliance: Enable buyers to require appropriate environmental classifications in contracts and ensure suppliers meet expected field performance.
• Risk assessment: Inform reliability and durability assessments by mapping likely operational environments to standardized severity descriptions.

Who uses this standard

• Manufacturers of portable electronic and mechanical equipment
• Test laboratories and validation engineers
• Product managers and procurement specialists specifying field performance
• Certification bodies and conformity assessors referencing environmental classifications

Related standards

• Other parts of the EN 60721 series (environmental classification framework)
• Specific environmental test standards and methods (for detailed test procedures and numerical limits)

Keywords: EN 60721-3-7, classification of environmental conditions, portable and non-stationary use, environmental testing, severity classes, CLC standard.